5 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions In Ivory Coast For A Holiday

By Jenna Jolie | Update on: Mar 02, 2023

5 Best Tourist Places In Ivory Coast To Visit

Blessed with stunning landscapes, from the beautiful beaches in the south to the lush forests in the north, Ivory Coast is suitable for both a romantic getaway and an adventure holiday. Ivory Coast (or Cote d'Ivoire) is a West African country situated along the Gulf of Guinea. It’s a culturally diverse nation with an intriguing history and a welcoming population. It has a wealth of Ivory Coast tourist attractions and activities that attract thousands of visitors each year. These include stunning beaches, the Grand Bassam historical site, the Taï National Park, the Marahoué National Park, the Banco National Park, the Comoe National Park, the Comoé River, and so much more.

5 Best Tourist Places In Ivory Coast To Visit

Ivory Coast is known for its vibrant nightlife, as well as its thriving arts and culture. Visitors can explore the bustling markets, sample the delicious food, and even try a bit of traditional music. Let’s check out the top 5 best tourist places in Ivory Coast and get the most fantastic experiences on your travel journey!

Grand-Bassam

Grand Bassam was once the capital of the French colonial empire in West Africa. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to several colonial-era buildings. When traveling to the historic town of Grand-Bassam, don’t miss out on some famous tourist attractions in Ivory Coast, such as Grand Bassam Beach, Grand Bassam Museum, Grand Bassam Library, and Colonial Buildings. Among them, Grand Bassam contributes significantly to the development of beach tourism since it draws many tourists seeking serenity to the beach. Additionally, there are restaurants and resorts lining this very long beach, which may persuade you to remain longer than you had initially intended.

Grand Bassam, Ivory Coast

Grand Bassam, Ivory Coast

Abidjan

Abidjan is the largest city as well as the country’s commercial and cultural hub. It is home to some of the best nightlife in Africa, with a variety of trendy cafes and restaurants as well as a multitude of markets and shopping centers. That’s why Abidjan has been known as one of the top Cote d'Ivoire tourist attractions for years. The restaurants in Abidjan serve up both tasty local dishes and international cuisine; hence tourists can choose the one that best suits their taste.

If you are concerned about Abidjan tourist attractions, you should make sure that St. Paul’s Cathedral is included in your itinerary. The church of St. Paul was designed by the Italian architect Aldo Spirito and is unique in its way. The panoramic stained glass windows are the highlights of the church, making it more attractive. Visiting St. Paul church, tourists can find artistic and modern mosaics that depict Catholic Stations of the Cross.

Since Abidjan is in the equatorial region of Africa, its climate differs from that of the rest of the world. The best time to visit this attraction is from November to January when the weather is drier than the other humid months of the year.

Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Yamoussoukro

Yamoussoukro is the political capital of the Ivory Coast and home to the country’s largest mosque, the Grande Mosquée de Yamoussoukro. Visitors can explore the city’s historic sites or visit the nearby Akouédo National Park. Yamoussoukro is also known for its vibrant nightlife scene and is a popular destination for travelers looking to experience the best of Ivory Coast’s culture.

When it comes to some of the most popular tourist destinations in Yamoussoukro, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro should be on the list. It is the largest Christian church in the world, surpassing St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. The Basilica's interior is decorated with marble that was entirely imported from Italy and illuminated by thousands of lights.

The Grand Mosque of Yamoussoukro is another tourist attraction in Cote d'Ivoire that you should not miss on your Ivory Coast trip. The massive mosque in the heart of Yamoussoukro, one of the Ivory Coast's most prominent religious structures, was constructed in the 20th century under the order of the country's first president Houphout Boigny, drawing large numbers of locals and foreign tourists. The many tiles adorning the columns within the mosque were imported from Morocco, whereas the cast iron for the mosque’s giant doors was made in France.

When visiting The Grand Mosque of Yamoussoukro, please be aware that tourists must take off their shoes before entering the mosque, and ladies must also cover their heads with veils.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast

The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast

Tai National Park

Tai National Park is one of West Africa's greatest wildlife sanctuaries and home to a wide variety of species, including chimpanzees, elephants, and gorillas. It is a primary rainforest and has been a Unesco World Heritage site since 1982. Visiting Tai National Park, tourists will have the opportunity to encounter some incredible things, including birdwatching and wildlife spotting, in a place with spectacular scenic beauty. Additionally, must-try experiences for tourists consist of hiking treks through the rainforest and witnessing the park's enormous biodiversity.

The road to Tai National Park is a dirt track, and it becomes impassable during rainy weather. Djouroutou is the village for Tai National Park entry, approximately 215 km from San Pedro. Therefore, it is recommended that you visit this attraction in the dry season to have an authentic adventure.

Assinie-Mafia

Assinie-Mafia is a coastal resort town in the south-eastern Ivory Coast. For beach lovers who are searching for a place to evade the urban stresses and noises from the nearby mega-city of Abidjan, there is no better place than Assinie-Mafia. Assinie-Mafia is now equipped with numerous luxurious hotels, bars, and high-end restaurants, which best suits a romantic honeymoon.

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.

Ivory Coast is an African nation filled with incredible Ivory Coast tourist attractions for your holiday. Whether you’re looking for historical sites, natural wonders, or vibrant nightlife, Ivory Coast has something for you. So, if you’re looking to explore the best of what Africa has to offer, make sure to add Ivory Coast to your list of must-visit destinations.

If you need assistance with making an Ivory Coast entry ticket - a visa, please contact Ivory Coast Immigration Services immediately. We will accompany you on your journey to discover this West African country.

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