Anyone looking for a unique vacation destination should definitely visit West Africa. Abidjan is the largest city in the Ivory Coast or “Ivory Coast”, accounting for 45% of the country’s population. It is no longer the official capital, but it is still the business and travel center of West Africa. The West African American Embassy is located in Abidjan. The airport is located within the city. The language of the city is French. Travelers often refer to Abidjan as the “Paris of Africa” ​​and liken the overall European atmosphere.

Areas:

There are ten different municipalities in Abidjan: Abobo, Port-Bouët, Adjamé, Attécoubé, Cocody, Biétry, Marcory, Koumassi, The Plateau, Treichville, Île Boulay and Yopougon. Therefore, take into account where your hotel is located, compared to the desired destinations. I recommend Treichville for vacationers and The Plateau for business travelers. Some of these are high-end districts, while others are very poor neighborhoods.

Transport:

The most common transportation is by taxi. Just be sure to ask the driver what the fare or cost will be, as some will take advantage of foreigners. “Gbakas” (a tiny van) are also an option, but limited in number. Other forms of public transport are available, but often limited to the destination.

Things to do:

The city will host many annual music, dance, parades, film and festival events: Concerto Festival, les Top d’or, Festival of Urban Dances, International Festival of Black Music, International Jazz Festival of Abidjan, Hip-hop is back festival, Faya Flow, Dj Mix Atalakou, Maracana d’Abidjan Festival, International Lingerie and Beauty Festival, FESNACI, MASA Festival, Le Tiercé Gagnant, Climbie beach Festival, RTI Music Awards, International Comic Festival, etc…

Monuments and museums include: National Library, National Museum, La Celebre Rue Princesse, Saint-Paul of Abidjan Cathedral, Village Kiyi – M’Bock, Chocolate City, Museum of Contemporary Art, American Cultural Center, Goethe Institute, Le Point d ‘Orgue , Municipal Museum, Mosque of the Plateau, Place la Sorbone, French Cultural Center, Museum of Civilizations of the Ivory Coast, Palais de la Culture, Palais des sports, Craft Center of the City of Abidjan, 1000 maquis.

Some popular events also include going to see sporting events, especially ASEC Mimosas and Africa Sports National.

Banco National Park is a 7,500-acre tropical rain forest. This is a mandatory tour! There is also a public zoo.

Hotels:

There is no shortage of hotels in Abidjan. The most popular are: Hotel Ivoire International, Ibis Abidjan Plateau, Hotel du Nord, Novotel Abidjan, Hotel Banfoura, Sofitel Abidjan, Hotel Tiama, African Queen Lodge and Golf Hotel Inter-Continental Abidjan.

You may see a lot of negative facts about the Ivory Hotel. Although the swimming pool, the skating rink, the casino, etc. often closed and dilapidated, the hotel underwent an extensive $60 million renovation in 1999. It really is a sight to see.

Food:

There are a variety of food options. The native restaurants will serve mainly yam, bread, rice, fish and cassava dishes. European-style cooking is also a popular choice. Many of the food vendors prepare food on the streets. On Princess Road, vendors sell spicy chicken fingers. But you can find western foods, like – “Big Burger”.

Civil unrest has dissipated. However, there is an occasional incident. Just be careful, like you would in any foreign city. Keep your passport with you at all times – it’s the law.

The city is a unique and culturally enriching experience.

Hopefully this helps with the overview of the city. It has a beautiful Ivory Coast of Abidjan, booming businesses, commercial districts, sports, festive activities, thriving ports, and much more.