Côte d'Ivoire in general, and Abidjan in particular, is rich in tourism and entertainment, which attract millions of visitors each year.
Among the most famous of these sites in Abidjan and its suburbs, we can mention:
- Banco National Park
Transformed into a national park since 1953, the banco is a forest of 3474 hectares. It is a dense forest with tracks where the leaves intertwine to give the impression of a tunnel. A foray into this place will allow you to discover its wonders and its hidden side. Located between the towns of Yopougon, Abobo and that of Adjamé, there are many access routes available to visitors. In order to improve the comfort of visitors, huts were built to serve as shelters.
- The Abidjan Zoo
Created in 1972, the Abidjan National Zoo is a protected area located between the municipalities of Abobo and Cocody. It is home to three important groups of animals, mammals, reptiles and birds. To these are added the small group of rodents. The Zoo has 230 animals divided into 48 species. It’s the perfect place to reconnect with wildlife.
It is a small island in the Ebrié lagoon which faces the popular commune of Yopougon. It is prized by the city's upper class and has nothing to envy of the beaches of West African countries. It is distinguished by an 18 km long hotel complex with rooms that combine comfort with pleasure.
Accessible in 15 minutes by boat, the bay of billionaires is a heavenly place far from the bustle of the city. The beauty, calm and insolent luxury of this place give it a magical atmosphere.
- Museum of Civilizations of Côte d'Ivoire
This museum is located in Abidjan, more precisely in the commune of Plateau, in the corner formed by boulevards Nangui Abrogoua and Carde. The Ivory Coast Museum of Civilizations was originally a craft center created by the colonial administration. It was with the aim of showcasing artisanal productions and preserving the best samples that Hubert Deschamps, then Governor, set up this center in 1942.
It is open to the general public from Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. non-stop.
Domaine Bini, an ecological site of 70 hectares just 30 minutes from Abidjan. Goodbye stress and make way for nature! On the program, hiking and zip lines for athletes. Clay bath, relaxation and nap for those who rely on rest. You will be welcomed by a passionate and warm team, delighted to supervise you during this discovery day.
Do not hesitate any longer and come and discover the natural resources of the estate, an ideal place to recharge your batteries.
- The Abidjan craft center (CAVA)
You will find in this center batiks, Korhogo fabrics, loincloths, jewelry and paintings. These coins come from Ghana, Mali or Nigeria. Each salesperson has their specialty. You can watch some craftsmen at work at your leisure. There are even maquis located in the center of the market that offer breakfasts and lunches.
The CAVA is located on the lane parallel to rue du Canal, between boulevard VGE and rue Clément-Ader.
Hours: Open every day of the week and public holidays, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- The tourist sites of Bingerville
Bingerville is located on the outskirts of Abidjan, 18 km east and is part of the Abidjan agglomeration. It is famous for its status: that of the 2nd capital of the Ivory Coast (1900-1934) after Bassam and before Abidjan.
It is an enchanting and alluring site which attracts all lovers of simplicity and nature. With an area of over 54 hectares, it is home to trees over 100 years old, especially the oil palm. There are also certain crops, such as coffee, cocoa, rubber, asparagus and potatoes. You will also meet several animals such as gazelles, snakes, antelopes, agoutis etc ...
It is an enchanting and alluring site which attracts all lovers of simplicity and nature. With an area of over 54 hectares, it is home to trees over 100 years old, especially the oil palm. There are also certain crops, such as coffee, cocoa, rubber, asparagus and potatoes. You will also meet several animals such as gazelles, snakes, antelopes, agoutis etc ...
The Combes Museum in Bingerville was created in 1937 by Master Charles COMBES under the name of the Private Workshop of Art. In 1938, by decree of the colonial government, it became the School of Applied Art of Bingerville depending on the School of Fine Arts in Abidjan.
In 1994, by decree, it became the Technical Center for Applied Arts with several specialties: sculpture, batik, ceramics, stained glass, mosaic, staff, textiles and communication.
- The former Governor's Palace
It is the best-maintained monument of colonial architecture in the country, a building whose work began in 1905 and ended in 1913, before Governor Angoulvant moved there from 1913 to 1934, when the capital was transferred to Abidjan. The Foyer des Métis, now an orphanage, has occupied the premises since 1939.
- Tourist sites in Grand Bassam, the first capital
The town of Grande Bassam, less than an hour's drive from Abidjan, was an urban colonial example in the late 19th century and the first part of the 20th century. The city is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
- The National Costume Museum
The museum is responsible for the conservation of the national collections of costumes, for the organization and development of all research relating to the art of clothing in the Ivory Coast. The collection consists of Ivorian costumes, various adornments, models of traditional habitats, masks, dancers in miniature and in real size, ethnological and colonial photographs, publications and other written documents. These are mainly costumes in industrial, traditional and wood bark textiles or costumes for the occasion, traditional and modern adornments, miniature and life-size masks, fashion items, i.e. around 786 pieces and models of traditional habitats. It contributes by various means to the information and education of the population in the field of human sciences. The National Costume Museum is located in the France district in Grand-Bassam at the corner of Treich-Laplène and Gabriel Angoulvant boulevards. It covers an area of more than 4000 m2.
