Are you craving for an escape from your daily routine? Is the thought of shuffling through travel directories that don't exactly conjure up the feelings of adventure you desire tiring? Well, let the promising country of Benin in West Africa be the perfect place for you. Benin's capital is the Yoruba founded city of Porto Novo with a population of more than eight million people.

There are a variety of things that can be enjoyed in this beautiful West African land. This striking country is mostly famous for her stunning location and food which she has to offer to her inhabitants as well as to visitors. There is a wide range or restaurants and hotels that offer lip smacking delicacies of the local African food along with French dishes. These dishes will leave your mouth tingling and you could take some of the recipes home and try them out!

The entertainment in Benin consists of art galleries, cinema halls, conventional centers, indoor game facilities, public swimming pools, discotheques and dance halls. When it comes to nightlife, there is a contrast between Porto Novo and Cotonou city. Cotonou city is always considered to be at its best in providing Benin's endless enjoyment through its colorful festivals. Shopping is another popular event in the list of Benin's entertainment scene. Handicrafts and souvenirs are available all through the stalls which are located in the city of Cotonou and partly in the capital. These stalls sell a variety of goods from Nigeria along with the traditional artifacts and medicines. So far, the most sort after goods are the ritual masks, tapestries, elongated statues and pottery elements.

Apart from the shopping spree markets in Benin, there are also some exclusive hotels that offer the best accommodation after a long day of touring and sightseeing in this gorgeous country. They include the Villa Pavoledji Hotel, the Livingstone Hotel, Hotel du lac, the Chez Clarisse Hotel, the Faim Gourmet Hotel, the Hai King Hotel, the La Gerbe d'Or Hotel, the Le Petit Four Hotel, the Maquis du Port Hotel, the Sandwich Ladies Hotel, and the Le Costa Rica Hotel. They also offer the best of the local cuisines that vary according to the region. Like in the south, fish and chicken are mostly consumed while in the north, cheese is a specialty. Theses cuisines are accompanied with the various locally made and available beverages.

There are abundant tourist attractions in Benin where one can visit and explore. The country has a bouquet of small beaches which one can sample. The experience of getting into a wildlife park is very much interesting in Benin. You can also visit the Pendjari Wildlife Park as well as the Musee Historique d? Abomey which is a very attractive place that houses the Palaces of ancient kings.

Although the time to visit Benin will only depend on the region preferred, the best time to visit the Southern region is around December to March and July/August while for the Northern region, the best time would be between December and April. Visit Benin and witness the exotic architecture and cultural heritage it has in store for you; you don't have to be troubled while looking for the perfect African destination for yourself or your family. Benin is the exquisite and unforgettable holiday destination that will leave you exhilarated and satisfied.