Porto-Novo: The Tranquil Capital of Benin

• HelloẸ ku abọ
  [Eh-koo ah-boh]
• GoodbyeO dabo
  [Oh dah-boh]
• YesBẹẹni
  [Beh-nee]
• NoAra
  [Ah-rah]
• Please/You're welcomeẸ pẹ
  [Eh-peh]
• Thank youO ṣe
  [Oh sheh]
• Excuse me/SorryJọwọ
  [Joh-woh]
• How are you?Bawo ni?
  [Bah-woh nee]
• Fine. And you?Dada. Kini?
  [Dah-dah. Kee-nee?]
• Do you speak English?Nje e nso Yoruba?
  [N-jeh eh en-soh Yoroo-bah?]
• I don't understandEmi ko mọ
  [Eh-mee koh moh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMo fe ri ẹya, jọwọ
  [Moh feh ree eh-yah, joh-woh]
• I don't eat meatMo ko je eran
  [Moh koh jeh eh-rah-n]
• Cheers!Kanpai!
  [Kan-pie]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMo fe fi owo mi lo, jọwọ
  [Moh feh fee oh-woh mee loh, joh-woh]

• Help!Ṣọkan!
  [Shoh-kahn]
• Go away!Lọ sọkun!
  [Loh shoh-koon]
• Call the Police!Gbọ number ọlopa!
  [G-boh number oh-loh-pah]
• Call a doctor!Gbọ number dọkita!
  [G-boh number doh-kee-tah]
• I'm lostMo ti lọ
  [Moh tee loh]
• I'm illMo ti nbe
  [Moh tee in-beh]

• I'd like to buy...Mo fe ra...
  [Moh feh rah...]
• I'm just lookingMo nkan nla
  [Moh n-kahn nah]
• How much is it?Ẹ pe ni owo ni?
  [Eh peh nee oh-woh nee]
• That's too expensiveYi ko dara ju
  [Yee koh dah-rah joo]
• Can you lower the price?Ẹ le fi owo yi lọ?
  [Eh leh fee oh-woh yee loh]

• What time is it?Kini oru naa ni?
  [Kee-nee oh-roo nah nee]
• It's one o'clockỌkan
  [Oh-kahn]
• Half past (10)Aadota (10)
  [Ah-ah-doh-tah (10)]
• MorningỌla
  [Oh-lah]
• AfternoonỌsẹ
  [Oh-sheh]
• EveningỌjọ
  [Oh-joh]
• YesterdayNibe
  [Nee-beh]
• TodayNaa
  [Nah]
• TomorrowỌlaa
  [Oh-lah]
• 1Okan
  [Oh-kahn]
• 2Meji
  [Meh-jee]
• 3Mẹta
  [May-tah]
• 4Mẹrin
  [May-reen]
• 5Marun
  [Mah-roon]
• 6Mefa
  [May-fah]
• 7Meje
  [May-jeh]
• 8Mejo
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• 9Mejiọrun
  [Meh-jee-oh-roon]
• 10Mokan
  [Moh-kahn]

• Where's a/the...?Nibo ni...?
  [Nee-boh nee]
• What's the address?Kini adirẹsi?
  [Kee-nee ah-deh-ray-shee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ẹ le fi mi ni (ni iwe imọ)
  [Eh leh fee mee nee (nee ee-weh ee-moh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Nibo ni o wa wa (bus)?
  [Nee-boh nee oh wah wah (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Ọkan eti (si ....)
  [Oh-kahn eh-tee (see)]

Porto-Novo, the capital city of Benin, was founded in the late 16th century by the Aja people. Its name, which means 'New Port' in Portuguese, reflects its early history as a trading post established by Portuguese traders. The city soon developed into a significant center for the transatlantic slave trade.

In the 19th century, Porto-Novo fell under French control. The French established it as the administrative capital of their colony, Dahomey, in 1900. During this period, the city saw the construction of European-style buildings and infrastructure, many of which still stand today.

Porto-Novo is known for its rich cultural heritage, which blends Yoruba, Portuguese, and French influences. The city is home to several important cultural institutions, including the Ethnographic Museum, which houses artifacts related to the region's history and cultures, and the Honmé Museum, which was once the royal palace of the King of Porto-Novo.

Benin gained independence from France in 1960, and Porto-Novo retained its status as the official capital. Despite its historical significance, the city has often been overshadowed by Cotonou, the country's largest city and economic hub. Nevertheless, Porto-Novo remains a vital center for politics and culture in Benin.

The city boasts a unique architectural landscape that includes colonial-era buildings, traditional Yoruba houses, and Afro-Brazilian structures brought back by freed slaves. Notable landmarks include the Great Mosque of Porto-Novo, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and the Brazilian-style palace known as the Palais Royal.

Porto-Novo is vibrant with festivals that celebrate its diverse cultural heritage. The most famous is the annual Vodoun Festival, which honors the traditional Vodoun religion with colorful ceremonies, music, and dance. Other notable events include the Gelede Festival, which showcases Yoruba masquerade performances.

The city is a center for education and scholarship in Benin. It hosts several educational institutions, including the National University of Benin. Porto-Novo's libraries and research centers contribute to the preservation and study of the country's cultural and historical heritage.

Porto-Novo, the capital city of Benin, can be accessed primarily through Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO), which is about 35 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Porto-Novo. The journey typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. Additionally, buses and shared taxis operate between major cities in Benin and Porto-Novo, providing an affordable travel option.

In Porto-Novo, transportation options include taxis, motorbike taxis (known as 'zemidjans'), and local buses. Taxis are a convenient but more expensive option, while zemidjans are cheaper and faster for short distances. Public buses are available for longer routes within the city and to neighboring areas. Renting a car is another option for those who prefer more control over their travel schedule.

The official currency in Benin is the West African CFA Franc (XOF). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is generally preferred, especially in smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Porto-Novo, but it is advisable to carry some cash, particularly for smaller purchases and in less developed areas.

Porto-Novo is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas. Some neighborhoods can have higher crime rates, particularly for crimes targeting tourists, so it is best to stay in well-lit and populated areas. Consult local advice for the latest safety information.

In case of an emergency, dial 117 for police assistance or 118 for fire services. For medical emergencies, dial 112. Porto-Novo has several hospitals and clinics where you can seek medical attention. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites and local communities. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, including removing your shoes before entering certain places of worship. Public Transport: Do be courteous and respectful to fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly nod. It is polite to greet elders first. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept hospitality graciously. Don't refuse food or drink offered to you, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Porto-Novo like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional crafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share their culture and history. Don't miss out on visiting the Royal Palace and the Ethnographic Museum, which offer deep insights into the city's heritage. For a unique experience, take a boat ride on the Oueme River, offering scenic views and a chance to see local wildlife.