Places / Africa / Ivory Coast
Yamoussoukro
Visited in January 2019
At a glance
- Country
- Ivory Coast
- Region
- Yamoussoukro Autonomous District
- Population
- 340,234
- Best time to go
- November to February
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Abidjan Félix Houphouët-Boigny (ABJ)
- Coordinates
- 6.81°N, 5.29°W
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Overview
Yamoussoukro was the home village of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d'Ivoire's first president, who made it the official capital in 1983. He gave it wide boulevards, grand public buildings and one of the largest churches on earth.
The result is a quiet, spread-out city that feels oversized for its population, with most government business still done in Abidjan. A day or two is enough to see the monuments and get a feel for the place.
Things to see
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Photo: Felix Krohn, CC BY-SA 2.0 Basilica of Our Lady of Peace
Modelled on St Peter's in Rome, this colossal domed basilica rises out of the savannah with acres of stained glass inside.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Maxence, CC BY 2.0 Presidential Palace lakes
The palace grounds are closed, but crocodiles live in the lakes that surround them and can be seen from the road.
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Photo: jbdodane, CC BY 2.0 Félix Houphouët-Boigny Foundation
A huge marble complex built for peace research, impressive mainly for its scale and architecture.
Things to do
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Photo: Serein, CC BY-SA 3.0 Eat at a maquis
Try braised fish or chicken with attiéké, the fermented cassava couscous, at an open-air local restaurant.
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Photo: BorisAhonon, CC BY-SA 4.0 Browse the central market
The town market is the place for everyday life, fabrics and fresh produce away from the monuments.
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Drive the boulevards
Hire a taxi for an hour to see the oversized avenues, lakes and public buildings that define the city.
Where to stay
Around the Hôtel Président
The landmark hotel and its neighbours by the lakes suit those who want facilities and space.
Hotels in Around the Hôtel PrésidentTown centre
Simpler hotels near the market, handy for taxis and buses on to Abidjan or Bouaké.
Hotels in Town centre
Getting around
Distances are long, so shared and private taxis are the easiest way to get between sights.
Abidjan's airport is about three hours away by road along the motorway, with frequent buses from the city.
When to go
The dry season from November to February is the most comfortable, though the harmattan can bring haze. The rains peak from around May to October.
Plan your trip to Yamoussoukro
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
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- 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.