It's the kind of place that hides its best features. You need to be patient and observant to glimpse many of the cultural highlights of Benin. Food lovers needn't worry, though.
Beninese food is possibly the best in the region, and is widely available.
Voodooism and fetishism are still widely practiced and many of the associated artefacts attract and repel visitors in equal numbers. Benin might be small and obscure, but when it does something, it does it in a big way. While Benin shares many of the problems of its neighbours such as bad roads and infrastructure, poor water and health conditions and institutionalised corruption, it is comparatively violence-free, is richer and economically stronger than most of its neighbours, and has the best beaches and landscapes. 15 and 30-day visas are available. Many west and central African nationals don't require a visa.