Shopping is one of the most popular and enjoyable activities for many people, especially when they travel to a new place. Whether you are looking for souvenirs, local products, fashion items, or entertainment options, shopping malls can offer you a variety of choices and experiences. If you are planning to visit Benin, a West African country with a rich culture and history, you might be interested in knowing some of the best shopping malls in this country.
One of the most popular shopping malls in Benin is Eglobi Exchange, which has two branches in Cotonou, the largest city and economic capital of Benin. Eglobi Exchange offers a variety of products and services, such as clothing, electronics, cosmetics, jewelry, books, and currency exchange. You can also enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants or cafes, or watch a movie at the cinema.
This article will provide information on the top shopping centers in Benin for 2023, how to get to the Novotel Cotonou Orisha Shopping Mall from the airport, what cultural attractions are located in the Erevan Shopping Center in Cotonou, where to find local artwork and handicrafts in Benin’s shopping centers and much more.
Best shopping malls in Benin 2023
The top shopping malls in Benin for 2023 are:
- Novotel Cotonou Orisha Shopping Mall in Cotonou: Benin’s largest mall with 150+ shops, international brands like Zara and Adidas, a cinema, a bowling alley, and more. It’s connected to the Novotel Cotonou Orisha Hotel.
- Erevan Shopping Center in Cotonou: Located near the airport and beach, it offers 100+ shops with both local and regional brands and hosts cultural events.
- Benin Marina Shopping Mall in Cotonou: An upscale mall with luxury brands like Dior and Gucci, along with a spa, casino, and nightclub.
- Palais des Congrès Shopping Mall in Porto-Novo: Situated within a government complex, it offers 50+ shops and a museum showcasing Benin’s history and culture.
- Royal Shopping Mall in Abomey-Calavi: A charming mall near Cotonou with 40+ shops, a cinema, a game center, and a karaoke bar, adorned with traditional motifs paying homage to the city’s royal heritage.
These malls cater to a variety of preferences, offering shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
How to get to the Novotel Cotonou Orisha Shopping Mall from the airport?
To reach Novotel Cotonou Orisha Shopping Mall from the airport, you have several options:
- Taxi: You can take a taxi from the airport to the mall, which costs around 2,000 CFA francs (approximately 3.6 USD) and takes about 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis are readily available at the airport.
- Shuttle: The Novotel Cotonou Orisha Hotel offers a free shuttle service for its guests. You can arrange the shuttle by contacting the hotel at +229 21 30 56 62 or h1826-sl@accor.com. The shuttle runs every hour and takes about 10 minutes to reach the mall.
- Car: If you have your own vehicle or rent one at the airport, you can drive to the mall using Boulevard de la Marina, the main coastal road. The mall provides free parking for customers, and you can use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze for directions and traffic updates.
- Bus: Another option is taking a public bus from the airport to the mall, which is more budget-friendly but less comfortable and reliable. The bus fare is about 200 CFA francs (around 0.36 USD), and the journey usually takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic and stops. Look for buses heading to Cotonou Center or Boulevard de la Marina, and get off at the Novotel Cotonou Orisha stop. Buses are available at the airport terminal and nearby bus stations.
What are the cultural attractions in the Erevan Shopping Center in Cotonou?
The Erevan Shopping Center in Cotonou is a popular shopping spot that also showcases Benin’s culture:
- Erevan Art Gallery: Here, you can appreciate and purchase local and international artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and crafts. The gallery hosts exhibitions and events that highlight Benin’s diverse art scene. Find it on the second floor.
- Erevan Cinema: This modern cinema shows the latest films from various regions, including Hollywood, Bollywood, and Nollywood. It also features Benin’s best films and documentaries, reflecting African culture and history. Located on the third floor.
- Erevan Restaurant: This cozy and elegant eatery serves a range of dishes from Benin and around the world, with a focus on seafood, grilled meat, salads, and desserts. It also offers local delicacies and features live music and dance performances by talented artists. You can dine on the ground floor.
Where can I find local art and handicrafts in Benin’s shopping malls?
If you are looking for local art and handicrafts in Benin’s shopping malls, you might be interested in visiting some of these places:
- Centre de Promotion de l’Artisanat: This is a shop that offers a range of products, such as woodcarvings, bronzes, batiks, leather goods, and appliqué banners. You can find some unique and interesting crafts that reflect Benin’s rich heritage and culture.
- The Mall: This is a new shopping center that provides various services and facilities, such as art galleries, fashion stores, restaurants, cinemas, and more. You can find some local art and handicrafts in the art galleries, such as paintings, sculptures, pottery, and jewelry.
- Afrikrea: This is an online platform that connects buyers and sellers of African fashion, art, and handicrafts. You can browse through thousands of products from different African countries, such as clothing, accessories, home decor, paintings, sculptures, and more. You can also sell your own creations on the website.
How to book a hotel near the Royal Shopping Mall in Abomey-Calavi?
To book a hotel near the Royal Shopping Mall in Abomey-Calavi, you can use one of the following options:
- You can visit the websites of the hotels that are close to the mall and make a reservation online. Some of the hotels that are near the mall are Miras Hotel, Hotel Les Arcades, and Residence Nenuphar.
- You can use a booking platform like Booking.com or Hotels.com to compare prices, ratings, and availability of different hotels in Abomey-Calavi. You can also filter your search by distance from the mall, amenities, and budget.
- Ask the hotels directly about their pricing and availability by calling or emailing them. Their contact information may be found on their websites or in the search engine results. Additionally, you may enquire about their payment options and cancellation policies.
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