Cotonou City Guide

Local dishes like Akassa and Pâte are must-tries. You can find French, Lebanese, and some Asian food in upscale places. Vegetarian options are moderate. Street food is available late at night.

Nightlife is lively with bars, clubs, and live music. Haie Vive is a popular area on weekends.

Coffee culture is growing. Mostly strong, sweet local coffee served. Few specialty cafes.

Tipping is not required but appreciated. Rounding up bills or giving 5-10% in restaurants is common.

Buy SIM cards at the airport or provider stores. MTN and Moov are best choices. You must register with ID. eSIMs are rare.

Street cleanliness varies. Waste management is developing but sometimes poor.

24/7 services are rare. Phamacies and shops may have late hours. Night clinics are limited. Street food is often your only late-night option.

Large supermarkets like Erevan and Super U stock international goods. Dantokpa Market offers fresh local produce and crafts. Shops often run 8am-6pm and may close Sundays. Bargaining is normal in markets.

Most transactions use cash, especially with street vendors and small shops. Cards are mostly accepted only in bigger hotels and supermarkets.

ATMs are available at major banks like Ecobank and Bank of Africa but may run out of cash sometimes. Fees on withdrawals can be high, so withdraw larger amounts when possible.

International School of Cotonou offers American curriculum. Schools teach mainly in French and English. Apply early for spots.

A small and emerging nomad community. Few meetups and coworking spaces, mainly expat groups.

Few large parks. The beach offers open space but greenery is limited.

Running is possible along Fidjrosse Beach and calm streets. Be cautious of traffic and poor air quality.

Gyms exist mainly in hotels and standalone clubs.

Tennis courts available at some hotels and private clubs.

Padel is not common here.

Few yoga studios exist, mainly for expats, with limited class options.

Facilities for Taekwondo, Karate, and Boxing exist. BJJ and Muay Thai are rare. English instructors not guaranteed.

No skiing in Benin.

Water sports are very limited near Cotonou.

Small waves suitable for beginners on the coast. No surf schools or rentals.

Water is murky with limited diving options and no reliable gear rentals.

Private clinics like Clinique Louis Pasteur have some English-speaking staff. Public healthcare is lower quality. Pharmacies are common but bring meds if needed.

Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled water.

Some playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes exist. Fidjrosse Beach and Artisanal Center are good for families.

Low acceptance and high discrimination risk. No known safe spaces or events.

Pet rules vary. Some vet clinics exist but few pet parks. Confirm pet policies in advance.