Located in West Africa, Benin is a small country with a rich cultural history and plenty of stunning sights to explore. Abomey-Calavi is the largest city in Benin, and it is an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience the best of Benin’s culture, nature, and history. Here are the top 20 places to see in Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
1. Abomey Historical Museum: This museum is the perfect place to learn about Benin’s rich history. It is located in the old palace of the Kingdom of Dahomey, and it features a variety of artifacts from the kingdom, including ancient weapons, jewelry, and sculptures.
2. Royal Palaces of Abomey: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see for anyone visiting Abomey-Calavi. The palaces are a great example of traditional African architecture, and they are home to some of Benin’s most important historical artifacts.
3. Ganvie Stilt Village: This unique village is built on top of Lake Nokoué, and it is home to more than 30,000 people. It is an incredible sight to behold, and it is a great place to learn about traditional Beninese culture.
4. Pendjari National Park: This is one of the best places to go in Benin for wildlife viewing. It is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, hippos, and cheetahs.
5. Grand Marche de Dantokpa: This is the largest market in West Africa, and it is the perfect place to find unique souvenirs and traditional African crafts.
6. Cotonou Cathedral: This beautiful cathedral is the largest in Benin, and it is an impressive example of European architecture.
7. Plage de Fidjrossè: This is one of Benin’s most popular beaches, and it is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and sand.
8. Akpro-Missérété: This is a beautiful lake located in the Atacora Mountains, and it is a great place to go for a swim or a boat ride.
9. Monument de l’Indépendance: This monument is a great way to learn about Benin’s fight for independence. It is located in the city of Porto-Novo, and it is a great place to take a break from sightseeing.
10. Musée des Civilisations du Benin: This museum is located in the city of Porto-Novo, and it is a great place to learn about Beninese culture. It features a variety of artifacts from the region, including traditional masks and sculptures.
11. Grand Mosque of Cotonou: This is the largest mosque in Benin, and it is a great place to learn about the region’s Islamic culture.
12. Place de l’Indépendance: This is a great place to take a break and people watch. It is located in the city of Porto-Novo, and it is a great place to get a feel for the city.
13. Cascade de Koussoukoingou: This is a stunning waterfall located in the Atacora Mountains. It is a great place to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy the beauty of nature.
14. Grand Marche de Dantokpa: This is the largest market in West Africa, and it is a great place to find unique souvenirs and traditional African crafts.
15. Cascade de Tanoutou: This is another beautiful waterfall located in the Atacora Mountains. It is a great place to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy the beauty of nature.
16. Monument de la Paix: This is a great place to learn about Benin’s fight for peace and independence. It is located in the city of Porto-Novo, and it is a great place to take a break from sightseeing.
17. Cascade de Koussoukoingou: This is a stunning waterfall located in the Atacora Mountains. It is a great place to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy the beauty of nature.
18. Cascade de Tanoutou: This is another beautiful waterfall located in the Atacora Mountains. It is a great place to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy the beauty of nature.
19. Monument de l’Indépendance: This monument is a great way to learn about Benin’s fight for independence. It is located in the city of Porto-Novo, and it is a great place to take a break from sightseeing.
20. Pendjari National Park: This is one of the best places to go in Benin for wildlife viewing. It is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, hippos, and cheetahs.