Things to do in Abidjan

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Côte d'Ivoire

St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedralis the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Abidjan, located on a hill in the Plateau district in the center of Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire. Designed by Italian architect Aldo Spirito and completed in 1985, both its foundation and consecration ceremonies were presided over by Pope John Paul II. The church has a triangular floor plan, symbolizing the Holy Trinity, with a roof that rises like a tent. The 3 bell towers are secured by 7 steel cables, with a giant cross held high at the top. The arcs extending from the walls on both sides resemble elephant tusks, embracing the towers, which echoes the meaning of Côte d'Ivoire ("Ivory Coast"), making it a highly recognizable landmark in Abidjan. St. Paul's Cathedral can accommodate thousands of people inside. The worship area is arranged in a tiered layout around the central altar. Details such as the stone baptismal font, local hardwood confessionals, and mosaics themed around the sacraments are worth a closer look. Large stained glass windows depict the life of St. Paul, the deeds of Christ, and the history of the introduction of Catholicism to Côte d'Ivoire. One window, in particular, showing missionaries landing on the African coast accompanied by elephants and palm trees, has a distinctly local feel. The hundreds of steps leading from the lagoon side to the cathedral forecourt form an open-air Stations of the Cross, with over 10 ceramic reliefs along the way telling the story of the Passion of Christ, which is worth walking through slowly.

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Côte d'Ivoire

Zoo d'Abidjan

Located in Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire, the Abidjan Zoo is a showcase of West Africa's rich biodiversity. The zoo is home to a variety of local and exotic animals, including lions, elephants, monkeys and a variety of birds, providing visitors with the opportunity to observe wild animals up close. The layout of the zoo is designed to facilitate visitors to stroll through it and enjoy the harmony between nature and animals. There are multiple exhibition areas in the zoo, showcasing different ecological environments and animal habits. Visitors can learn about the background and conservation status of the animals through information boards. The zoo also provides guided tours to help visitors gain in-depth knowledge of animals and conservation work. In terms of transportation, the Abidjan Zoo is located in the city and is conveniently located for self-driving or public transportation. There are rest areas and small dining facilities in the zoo, providing simple dining options. The Abidjan Zoo is not only a good place to learn about African wildlife, but also an educational place for families and children.

Salam Mosque of Plateau

Salam Mosque of Plateau features a minaret at the top that is approx. 65 m tall, contains an amphitheater and a library, and has a beautiful exterior.

Parc National du Banco

Palace of Culture

Ivoire Golf Club

Palais des Sports

Yopougon Sports Complex

Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny

Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden is a park primarily dedicated to the research, conservation, and display of plants. This botanical garden boasts a rich variety of plant resources, including various plants from Africa and other regions, such as palm trees, banana trees, rubber trees, coconut trees, and more. It features a wide array of plant species in great abundance. The botanical garden is not only a place for displaying plants but also an important research center. Professionals here are dedicated to researching aspects of plant ecology, biology, medicine, and economics, providing essential scientific support for the conservation and utilization of plant resources. In addition to its plant resources, it also features beautiful natural landscapes and buildings with unique architectural styles. It features beautiful lakes, gardens, and fountains, as well as exquisite buildings and sculptures, such as the massive Ivory Tower, ancient castles, and museums. These landscapes and buildings offer visitors an opportunity to appreciate and learn about African culture and history.