Place de l'Amazone
A monument to the Amazons of Dahomey, a city landmark and a favourite meeting place.
Plan your stay
Cotonou & Benin
Climate, currency, customs and places to discover: the essentials gathered by the Committee for a smooth stay on Benin's Atlantic coast.
Climate in February
27 to 33 °C during the day, high humidity. February falls in the dry season, which runs from November to March. Bring light clothing and sun protection.
Currency
The CFA franc (XOF). International cards are accepted in the larger hotels; carry cash for getting around and for markets.
Language
French is the official language. Fon, Yoruba and Mina are widely spoken in Cotonou.
Time zone
UTC+1 all year round, with no seasonal clock change.
The host city
Cotonou, economic capital
Cotonou is Benin's largest city and its main economic hub. Built between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Nokoué, it lives to the rhythm of its port, its markets and its seafront. With its international airport, it is the country's gateway.
It is a lively city of markets, beaches, terraces and monuments such as the Place de l'Amazone, dedicated to the Amazons of Dahomey. You can taste the local cuisine, shop for crafts and go out in the evening.
Long accustomed to receiving international delegations, it is also an excellent base for day trips: Ouidah about forty kilometres away, Porto-Novo about thirty, Ganvié on Lake Nokoué to the north.
Between two working sessions
To see and do in Cotonou
A city that moves, tastes good and is best enjoyed on foot, by moto-taxi or from a terrace.
Dantokpa market
One of the great markets of the sub-region: spices, fabrics, fish and raw energy.
Beninese cuisine
Street food, red paste, pounded yam, okra sauce: the repertoire of a country that loves its food.
Grilled fish
The great classic of Cotonou's tables, to enjoy on a terrace or by the water.
Terraces and rooftops
Tables with a view for the evenings, from the simplest to the smartest.
Lake Nokoué
The neighbouring lake, the starting point for Ganvié, shows another face of the city.
If you extend your stay
To discover around Cotonou
Ganvié
A lake village on Lake Nokoué, north of Cotonou
Ouidah
A historic city, about forty kilometres away
Porto-Novo
The capital of Benin, about thirty kilometres away
Practical advice
Yellow fever vaccination is required on entry: carry your international certificate of vaccination.
Malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Consult your doctor several weeks before departure.
Prefer sealed bottled water. Beninese cooking is rich and generous: do tell the Committee about any dietary restrictions, for the fraternal dinner on 26 February.
Greetings matter: take the time to greet before turning to the matter at hand. Always ask permission before photographing anyone.
Local prepaid SIM cards are inexpensive and available at the airport and in town. Wi-Fi is available in the partner hotels and at the venue.
What to bring
- Travel document valid six months beyond your return
- International certificate of vaccination
- Your Convent badge, printed or on your phone
- Formal dress for the opening and closing
- Light clothing and sun protection
- Type C/E plug adapter, 220 V
- Cash in CFA francs for small purchases
- Proof of travel insurance
Guidance only
These notes are provided for guidance by the Organising Committee. They replace neither medical advice nor the official recommendations of your country of residence.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions about Cotonou
Dantokpa market, the Place de l'Amazone, Fidjrossè beach and a street food tour. Add Ouidah or Ganvié for a day trip.
By taxi, by moto-taxi (zémidjan) or with a driver. Agree the price before getting in. For night journeys, prefer the Convent shuttles or a driver you trust. See the Travel & arrival page.
In hotels, restaurants and upmarket shops, often yes. At markets, on public transport and outside the cities, carry cash in CFA francs. Cash machines exist in Cotonou and the larger towns.
From November to March, during the dry season: the season of the Convent. The rains return from April.
Keep reading
Read next
Accommodation in Cotonou
Partner hotels for the GLUB 2027 Convent in Cotonou: negotiated rates, distance from the venue, booking arrangements and what is or is not covered.
Travel & arrival
Getting to Cotonou for the GLUB 2027 Convent: Cadjehoun international airport, official transfers, shuttles to the venue and travelling around the city.
Convent 2027 programme
The provisional schedule of the GLUB 2027 Convent, 22 to 28 February, reproduced as supplied by the Organising Committee, with an English translation.