Places / Africa / Ivory Coast
Abidjan
Visited in January 2019
At a glance
- Country
- Ivory Coast
- Region
- Ivory Coast
- Population
- 5.6 million
- Best time to go
- December to March
- Main airport
- Abidjan Félix Houphouët-Boigny (ABJ)
- Coordinates
- 5.33°N, 4.02°W
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Overview
Abidjan is Côte d'Ivoire's economic capital and one of West Africa's biggest cities, spread around the Ébrié Lagoon. The glass towers of the Plateau face residential Cocody across the water, while busy districts such as Treichville and Adjamé sprawl around them.
It is a confident, stylish city with a big appetite for music, football and food. Most visitors come for business, but it rewards a few extra days.
Things to see
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Photo: Ericcoul, CC BY-SA 4.0 St Paul's Cathedral
A dramatic modern cathedral on the lagoon edge, its tall, steeply angled tower visible from across the water.
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Photo: Emmanuel Grebo, CC BY-SA 4.0 Banco National Park
A patch of primary rainforest inside the city limits, with walking trails among giant trees.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: abdallahh, CC BY 2.0 Le Plateau
The business district's skyline, best seen from across the lagoon, includes the stepped Pyramide building.
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Photo: Kod B, CC BY-SA 4.0 Museum of Civilisations
A collection of masks, carvings and textiles from the country's many ethnic groups.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Joker-x http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Joker-x, CC BY-SA 3.0 Day trip to Grand-Bassam
The old colonial capital, a UNESCO-listed town of faded French buildings and beaches, is under an hour east.
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Photo: Anthere, CC BY-SA 4.0 Treichville Market
A huge covered market for wax-print fabrics, tailors and everyday goods.
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Photo: Romanceor, CC BY-SA 3.0 Eat at a maquis
Grilled fish, alloco (fried plantain) and attiéké at an open-air restaurant is the essential Abidjan meal.
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Photo: Tontonflingeur, CC BY-SA 4.0 Weekend at Assinie
A strip of sand between the lagoon and the ocean, around two hours east, where the city escapes at weekends.
Where to stay
Cocody
Leafy, residential and safer-feeling, with good hotels and restaurants.
Hotels in CocodyLe Plateau
Business hotels in the centre, convenient for work trips but quiet after dark.
Hotels in Le PlateauZone 4 (Marcory)
Popular for restaurants and nightlife, with a mix of hotels and apartments.
Hotels in Zone 4 (Marcory)
Getting around
Orange metered taxis are the easiest option, and ride-hailing apps work well. Traffic can be heavy, so allow plenty of time between districts.
The airport at Port-Bouët is around 30 to 45 minutes from the Plateau by taxi, depending on traffic.
When to go
December to March is the main dry season, hot but sunnier. The heaviest rains fall from May to July, with a shorter rainy spell around October and November.
Plan your trip to Abidjan
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.