Cotonou- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Cotonou, the largest city in Benin, serves as the country's economic hub and primary port. Located on the southeastern coast, between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Nokoué, the city is divided by the Cotonou Lagoon, with several bridges connecting its parts. Though Porto-Novo is the official capital, Cotonou is the seat of government and the center of trade, with a bustling port that is one of the largest in West Africa. The city is well-connected by air, sea, and land, with routes linking it to neighboring countries like Nigeria, Togo, and Burkina Faso. Despite facing challenges from coastal erosion, Cotonou remains a vibrant urban center with rich cultural and religious diversity, evident in its churches, mosques, and busy markets.