Updated Jan 26, 2026
KEY STATS
1.8M
Population
1,204 km2
Area
60 Mbps
Internet
UTC+01:00
Timezone
BNI (4km)
Airport
OVERVIEW
Benin City's Edo heritage shines through bronze caster guilds and vibrant markets, offering nomads an authentic slice of Nigeria's western pulse in a hot, rainy climate. Growing co-working cafes provide decent connectivity for remote tasks, complemented by lively nightlife and nearby palaces for cultural deep dives. It's a place where history fuels resilient creativity.
QUICK FACTS
Country
Nigeria
Region
Western Africa
Population
1.8M
Timezone
UTC+01:00
Currency
NGN
Language
English
Airport
BNI
GPS
6.34, 5.63
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Tech
60 Mbps internet — adequate for most digital work
History
Founded in 1899, with 127 years of history
Travel
BNI airport just 4 km from the city center
Climate
Year-round average of 27C — near-ideal temperatures
INFRASTRUCTURE
1,609 total POIs 1.3 per km²
Above avg per capita
Average
Below avg
Food & Drink
Restaurants
52
Cafes
2
Bars
79
Fast Food
24
Shopping
Supermarkets
6
Convenience
203
Shopping Malls
87
Healthcare
Hospitals
52
Clinics
12
Pharmacies
40
Education
Schools
206
Universities
28
Libraries
2
Recreation
Parks
17
Playgrounds
1
Sports
4
Cinemas
4
Museums
1
Transport
Bus Stops
13
Fuel Stations
42
Services
Banks
59
ATMs
1
Post Offices
1
Police
14
Source: DropThe Database | dropthe.org
INTERNET SPEED
60 Mbps
Download
21 Mbps
Upload
61ms
Latency
2,692
Tests
360
Devices
2025-Q4
Last updated
CLIMATE
Best time to visit: Mar - Nov
29°
J
28°
F
28°
M
27°
A
26°
M
25°
J
25°
J
25°
A
26°
S
27°
O
28°
N
28°
D
18-28 C ideal
Warm/Cool
Extreme
Year avg: 26.8 C Range: 28.6 - 25 C Rain: 1,384 mm/year Sunshine: 3,057 h/year
CITY SCORES
91.5
Nomad Index
A
Livability
37.8
Culture
63.0
Overall
AIRPORT
BNI
Benin Airport
4 km from center
Very close — ~6 min ride
FUN FACTS
Benin City serves as the capital and largest metropolitan centre of Edo State, situated in southern Nigeria.
Geography Benin City is located in close proximity to the Benin River, situated approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) to the north, whilst its eastern perimeter lies 320 kilometres (200 mi) from Lagos via the arterial road network.
Trade The city of Benin served as the paramount settlement of the Edo Kingdom of Benin, a pre-colonial polity that flourished from the 13th to the 19th centuries.
During its final centuries, the kingdom maintained significant trade relations with Portugal, prior to being captured, sacked, and razed in 1897 by a British punitive expedition.
Subsequent to their punitive victory, the British gradually colonised the area, eventually incorporating the region into Colonial Nigeria.
EXTERNAL LINKS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Benin City known for?
Benin City's Edo heritage shines through bronze caster guilds and vibrant markets, offering nomads an authentic slice of Nigeria's western pulse in a hot, rainy climate. Growing co-working cafes provide decent connectivity for remote tasks, complemented by lively nightlife and nearby palaces for cultural deep dives. It's a place where history fuels resilient creativity.
How fast is the internet in Benin City?
Benin City has an average download speed of 60 Mbps and upload speed of 21 Mbps, based on Ookla speed test data.
What is the weather like in Benin City?
Benin City has an average year-round temperature of approximately 26.8 degrees Celsius.
What airport serves Benin City?
Benin City is served by BNI (Benin Airport), approximately 4 km from the city center.
What is the population of Benin City?
The population of Benin City is approximately 1.8M.
What infrastructure does Benin City have?
Benin City has 1,609 mapped points of interest, including 52 restaurants, 52 hospitals, 206 schools.
What country is Benin City in?
Benin City is located in Nigeria.