Things to Do in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Abidjan, the economic capital of Ivory Coast, is a vibrant metropolis that serves as West Africa's financial hub while maintaining its rich cultural identity. Known as the 'Paris of West Africa,' this cosmopolitan city spans multiple districts connected by bridges across the Ébrié Lagoon, creating a unique urban landscape where modern skyscrapers coexist with traditional markets and neighborhoods. The city's French colonial heritage blends seamlessly with Ivorian traditions, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and daily life. As the country's largest city and commercial center, Abidjan offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into contemporary West African urban life. From the bustling business district of Plateau with its impressive skyline to the artistic quarter of Treichville with its vibrant nightlife and music scene, each district has its own distinct character. The city is renowned for its thriving arts scene, delicious cuisine that fuses French and local flavors, and as the birthplace of several popular African music genres including coupé-décalé.

Top Things to Do in Abidjan

Explore Treichville Market and Cultural District

Immerse yourself in the heart of Abidjan's cultural scene at Treichville, known for its bustling markets, traditional crafts, and vibrant street life. This district offers an authentic taste of Ivorian culture with colorful fabric shops, local artisans, and some of the city's best traditional restaurants. The area comes alive in the evenings with live music venues and bars showcasing local talent.

Booking Tip: Visit during morning hours (8-11 AM) for the best market experience when vendors are most active. No advance booking needed for market visits, but consider hiring a local guide for 15,000-25,000 CFA francs for cultural insights and navigation help.

Plateau Business District and St. Paul's Cathedral

Discover modern Abidjan in the Plateau district, home to impressive skyscrapers, government buildings, and the striking St. Paul's Cathedral with its unique contemporary architecture. This area showcases the city's role as West Africa's economic powerhouse while offering panoramic views of the lagoon. The district also features several museums and cultural centers worth exploring.

Booking Tip: Best visited on weekdays when the business district is most active. Cathedral visits are free, but dress modestly. Walking tours of the area cost around 20,000-30,000 CFA francs and should be booked through reputable local tour operators.

Banco National Park Nature Experience

Escape the urban hustle at Banco National Park, a pristine rainforest reserve within the city limits featuring diverse wildlife, hiking trails, and traditional villages. The park offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, nature photography, and learning about local flora and fauna. Guided walks reveal medicinal plants and traditional forest uses by local communities.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is approximately 2,000 CFA francs per person. Hire official park guides for 10,000-15,000 CFA francs for the best wildlife spotting opportunities. Visit early morning or late afternoon for optimal animal sightings and cooler temperatures.

Ivorian Cuisine and Food Market Tour

Embark on a culinary journey through Abidjan's diverse food scene, sampling traditional dishes like attiéké, alloco, and kedjenou at local markets and restaurants. Experience the fusion of French colonial influences with traditional West African flavors while learning about local ingredients and cooking techniques. Visit spice markets and observe traditional food preparation methods.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost 25,000-40,000 CFA francs per person and include multiple tastings. Book with operators who emphasize food safety and hygiene. Best experienced during lunch hours when local restaurants are most active with fresh preparations.

Lagoon Boat Tour and Sunset Experience

Cruise the Ébrié Lagoon to see Abidjan from a unique water perspective, passing through different districts and observing daily life along the waterfront. These tours offer spectacular sunset views over the city skyline and provide insight into the lagoon's importance to local communities. Some tours include stops at fishing villages and traditional stilt houses.

Booking Tip: Sunset tours cost 20,000-35,000 CFA francs per person and typically last 2-3 hours. Book through established operators with safety certifications. Bring sunscreen and a light jacket for evening breezes, and confirm departure times as they vary with sunset hours.

Getting There

Abidjan is served by Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ), located about 16 kilometers southeast of the city center. The airport receives direct flights from major African cities, Paris, Brussels, and other European destinations. Air France, Brussels Airlines, and several African carriers provide regular service. From the airport, taxis cost approximately 8,000-12,000 CFA francs to reach central districts, while airport shuttles and ride-sharing services are also available. Overland travel from neighboring countries is possible via well-maintained highways, with regular bus services connecting Abidjan to Accra, Bamako, and other regional capitals.

Getting Around

Abidjan's public transportation system includes orange buses (SOTRA) connecting major districts for around 200-300 CFA francs per ride, though they can be crowded during peak hours. Shared taxis (woro-woro) and private taxis are widely available, with short rides costing 1,000-3,000 CFA francs. For more comfort, use ride-hailing apps like Yango or book private cars through hotels. The city's bridge system connects different communes, and while traffic can be heavy, most attractions are accessible within 30-45 minutes. Walking is pleasant in areas like Plateau and Zone 4, but less advisable in some neighborhoods after dark.

Where to Stay

Plateau (business district with upscale hotels)

Cocody (upmarket residential area with boutique accommodations)

Zone 4 (modern district with international hotel chains)

Marcory (emerging area with mid-range options)

Two Plateaux (affluent suburb with luxury resorts)

Riviera (diplomatic quarter with quality guesthouses)

Food & Dining

Abidjan's dining scene reflects its cosmopolitan character, offering everything from street food to fine French cuisine. Local specialties include attiéké (cassava couscous) served with grilled fish, alloco (fried plantains), and kedjenou (slow-cooked chicken stew). The Treichville and Adjamé markets provide authentic local dining experiences, while Plateau and Cocody feature upscale restaurants serving French and international cuisine. Popular local dishes cost 2,000-5,000 CFA francs at local restaurants, while international dining ranges from 8,000-25,000 CFA francs. Don't miss trying bangui (palm wine) and bissap (hibiscus juice) as traditional beverages, and always choose busy restaurants with high turnover for the freshest food.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Abidjan is during the dry season from December to March, when humidity is lower and rainfall minimal, making outdoor activities and sightseeing more comfortable. Temperatures remain consistently warm year-round (24-32°C), but the dry season offers more sunshine and fewer disruptions from rain. The rainy season (April-November) brings heavy afternoon downpours and higher humidity, though mornings are often clear and the landscape is lush and green. Harmattan winds from December to February can create dusty conditions but provide relief from humidity. Business travelers should note that the city is most active from September to June, avoiding the August vacation period when many businesses close.

Insider Tips

Learn basic French phrases as it's the primary language, though many locals speak local languages like Baoulé and Dioula

Always negotiate taxi fares before starting your journey, and carry small denominations of CFA francs for easier transactions

Dress conservatively when visiting religious sites and government buildings, and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics in crowded areas

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Things to Do in Abidjan