Things to Do in Abidjan

About Abidjan

Travel Tips

• Transportation: Use the "woro-woro" (shared orange taxis) or "gbakas" (colorful minibuses) for affordable local transport, but negotiate taxi fares before entering since most don't use meters. The Pont Houphouët-Boigny bridge connecting Plateau to Marcory can have heavy traffic during rush hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM), so plan accordingly.

• Money: While CFA francs are the official currency, always carry cash as many restaurants, markets, and smaller businesses don't accept cards. ATMs are readily available in neighborhoods like Plateau and Cocody, but often run out of cash on weekends.

• Culture & Dining: Visit the bustling Treichville Market for authentic local goods and try "allocodrome" spots in Zone 4 for attiéké (cassava couscous) with fried fish or chicken—this is Abidjan's signature street food experience. Meals are typically eaten with the right hand when dining traditionally.

• Safety & Neighborhoods: Stick to well-populated areas like Plateau (business district), Cocody, and Zone 4 after dark, and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics in crowded markets. Always carry a copy of your passport as police checkpoints are common, but keep your original in a hotel safe.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Abidjan is during the dry season from December to March, when temperatures hover between 24-28°C (75-82°F) with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, though December through February sees significantly higher hotel prices due to diaspora returnees and European winter escapees. November and early December offer a sweet spot with post-rainy season greenery, comfortable temperatures around 26-29°C (79-84°F), and better accommodation rates before the peak season rush, plus you'll catch the FEMUA (Urban Music Festival of Anoumabo) in April if you extend into spring. Avoid May through July when the first rainy season brings heavy downpours (up to 500mm monthly), oppressive humidity exceeding 85%, and frequent flooding in neighborhoods like Adjamé and Yopougon that can severely disrupt transportation across the lagoon bridges. The August mini-dry season (petite saison sèche) offers a brief respite with intermittent sunshine and temperatures around 24-26°C (75-79°F), making it workable for budget travelers willing to endure occasional showers, while September through November's second rainy season is generally less intense but still sees substantial precipitation that can hamper beach visits to Assinie and Grand-Bassam.