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Porto-Novo, the capital of Benin
Flag of Benin Capital of Benin

Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo is the capital and second-largest city of Benin, situated in West Africa. This vibrant city serves as the political heart of the nation and offers visitors a glimpse into authentic Beninese culture and history.

Photo: GBETONGNINOUGBO JOSEPH HERVE AHISSOU (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
265,500 (city)
Currency
West African CFA franc (XOF)
Language
French
Timezone
WAT (UTC+1)
Local time now
22:20:11

Hotels in Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo offers several hotel options for visitors, including establishments such as SODAS, Novella Planète, Hôtel Songhaï, and Hôtel 6500 CFA. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, you'll find accommodation to suit your needs in Benin's capital city. See all hotels →

SODAS
997 m from centre
Novella Planète
1.1 km from centre
NOVELLA PLANETE HOTEL
1.1 km from centre

Airports in Porto-Novo

We're still gathering airports listings for Porto-Novo — check back soon.

Car Hire in Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo offers car hire services for visitors and residents looking to explore the city and surrounding regions. Local rental options like Rdv voiture provide convenient vehicle rental solutions for your transportation needs. See all car hire →

Rdv voiture
2.7 km from centre

Things to Do in Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo offers visitors a variety of cultural and historical attractions to explore. From the Musée du Voudon and Musée Da-Silva to cultural spaces like Espace Ubuntu, there are numerous places to discover the rich heritage and traditions of Benin's capital. See all things to do →

Kandévié Radio xôkon
1.7 km from centre
Aux enfants du Bénin morts pour la liberté
3.0 km from centre
Espace Ubuntu
3.0 km from centre
Musée du Voudon
3.0 km from centre
Musée Da-Silva
3.2 km from centre
Temple des Zangbétô
3.2 km from centre

Restaurants in Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo offers a variety of dining experiences, from casual maquis to established restaurants. Whether you're looking for local cuisine or international flavors, you'll find options like Centre Songhaî, Le Central, Maquis main d'or, Divine, and Shawarma république throughout the city. See all restaurants →

Centre Songhaî
1.2 km from centre
Le Central
1.6 km from centre
Maquis main d'or
2.0 km from centre

Swimming Pools in Porto-Novo

We're still gathering swimming pools listings for Porto-Novo — check back soon.

Spas in Porto-Novo

We're still gathering spas listings for Porto-Novo — check back soon.

Nightlife in Porto-Novo

We're still gathering nightlife listings for Porto-Novo — check back soon.

Bars in Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo offers a selection of bars where visitors can enjoy drinks and local hospitality. Establishments like Le Petit Palais and Buvette Chenawa provide options for experiencing the city's social scene. See all bars →

Le Petit Palais
1.9 km from centre
Buvette Chenawa
2.0 km from centre

Cafes in Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo offers a selection of cafes where visitors can enjoy refreshments and local atmosphere. Popular options include Café pas de Soucis, Fouta-Djallon, Hosana Fast Food, Palais de Glace, and Cafétéria fouta djallon, providing various settings for dining and socializing throughout the city. See all cafes →

Café pas de Soucis
1.6 km from centre
Fouta-Djallon
2.3 km from centre
Hosana Fast Food
2.3 km from centre

Shopping in Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo offers a variety of local shopping options for residents and visitors. From specialist services like Clé minute clé code and Point Service Avrankou to established retailers such as Diiwal Bénin, Tafe Rodrigue business, and Bms & fils, the city provides access to everyday goods and services. See all shopping →

Diiwal Bénin
668 m from centre
Clé minute clé code
1.7 km from centre
Tafe Rodrigue business
1.9 km from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo offers visitors opportunities to connect with nature through its gardens and natural reserves. Le Jardin des Plantes et de la Nature provides a space to experience local flora, while the Réserve naturelle showcases the region's wildlife in a protected setting. See all nature & wildlife →

Place de Tofá
2.9 km from centre
Le Jardin des Plantes et de la Nature
3.0 km from centre
Le Jardin des Plantes et de la Nature
3.1 km from centre
Place de l'Unité
3.5 km from centre
Réserve naturelle
7.1 km from centre
Réserve naturelle
7.2 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Porto-Novo experiences a tropical climate with warm, humid conditions year-round. The city has distinct wet and dry seasons, with heavier rainfall during certain months and drier periods throughout the year.

Interesting Facts About Porto-Novo — Weird & Wonderful

  • Porto-Novo is the capital of Benin and also the country's second-largest city.
  • The commune covers an area of 52 square kilometres (20 square miles).
  • As of 2002, Porto-Novo had a population of 223,552 people.

Frequently Asked Questions About Porto-Novo

What currency is used in Porto-Novo?

Porto-Novo is in Benin, which uses the West African CFA franc (XOF) as its official currency.

What language is spoken in Porto-Novo?

French is the official language of Benin and Porto-Novo. Many local languages are also spoken throughout the region.

Is Porto-Novo the largest city in Benin?

No, Porto-Novo is the capital but the second-largest city in Benin by population.

What is the timezone in Porto-Novo?

Porto-Novo operates on Africa/Porto-Novo timezone, which is GMT+1 year-round with no daylight saving time.

How large is Porto-Novo?

The commune of Porto-Novo covers an area of 52 square kilometres (20 square miles).

Map of Porto-Novo

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