Top Attractions & Landmarks in Benin City – Best Places to Visit

Inside this city of Benin, there are attractions that will make your day—depending on your interest... education, entertainment, or just plain fun.  Some are right in the heart of Benin City. Others will take you about 30 minutes outside town. Either way, the experience is worth every minute.

Museums & Cultural Attractions in Benin City

Museum of West African Art (MOWAA)

It is one of Benin City's pride. The first thing that greets you is the sheer scale of the design. It is unique, beautiful, and absolutely world-class.

It is a preservation centre for Benin arts and history.  Some of the Benin Kingdom artefacts repatriated from Britain are being safely preserved here. Historical collections from hundreds of years ago — some exhibited publicly for the first time — are housed here.

Inside MOWAA, you don’t just look at artefacts. You gain deep insight into Benin history and culture.

And it doesn’t stop with Benin. There are art collections from other African countries too. So you’re getting a wider West African perspective.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and still feel enriched, MOWAA should be top of your list. You get to learn about Benin City while genuinely enjoying yourself.

It's a non-profit organization with a strong vision. Their vision doesn’t just live on paper. You see it. You feel it. It stands visible in:

• The exceptional structure
• The preserved artworks
• Their research and learning programmes
• Their documentation of Benin’s oral history
• Their deep research on the Benin moat

Quick Fact. Benin City was to pre-colonial sub-Saharan Africa what China is to the world today. It was the greatest urban center of its time, over 1,000 years ago, nestled right inside a thick rainforest.

Location. 1, Sapele Road (Former General Hospital site). It is also accessible from Ezoti Street, Off Airport Road. Ezoti is the first road on the left at Airport Road when driving in from King's Square. It's about a 10-minute walk from Ring Road.

National Museum Benin City

Located at King’s Square, the National Museum curates the classic collection of Benin City artefacts.

Now, what’s the difference between this and MOWAA? 

The National Museum houses artefacts.
MOWAA gives you artefacts plus immersive experience.

Similarity?
Both conserve history.

If you truly want to understand Benin, you should visit both.

Nature & Wildlife Experiences

Okomu National Park

Just 40 minutes from Benin City, this 220 sq km rainforest reserve features wildlife, a hanging bridge, and a 140-foot treehouse platform for panoramic forest views.

You can lodge at the Arakhuan base. During my vacation early this year (2026), the calm was truly enjoyable.

Entertainment & Leisure in Benin City

Kada Cinema

Cinema, restaurant, spa, gaming, and relaxation — all under one roof. Perfect for families and couples looking for premium entertainment.

Benin Recreation Club

It's a premium members-only recreation hub offering sports facilities, networking opportunities, and a vibrant social community.

Agro-Industrial & Educational Tourism

Presco Plc

A leading oil palm agro-industrial company near Benin City. With vast plantations, refinery plants, and processing facilities, Presco presents strong potential for education tourism and industrial visits.

Okomu Oil Palm Company

Often called “City in the Forest,” this estate combines industrial scale with serene community living inside Okomu Forest Reserve.

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