Benin City is the capital of Edo State and the historic seat of the Kingdom of Benin, one of the oldest and most powerful states in West Africa. The Oba of Benin, its traditional ruler, still plays a central role in the city's life.
The kingdom is world famous for the Benin Bronzes, cast brass plaques and sculptures made for the royal court over many centuries. Many were taken by British forces in 1897, and their return has become an international story. In the city today, bronze casting is still a living craft.
Top things to do in Benin City
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Watch bronze casting on Igun Street
Igun Street is home to the guild of bronze casters who have served the royal court for generations. Workshops along the street still use the lost-wax method, and you can watch artisans at work and buy their pieces.
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Visit the National Museum
The National Museum on King's Square, in the centre of the city, displays bronzes, ivory carvings, terracotta and other objects that tell the story of the Benin Kingdom.
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See the ancient walls and moats
Benin was once ringed by huge earthworks of walls and moats, among the largest ever built before the modern era. Sections of the moat can still be seen around the city.
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Visit the royal palace area
The Oba's palace stands at the heart of the old city and is the centre of royal ceremonies. Access is limited, but the area around it and King's Square are important landmarks.
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Day trip to Okomu National Park
Okomu National Park, about 60 km west of the city, protects one of the last areas of rainforest in south-west Nigeria. It is home to forest elephants, monkeys, birds and butterflies, and has tall viewing platforms above the trees.
Festivals and culture
The Igue festival, held in December, is the Oba's most important annual celebration, with rites of renewal and blessing for the kingdom. Ugie festivals honouring royal ancestors, and other ceremonies at the palace, take place through the year. The city also hosts concerts, parties and church crusades.
Food to try
Try owo soup with starch, black soup (omoebe) with pounded yam, banga soup, and roasted plantain with palm oil sauce. Bush mango, snails and fresh palm wine are also popular.
Best time to visit
November to March is the dry season, and December is especially lively with the Igue festival and homecomings. Rain falls from about April to October.
Getting around
Taxis, tricycles and ride-hailing apps cover the city, which is laid out around King's Square and its ring road. Benin City has a domestic airport and is about five to six hours from Lagos by road.
Questions about Benin City
What is Benin City known for?
Benin City is known as the seat of the ancient Benin Kingdom and the Oba of Benin, for the Benin Bronzes and its living tradition of bronze casting, and for its ancient walls and moats.
Where can I see Benin bronzes in Benin City?
The National Museum on King's Square displays historic pieces, and bronze casters on Igun Street make and sell new work using traditional methods.
When is the Igue festival?
The Igue festival is held in December, before the end of the year.
How do I find events in Benin City?
Browse upcoming concerts, parties, conferences and free events in Benin City on Shows.ng, and filter by today, this weekend or this month.
