The capital of Benin has active markets near 19th-century royal palaces and traditional mud-hut neighborhoods. Over 1 million people live in this Gulf of Guinea port city.
Porto-Novo, the administrative capital of Benin, sits on a coastal lagoon in the southeastern part of the country. Walk through streets lined with Afro-Brazilian buildings, step inside the striking Grande Mosquée with its blue and white exterior, or examine centuries-old Yoruba masks at the Porto-Novo Museum of Ethnography. Visit the former royal residence at King Toffa's Palace, where ceremonial rooms still contain original furnishings, or learn about returning freed slaves at the Da Silva Museum.
Getting Around Porto-Novo
Zemijan motorcycle taxi drivers wear numbered yellow shirts and will take you anywhere in the city. The Bénirail train connects Porto-Novo to other major cities, while minibuses run between Porto-Novo and Cotonou every 30 minutes for 600 CFA. You can reach Lagos, Nigeria by car in approximately two hours.
Museums and Cultural Sites
At the Porto-Novo Museum of Ethnography (1,000 CFA), you'll find two floors of Yoruba masks, traditional musical instruments, and ceremonial objects. King Toffa's Palace, now Musée Honmé (1,000 CFA), includes the king's original throne room, living quarters, and a ceremonial courtyard. The Da Silva Museum tells the story of 19th-century freed slaves returning from Brazil through personal photographs, household items, and architectural drawings.
Religious Architecture
The Grande Mosquée's white walls and blue trim echo Portuguese azulejo tiles, while its minarets follow Islamic design principles. The Roman Catholic cathedral incorporates Gothic elements into its design, and smaller Protestant churches dot the city streets. Red and white flags mark traditional Vodun temples, which remain active throughout the year.
Markets and Daily Life
The central market spans several blocks where vendors sell fresh produce, textiles, and household goods. Head to Adjarra Market, 10 kilometers north of Porto-Novo, every fourth day to find traditional medicines, ceremonial objects, and local crafts. Throughout the city, you'll find artisans' workshops producing metalwork, woodcarvings, and textiles.
Climate and Seasons
Temperatures in Porto-Novo range from 23°C to 32°C year-round. The main wet season lasts from March to July with afternoon thunderstorms. A second rainy period occurs in September and October. November through February bring drier conditions with less rainfall, making it easier to visit the markets and museums.
