Porto Novo

Benin's capital, Porto Novo, is the former French capital of Dahomey. If you've already been to Cotonou, you'll probably find it difficult to comprehend why Porto Novo is the official capital; the population is just approximately 250,000, and the pace is much slower than in Cotonou.

The Portuguese left an indelible mark on this region, which may still be seen today. The city's attractions include the Royal Palace and Gardens, as well as the Porto Novo Kings Museum.

If you've been to Cotonou first, you'll probably be quite surprised that Porto Novo is the official capital city of Benin. The population here is only about 250,000 people and the growth rate is much lower than that of Cotonou. The Portuguese influence in this area is still hard to discern with the Royal Palace and gardens, as well as the museum of kings.

• Location: Porto Novo, Ouémé, Benin
• Timing: Open all day
• Famous for: Benin's Porto-Novo Cathedral It was presumably founded in the late 16th century and is located on a coastal lagoon in the country's far southeast
• Entry Fee: Free
• Best Time To Visit: September-October