Abidjan City Guide
Abidjan Travel Information; Hotels in Abidjan, Weather and Climate in Abidjan, Best Time to Visit Abidjan, City Attractions, Cuisine, Getting Around Abidjan; Night Life in Abidjan
Dubbed “The Paris of West Africa”, Abidjan is the largest city and former official capital of Côte d’Ivoire. It is situated on the south-east coast of the country on an enclosed lagoon of the Gulf of Guinea. It has a population estimated at 3,796,677 residents (as at 2006). Originally a small fishing village, Abidjan is a vibrating and culturally enriching city which has experienced population increases on several occasions attributed to the displacements caused by the war. It is the seat of government as a well as the administrative hub of several international organizations.
Abidjan City
Abidjan has effectively integrated its cultural diversity into a functioning society for which travelers would benefit from any city tour. Several major Côte d’Ivoire industries such as saw-milling, automotive assembly and manufacture of textiles, food processing, chemicals, beverages, and soap are also found headquartered here. One of the city’s most attractive treasures is its wonderful mountains with crystal steams cascading down into tropical paradises. City travelers are however cautioned of the numerous health problems, namely guinea- worm and diarrheal diseases.
Weather In Abidjan
The city has a tropical monsoon climate with a prolonged rain season from May through July; followed by a short rain spell of September– mid November. During the rainy seasons, it tends to rain intensely for hours or even consecutive days. The rainfall averages at about 2,000 mm annually. On scale, the monthly rainfall varies between about 40mm and 500mm between January and June
There are two distinct dry seasons, despite the fact that some scanty rain is experienced even during the dry season. Temperature is almost constant at around 27 °C. The best time to visit the city is in March and August.
Getting Around
Abidjan has a well-maintained road network that is generally in good condition, including a strong public transportation system. The cheapest and popular transport around is by cab. It is advisable however for visitors to ask the cab driver what the rate or cost will be, as some will prey on foreigners. Gbakas (a small van) are also an option, but snot so common. Car rentals are also in plenty. The city is served by one airport – Abidjan International Airport with a large capacity that enables it to handle even large aircraft. Several major international airlines have scheduled flights to Abidjan.
Cuisine
There is a variety of food options. Native restaurants will serve dishes mostly of yams, breads, rice, fish, and cassava. European style cuisine is also a popular choice. Many of the food venders prepare the food on the streets. On Princess Road, venders sell spicy chicken sticks. But, western foods can be found, such as – “Big Burger.”
Hotels In Abidjan
There is a good selection of hotel accommodations in Abidjan. The most popular being:
1. Hotel Ivoire International
2. Ibis Abidjan Plateau
3. Hotel du Nord
4. Novotel Abidjan
5. Hotel Banfoura
6. Sofitel Abidjan
7. Hotel Tiama
8. Golf Hotel Inter-Continental Abidjan
Night Life in Abidjan
Night life in Abidjan is considered to be one of the liveliest in the whole of West Africa. The city hosts an abundance of night-clubs, maquis, out-door areas and go-go bars. These entertainment platforms provide a musical ‘pipeline’ encompassing mainly DJs, Coupé Décalé and Zouglou, and, in lesser amounts, other local and international varieties. Some of the prominent nightlife outings spots include Le Village Ki-Yi, Midnight, La Java Disco, Le Cabane Bambou, Jaguar Bar and Place Vendôme.
PLACES OF INTEREST
St Paul's Cathedral
Treichville
It is the best place to enjoy some gathering. It is a complex including bars, clubs, restaurants, and cafes. A large number of visitors especially those from European fall in love with this glittering place. This place is well known as hub for nightlife. You can also find some best deals for hotels there. It is a hot spot for foreign vacationers.
National Museum
This museum is one of the world’s best known museums. The museum is open for visitors the whole week except holiday. It displays traditional Ivorian musical instruments, some of them two hundred years old.
St. Paul’s cathedral Abidjan
The cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Abidjan. Its architectural outlook was designed by Aldo Spirito.
Le Plateau
Banco Monkey
Le Plateau is the business centre of Abidjan. With its gleaming skyscrapers, chic boutiques and outdoor cafes, le Plateau is a favourite spot of business travellers. There are many different banks located in the le Plateau district.
Banco National Park
Declared a national park in 1953, Banco National Park is situated north of Abidjan. It spans an area 30 sq km. African civet; genet, bushbucks, duiker and monkeys are some of the wildlife that is sheltered in the park.