- The Royal Court of Moossou
Moossou is a small village located on the edge of the lagoon and inhabited by the AbourésEhê. It is currently headed by His Majesty King Nanan Kanga Assoumou and has a very beautiful Royal Court which one can visit to gain a little more in-depth knowledge of the history of the Akan people and their relation to colonial history. During your visit, you can admire various bronze statuettes including that of the famous Queen Abla Pokou. You will also find busts of personalities who have influenced the development of the city of Grand Bassam as well as numerous statuettes of crows and much more…
The district of France with its colonial buildings which have become a Unesco World Heritage Site
The district where the prefecture, the local court of first instance, the town hall and many other administrative structures are located today remains a real place of attraction.
- The district of France with its colonial buildings which have become a Unesco World Heritage Site
The district where the prefecture, the local court of first instance, the town hall and many other administrative structures are located today remains a real place of attraction.
- The Tourist Places of Yamoussoukro
Yamoussoukro is located about 248km from the city of Abidjan. Depending on your means of transport (personal car or bus) you need between 2:30 or 3 hours to travel the distance Abidjan-Yamoussoukro.
The warmth of its people, the friendliness and the quality of its reception facilities leave no one indifferent. The first Ivorian city to be listed as a UNESCO heritage site, it enjoys an aura and a reputation that have made it one of the most visited African capitals in the world. Yamoussoukro is distinguished by its warm inhabitants, its wide streets cluttered with European architecture and its exceptional hospitality facilities which have made it one of the most visited African capitals in the world. Among its tourist sites:
- The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace
Yamoussoukro has wide avenues congested with buildings of European architecture, the culmination of which is the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Paix. This incredible religious building is the largest in the world and is inspired by Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. The first vocation of the basilica is to celebrate peace and the love of neighbor. This cultural heritage has become a real place of prayer and blessing. The place is open every day of the week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To visit the Basilica, a small contribution is required at the entrance, however access is free and open for prayer books.
- The FHB Foundation for Peace Research
Created in 1973 under the name of the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Foundation, in 1997 it became the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Foundation for Peace Research. She initiated the International Congress on Peace in the Minds of Men in 1989 and the Yamoussoukro Declaration for Peace in 1997, both placed and organized under the auspices of Unesco. The architectural richness of this building will not leave you indifferent. The room is decorated with marble, wood and chandeliers. It is best to visit the foundation during the day to be able to enjoy the light show and take great photos. The foundation is open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. There is a charge for the visit (1500 FCFA per person) and you will be accompanied by a guide.
Yamoussoukro crocodiles inhabit the lake surrounding the Presidential Palace. These are Nile crocodiles. These beasts weigh nearly a ton each and are up to six meters long. They can jump several meters to grab the food given to them daily. The lake and its crocodiles are a famous tourist attraction throughout West Africa. They are also and above all associated with the political power of Félix Houphouët-Boigny and their prestige contributes to African symbolism.
- The Abokouamékro Wildlife Reserve
At the heart of the “V baoulé”, the Abokouamékro Wildlife Reserve (RFA) proudly displays its many tourist attractions. These have long made it the preferred destination for tourists from Yamoussoukro in search of safari.
The reserve is home to rhinos, buffaloes, hartebeest, antelopes, buffalo cobs, and many other animal species. Initially called “Abokouamékro Animal Park”, it was created on the initiative of the late President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, for the development of tourism.
- the village of weavers of Bomizambo
It is a small village in the heart of the Ivory Coast where the ancestral art of weaving is passed down from father to son. The Bomi, as its inhabitants commonly call it, is located in the department of Tiébissou. It is the stronghold of the last weavers of the Ivory Coast. This is where the traditional Baoulé loincloths are made, with great patience and respect for tradition.
- Tourist places of Assassin
Assinie The flagship of the Ivorian tourism industry, Assinie, a locality located about 80 km from Abidjan in the south-eastern region of the country, is one of the must-see places in Eburnean land. The marvelous spectacle of its sunny banks, straddling the lagoon and the ocean, are a real call to discovery, relaxation and idleness. Water sports enthusiasts can indulge in all kinds of games (jet ski, towed buoy ...), when the laziest can bask in the shade of large coconut trees along the wonderful beaches of Assinie Mafia and Assouindé Beach.
Located in the village of Mafia, the “ANIABA” Assinie Museum is a place of pilgrimage for those who want to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of N’ZIMA. The Assinie Mafia Museum finds many relics from the past, as well as costumes, adornments, traditional objects as well as a guide who will introduce you to the history of the peninsula.
- The zoological park of "CROCODILE DIPI"
Created in 1986 by Pierre DUPUY, the DIPI Zoological Park is one of Assinie's major attractions. Visiting it during your stay in the seaside resort will be an opportunity to discover a space dedicated to the protection of animal species of all kinds. Crocodiles, snakes, ostriches, chimpanzees, fish and other hinds, mongooses and monkeys, are all animal species that you will find on the 7,000 m2 area that covers the area.
- The beautiful beaches with fine sand
The beaches of Assini have a magnificent landscape and the quality of the hotels found there. It is very popular with the population, and it receives many tourists and visitors every weekend or to spend fun moments with family or friends.