Cotonou Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city in Benin, seat of the government
About Cotonou
In theFon language, the word 'cotonou' means "the mouth of the river of death". The area was settled as a fishing village during the time of the Dahomey Kingdom. The French were given permission to build a trading post, until they were given the region altogether in 1868. The city was used to defend against the British in their conquests. Cotonou grew to become the largest city in the country, right up to independence. Although the capital is located atPorto-Novo, Cotonou is still the nation's economic and population centre. It also attracts many government institutions and embassies, regardless of Porto-Novo's status, leading to the city being referred as Benin'sde-factocapital.
Top Attractions in Cotonou
Explore the best things to see and do in Cotonou:
- ★Air de Jeux Plage Erevan
- ★Cotonou Cathedral
- ★Etoile Rouge
- ★Fondation Zinzou
- ★Grande Mosquée de Zongo
- ★Institut Français
- ★Obama Beach
- ★Place de la Bulgarie
Where to Eat in Cotonou
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Bangkok Terrasse
- 🍴Boucherie Zitawi
- 🍴Chez Maman Bénin
- 🍴Ci'gusta
- 🍴Fifadji Pork Maquis
- 🍴La Cabane du Pêcheur
Where to Stay in Cotonou
- 🏨Akwa Guesthouse Cotonou
- 🏨Centre Paul six Hostel
- 🏨Hotel Azalaï de la Plage
- 🏨Hotel du Lac
- 🏨Hotel du Port
- 🏨Hôtel Tahiti benin
Cotonou Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 15 sections including: