www.lonelyplanet.com
Open in
urlscan Pro
18.238.55.100
Public Scan
Submitted URL: http://www.lonelyplanet.com//benin//
Effective URL: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/benin
Submission: On August 14 via api from US — Scanned from CA
Effective URL: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/benin
Submission: On August 14 via api from US — Scanned from CA
Form analysis 1 forms found in the DOM
<form><input id="" required="" type="email" name="" placeholder="Email address" class="rounded-pill border border-black-200 focus:border-black-300 px-8 py-3 font-light my-4 placeholder-black max-w-full h-10 w-full" value=""><button
class="btn btn btn-primary mb-4 w-full" type="submit" data-testid="btn">Subscribe now</button>
<p class="text-xs text-black-400">Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions.<!-- --> <span class="whitespace-nowrap">Read our<!-- --> <a href="/legal" class="underline text-blue">Privacy Policy.</a></span></p>
</form>Text Content
Best in Travel is here! Discover 2024’s destinations
Lonely Planet
Destinations
Planning
Inspiration
Shop
Search
Saves
LoginSign in
Open main menu
* BENIN
* * Attractions
* Planning tools
* Plan with a local
* Articles
Back to top
Getty Images
BENIN
1. Africa
CHECK OUT THIS YEAR'S BEST IN TRAVEL WINNERS
The birthplace of Vodou and a pivotal platform of the slave trade for nearly
three centuries, Benin is steeped in a rich and complex history still very much
in evidence today.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
BEST PLACES TO VISIT
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH GUIDE, AN AI TRAVEL PLANNER!
Create a personalized trip itinerary in seconds using artificial intelligence.
Create a trip
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
01 / ATTRACTIONS
MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS
* Login
SAVE YOUR FAVORITES!
Sign in to save, get inso & more
Centre Songhai
Benin
The Centre Songhai is a major research, teaching and production centre in
sustainable farming. There are one-hour guided tours to visit the
plantations…
* Login
SAVE YOUR FAVORITES!
Sign in to save, get inso & more
Zinzou Foundation Museum
Benin
This museum of contemporary African art, housed in a stunning 1920s
Afro-Brazilian villa, displays paintings and sculptures as well as light,
video and…
* Login
SAVE YOUR FAVORITES!
Sign in to save, get inso & more
Route des Esclaves
Benin
The Route of the Slaves includes the slave auction plaza, the Tree of
Forgetfulness (where slaves were branded with their owners' symbols and, to
make…
* Login
SAVE YOUR FAVORITES!
Sign in to save, get inso & more
Parc National de la Pendjari
Benin
This 2750-sq-km national park is one of West Africa's best for wildlife.
Visitors may spot lions, leopards, elephants, baboons and hippos. The best…
* Login
SAVE YOUR FAVORITES!
Sign in to save, get inso & more
Musée Historique d'Abomey
Benin
Abomey's main and seriously impressive attraction (and a World Heritage site
since 1985), this sprawling museum is housed in two palaces, those of the…
* Login
SAVE YOUR FAVORITES!
Sign in to save, get inso & more
Musée d'Histoire de Ouidah
Benin
Ouidah's main site is its Musée d'Histoire de Ouidah, housed in the beautiful
Fortaleza São João Batista, a Portuguese fort built in 1721. It retraces the…
* Login
SAVE YOUR FAVORITES!
Sign in to save, get inso & more
Ganvie Stilt Village
Benin
This stilt village, located in the lagoon of Lake Nokoue, was created for the
Tofinu people to stay safe from slave hunters. It has become part of their…
* Login
SAVE YOUR FAVORITES!
Sign in to save, get inso & more
Python Temple
Benin
Those interested in Vodou could visit the python temple, home to some 60
sleepy snakes. The guide explains some of the beliefs and ceremonies
associated…
View more attractions
View more attractions
Advertisement
02 / PLANNING TOOLS
EXPERT GUIDANCE TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP
Best Things to Do
With sites of historic and religious significance, plus wildlife watching and
beaches, Benin is developing as a travel destination.
