population: 1.5 million

extension: 87.02 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Benin City and want to visit museums, I suggest you check out the National Museum of Benin, also known as the "Benin Museum." It's located in the city center and houses a collection of artifacts and artworks from the Benin Empire. If you're interested in similar places nearby, you can also visit the Esie Museum in Kwara State or the Lagos National Museum in Lagos.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular and typical dishes to try in Benin City include:

1. Eba and Egusi Soup: A dish made from cassava flour served with a soup made from ground melon seeds, vegetables, and meat or fish.
2. Pounded Yam and Ogbono Soup: A dish made from yam that has been boiled and pounded until smooth and served with a soup made from ground ogbono seeds, vegetables, and meat or fish.
3. Bitterleaf Soup: A soup made from bitter leaves, vegetables, and meat or fish.
4. Pepper Soup: A spicy soup made from various types of meat or fish, usually served with yam or plantains.
5. Suya: Grilled skewered meat seasoned with a spicy peanut sauce.

These are just a few examples, but there are many more delicious dishes to try in Benin City.

Activities

There are many fun activities that local people enjoy in Benin City. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Visit Ososo Tourist Resort: This is a beautiful resort located about an hour's drive from Benin City. It has a natural warm spring, waterfalls, hiking trails and other recreational facilities.

2. Explore the Oba Market: This is one of the largest markets in West Africa and it sells everything from fresh produce to textiles, clothing, and souvenirs.

3. Attend a traditional dance performance: Benin City is known for its vibrant cultural performances, including dance, music and drama. You can attend a performance at the Edo State Cultural Centre or the National Museum.

4. Visit the Benin Moat: This is an ancient structure built around the city during the era of the Benin Empire. It covers a distance of about 16,000 km and was used as a defense mechanism against invaders.

5. Try local cuisine: There are several local dishes you can try in Benin City, such as pounded yam and egusi soup, banga soup with starch or eba, and pepper soup.