BEYOND THE FORUM
BEYOND THE FORUM
Discover
Discover
Discover
Cotonou
Cotonou
Cotonou
For any media inquiries, interviews, or press accreditation, please contact our team directly.
For any media inquiries, interviews, or press accreditation, please contact our team directly.
For any media inquiries, interviews, or press accreditation, please contact our team directly.
TOURIST TRAIL
TOURIST TRAIL
TOURIST TRAIL
Things to see during your stay
Things to see during your stay
Things to see during your stay
Four must-see experiences to extend your stay in Benin, blending history, culture, and a change of scenery.
Four must-see experiences to extend your stay in Benin, blending history, culture, and a change of scenery.
Four must-see experiences to extend your stay in Benin, blending history, culture, and a change of scenery.
LAKESIDE VILLAGE · DAY TRIP
LAKESIDE VILLAGE · DAY TRIP
LAKESIDE VILLAGE · DAY TRIP
Ganvié, the "Venice of Africa"
Ganvié, the "Venice of Africa"
Ganvié, the "Venice of Africa"
A village built entirely on stilts in the heart of Lake Nokoué, accessible only by pirogue. A unique immersion into a lifestyle shaped by the water.
A village built entirely on stilts in the heart of Lake Nokoué, accessible only by pirogue. A unique immersion into a way of life centered around the water.
A village built entirely on stilts in the heart of Lake Nokoué, accessible only by pirogue. A unique immersion into a way of life centered around the water.
MEMORIAL SITE · 40 MIN FROM COTONOU
MEMORIAL SITE · 40 MIN FROM COTONOU
MEMORIAL SITE · 40 MIN FROM COTONOU
Ouidah & the Slave Route
Ouidah & the Slave Route
Ouidah & the Slave Route
A 4-km memorial route leading to the Gate of No Return, marked by stops steeped in history, and the Temple of Sacred Pythons in the heart of the city.
A 4 km memorial trail leading to the Door of No Return, dotted with historic landmarks, and the Temple of the Sacred Pythons in the heart of the city.
A 4 km memorial trail leading to the Door of No Return, dotted with historic landmarks, and the Temple of the Sacred Pythons in the heart of the city.
ICONIC MONUMENT · SEASIDE
ICONIC MONUMENT · SEASIDE
ICONIC MONUMENT · SEASIDE
The Amazon Monument
The Amazon Monument
The Amazon Monument
A giant statue paying tribute to the Dahomey Amazons, the kingdom's historic female warriors. A symbol of pride and a must-see in Cotonou.
A giant statue paying tribute to the Dahomey Amazons, the kingdom's historic female warriors. A symbol of pride and a must-see in Cotonou.
A giant statue paying tribute to the Dahomey Amazons, the kingdom's historic female warriors. A symbol of pride and a must-see in Cotonou.
OBELISK · MATHIEU'S GARDEN
OBELISK · MATHIEU'S GARDEN
OBELISK · MATHIEU'S GARDEN
The Monument to the Devoted
The Monument to the Devoted
The Monument to the Devoted
A 15-meter obelisk with a gilded pyramidion, erected in memory of Benin's children devoted to the motherland, a deeply moving place of remembrance.
A 15-meter obelisk with a golden pyramidion, erected in memory of the children of Benin devoted to the homeland, a place of contemplation filled with emotion.
A 15-meter obelisk with a golden pyramidion, erected in memory of the children of Benin devoted to the homeland, a place of contemplation filled with emotion.
DINE IN
DINE IN
Practical Information Once in Cotonou
Practical Information Once in Cotonou
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Housing
Housing
Housing
The Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa, the official forum venue, is offering preferential rates to NFF 2026 attendees.
The Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa, the official forum venue, is offering preferential rates to NFF 2026 attendees.
The Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa, the official forum venue, is offering preferential rates to NFF 2026 attendees.
Many business and boutique hotels are located less than 15 minutes from the Sofitel, catering to all budgets.
Numerous business hotels and boutique hotels to suit all budgets are located less than 15 minutes from the Sofitel.
Numerous business hotels and boutique hotels to suit all budgets are located less than 15 minutes from the Sofitel.
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Travel
Travel
Travel
Cadjehoun International Airport is less than 10 minutes from major hotels, and a shuttle service is often available just outside.
Cadjehoun International Airport is less than 10 minutes away from major hotels, and a shuttle service is often available just outside.
Cadjehoun International Airport is less than 10 minutes away from major hotels, and a shuttle service is often available just outside.
Gozem (the local equivalent of Uber) is the easiest way to get around the city, with fares shown in advance.
Gozem (the local equivalent of Uber) is the easiest way to get around the city, with fares shown upfront.
Gozem (the local equivalent of Uber) is the easiest way to get around the city, with fares shown upfront.
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Where to Eat
Where to Eat
Where to Eat
Restaurants generally serve lunch from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and dinner from 7:00 PM to 10:00/11:00 PM; remember to book in advance for dinner at the most popular spots.
Restaurants generally serve lunch from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and dinner from 7:00 PM to 10:00/11:00 PM; remember to book in advance for dinner at the most popular spots.
Restaurants generally serve lunch from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and dinner from 7:00 PM to 10:00/11:00 PM; remember to book in advance for dinner at the most popular spots.
Don't miss a local maquis to try the braised chicken, akassa, or grilled fish in a friendly and affordable setting.
Don't miss visiting a local maquis to enjoy braised chicken, akassa, or grilled fish in a friendly, affordable atmosphere.
Don't miss visiting a local maquis to enjoy braised chicken, akassa, or grilled fish in a friendly, affordable atmosphere.
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Good to know
Good to know
Good to know
The local currency is the CFA Franc (XOF). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, but make sure to carry cash elsewhere.
The local currency is the CFA Franc (XOF). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, but make sure to carry cash elsewhere.
The local currency is the CFA Franc (XOF). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, but make sure to carry cash elsewhere.
French is the official language. The climate is hot and humid year-round, so pack lightweight clothing.
French is the official language. The climate is hot and humid year-round, so pack lightweight clothing.
French is the official language. The climate is hot and humid year-round, so pack lightweight clothing.
EVENING & RELAXATION
Where to go out in Cotonou
In partnership with our tourism and exploration partner, to keep the evening going after the forum sessions.
EVENING & RELAXATION
Where to go out in Cotonou
In partnership with our tourism and exploration partner, to keep the evening going after the forum sessions.
EVENING & RELAXATION
Where to go out in Cotonou
In partnership with our tourism and exploration partner, to keep the evening going after the forum sessions.