Weekend in Cotonou

The central square with a large monument commemorating independence. Surrounded by colonial architecture and government buildings. Popular meeting point.

Tip: Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. The square is lively but can be crowded with vendors. No entry fee, but parking nearby costs money.

Contemporary art gallery housed in a colonial villa. Rotating exhibitions of African artists, plus a permanent collection. Small but well-curated space.

Tip: Check their Facebook page before visiting – they sometimes close between exhibitions. The upstairs room has a rooftop view if staff let you up.

West Africa's largest market. Sprawling maze of stalls selling everything from spices and textiles to fetish items. Overwhelming but fascinating.

Tip: Enter from the Boulevard de la Marina side to avoid the chaos of the main entrance. Go early (before 10am) when it's less crowded. Keep valuables hidden and your phone in a zipped pocket.

A strip of beachside park with palm trees, benches, and a few food stalls. Calm spot to sit and watch fishing boats. Not a full swimming beach due to currents.

Tip: Go late afternoon for the breeze and sunset. Avoid after dark as it gets deserted. Bring your own water and snacks – nearby vendors overcharge. No entry fee.

The stilt village of Ganvié, known as the 'Venice of Africa', is on Lake Nokoué. Accessible by pirogue (motorised canoe). The village itself is free to enter, but you pay for transport.

Tip: Take a shared pirogue from the jetty near the Cotonou marina – it costs about 5000 CFA for a group. Go early (7am) to avoid heat and tourist crowds. Bring cash for local snacks and a small gift for your boatman.