General Info

Abomey is situated 145 km north of Cotonou. Abomey is widely considered the historic capital of Benin. It was the center of the Dahomey kingdom that controlled the area before colonization by the French.The ruins of the royal palaces, one of which has been restored and houses Abomey's history museum, are the city's most popular attractions. Abomey is also one of the centers of traditional religion in Benin; many visitors stumble upon traditional ceremonies and dances in Abomey and later say it was a highlight of their trip. Because of Abomey's convenient location, it can be seen either as a stop on the way north from Cotonou or as a day trip from Cotonou.

What to see (Sightseeing)

Abomey Royal History Museum
If there is one historical site that every visitor to Benin should see, it is Abomey's Royal History Museum. This museum tells the story of the kingdom of Dahomey before the French colonization. Abomey was once one of the most important sites in West Africa-as important as Kano and Benin City in Nigeria and the Dogon Country in Mali. This museum explains how the area evolved from a tribal kingdom to what it is today. It is classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

The entrance fee for foreign visitors is 1.500 CFA per person, and this includes a guided tour in either French or English. The tour takes 1 to 1½ hours, and visitors should allow about 30 minutes after the tour to browse the small bookshop and craft booths in the museum's courtyard. Cameras are not allowed inside the museum.

Dahomey Trail City Tour
There were, in fact, 12 kings and 12 palaces in Abomey; other interesting sites include the city wall, an ancient blacksmiths village, and Voodoo relics and temples.

The most convenient way to see these sites is to take a tour immediately following the museum tour. Simply inquire at the museum to find a guide. This tour, which is highly recommended, takes from 1-2 hours depending on the number of sites you want to visit. The cost is 2.500 CFA per person for the tour, plus 1.000 CFA per person, per hour for the motorcycle-taxi that will take you around town. Because many of the structures visited on this tour are still inhabited by royal descendants and have religious significance, it is advisable to ask your guide which ones you may take pictures of, and you should be prepared to pay for some pictures.

Place Goho
The large park at the entrance to Abomey is "Place Goho." Here, there is a statue of King Béhanzin, who fought to defend Dahomey against the French. This statue at the entrance to Abomey is a tribute to his efforts to protect the kingdom. It is worth a visit even if you don't have time for the full tour. Across the street from the park, the Maison du Peuple is also a pleasant place to have a drink and shop for souvenirs.