Want to discover the best of Cote d’Ivoire? These are your bucket lists of the most beautiful places to visit in Cote d’Ivoire, with top-rated sightseeing and best things to do in the country. Discover the best destinations for culture and gastronomy, the most beautiful beaches in Cote d’Ivoire, the most romantic destinations and many more.
Bordered by Guinea to the northwest, Mali and Burkina Faso to the north, to the east by Ghana, to the southwest by Liberia and to the south by the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean), Cote d’Ivoire has quite the interesting blend of beautiful landscapes and traditions and is an ideal location especially for people interested in ecotourism. There is so much to discover in Cote d’Ivoire!
1. Explore Yamoussoukro
Cote d’Ivoire city, known for the Basilica, Presidential Palace and Grande Mosquee. The Ivorian capital is a top choice destination for foodies, this charming West African city will appeal to families as well as history buffs, culture and architecture lovers, and Instagrammers.
2. Visit Assinie-Mafia
Discover the best romantic destination in Cote d’Ivoire, Assinie-Mafia, also one of the best places to visit in the country. The stunning Ivory Coast coastal resort town of Assinie-Mafia, is famous as a beach destination for the rich and famous. And you can see why, with perfect beaches and magnificent seaside villages of Assinie village, Assinie Mafia and Assouinde with stretches of Atlantic beaches that flow into each other. A beach holiday here offers you a perfect mixture of relaxation and sightseeing, the beaches are beautiful and clean, and the waters are warm and inviting.
3. Basilica of Our Lady of Peace
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, is probably one of the most beautiful churches in Africa and one of the best sightseeing in Cote d’Ivoire. One of the most famous landmarks in the country, according to the Guinness Book of Records, the Basilica, is the largest church in the world. Basilica of Our Lady of Peace sits on 30,000 sq m of land. The basilica is big enough to house 18000 worshipers although in recent times, it has been a widely debatable figure of reckless extravagance. It’s still worth the visit in our books.
Location: Rue de St.France, Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire
4. Musee National des Costumes
This museum houses historical artifacts of the Ivorians. From their clothes, crafts and ancient costumes of the different peoples that make up the country, this museum houses most of it. It was built in 1981 and is a wonderful place to get acquainted with the various Ivorian cultures.
Location: Grand-Bassam, Comoé District
5. A day trip to Man
This year have a holiday in one of the best destinations in Cote d’Ivoire, on one of the most beautiful places in the country. Located in western Ivory Coast, Man city is nothing short of magical. Do not miss to visit Roman Catholic Diocese of Man, La Dent de Man and the monkey forest.
6. Visit beaches in Grand Bassam
Looking for a dream beach destination for your next holiday? For that ultimate tropical romantic beach getaway, the beautiful and stunning beaches of Grand Bassam is the destination. Grand-Bassam is an Ivorian resort town filled idyllic beaches stretching along the Atlantic coastline. Visitors can enjoy the amazing view of the crystal-clear waters, the feel of the warm beach sand on their feet and tropical ambiance of Grand Bassam. We highly recommend.
7. Visit Abidjan
Although Yamoussoukro is the capital of Cote d’Ivoire, Abidjan is where the real fun happens. Nicknamed “The Manhattan of Africa” or “Little Paris,” Abidjan is history with finest Ivorian gastronomy, culture and local markets. Abidjan is also an incredible architecture hub with the L’ile Flottante and St. Paul’s Cathedral, trendy restaurants and bars but also bustling markets for locals and tourists. Abidjan is classy, cultural and fun at the same time. Visitors most likely will feel the vibes of downtown Paris when in Abidjan due to the heavy French cultural influence on the city. From the fashion to the restaurants in this city, Abidjan is a must for any visitor to the beautiful country.
8. Les Cascades de Man
Located just on the western outskirts of the Town of Man, Les Cascade can be simply translated in English as “The Waterfall” and is one of the most beautiful nature destinations in Cote d’Ivoire. It’s a great place to enjoy swimming except in the dry season. The dry season lasts from July to October. So, it’s best to visit here during the rainy season to fully enjoy the beautiful scenery and all its attractions. Such a beauty you have to experience, it seems that mother nature has decided to give this place some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.
9. L’ile Flottante
Want to celebrate your honeymoon, a wedding anniversary, or please your sweetheart? L’ile Flottante is a marvelous tourism and ecological relaxation restaurant, a famous tourist destination in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The floating island is an exceptional relaxation area built on the Ebrié Lagoon of Abidjan. With its romantic aura and eternal charm, L’ile Flottante attracts lovebirds from all over all year round. It is a place to experience!
Location: Blvd de la lagune ebriée, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
10. Banco National Park
Escape the busy life of the capital and enjoy the endangered natural rain forest at Banco National Park. Declared a National Park in 1953, this park has survived deforestation and town development thanks to the conservation efforts of dedicated staff and regular security patrols. Visitors get to see a variety of wildlife like primates, exotic birds, African civet, bushbuck and so many more. The park serves as a recreational centre for most of the Abidjan populace. We do recommend.
Location: Parc National du Banco
11. Le Katoum
Le Katoum is quite distant from Abidjan but this little piece of paradise is 100 percent worth the visit. Located on the eastern end of Grand Bereby, there’s are miles and miles of extensive beautiful and pristine tropical scenery. The food experiences here are equally great and we recommend visitors explore the seafood menu. The beach is more isolated than those in Grand Bassam, so there are less boats and less strangers. It’s a great for those who enjoy the serenity of the tropics.
Location: Rue de la sous prefecture Grand-Béréby, Côte d’Ivoire
12. Mont Tonkoui
For those engaged in touristic photography, Mount Tonkoui presents the perfect opportunity especially because of the expansive view of the natural scenic surroundings. From the peak of the mountain (the second-highest in the nation), visitors can see the countries of Guinea and Liberia. The peak of the mountain can almost be reached by car but at some point, you’d have to park and walk the rest of the way. It is advised that visitors should pack some snacks and water as there are no restaurants in the area.
13. Market Treichville
Looking for a classic African market full of colours and scents in Côte d’Ivoire? To fully enjoy the country should at least once visit this legendary market. Take a fascinating tour of Market Treichville and experience Ivorian life, culture, language and humor in its entirety. This unique and famous local market let you experience Ivorian culture and the Ivorian way of life. If you want to do something different while staying in Abidjan, this is the perfect experience for you!
Location: Avenue Victor Biaka, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
14. Dipi Crocodile Farm
This small but highly organized farm in the coastal resort town of Assinie, is home to a wide range of animals. Asides crocodiles, there are monkeys, turtles and some big cats here. The staff are very professional and amplify the experience of visitors as they can enjoy close contact with some of the wildlife. You can pet and kiss some of the baby crocodiles and baby chimps as well. Dipi Crocodile farm is definitely among the top places to visit in the country, a major attraction in Assinie and Assuindé!
15. Explore the different Provinces
Tourists in Côte d’Ivoire can travel to the city of Korhogo, which holds a wealth of history about the country and also you can shop for local lovely handicrafts. Bingerville is also really nice place to visit if you enjoy the typical village setting or even Bouaké, the second-largest city in Ivory Coast, with its own captivating sights.
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