Cotonou

Cotonou sits between Lake Nokoué and the Atlantic Ocean, with a canal cutting through its center. Walk through the Missebo textile market where merchants sell vibrant African prints, or watch cargo ships come and go at the port. You'll see zemidjans (motorcycle taxis) weaving through traffic and smell grilled fish and spices from the street food vendors along Boulevard St. Michel.

Getting Around Cotonou

Use the canal as your main reference point when navigating the city. Three bridges link the northern and southern districts. You can fly into Cadjehoun International Airport for connections to regional capitals and France. The Benin-Niger railway runs from Cotonou to Parakou in the north, and the port connects to other West African coastal cities.

Planning Your Visit by Season

Rain falls heavily from April to July and September to October, with 800 to 1,200 mm of precipitation. Schedule your outdoor activities in the morning during these months to avoid afternoon downpours. The weather stays dry from November to March and in August. Many locals suggest visiting between November and February when temperatures cool down and rain is rare.

Missebo Market District

More than 200 textile shops and stalls fill the Missebo area, selling raw fabrics and finished clothing. Indian merchants operate many wholesale businesses, supplying West African retailers with traditional prints and modern designs. Visit early in the morning to see the best fabric selection. The main market street has multi-story buildings packed with vendors displaying their textiles.

Places of Worship

The Cathedral of Notre Dame's twin spires rise above Avenue Steinmetz, with its red brick facade and stained glass windows. You can visit the Central Mosque near the canal outside prayer times to see its minaret and geometric patterns. The Methodist Church building dates from the colonial period, while newer churches like the Living Faith Church have modern facilities with air conditioning and multimedia systems.