Read article
Things to Know
Benin may be smaller than its West African neighbors but it's no less mighty.
Here's everything you need to know before you go.
Read article
Transportation
Benin is a relatively small country to explore, best seen by car. Here's what
you need to know about traveling around.
Read article
Visa Requirements
Visas are an essential part of travel and you may need one to visit Benin.
Here's what you need to know about visas for this fascinating African country.
Read article
Money and Costs
Already one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Africa, there are still
plenty of ways to make your Benin trip even cheaper.
Read article
Traveling with Kids
Benin is a dynamic country sure to enthrall families interested in history,
wildlife, and more - here are our tips for visiting with kids.
Read article
Best Road Trips
From exploring places steeped in Vodou culture to the ancient West African
Kingdom of Dahomey, see the highlights of Benin on these top road trips.
Read article
View more
03 / PLAN WITH A LOCAL
Experience the real Benin
Let a local expert craft your dream trip.
Get started
04 / ARTICLES
LATEST STORIES FROM BENIN
Read more articles
Login
SAVE YOUR FAVORITES!
Sign in to save, get inso & more
Budget Travel
11 ways to see Benin on a budget
Apr 21, 2024 • 6 min read
Already one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Africa, there are still
plenty of ways to make your Benin trip even cheaper.
* Login
SAVE YOUR FAVORITES!
Sign in to save, get inso & more
Road Trips
The 4 best road trips in Benin
Jan 16, 2024 • 5 min read
Login
SAVE YOUR FAVORITES!
Sign in to save, get inso & more
Tips & Advice
Do I need a visa to visit Benin?
Oct 21, 2023 • 4 min read
Login
SAVE YOUR FAVORITES!
Sign in to save, get inso & more
Destination Practicalities
When is the best time to visit Benin?
Sep 17, 2023 • 5 min read
Login
SAVE YOUR FAVORITES!
Sign in to save, get inso & more
Family Travel
Best things to do in Benin with kids
Sep 17, 2023 • 5 min read
* Login
SAVE YOUR FAVORITES!
Sign in to save, get inso & more
Tips & Advice
7 of the best places to visit in Benin
Sep 4, 2023 • 6 min read
Login
SAVE YOUR FAVORITES!
Sign in to save, get inso & more
Activities
8 of the best things to do in Benin
Aug 24, 2023 • 6 min read
Login
SAVE YOUR FAVORITES!
Sign in to save, get inso & more
Destination Practicalities
11 things to know before traveling to Benin
Aug 23, 2023 • 6 min read
Login
SAVE YOUR FAVORITES!
Sign in to save, get inso & more
Destination Practicalities
How to get around in Benin
Aug 21, 2023 • 4 min read
Read more articles
in partnership with getyourguide
BOOK POPULAR ACTIVITIES IN BENIN
Advertisement
For Explorers Everywhere
FOLLOW US
*
*
*
*
*
SUBSCRIBE
GET 20% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER.
Subscribe now
Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Read our Privacy Policy.
TOP DESTINATIONS
* New York City
* Paris
* Italy
* Costa Rica
* Japan
* USA
* Amsterdam
* Portugal
* Cancún
* Chicago
* England
* Tokyo
* France
* Thailand
* Ireland
* Rome
* London
* Los Angeles
* Mexico
* San Francisco
* Explore More Destinations
TRAVEL INTERESTS
* Adventure Travel
* Art and Culture
* Beaches, Coasts and Islands
* Family Holidays
* Festivals
* Food and Drink
* Honeymoon and Romance
* Road Trips
* Sustainable Travel
* Travel on a Budget
* Wildlife and Nature
SHOP
* Destination Guides
* Lonely Planet Kids
* Lonely Planet Shop
* Non-English Guides
ABOUT US
* About Lonely Planet
* Contact Us
* Trade and Advertising
* Privacy Policy
* Terms and Conditions
* Work For Us
* Write For Us
* Sitemap
* Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy
* Cookie Settings
* Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
© 2024 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. All rights reserved. No part of
this site may be reproduced without our written permission.
Language
English
* Deutsch
* Français
* Español
* Italiano
* Česky