Benin City Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city in Nigeria
About Benin City
The original people and founders of the Benin Empire, the Edo people, were ruled by the Ogiso (Kings of the Sky) dynasty from 40 BCE to 1100 CE, who called their land Igodomigodo. The rulers or kings were commonly known as Ogiso. Benin grew rich during the 16th and 17th centuries due to trade within southern Nigeria, as well as through trade with Europeans, mostly in pepper and ivory. In the early 16th century the Oba sent an ambassador to Lisbon, and the King of Portugal sent Christian missionaries to Benin. Many Portuguese loan words can still be found today in the languages of the area. On 17 February 1897, Benin City fell to the British in the "Punitive Expedition", in which a 1,200-strong British force conquered and razed the city after all but two men from a previous British expediti
Top Attractions in Benin City
Explore the best things to see and do in Benin City:
- ★Benin City National Museum
- ★Igbinedion University
- ★Kada Plaza Cinema & Entertainment Centre
- ★Ogba Zoo
- ★Ogiamien Palace
- ★Okomu National Park
- ★Oredo Local Government Area Secretariat
- ★Royal Palace of Oba of Benin
Where to Eat in Benin City
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Adewale Restaurant
- 🍴BB Bites Restaurant & Lounge Bar
- 🍴Belly First Food
- 🍴Bikass
- 🍴Chicken Republic
- 🍴Danosa Kitchen
Where to Stay in Benin City
- 🏨De Brit Hotel
- 🏨Edo Delta Hotel
- 🏨El-Hassani Hotel
- 🏨Eterno Hotels
- 🏨Hotel Felona
- 🏨JIL Newworld Hotels
Benin City Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: