Touching down in Cotonou, I felt a rush of humid air, the distant honk of moto-taxis, and an uplifting sense of possibility. As a digital nomad coding into the sunset, I often chase both productivity and local color—and this Beninese port city delivered in spades. Over ten days, I wove through spice-scented markets, discovered hidden coworking corners by the lagoon, and indulged in street eats so good I almost forgot to open my laptop. Here’s a peek behind the scenes of my personal travel journal: practical tips, cultural insights, and plenty of foodie moments.

1. Dancing Through Dantokpa Market

My mornings began at Dantokpa, West Africa’s largest open-air market. Imagine stalls draped in hand-woven textiles, baskets overflowing with plaintains, and vendors tossing aromatic peppercorns into the air. I arrived around 8 AM to avoid the midday crush. Navigating the narrower aisles, I greeted women in colorful pagnes (traditional wrap skirts), their babies slung on their backs, and sampled bits of bissap (hibiscus juice) from a smiling fruit seller.

Practical tip: carry small CFA francs (500 or 1 000 notes) and practice simple French phrases—“Combien ça coûte ?” (How much is it?), “Merci beaucoup,” and “Je peux goûter ?” to break the ice. Haggling is part of the culture, but always with a smile and respect. I walked away with vibrant textiles for under 10 000 CFA (around $17 USD) and some handmade wooden spoons that now brighten my kitchen at home.

2. Savoring Street Food and Local Flavors

Cotonou’s street food scene ranks among my favorite discoveries. From grilled brochettes (skewers of chicken or goat) to delicious akara fritters made from black-eyed peas, every meal felt like a festival. One afternoon, I camped out at a roadside stall near Fidjrosse Beach. The owner, Madame Aïcha, insisted I try “amiwo,” a spicy red corn porridge served with fried fish. The heat hits first, then the sweet tomato base balances everything in the most satisfying way.

By night, local “maquis” (open-air grills) come alive with laughter and music. I joined a table of young Beninois playing highlife under string lights. We shared grilled yams, fresh pineapple slices, and cold “La Vita,” a popular local soda. If you have dietary restrictions, ask for “sans huile” (without oil) or “plus épicé” (extra spicy) to customize the heat. Prices typically range from 500 to 2 000 CFA per snack (less than $5 USD total per person).

3. Finding Coworking Corners by the Lagoon

Between market jaunts and food hunts, I needed a reliable workspace. Cotonou’s growing digital-nomad scene means more cafés and shared offices are popping up. I found two favorites: La Forge, a minimalist co-working spot in Zone 4 with stable Wi-Fi (20 000 CFA/day), fresh coffee, and power outlets at every table; and Café Coeur, a breezy riverside café where I’d code on the shaded terrace overlooking the marina.

Practical tip: always carry a universal adapter and pack a lightweight power bank in case of brief outages. Local SIMs like MTN or Moov sell 4 GB for around 5 000 CFA, perfect for backup. I downloaded offline maps of Cotonou in case I wandered too far off-grid—and did so more than once!

Conclusion

By day ten, my sketchbook was full of doodles, my camera roll bursting with sunset shots over the lagoon, and my heart heavier with farewells to new friends. Cotonou surprised me at every turn: ancient Voodoo shrines hidden in back alleys, lively dance performances near the port, and a warmth in every smile. As a digital nomad, I found a balance of work and play here that felt effortless—and a culture that reminded me every day why travel is the best education. Whenever you plan your own Cotonou adventure, remember to pack curiosity, an open mind, and an appetite for both code and cuisine.