A skyline city, lagoon towns and a giant basilica in the savannah.
Côte d'Ivoire blends West Africa's most modern city with rainforest and beaches. Abidjan's Plateau district rises above the Ébrié Lagoon, while colonial-era Grand-Bassam is a UNESCO-listed old capital with beaches close by. Yamoussoukro is home to the vast Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, and Taï National Park protects one of the last large areas of West African primary rainforest.
Abidjan is energetic, with a big music and nightlife scene and street food built around attiéké, grilled fish and alloco (fried plantain). Outside the city, roads are generally good and beaches such as Assinie make easy escapes. December to March is the driest and most comfortable time to visit; May and June bring the heaviest rains along the coast.
Best time to visit Ivory Coast
January, February, December.
Places to visit in Ivory Coast
Abidjan: Côte d'Ivoire's economic capital, built around the Ébrié Lagoon, with a modern skyline and famous open-air maquis.
Grand-Bassam: The first colonial capital of Côte d'Ivoire, a UNESCO-listed quarter of old houses beside a long Atlantic beach.
Yamoussoukro: The official capital of Côte d'Ivoire, known for the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, one of the largest churches in the world.
Essentials
Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF)
Language: French; Dioula widely spoken
Plugs: Type C / E, 220 V
Driving: Right side
Time zone: UTC+0
Tipping: Not expected; 5–10% in upmarket restaurants
Getting around: Taxis and ride-hailing in Abidjan; coaches between cities
Entry: Check the official rules for your passport before booking