Ouidah Tourist Places to Visit in Ouidah, Benin, West Africa, Africa

Ouidah Tourist Places to Visit in Ouidah, Benin, West Africa, Africa

Ouidah is a city in the Atlantique Department of Benin, located on the Atlantic coast of Benin between 6°22′ N latitude and 2°05′ E longitude. Ouidah gained space on the Tentative List of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, selected on 31 October 1996 which covers the Basilica of Ouidah, Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá, Basilique de l’Immaculée Conception and many other historic landmarks of the city.

Ouidah is situated at an elevation of 65 meters above sea level and about 40 kilometers west of Cotonou, the largest city of Benin and the city spans over an area of 364 square kilometers.

History of Ouidah:

Originally called Glēxwé, Ouidah was probably founded at the end of the 16^th century. Among reign of many European rulers, the influence of Portuguese rule still dominates the city’s culture, who occupied the area in 1580 and constructed a fort in 1721, named Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá which is now used as a museum.

Getting Ouidah:

Ouidah is served by the Cadjehoun Airport with scheduled flight services from and to Paris, Brussels, Istanbul, Nairobi, Amsterdam and many other European capitals. The airport is located around 40 kilometers away from Ouidah which can be reached by airport taxi or minibus or pre-booked private transports.

There are buses regularly plying between Ouidah and other southern cities of Benin and also many travel agencies conduct day tours of Ouidah and its surrounding cities.

Culture, Shopping and Food in Ouidah:

Ouidah is considered as the Vodun religion’s spiritual capital and the city is the site of the International Vodun Conference which takes place annually.

One can purchase everything at the Market of Ouidah including pillows, traditional handicrafts, locally made rugs, perfumes and clothes as well at reasonable prices.

Some staple foods used to prepare dishes in Ouidah are roasted turkey, tomatoes, chicken and salad.

Le Jardin Secret and Côté Pêche are the town famous food corners among visitors.

Things to do in Ouidah:

Beach exploration
City tours
Traditional shopping

What to see in Ouidah?

Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá:

Being an icon of Ouidah, Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá is the most popular tourist attraction. It is a historic fort constructed in 1721 by the Portuguese rulers and now it is home to a museum showcasing the city’s history. It is a must visit.

Basilique de l’Immaculée Conception:

The Basilique de l’Immaculée Conception is a striking Roman Catholic basilica devoted to the Immaculate Conception on November 9, 1989. Its both interior and exterior architecture will be a great treat for visitors’ eyes.

Ouidah Museum of History:

The Ouidah Museum of History was founded to display the grand and long history of Ouidah during the Portuguese rule. The museum is located in the Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá.

Route des Esclaves:

The Route des Esclaves is a pathway leading city to the beach area and along these one can spot many statues and monuments, of which the memorial arch Door of No Return is the important and typical one.

Maison du Brésil Art Gallery:

The Maison du Brésil Art Gallery is a reconstructed manor of Brazilian slavers, housing a wide variety of well preserved art works.

List of the other tourist attractions in Ouidah and Cotonou includes:

Voodoo Python Temple
Market Center of Ouidah
Ouidah Cathedral
Musee de la Fondation Zinsou
Porte du non retour
Lake Nokoué
Ancien Pont Bridge
Cotonou Central Mosque
Cotonou Cathedral
National University of Benin
Dantokpa Market
Cotonou Friendship Stadium
Fondation Zinsou
Fidjrosse Beach
Marche Dantokpa

When to visit in Ouidah?

The best time to visit Ouidah depends on visitors interest, although the most popular time to visit Ouidah is from December to February.

Where to stay in Ouidah?

Being a tourist destination, Ouidah houses all sorts of modernized accommodation options with all types of latest facilities and services including spa, sauna, fitness center and arrangement of bikes and bicycles. The prominent hotels in Ouidah and Cotonou (around 40 kilometers) are listed below: