See All Photos
Search destination (e.g. Tokyo)

Abidjan

Africa

/

Côte d'Ivoire

/

Abidjan

The landmarks in Abidjan are magnificent! While walking around, you can see the combination of modern and contemporary styles. As an urban city, Abidjan looks outstanding with its skyscrapers. Some modern landmarks, including La Pyramid, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and cultural relics, also make this city look eye-catching and trigger your curiosity to explore Abidjan deeper.

Travel Tips for Abidjan

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Abidjan

A guide to Abidjan's local transportation

Trains
Bus
Taxi

The train in Abidjan will connect you to Ferkessedougou. This transportation model offers a one-way ticket, so passengers get a seat to go or return home to Abidjan. It is a perfect transportation model to go far from Abidjan. The train operates daily, yet you must check the arrival and boarding schedule first. It ensures that you take the right train.

Practical Tips for Abidjan

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What is the Weather Like in Abidjan?

Abidjan has four seasons: big rainy, big dry, small rainy, and minor dry season. In the dry season, the temperature in Abidjan is between 28 and 37 degrees Celsius. The big dry season means the weather is hotter than the minor dry season. In the rainy season, the temperature is about 30 degrees Celsius, and the atmosphere is highly humid. The rainfall in the big rainy season is higher than in the minor rainy season. For example, the big rainy season in Abidjan runs from April to July, with rain followed by thunderstorms. The big dry season, with a windy atmosphere, is between December and March.

What are the Best Attractions in Abidjan?

Domaine Bini Visiting Domaine Binie is recommended since you will feel comfortable there. The leaves from the trees will protect you from the hot sunlight. Yes! Domaine Binie is a plantation with various vegetation, including cocoa plants, papayas, and rubber trees. It is also an excellent opportunity to taste a cup of palm wine or coconut milk. Banco National Park You can also experience this when visiting Banco National Park. Be ready to explore the forest and river in this area. The park's conditions will protect you from the hot weather in Abidjan during the dry season. The exciting part of this National Park is the holy water from the river. Prepare your stamina since you are about to explore a 3.474-hectare park. Grand Bassam Imagine visiting an abandoned city because of a specific fever epidemic. You will feel this sensation when exploring Grand Bassam. There are also some abandoned colonialist houses in this area. Interestingly, UNESCO picked Grand Bassam as one of the heritage sites. Nowadays, the condition of this area is different since resorts and restaurants are available around the area. You can even visit a market that offers artwork made by local artists.

What are the Must-Try Foods in Abidjan?

Attieke You may be curious about the taste of cassava. If so, try Attieke, one of Abidjan’s traditional dishes. Don’t get shocked by the portion once it is served before you. You will get so many things on the plate. Local people use cassava as the main carbohydrate. The cassava is tastier because of the addition of braised fish, meat, fried bananas, prawns, and many more. Indeed, the texture of this dish is unique due to its various elements. Make Sauce The Mafe Sauce is also famous among people in Abidjan. They love to eat this menu with warm rice. The tasty flavour of Mafe Sauce comes from the peanut butter. This peanut butter is mixed with tomatoes, onions, garlic, cabbage, and assorted vegetables. The original recipe also uses chicken, lamb, or beef. The additional ingredients vary, such as corn, okra, carrots, black pepper, and many more. Kedjenou You must also try Kedjenou while in Abidjan. This dish is made of simmered chicken and vegetables. You may see a liquid texture on the plate, but not because of water or oil. The slow cooking method triggers the chicken and vegetables to release their natural juices and fats. That’s why the taste of this dish is so tasty, even without adding water or oil during the cooking process. Local people often serve Kedjenou with rice or Attieke.

Where Should I Stay in Abidjan?

You should first go to specific areas, such as Boulevard de la Republique Plateau or Boulevard de Gaulle if you want to explore Abidjan. These areas serve some comfortable hotel rooms to pick from before continuing your trip around Abidjan. At least, you can put your luggage and rest for a while before going to the next destination. Indeed, the rooms in these areas are comfortable enough to sleep at night after exploring Abidjan all day long.

What Should I Know Before Visiting Abidjan?

Prepare enough money in the local currency to buy something easily, especially in the local markets. Learning some primary local languages is also preferred. It will be helpful when you encounter local people in traditional markets or street food stalls. The public services are modern enough: supermarkets, electronic stores, luxury hotels, fancy restaurants, and more. Remember to get an Ivory Coast Visa before visiting Abidjan.

See All Practical Tips for Abidjan

Explore Abidjan

Create your itinerary with our top picks below

In This Guide

Travel Tips for Abidjan

Explore Abidjan