Ouidah
Ouidah is a small coastal town west of Cotonou, and the place to understand Benin's history. It was one of the main slave ports of West Africa, and it is the spiritual home of Vodun. You can see the highlights in a day.
What to see
Walk the Route des Esclaves from the old auction square down to the Door of No Return on the beach. Visit the Python Temple and the Basilica facing it, then the Ouidah History Museum in the old Portuguese fort.
Getting there
Plan for about an hour by road from Cotonou. A driver for the day is the easiest option, and lets you stop wherever you like.
When to go
Any time of year, but January is special: Vodun Days fills the town with music and ceremonies. Book early if you go then.
