Things to Do in Abidjan, Ivorycoast

Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire, is a vibrant West African metropolis that seamlessly blends French colonial heritage with traditional Ivorian culture. Known as the 'Paris of West Africa,' this cosmopolitan city sits on the shores of the Ébrié Lagoon and serves as the country's commercial hub, featuring modern skyscrapers, bustling markets, and a thriving arts scene. The city is divided into several districts connected by bridges, with Plateau serving as the business center and Cocody housing upscale residential areas and universities. Abidjan offers visitors a unique glimpse into contemporary West African urban life, from its world-class museums and art galleries to its legendary nightlife and music scene that gave birth to the popular Coupé-Décalé dance style. The city's lagoon setting provides beautiful waterfront views and opportunities for boat excursions, while its markets overflow with colorful textiles, traditional crafts, and the aromatic spices that define Ivorian cuisine. Despite being a major urban center, Abidjan maintains strong connections to its cultural roots through traditional festivals, local markets, and the warm hospitality of its residents.

Top Things to Do in Abidjan

Explore Traditional Markets

Visit the sprawling Treichville Market or the famous Adjamé Market to experience the heart of Abidjan's commercial life. These vibrant markets offer everything from colorful wax-print fabrics and traditional masks to fresh produce, spices, and handcrafted jewelry, providing an authentic taste of Ivorian culture and daily life.

Booking Tip: Markets are best visited in the morning (8-11 AM) when they're most active and temperatures are cooler. Bring small bills for bargaining and consider hiring a local guide for 10,000-15,000 CFA francs to help navigate and translate.

Lagoon Boat Tour

Take a scenic boat cruise on the Ébrié Lagoon to see Abidjan from the water and visit traditional fishing villages along the shores. These tours offer stunning views of the city skyline, opportunities to observe local fishing techniques, and visits to stilt villages that showcase traditional lagoon life.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost around 25,000-40,000 CFA francs per person. Book through hotel concierges or reputable tour operators, and choose tours that include village visits for a more comprehensive experience. Best enjoyed in the late afternoon for optimal lighting.

Contemporary Art and Museums

Discover Abidjan's thriving art scene at institutions like the National Museum or contemporary galleries in the Plateau district. The city is renowned for its vibrant contemporary art movement, featuring works by local and international African artists that reflect both traditional themes and modern urban experiences.

Booking Tip: Museum entry fees range from 1,000-3,000 CFA francs. Visit on weekdays for smaller crowds, and check for special exhibitions. Many galleries offer free admission, and the Plateau district can be explored on foot in half a day.

Banco National Park

Escape the urban hustle at this nearby rainforest reserve that offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and a glimpse of Côte d'Ivoire's natural heritage. The park features primary rainforest with over 200 bird species, monkeys, and diverse plant life, plus traditional villages where you can learn about forest conservation efforts.

Booking Tip: Entry costs about 2,000 CFA francs plus guide fees of 10,000-15,000 CFA francs. Visit early morning for best wildlife spotting. Arrange transportation through your hotel as public transport is limited. Bring insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes.

Nightlife and Music Scene

Experience Abidjan's legendary nightlife in areas like Zone 4 or Cocody, where you can dance to Coupé-Décalé, Afrobeat, and other West African rhythms. The city's clubs and live music venues showcase both established and emerging artists, making it one of West Africa's premier nightlife destinations.

Booking Tip: Clubs typically charge 5,000-15,000 CFA francs entry on weekends. Start late (after 11 PM) as venues don't get busy until midnight. Choose well-established venues in safe areas and arrange transportation in advance. Dress stylishly as appearance matters at upscale venues.

Getting There

Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ) serves as the main gateway to Abidjan, located about 16 kilometers southeast of the city center. The airport receives direct flights from major African cities, Paris, Brussels, and other European destinations. From the airport, official taxis cost around 15,000-20,000 CFA francs to the city center, while airport shuttles and ride-sharing services offer more economical options. Overland travel is possible from neighboring countries via well-maintained highways, with regular bus services connecting Abidjan to cities across West Africa.

Getting Around

Abidjan's transportation system includes orange taxis (negotiate fares in advance, typically 2,000-5,000 CFA francs for short trips), shared taxis called 'woro-woro' (500-1,000 CFA francs), and large shared buses called 'gbaka' for longer distances. The city has an extensive network of bridges connecting its various districts, and boat taxis ('pinasses') operate across the lagoon. For comfort and safety, many visitors prefer hotel-arranged transportation or reputable taxi companies, especially for evening activities. Walking is pleasant in areas like Plateau during daytime, but distances between districts make some form of transport necessary.

Where to Stay

Plateau (Business District)

Cocody (Upscale Residential)

Zone 4 (Entertainment Hub)

Marcory (Lagoon Views)

Deux Plateaux (Shopping & Dining)

Riviera (Modern Development)

Food & Dining

Abidjan's dining scene reflects its cosmopolitan nature, offering everything from traditional Ivorian cuisine to French, Lebanese, and international fare. Local specialties include attiéké (cassava couscous) with grilled fish, kedjenou (slow-cooked chicken stew), and alloco (fried plantains). Street food is excellent and affordable, particularly around Treichville and Adjamé markets, while upscale restaurants in Plateau and Cocody serve refined versions of local dishes alongside international cuisine. The city's large Lebanese population has contributed exceptional Middle Eastern restaurants, and French bistros reflect the colonial heritage. Fresh seafood from the lagoon and Atlantic coast features prominently on most menus.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Abidjan is during the dry season from December to March, when rainfall is minimal and humidity levels are more comfortable for sightseeing. Temperatures remain fairly consistent year-round (24-30°C), but the dry season offers more sunshine and fewer disruptions to outdoor activities. The rainy season (April-November) brings heavy afternoon showers and higher humidity, though mornings are often clear and the landscape is lush and green. Harmattan winds from December to February can bring dust from the Sahara but also provide relief from humidity. Cultural events and festivals are more frequent during the dry season, making it ideal for experiencing local traditions.

Insider Tips

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

Always negotiate taxi fares before getting in, and consider using hotel-recommended drivers for safety and fair pricing

Dress modestly when visiting traditional areas and remove shoes when entering mosques; business casual attire is appropriate for upscale restaurants and clubs

Things to Do in Abidjan