Benin doesn’t shout for your attention—but it stays with you. You feel it in the rhythm of Dantokpa Market, the stillness of a stilt village at dawn, the footsteps left in the red earth of Abomey. Every part of the country holds something older than the map: a ceremony, a symbol, a story passed by hand.

It’s a place of deep roots and everyday beauty. Vodun temples stand near colonial-era buildings. Boats cross lagoons where kings once ruled. Conversations happen over grilled maize and roasted peanuts—and always with time to spare.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the top places to visit, local dishes to try, and the best way to stay connected with JetSet eSIM.

Must-See Places in Benin

Ouidah – A Town of Memory and Meaning

Walk the Slave Route to the Door of No Return, where history hangs heavy in the sea breeze. Ouidah is also a center of Vodun culture, with temples, sacred forests, and murals that speak without words.

Ganvié – The Venice of Africa

Built entirely on stilts over Lake Nokoué, this village floats. Life happens by boat—children paddling to school, vendors balancing pineapples and fuel on narrow canoes. It’s peaceful, slow, and extraordinary.

Abomey – Kingdom in the Dust

Once the capital of the Dahomey Empire, Abomey holds the ruins of palaces where kings reigned and resisted. The Royal Palaces (a UNESCO site) feel weathered but proud, with clay walls and oral histories still alive in local guides’ voices.

Cotonou – City of Motion

Benin’s economic heart is a blur of zemidjan motorcycle taxis, music, and market stalls. Visit Dantokpa—the biggest open-air market in West Africa—where fabrics flutter and smells of smoked fish, spices, and fried dough mix in the air.

Pendjari National Park – Wild in the North

Benin’s slice of West Africa’s best safari area. Lions, elephants, and hippos roam a rugged landscape. Come in the dry season, stay in a simple lodge, and wake to the sound of hooves and birdsong.

What to Eat in Benin

Pâte Rouge – Everyday Staple with a Twist

Made from maize flour and red palm oil, this thick porridge is eaten with sauces made of vegetables, fish, or meat. It’s filling, flavorful, and varies from north to south.

Amiwo – Savory Red Dough

Maize mixed with tomatoes, onions, and chili, steamed and served with meat in spicy sauce. It’s rich and deeply satisfying—a Beninese comfort food.

Wagasi – Fried Local Cheese

Soft, white cheese made from cow’s milk in northern Benin. Often fried until golden and served with sauce or in street sandwiches.

Aloko – Sweet, Fried Plantains

Ripe plantains sliced and fried in oil. Crispy on the outside, soft inside. A favorite street snack found everywhere, especially near markets.

Yovo Doko – Round and Golden

Small sweet dough balls, fried until crisp. Lightly sugared, often sold by women with baskets on their heads. You won’t stop at one.

Essential Travel Tips for Benin

Best Time to Visit

• November to March is the dry season—ideal for exploring cities and safaris.
• April to July brings rains, especially in the south. Still doable, but pack light gear.

Money & Payments

• Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF)
• Cards: Credit cards work in high-end hotels and supermarkets but are rarely accepted elsewhere.
• Cash: Essential for markets, transport, and local eateries. ATMs available in cities.
• Tipping: Not expected, but appreciated—round up or leave small coins.

Getting Around

• Zemidjans (moto taxis) are cheap and fast for city travel—just agree on a price first.
• Buses and shared taxis run between towns, but schedules are flexible.
• Car rentals with drivers are best for longer trips or rural areas.

Staying Safe

• Benin is relatively stable and welcoming. Watch for petty theft in crowded areas.
• Carry photocopies of documents; keep originals in hotel safes.
• Bottled water is the way to go—avoid tap water and raw salads when unsure.

Staying Connected in Benin

Wi-Fi is available in hotels, but often limited in speed and reach—especially outside Cotonou or in rural towns. In stilt villages like Ganvié or on the road to Pendjari, connectivity can disappear entirely.

Local SIM cards are sold in shops but require passport registration. Lines can be long, English may not be spoken, and setting up mobile data can take time—especially if you’re eager to start exploring right away.

JetSet eSIM is the simpler way to connect.

Activate Benin JetSet eSIM before you go, land with data ready to use, and skip the stress. Whether you're uploading market snapshots or navigating a lagoon by boat, JetSet keeps you online with secure, fast coverage. Should you need another eSIM, you can easily order a new one online in just few seconds.

Stay connected across Benin—from Cotonou’s buzzing markets to the still waters of Ganvié—with JetSet eSIM.