Porto-Novo, Capital city in Ouémé Department, Benin.
Porto-Novo is the capital of Benin in Ouémé Department in the southeast and sits along a coastal lagoon. The city spreads across a wide area with government offices, residential neighborhoods, and open-air markets that shape daily life.
Portuguese traders founded the port in the 1730s and developed it into an important trading post on the West African coast. The city later became part of the Kingdom of Dahomey and came under French influence in the 19th century.
The name Porto-Novo comes from Portuguese and means „New Port
Shared taxis and motorcycle taxis connect different parts of the city and run to neighboring towns along the coast. Most public buildings and markets open during the day, while city life slows down after dark.
Musicians perform Adjogan music with the traditional alounloun instrument at Catholic services and royal ceremonies. This musical tradition connects religious and secular occasions for several centuries.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
