Things to Do at Royal Palaces of Abomey (nearby)

Complete Guide to Royal Palaces of Abomey (nearby) in Portonovo

About Royal Palaces of Abomey (nearby)

The Royal Palaces of Abomey spread across 40 hectares in Benin's former capital, where 12 successive kings of Dahomey ruled an empire that grew wealthy from the slave trade. Built between 1645 and 1906, these earthen palaces contain throne rooms, temples, and tombs decorated with bas-relief sculptures that chronicle royal achievements and conquests. The museum displays royal regalia including the famous thrones mounted on human skulls, a brutal reminder of Dahomey's military prowess and its victims' fate. Entry costs CFA 2,000 (about $3.20) and includes access to all palace compounds, though the audio guide for an extra CFA 3,000 provides essential context for understanding the complex political history. Plan a full day for proper exploration - the palaces are 100 kilometers from Porto Novo and the site rewards careful study of its troubling but fascinating historical narratives.

What to See & Do

Palace of King Ghezo

The best-preserved palace with impressive throne rooms and royal artifacts, including the famous lion throne

Historical Museum

Houses collections of royal regalia, weapons, and ceremonial objects that give you a real sense of the kingdom's power

Bas-relief Wall Decorations

Intricate carved and painted walls depicting battle scenes, royal ceremonies, and symbolic animals - surprisingly well-preserved

Royal Tombs

Sacred burial sites of the Dahomey kings, offering insight into traditional burial practices and ancestor worship

Craft Workshops

Local artisans demonstrate traditional techniques for creating the bronze work and textiles the region is known for

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM, though it's worth noting that opening times can be flexible

Tickets & Pricing

Around 2,000-3,000 CFA francs for adults, with additional fees for photography (usually 1,000 CFA)

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat; dry season (November-March) tends to be more comfortable

Suggested Duration

Plan for 2-3 hours to see both main palaces and the museum properly

Getting There

Bush taxis run from Porto-Novo to Abomey in roughly two hours, though the road turns bumpy during rainy season. Decent enough normally. Most travelers skip this route entirely-they visit Abomey as a day trip from Cotonou instead, where transport options are better. Your Porto-Novo hotel can arrange private transport. Expensive though. The budget move is taking public transport to Bohicon first, then catching a local taxi to Abomey-more adventurous but completely doable.

Tips & Advice

Bring cash in CFA francs - card payments aren't really an option here

A local guide is genuinely helpful for understanding the historical context and symbolism

Photography inside the museums often requires an additional fee, so ask before snapping away

The heat can be intense, so bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip