3 Days Itinerary in Porto-Novo, Benin - Travel Guide
Three Prismatic Days in Porto-Novo, Benin
| Days | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Day 1 - The Melodious Song of Heritage |
| 2 | Day 2 - The Palette of Nature's Splendor |
| 3 | Day 3 - The Dance of Unique Architecture |
Introduction
Embrace the exotic allure of Porto-Novo, Benin in this delightful 3-day kaleidoscope of culture, cuisine, and cathedrals. This itinerary tours the colorful spirit of West Africa, showcasing Porto-Novo's songs of rich history, vibrant markets and unique architecture; are you ready to immerse yourself in this city of unsurpassed beauty?
Day 1 - The Melodious Song of Heritage
Good morning, adventuring souls! Our first day begins with a leisurely breakfast in downtown Porto-Novo. We then make our way to the Ethnographic Museum, housed in a former palace of King Toffa. Isn't it intriguing how relics, pieces of cloth, tools and musical instruments tell tales of a bygone era? This is more than a museum; it's a symphony of Beninese history. Remember to wear comfy shoes, as we're off to the intriguing Ajara Market next. It really is a whopping feast for the senses! Greedily hoard the views of colorful fabrics, taste the thrill of haggling and lose yourself to the symphony-chorus of trader calls. We conclude our day at the Grande Mosquée de Porto-Novo - A Catholic church turned mosque, how fascinating! Here stands a metaphor of architectural amalgamation, don't you think? The end of the day invites rest and relaxation at our hotel, serenaded by the tropical dusk.
Day 2 - The Palette of Nature's Splendor
Rise and shine! on our second day, we'll greet the dawn sun at Lake Nokoue, where the water gently murmurs stories of forgotten pirates. Ever tried bird-watching in a motor-pirogue? Here's your chance. We then journey into the Jardin Place Jean Bayol; does it not feel like an artist has taken a brush to a green canvas? A mid-afternoon visit to the Da Silva Museum is next on our agenda, an unexpected fusion of Afro-Brazilian heritage and art. Notice the influences dancing in each artifact? Finally, we'll cap our day off by dining at a traditional restaurant. Beninese cuisine is like a potluck of flavours, would you not agree?
Day 3 - The Dance of Unique Architecture
Make the most of your final day! We'll tap-dance our way to the grand Palais Royal, engulfed by earthy African architecture; isn't it like staring at a mirage from an ancient tale? Then, we'll blend into the buzz of the Dantokpa Market. It's as if the entire city has come for a conversation, have you noticed? Finally, we unwind under wild mango trees along the serene Lagune de Porto-Novo. Come twilight, we'll raise a toast to our journey with local palm wine. Can you taste the melody of our adventure in its sweet notes?
Michael Wright
FAQs about this
3 day itinerary in
Porto-Novo
The ideal time to visit Porto-Novo is from late November to February when the weather is at its most comfortable, balmy and perfect for exploring.
Yes, Porto-Novo is generally safe, but, like everywhere, it's always best to stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Also, respect the local customs and traditions.
The official currency of Benin is the West African CFA franc. It's better to carry small denominations for local market purchases.