Hostels in PORTO NOVO, BENIN REPUBLIC

City Porto Novain Benin Republic – Offering a Bouquet of Tourist Attractions

City Porto Nova in Benin Republic is the capital city of the Republic and is also known as Hogbonou as well as Adjace. Covering an area of around 110 square kilometres, the city accommodates over 250,000 people. A port on the inlet of the Gulf of Guinea, it is located in the south eastern part of Benin. However, the city has been steadily losing in terms of importance to Cotonou, the economic capital of the country. Palm oil, petroleum, kapok, and cotton are the major products found in the city.

Accommodation
While expensive hotels like Dona and Beaurivage with big menus and prices are available, there are also budget hotels like Malibu, La Détente, and Catholic Mission are also there. Expensive guest houses are also available. Typical youth hostels are not there. While apartments are available for hire there is no typical bed and breakfast joint in the city.

History
In the past Porto Novo was the tributary of Yoruba Kingdom of Oyo and sizable Yoruba community still occupies the city. The name is Portuguese which means “new port” and it was previously a slave trade centre. Consequent upon British bombardment of the city it went over to French protection and became a colony of France in 1883. Finally it became the capital of Dahomey in 1900. Till 1976 it was ruled by Kings and then adopted representative democracy.

Popular Places and Monuments
Porto Novo Museum of Ethnography with large collection of Yoruba masks, King Toffa’s palace converted into a museum, Jardin Place, a large plaza with statute of first king of Porto Novo, DA Silva Museum, and Governor’s palace that is the home of national legislature are some of the popular sites. Brazilian style church converted into a Mosque and Institute of Higher Studies are other places of interest.

Getting Around
No direct arrival at Porto Novo is possible. Guide books on Benin will ask the visitors to arrive by plane at Cotonou and proceed to Porto Novo by Taxi. Conversely one can use minibuses to reach in the city. One can avail boat services to move to nearby villages and lagoons. Though traffic is not heavy, the Zemidjan or motorcycle taxi is the best transportation available. Minibuses can be used to reach in the city. Taxis are also available from Porto Novo to Abomey and Lagos in Nigeria. One can avail boat services to move to nearby villages and lagoons. Though traffic is not heavy, the Zemidjan or motorcycle taxi is the best transportation available.

Places of Entertainment
Apart from museums, the Statde Municpale and Stade Charles de Gaulle are largest football stadiums in the city. Nearest attractions are living history town of Ouidah and Pendjari National Park that houses many rare African animal species. One of the greatest entertainments in Porto Novo is Adjogan music that is the local heritage. Lively markets around like Adjara market have much attraction for shoppers. Centre Songhai is eco-friendly project and self sustaining learning community. Mid-January celebration of food festival with music and dancing offers a great experience. Beautiful swimming pool at Ouando and parks with outdoor patio/restaurants near National Assembly are other attractions.

Currency
Operative currency of Cotonou City is CFA Franc with the code name of XOF and it is available in various denominations. Banknotes are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 5000. For latest currency exchange rates one may view the financial news in economic reporters or Internet.

Porto Nova group accommodation | Cheap hostels & budget hotels