Ivory Coast is one of the most underrated countries in Africa (at least by English speakers). I took an impromptu trip to Abidjan, hoping to eat great food while seeing one of the most beautiful places in West Africa.
Abdijan is a major business hub with many top hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls. But the lagoon is only a quick taxi ride away, so leave Abidjan to see more of this country’s natural beauty. Because tourism is still a growing industry on the Ivory Coast, I think it’s best to pre-plan as much as possible. Here is a travel guide to Abidjan to ensure you have a stress-free vacation.
Visa Requirements for Ivory Coast
Yes, Americans and visitors from most countries need a visa to visit Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). Apply for the visa online through the Ivory Coast’s e-visa portal. Prices start at around $70 for a basic tourist visa. This is very important; you will be turned around at the airport if you do not get your visa. Some have even been asked to pay an illegal bribe to airport staff and police.
After completing the application, you’ll receive a pre-enrollment confirmation, which you must show once you arrive at the airport. Ensure your passport has more than six months left before expiration and at least one blank page.
You’ll also need proof of yellow fever vaccination. If you don’t have your vaccination, you can quickly get vaccinated at most travel clinics or even your local CVS (usually for less than $120).
Apply for your visa in advance. I recommend doing so in at least 2-3 weeks.
Where to Stay in Abidjan: Best Hotels and Neighborhoods
There are a few different neighborhoods in Abidjan. I think the best neighborhoods to stay in Abidjan are Plateau and Cocody. Plateau is business center of the city, perfect for travelers who want to be in the midst of the action. There are high-rise buildings, shopping centers, and some of the city’s top hotels, like the Pullman and Noom, making it ideal for business travelers.
On the other hand, Cocody offers a more laid-back and residential vibe with its tree-lined streets, embassies, upscale homes, and boutique hotels. It’s known for its cultural attractions like the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire and offers a range of dining and nightlife options. Cocody is an excellent choice for those looking for a quieter, more refined stay, while still being close to Abidjan’s main attractions.
Best Hotels: 4-Star Options
When I travel, I like to stay at a few different hotels so my opinion doesn’t become too biased. My top recommendations are Noom, Pullman, and Movenpick. All are in areas close to attractions. Pullman is absolutely gorgeous
Seen Hotel is an okay option if you’re looking for a more affordable place
Noom Hotel Abidjan Plateau is a modern hotel that combines comfort with cutting-edge style. Situated in the heart of the business district, it features spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a trendy restaurant that blends local and international cuisine.
Pullman Abidjan is an elegant 5-star hotel also located in the Plateau area, right by the lagoon. It offers a mix of business and leisure facilities, such as a lagoon-view pool, a fitness center, a restaurant with a terrace, and meeting spaces, making it ideal for travelers seeking both comfort and convenience.
Movenpick Hotel is a stylish, upscale hotel located in the Plateau district, known for its contemporary design and warm ambiance. It offers luxurious amenities, including a rooftop bar with stunning city views, a fine-dining restaurant, and a pool, making it a great choice for both business and leisure travelers.
Villa Mango a more laidback option with a pool and fantastic food. The staff is really sweet, and the rooms are super clean. It’s one of the more affordable and comfortable hotels in the area.
Things to Do in Abidjan
There are lots of fun things to do in Abidjan. It’s an energetic city, perfect for those who love partying, history, or nature. If you don’t speak French, some activities are best done with a tour or group, but many are okay to do solo. For a longer list of epic things to do in Abidjan, check out this blog post.
Domain Bini Lagoon
Bini Lagoon was probably one of my favorite experiences in the Ivory Coast. I did a guided tour with a local tourism company and had a unique experience. We spent the day at Domain Bini Eco-Lodge, about 40 minutes from Abidjan. At the lagoon, you can do activities like hiking, canoeing, swimming in natural pools, and tasting organic local cuisine. You can also learn about sustainable farming and fishing practices.
In the end, we ate lots of local food and drinks while listening to Ivorian music. For the best experience (for anglophones), ensure that your guide is an English speaker.
Spend a Few Days in Assinie-Mafia
When visiting Abidjan, a day trip to Assinie-Mafia is a must. It’s a gorgeous beach town about 1.5 -2 hours from Abidjan. Locals go here to party, relax on the beach, or visit one of Cote D’Iviore’s national parks. Staying at Hotel Coucoué Lodge Assinie is a must! It has an on-site restaurant, pool, and beach access. Make sure to do the weekend buffet at La Maison d’Akoula. Their hotel is also gorgeous!
People will also recommend staying in Grand Ba
Try Some of the Best Chocolate in the World
Côte d’Ivoire is one of the world’s largest cocoa producers, so a chocolate-tasting experience is a must. Visit Mon Choco, a local artisan chocolatier that offers factory tours and tastings. You’ll get to see how chocolate is made from bean to bar and sample different varieties.
Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire
I’m going to be honest. I can’t visit a city without exploring a museum, but this one was a bit underwhelming. This museum doesn’t do a great job of preserving Ivorian history and culture. I visited two government-owned museums in Cote d’Ivoire, and both were in a horrible state. Workers wanted you to pay for a private tour, which wasn’t worth it. Everything was highly dated and lacked essential details.
Transporation in Abidjan
The best way to get around Abidjan is by ride-sharing apps such as Yango or Uber. I found Yango to have more drivers; you can also use it to order food. You’ll want to download it before arriving in Abidjan because you’ll need to confirm your number, and it won’t work if you don’t have phone service.
I don’t recommend taking public transportation in Abidjan unless you’re a backpacker.
Ivory Coast Food
One of the main reasons I came to the Ivory Coast is for the Attieke! I fell in love with Attieke while living in Senegal. Attieke is fermented and grated cassava. It’s usually served with grilled fish or chicken, tomato sauce, onions, and peppers. Another popular dish is Foutou Banane, mashed sweet plantain usually served with a savory stew.
If you’re a plant-based eater, you can find good food options with some creativity. Here are a few other Ivorian dishes that you should try.
- Alloco – fried plantains
- Kedjenou – a chicken and tomato-based stew
- Sauce Arachide – Peanut stew
Read more about African destinations here:
- Best Neighborhoods To Stay In Dakar: Complete Guide
- Senegal Travel Guide: Read this Before Going to Dakar
- Best Beaches in Dakar: The Ultimate Guide
- The Ultimate Guide for Foodies in Dakar
