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Abidjan (Cote D’Ivoire), Ivory Coast
Situated along the Ébrié Lagoon and Gulf of Guinea, Abidjan is the economic capital of the Ivory Coast. A quick glance at the city skyline confirms this title. Skyscrapers tower above unique contemporary buildings that hug a bustling harbor — all evidence of the booming success of the region before the Ivorian Civil Wars occurred. Embark on a guided tour of what has been called both the “Manhattan of West Africa” and the “Paris of West Africa” and explore museums, see historic sites and striking contemporary architecture and savor delicious local cuisine. Or journey outside the city to be immersed in the lush rainforest or take to the water on a fishing tour.
Abidjan Cruise Image Gallery
What you NEED TO KNOW
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Port Name & Location
Abidjan, Ivory Coast -
Time Zone
Greenwich Mean Time -
Language
French “Bonjour” means hello while “s'il vous plait” means please. To ask how much something is, say “c'est combien?” -
Currency & Shopping
West African CFA franc (XOF) Brush off your bargaining skills at the lively Marché de Cocody where you can haggle for a wide range of souvenirs at the numerous stalls, from jewelry and traditional decorations to wooden carvings and much more. -
Famous For
Abidjan is the country’s largest city and the major hub for commerce. In the 90s, the city was deemed the “Paris of West Africa” due to being a destination for fashion and culture. -
Important
Pickpocketing is not uncommon, so be mindful of your possessions while touring the city. -
Fun Fact #1
St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the world’s largest cathedrals and stands out in the city for its bold architecture, designed by architect Aldo Spirito. Stroll along the outside to soak in the unique design and don’t miss the beautiful stained glass windows and artwork featured inside the cathedral. -
Fun Fact #2
To view a well-curated collection of African contemporary art, tour the Galerie Cécile Fakhoury, which features sculptures, paintings and photography from some of the continent’s top artists. -
Fun Fact: Foodies
Try the popular dish Poulet braisé (braised chicken) followed by the deliciously sweet treat alloco — deep-fried plantains. -
Fun Fact: Landmarks
Retreat from the bustling city into the adjacent Banco National Park and meander down walking paths among the old-growth tropical forest