Abomey, the former capital of the Fon kingdom, lies about 100 km northeast of the present capital Porto Novo. Its kings were famous for their army of Amazons, with whom she went to war and for a long time resisted the French. There is an excellent museum on the history of the Kingdom of Abomey-, which is housed in the huge old royal palace. The fetish temple is also worth seeing. The nearby Centre Artisanal, you can buy local handicrafts.
In Cotonou, with more than 750,000 inhabitants the biggest city and economic center of the country, most government agencies and embassies relocating every four days, a large market is held (Dan Tokpa). Visible from a distance is the tower of the red-white cathedral. The most popular beach in town is La crique. One of the main tourist attractions is Ganvie near Cotonou, a lakeside village located on a lagoon with a floating market. About 32 km further east lies the port city of Ouidah, with an old Portuguese fort (18th century) and the temple of the Holy Python. Ouidah has long been a trading hub between the Kingdom of Abomey and Europe, particularly the slave trade. The fort housed in museum history examines the impact of the slave trade. Ouidah is still the center of the voodoo religion. Possotomé Ahem on the shores of Lake is known for its spas.
The capital of Porto Novo is also the administrative center of the country. A visit to the Ethnological Museum should be on every program. The Honme Museum in the former Governor’s Palace, which is also used for cultural events, documents the history of the Kingdom of Xogbonou. Fascinating are the Royal Residence and the magic door in Ketou. Adjarra The market is known for excellent drums, pottery and basketry. Can also religious items such as fetishes, African spices and herbs you buy here. Located in the central region Parakou was one of the most important centers of Bariba empire. The colorful market is worth seeing. Tours to Nikki, the ancient capital, and the Kudou-waterfalls are on offer. The north-west of the country is home to the Somba that keep in Boukombe an interesting weekly market. The Somba are famous for their double-storey Lehmburgen (Tata), which were built for protection against slave raiders. The Tanougou waterfalls in the grand Atakora Mountains with its picturesque scenery and waterfalls kota offer unique nature experiences.
Benin has two national parks. Particularly diverse is the wildlife in the Pendjari National Park, where you can watch including cheetahs, hippos, elephants and crocodiles in the wild. The park is usually open from December to June, there are also accommodations for visitors. The W National Park on the border between Niger, Benin and Burkina Faso is hardly set to tourists.
