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Views & landmarks

Ancien Pont Bridge

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Ancien Pont Bridge

Ancien Pont Bridge

Built in 1928, this bridge crosses the lagoon that runs through downtown Cotonou. It serves as a pedestrian link between two sides of the city, allowing visitors to walk across the water and observe the surrounding urban landscape and lagoon scenery.

Getting There

The bridge is located within the downtown area of Cotonou. Depending on your starting point in the city centre, it is accessible via local transport or a short taxi ride. From the central business district, the trip typically takes a few minutes.

Visit Duration

Allow approximately 30 to 60 minutes to walk across the bridge and observe the views of the lagoon and the city skyline.

When to Visit

The bridge is open to the public. Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid the midday heat. Like many central landmarks in Cotonou, it can become crowded during peak commuting hours when local traffic is heaviest.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, the bridge can be combined with other nearby sites:

  • Cotonou Cathedral: 0.4km
  • Ouémé River: 0.7km
  • Dantokpa Market: 1.7km
  • Presidential Palace, Cotonou: 3.7km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Ancien Pont Bridge

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Ancien Pont Bridge Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Cotonou 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Cotonou grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Cotonou Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

Cotonou Cathedral

This Catholic cathedral stands near the old bridge in Cotonou, Benin. Its striking reddish-brown and white striped tile facade also makes it a popular photo spot.

0.4 km away
Ouémé River

Nature

Ouémé River

A river in Benin that rises in the Atacora Mountains and flows into the Gulf of Guinea. It forms a delta near Cotonou and runs about 510 km in total length.

0.7 km away
Dantokpa Market

Shopping & districts

Dantokpa Market

The largest open-air market in West Africa, spanning over 20 hectares. It's a great spot to browse a wide variety of goods and observe local daily life amid a lively atmosphere.

1.7 km away
Presidential Palace, Cotonou

Castles & palaces

Presidential Palace, Cotonou

A government building in Cotonou, Benin, where cabinet meetings and the president's diplomatic events take place. As a symbol of Cotonou's political life, it's worth including on a city visit.

3.7 km away
Red Star Square

Parks & gardens

Red Star Square

A square in the heart of Cotonou, marked by a large red star sculpture that serves as a symbolic landmark of the city. Shops and street stalls line the surrounding area, making it a pleasant place to stroll and soak up the local atmosphere.

3.8 km away
Amazon Monument

Heritage & monuments

Amazon Monument

A bronze statue honoring the Dahomey Amazon warriors, standing 30 meters tall and ranked as the second-tallest statue in Africa. It rises above the Esplanade des Amazones in Cotonou as one of the city's landmark sights.

3.9 km away