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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, located in West Africa. This historic city serves as the political heart of the nation and offers visitors a glimpse into Beninese culture and heritage.

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
04:01:47

Hotels in Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo offers a range of accommodation options for visitors to Benin's capital city. Whether you're looking for comfort or budget-friendly stays, hotels like Hôtel Songhaï, Novella Planète, and Hôtel 6500 CFA provide places to rest during your visit. 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

See all airports →

Car Hire in Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo offers car hire services for visitors and residents needing transportation around the city. Rdv voiture is among the rental options available to help you explore the capital at your own pace. See all car hire →

Rdv voiture
2.7 km from centre

Things to Do in Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo offers visitors a range of cultural and historical attractions to explore. From the Musée du Voudon and Musée Da-Silva to cultural spaces like Espace Ubuntu, there are several sites that showcase the city's rich heritage and traditions. See all things to do →

Kandévié Radio xôkon
1.7 km from centre
Office de Tourisme
2.9 km from centre
Aux enfants du Bénin morts pour la liberté
3.0 km from centre
Panthéon Negro-Africain
3.0 km from centre
Espace Ubuntu
3.0 km from centre
Musée du Voudon
3.0 km from centre

Restaurants in Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo offers a variety of dining establishments serving local and international cuisine. From casual eateries like Maquis main d'or to restaurants such as Le Central and Centre Songhaî, there are options to suit different tastes and preferences throughout the city. See all restaurants →

Centre Songhaî
1.2 km from centre
Le Central
1.6 km from centre
vegan suma
1.8 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 and locals can enjoy drinks and social gatherings. Notable venues include Le Petit Palais and Buvette Chenawa, which provide casual atmospheres for relaxation and conversation. 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 variety of cafes where visitors and locals can enjoy refreshments and casual dining. Popular spots include Café pas de Soucis, Fouta-Djallon, Hosana Fast Food, Palais de Glace, and Cafétéria fouta djallon. 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 retailers like Diiwal Bénin and Clé minute clé code to service providers such as Point Service Avrankou and Bms & fils, the city's commercial landscape caters to diverse shopping needs. 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 experience the natural world through its parks and reserves. From Le Jardin des Plantes et de la Nature to the Réserve naturelle, the city provides spaces to discover the region's flora and fauna. 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 typical of West Africa, with warm temperatures throughout the year. The city has distinct wet and dry seasons, with higher rainfall during the monsoon periods and drier conditions during other months.

Interesting Facts About Porto-Novo — Weird & Wonderful

  • Porto-Novo is the capital of Benin, making it the country's primary political center.
  • The city covers an area of 52 square kilometres (20 square miles).
  • As the second-largest city in Benin, Porto-Novo is a major urban center in West Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions About Porto-Novo

What is the currency used in Porto-Novo?

The currency used in Porto-Novo and throughout Benin is the West African CFA franc (XOF).

What language is spoken in Porto-Novo?

French is the official language of Porto-Novo and Benin, though various local languages are also spoken by residents.

How large is Porto-Novo?

Porto-Novo covers an area of 52 square kilometres (20 square miles) and is the second-largest city in Benin.

What region of Africa is Porto-Novo in?

Porto-Novo is located in West Africa, serving as the capital of the nation of Benin.

Is Porto-Novo the largest city in Benin?

No, Porto-Novo is the second-largest city in Benin, though it is the capital and political center of the country.

Map of Porto-Novo

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