Let's find trips that move you!
Travelstride climate
"To travel is to live."
Hans Christian Anderson
Masked Egungun dancers in Benin, Africa

Best Things to Do in Benin

Iconic Attractions & Hidden Gem Travel Experiences

Benin

Sandwiched between giant Nigeria and tiny Togo in West Africa, little Benin – formerly a French colony and site of the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey – is best known as the birthplace of voodoo. You can still witness authentic voodoo ceremonies here, but you can also view wildlife (including lions, elephants, and hippos) in its well-kept national parks, enjoy palm-fringed ocean beaches, visit remote stilt villages in its north and vibrant cities in its south – West Africa in microcosm.

Top Benin Experiences

Wildlife watching in the Pendjari National Park in Cotonou

Learning about Benin history at the Royal Palaces of Abomey

Going on a boat ride in Ganvie

Visiting the Temple of Pythons

Exploring the Agongointo-Zoungoudo Archaeological Park


Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together
Travel better together
  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
    ...and much more

Things to do in Benin - Expert’s guide

Ganvie Lake Village

Known as the Venice of Africa, Ganvie Lake Village is a town entirely on stilts.  Here travelers can go on boat rides, eat at local restaurants and enjoy the cultural immersion into the village.

Pendjari National Park

For nature travelers and photographers alike, Pendjari National Park is full of beautiful landscapes and wildlife. This is the last safari destination in West Africa that allows travelers a chance to get a glimpse of a lion or elephant in the wild.

Historical Museum of Abomey

12 palaces in one area, the Historical Museum of Abomey is perfect for travelers with an interest in history or culture. These structures are no longer inhabited but hold insight into the Fon people who founded this kingdom.

Dantokpa Market

The largest open-air market in West Africa, Dantokpa Market is one of the most important retailing areas in all of Benin. This destination is very lively and without much order to the vendors, you’ll need to do some exploring to find something you want to buy.

Villa Karo

For cultural enthusiasts or art lovers, Villa Karo is a must-see. Villa Karo is an artists’ residence that strives to improve understanding between different kinds of cultures. Many art exhibitions, film screenings and concerts among other events are done here.

Kota Falls

Perfect for a refreshing swim, Kota Falls is a waterfall with a secluded pool. Travelers can hike around the hills and then cool off in the water or have a picnic in the shade. This is a perfect destination for travelers who love nature and exploring it as well as getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

How well do you know the world?
Play the game
Compare your travel trivia knowledge with friends. How many can you get right in 1 minute?

Top Benin Tours See all

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Travel better together
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Benin Tours Reviews & Ratings

Write a review
Excellent
10
Great
3
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
Patricia
·
2024-02-08
Written on
Benin and Togo Voodoo Discovery
A great trip for experienced travellers. The mask ceremonies were brilliant and there were lots of opportunities to interact with local people. The stay at Ganvie stilt village was a particular highlight
Show more
Robert
·
2024-02-08
Written on
Benin and Togo Voodoo Discovery
Generally very well run trips
The highlight was the day at the stilt village..
Trusted Customer
·
2024-02-07
Written on
Benin and Togo Voodoo Discovery
We had many wonderful experiences on the “Cradle of Voodoo” trip including visiting a Bétammaribé village near Boukoumbé and seeing a Egungun masked dance in Abomey. However, we were bitterly disappointed by the much-hyped Voodoo festival.
Show more
Sarah
·
2024-02-05
Written on
Benin and Togo Voodoo Discovery
Watching drumming and dancing visiting villages and markets history of voodoo and attending voodoo ceremony.
Show more
Deborah
·
2024-02-02
Written on
Benin and Togo Voodoo Discovery
I loved the trip but there were some issues with the itinerary and how the Voodoo festival was managed.
Show more
Jennifer
·
2023-09-02
Written on
Benin and Togo Voodoo Discovery

Travelstride featured in

The Newyork Times
AFAR
Chicago Tribune
Travel Pulse
Los Angeles Times
Frommers

Why Travelstride

Find your perfect trip
A vast selection of trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from hundreds of trusted travel companies.
Save time
Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics -- travel providers plan for you.
Save money
Book directly with the operator. Find inclusive packages for the best value and get access to amazing deals.
Travel confidently
Read unbiased user reviews, pick the company that fits your style, and connect with them directly. No worries, just memories.
×
×
×
Sign in to Save Trips
Welcome back! We're so happy to see you. ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
  • Bookmark trips you like
  • Share with your travel companions
  • Track price changes
  • Access private discounts on trips you save
×
Sign in to see your results

TripFinder is a member-only feature. Don’t worry, it’s free!

With a membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
Activate your free Travelstride membership

Just use the email address and password provided in the email we sent.

? Forgot Password?

With your free membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
To Follow, sign in or sign up (it's free) ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
member benefits

By signing in, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

First name is required!
Last name is required!
First name is not valid!
Last name is not valid!
This is not an email address!
Email address is required!
This email is already registered!
Please enter valid email address
Password is required!
Enter a valid password!
Please enter 6 or more characters!
Please enter 32 or less characters!
Passwords are not the same!
Terms and Conditions are required!
Email or Password is wrong!
Please select the captcha checkbox!
Please select the valid captcha!
Something went wrong! Try again later!