Mid-Range Travel Guide: Cotonou

Accommodation

$35-80 per night

Mid-range hotels, private rooms with AC, boutique guesthouses in central areas

Food & Dining

$15-35 per day

Mix of local restaurants, hotel dining, fresh seafood spots, occasional international cuisine

Transportation

$10-25 per day

Private taxis, car rentals for day trips, mix of zemidjan and private transport

Activities

$20-50 per day

Guided city tours, museum entries, boat trips, cultural performances, day excursions

Eat at local markets and street food stalls instead of hotel restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)

Use zemidjan motorcycle taxis for short distances instead of private taxis (usually 70% less expensive)

Stay in neighborhoods like Akpakpa or Cadjehoun rather than beachfront areas (generally 40-60% lower accommodation costs)

Shop at Dantokpa Market for souvenirs instead of hotel gift shops (typically 50-70% savings)

Take shared taxis between cities rather than private transport (usually 80% cheaper)

Visit free cultural sites and beaches before paying for organized tours

Negotiate prices at markets and for services - initial prices are often 30-50% higher than final

Only eating at hotel restaurants and tourist-focused establishments (typically costs 2-3x more than local options)

Taking private taxis everywhere instead of using shared transport and zemidjan (can increase transport costs by 300-400%)

Not negotiating prices for services, tours, and market purchases (often paying 40-60% more than necessary)

Staying only in beachfront tourist areas without exploring local neighborhoods (accommodation typically 50-100% more expensive)