Cotonou Holidays

Things to do in and around Cotonou

Cotonou, a vibrant city in Benin, is ideal for beach and culture-themed getaways, as well as business trips. Visitors can explore bustling public markets and shops, with a variety of shopping destinations and malls to discover. The lively atmosphere and unique cultural experiences make Cotonou a delightful place to immerse yourself in local life while indulging in retail therapy.

Shopping

Cotonou offers vibrant shopping experiences at the Fetish Market and Grand Marché de Dantokpa, both bustling with local crafts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit the Artisanal Center for unique gifts reflecting the region’s rich culture.

Recreation

The Charles de Gaulle Stadium, located 27.4km from Cotonou, offers a vibrant atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Engage in various recreational activities, bask in the energetic vibes, and immerse yourself in the local sporting culture while enjoying the rejuvenating experience this venue provides.

Adventure

Explore the vibrant Cotonou markets for a lively shopping experience, immersing yourself in local culture. Take a boat trip on the Oueme River for a serene escape, and visit the Fondation Zinsou to appreciate contemporary African art while enjoying a unique cultural perspective.

Nightlife

Cotonou’s nightlife is vibrant and diverse. Le Lounge offers a chic atmosphere with live music, while La Maison offers a lively bar scene with local drinks. For a more laid-back experience, check out Café de la Paix, where you can enjoy cocktails and people-watching.

Find the best attractions in Cotonou

Cotonou offers a vibrant mix of beach relaxation and cultural exploration, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Visitors can delve into the local culture by visiting notable sites such as the grand mosque, the impressive cathedral, and the inspiring arts centre. These attractions provide a unique city experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the rich heritage and dynamic atmosphere of this lively coastal city.

• Cotonou Central Mosque: This stunning mosque serves as a centre of spiritual and cultural significance in Cotonou. With its striking architecture and serene atmosphere, visitors can appreciate the intricate designs and engage with the local Muslim community, experiencing the warmth of their hospitality.
• Cotonou Cathedral: A beautiful example of neo-Gothic architecture, Cotonou Cathedral stands majestically in the city. Inside, the vibrant stained glass and peaceful ambience create a perfect setting for reflection, while the surrounding grounds invite exploration and appreciation of local culture.
• Fondation Zinsou: An art centre dedicated to showcasing contemporary African art, Fondation Zinsou offers a unique glimpse into the region's creative spirit. Visitors can enjoy diverse exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events that highlight the richness of Benin's artistic heritage.

Best time to go to Cotonou

The best time to visit Cotonou is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. March and April are its hottest month on average. At the time of April, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny. August is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	82.2°F (27.9°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
February	82.9°F (28.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
March	83.8°F (28.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	83.8°F (28.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
May	83.1°F (28.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	80.2°F (26.8°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	78.3°F (25.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
August	77.2°F (25.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
September	78.4°F (25.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
October	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
November	82.2°F (27.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	82.6°F (28.1°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cotonou

To save money on your trip to Cotonou, consider visiting in April or from November to December when prices are lower. Saturdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Tuesdays tend to be the most expensive. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodation by filtering for Eco-certified hotels and sorting prices from lowest to highest. Additionally, look for package deals that combine your hotel with flights and activities for further savings. Walking is a great way to explore the city without spending on transport, allowing you to enjoy free local attractions.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Cotonou are April and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and June, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Cotonou is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Cotonou is Tuesday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences such as budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most competitive prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by combining your hotel booking in Cotonou with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.