Things to Do in Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo sits quietly along Benin's coast as the country's official capital, though it tends to live in the shadow of the larger, more commercial Cotonou. This actually works in its favor - you'll find a city that feels genuinely West African rather than overly polished for tourists. The old colonial architecture mingles with traditional Yoruba influences, creating neighborhoods where Brazilian-style buildings share streets with fetish markets and the occasional sacred forest. The lagoon setting gives the whole place a languid, almost timeless quality that grows on you the longer you stay.

The food scene revolves around local specialties rather than international cuisine, which actually makes meals more interesting. You'll find excellent grilled fish along the lagoon, and the local version of pâte (a corn-based staple) served with various sauces is genuinely good. Street food is generally safe if you stick to busy stalls with high turnover - try the akassa (fermented corn cakes) or some grilled plantains. A few small restaurants serve decent French-influenced dishes, reflecting the colonial history, and palm wine is worth trying if you're curious about traditional drinks.

The dry season from November to March offers the most comfortable weather, with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. December through February tends to be particularly pleasant, though this is also when the harmattan winds can create hazy conditions. The wet season from April to October brings heavy rains and higher humidity, but also lush green landscapes and fewer tourists. If you don't mind occasional downpours, the shoulder months of April and October can actually be quite nice, with fewer crowds and still-reasonable temperatures.