Sights & Landmarks In Abidjan

Abidjan has been dubbed the “Paris of West Africa.” The city of Abidjan developed under the lengthy and steady administration of the Ivory Coast’s Godfather Felix Huphouet-Boigny. However, the city has suffered as a result of the city’s political insecurity and civil conflict during the last decade. Neglect, poor care of buildings and public spaces, and a major migration of immigrants have created a feeling of “lost grandeur” in the city. This is nowhere more evident than at the renowned Hotel Ivoire. Entering it is like going back in time to the 1960s; there have been no substantial renovations or modernisations to its interior or furnishings since its creation. Unfortunately, instead of turquoise seas, its enormous swimming pool has weeds growing on the bottom. The public zoo is quite lovely. It’s a lovely area with plenty of unusual creatures for just CFA 200, and it’s definitely worth it. Don’t forget to visit Bassam, Abidjan’s most popular beach.

• National Museum (Musée National), 32 Boulevard Carde,   +225 20 222056.  
• St Paul’s Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Paul d’Abidjan).
• National Library of Côte d’Ivoire (Bibliothèque Nationale de Côte d’Ivoire), Boulevard Carde. 
• Cocody Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art.  
• Banco National Park (Parc national du Banco). A 30.00 km2 national park north of Abidjan with a variety of tropical uncommon woods (mahogany, avodirés, waffle wood, and others). There are a number of walking pathways and popular hiking areas.