Location: Porto-Novo
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What to do and see in Porto-Novo, Benin: The Best Places and Tips
Porto-Novo (French pronunciation: [pɔʁtɔnɔvo]; also known as Hogbonu and Ajashe) is the capital of Benin, and was the capital of French Dahomey. The commune covers an area of 110 square kilometres (42 sq mi) and as of 2002 had a population of 223,552 people.
1. Ethnographique Museum of Porto Novo
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 18 reviews
Established in the 1960s and Porto Novo’s first museum, this charming museum contains a good collection of historical artifacts.
Reviewed By Becky0222
The most interesting part was looking at the map with the different ethnic/tribal groups and having some Q & A with the guide. For the rest of the museum, we would have preferred to walk around ourselves, see the exhibits and read the signs. What the museum guide was saying seems to differ from the signs.
2. Musee Honme (Palais Royal)
Overall Ratings
4 based on 13 reviews
Not far from the da Silva museum is this former home of King Toffa, whose personal effects are on display, including photographs and his royal carriage.
Reviewed By Becky0222
This is different from the Royal Palace in Abomey. Much more recent. Worth a visit to learn more about the local history.
3. da Silva Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 11 reviews
Benin’s turbulent history is on display here, from its prosperous 17th century beginnings as the African Dahomey kingdom and 19th century invasion by the French to its 1960 independent Marxist regime and present-day democracy.
Reviewed By geoffandre - Bunia
Perhaps the best part are the murals outside the museum depicting slavery. The museum was set up by a returning wealthy Beninois, built around his house. There is a large meeting hall celebrating the life of Martin Luther King with photos, and transcripts of speeches. Inside the museum, lots of photos but not in any obvious order or of obvious significance. A collection of old cameras, old audio/hi fi equipment with no obvious link or signficance, a few motor cycles from 1960s to present day, a couple of 1950s Citreon and a 1980s Rolls-Royce. Why? No idea.
4. Jardin Place Jean Bayol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Graced by landscaped Gardens and a statue of the first king, this square is the capital city’s entryway.
Reviewed By Arno D - Köln
lohnt nicht durchgeschwitze Hemden, um dorthin zu kommen. Alter Baumbestand, jedoch feht jedliche gätnerische Pflege; Schade eigentlivh für diese zumindest formelle Hauptstadt des Landes!
5. Cathedrale Notre Dame de l'Immaculee Conception
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By VuAfrik - Togo
"Travel With VuAfrik at Benin"
The Cathedral Notre Dame de Miséricode, commonly known as Cotonou Cathedral is a Roman catholic Cathedral, located near the Ancien pont bridge in Cotonou. It's noted for its distinct burgundy and white tiled architecture. Its tower stands towards the rear end left side of the main building. On 14 September 1955, It was promoted as the Metropolitan archidiocese of Cotonou.
6. Great Mosque of Porto-Novo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By genebean - Portland, oregon
The mosque is still there but in disrepair. It has been replace by a new one, next to it. Still ther but it looks sad.
7. Jardin des Plantes et de la Nature
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Freredelabaie - Paris, France
Jardin de petite taille mal entretenu, sans vrai intérêt.
Seul point positif: le café de l'autre coté de la rue dans le parc (accessible gratuitement) qui permet de boire un verre entouré de verdure.
8. LE MAGNUM
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