Things To Do in Cotonou, Benin

Benin is blessed with beautiful beaches and a rich culture, but it doesn't have an Embassy in many western countries. You can get your Visa at the border if you need to.

Cotonou does not have a lot of places selling postcards, and they're hard to find. If you go to the steps of the main Post Office and turn around you will see some stalls to your right. It may look like they only sell stationery and household goods, but they actually have hundreds, if not thousands, of Postcards between them.

Visas for most passport holders are available at 10,000 CFA on main border points. This is only a 48 hour Visa. You have to go to the following Minstry and pay another 12,000 CFA for a 30-day Visa:

Direction Générale de l'Emigration et Immigration

Ave Jean Paul II, Cotonou

Tel : (229) 21 30 83 45

You need a passport photo and there's a 2 day waiting period.

Applications accepted: 8am - 11am; 3pm - 5pm Monday to Friday

Collect your Visa: 11am - 12:30pm; 5pm - 6:30pm 2 weekdays later

Fondation Zinsou is a contemporary gallery specializing in African arts and cultural exhibitions. The gallery has excellent, modern facilities and a cafe on the ground floor, with an educational room on the first floor. The bookshop has a wonderful collection of books on African art and culture, but they're all in French.

Obama beach is a new beach facility in the western part of Cotonou, not far from the airport. The beaches in Benin are normally not too safe, but this beach has security guards. Entry fee is 1000 CFA ($1.5 USD).

Editor's note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Cotonou.