Things to Do in Abidjan

About Abidjan

Abidjan sits where the Atlantic meets West Africa, and the city won't choose between its French past and African present. Glass towers rise over Ébrié Lagoon while Coupé-Décalé music pounds from markets into shopping malls. This works. In Cocody's tree-lined streets, women in colorful pagnes walk alongside suited businesspeople, and the smell of attiéké mixes with café au lait outside bistros. Each district tells a different story—Grand-Bassam displays colonial architecture, Plateau hums with banking energy, Treichville delivers authentic street life. You can't see one Abidjan. The city greets visitors with warm smiles and real complexity, then leaves them changed by an energy that is hard to shake.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use official orange taxis with meters or negotiate fares upfront—expect 1,000-3,000 CFA for short rides. Download the local Yango app for reliable rides. Avoid overcrowded gbaka minibuses during rush hours, but they're authentic and cheap at 200-300 CFA per journey.

Money: Carry West African CFA francs in cash—many places don't accept cards. Exchange money at banks or official bureaux de change for better rates than hotels. ATMs are common in Plateau and Cocody but may run empty on weekends.

Cultural Respect: Greet with a handshake and ask 'Ça va?' Learn basic French phrases as English isn't widely spoken. Dress modestly when visiting local neighborhoods. Remove shoes when entering homes and always accept offered hospitality—refusing is considered rude.

Food Safety: Stick to busy local maquis (outdoor restaurants) with high turnover for authentic cuisine. Try attiéké, kedjenou, and alloco from reputable vendors. Drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Fresh coconut water sold on streets is generally safe and refreshing.

When to Visit

Abidjan's tropical climate offers two distinct seasons, each with unique advantages. The dry season (November-March) brings the most comfortable weather with temperatures ranging 24-32°C, minimal rainfall (under 60mm monthly), and cooling harmattan winds from the Sahara. This peak period sees hotel rates increase 40-60%, but you'll enjoy perfect beach weather and clear skies for exploring. December-January is particularly busy with French holidays and local festivities. The wet season (April-October) divides into lighter rains (April-July, September-October) with temperatures of 25-30°C and heavy downpours (August-September) reaching 400mm monthly. Budget travelers benefit from 30-50% lower accommodation rates, lush green landscapes, and fewer crowds, though afternoon thunderstorms are frequent. Key festivals include FEMUA music festival (March), showing African artists, and Fête du Dipri in nearby villages (March-April). The Abidjan Carnival occurs in February during peak dry season. Business travelers should avoid August when many locals vacation. First-time visitors should choose November-February for optimal weather, while culture ensoiasts might prefer the lively wet season when local life is most authentic, despite occasional travel disruptions from flooding.