Benin
- Ouidah: A powerful mix of history and spirituality, with remnants of the slave trade, Voodoo (Vodun) culture, and a hauntingly beautiful coastline.
- Abomey: Former royal capital of the Dahomey Kingdom—home to palaces, UNESCO-listed history, and warrior legends.
- Porto-Novo: Benin’s official capital, with Afro-Brazilian architecture, museums, and a slower, more traditional pace.
- Ganvié: The “Venice of Africa,” a stilt village built on Lake Nokoué where daily life floats above the water.
- Parakou: A key crossroads in central Benin, offering lively markets, local crafts, and a peek into regional traditions.
- Bohicon: A bustling commercial center near Abomey, often used as a stopover or market visit on the way to historic sites.
- Cotonou: The energetic, unofficial capital—buzzing markets, beach bars, and a fast-paced intro to modern Benin.
