Cote d’ Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire Escape: Culinary Delights & Urban Adventures

“Where Flavor, Tradition, and the Spirit of Abidjan Converge”

📍Places Visited: Abidjan, Yamoussoukro

Overview

Abidjan, the vibrant heart of Côte d’Ivoire, offers one of West Africa’s most unique travel experiences. Known as the “Paris of West Africa,” this city blends modern energy with deep cultural roots. From lively markets and eclectic rooftop cafés to tropical green spaces and seaside escapes, Abidjan is a destination where everyday life unfolds with color. Food lovers will find paradise here, with fresh seafood, charcoal-grilled meats, and traditional Ivorian dishes like attieke (fermented cassava couscous), alloco (fried plantains), kedjenou (stewed chicken), and foutou (pounded yam). Whether you’re chasing city views, tasting local flavors, or soaking in Ivorian traditions, Abidjan is a feast for the senses.

Wellness & Nature

Even in a busy city, it’s easy to find calm. Rooftop terraces and hotel pools offer quiet spots to watch the sunset or enjoy a refreshing cocktail above the urban energy. Banco National Park provides a peaceful retreat in a tropical forest, perfect for short hikes, birdwatching, or simply soaking in greenery. For gentle movement, try morning yoga or stretching on a quiet terrace, or a stroll along Lac des Deux Plateaux or Cocody Bay at sunrise.

For a beach escape, head about an hour outside Abidjan to Grand-Bassam, where calm sandy shores, warm waters, and colonial architecture offer a relaxing contrast to city life. After a full day, a spa treatment with local shea butter can help restore your energy.

Wellness Tip:

Urban Abidjan can be fast-paced and noisy. Take a mid-day break at a rooftop, park, waterfront, or nearby beach to refresh before diving back into markets and culinary adventures.

Cultural Highlights

Museums and landmarks offer insight into Ivorian heritage: Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire showcases diverse ethnic traditions, Musée National d’Abidjan highlights local art, and Palais de la Culture features contemporary exhibitions and performances. Iconic sites like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the bustling Treichville Market highlight Abidjan’s daily life—fishermen bringing in their catch, street vendors preparing snacks, and locals socializing at cafés.

Cultural Tip:

Côte d’Ivoire is French-speaking, so learning a few key phrases or using a translation app helps make market interactions smoother.

Top Adventures

Rooftop Dining & Views: Savor fresh fish and charcoal-grilled meats at Bushman Café, or enjoy cocktails and light bites with panoramic city views at Noom Hotel—perfect for sunset and people-watching.
Abidjan Cultural Tour: Take a walking tour through the city’s vibrant streets and markets, where you might encounter music, art, and even traditional ceremonies.
Grand-Bassam Day Trip: Just an hour away, this UNESCO-listed colonial town invites visitors to browse artisan shops, enjoy seaside relaxation, and stroll sandy beaches—an ideal escape from Abidjan’s busy streets.

Adventure Tip:

For immersive experiences, visit a local fishing village to see traditional techniques, or join a cooking class to learn how to prepare Ivorian favorites like kedjenou or alloco.

Elite Escapes Travel Notes

Abidjan reminded me that true luxury isn’t only about comfort—it’s found in witnessing the richness of everyday life and traditions.

Some of my favorite moments were savoring fresh fish and charcoal-grilled meats, and tasting bissap for the first time—a hibiscus drink I now make at home. The rooftop views at Bushman Café and Noom Hotel were unforgettable, especially at sunset.

A highlight of my walking tour was witnessing a street wedding—guests in traditional attire adorned with gold and intricate jewelry, radiating elegance and pride.

I didn’t get to see it myself, but I’d recommend making a trip to Yamoussoukro to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It’s the largest church in the world, with soaring domes, marble floors, and stained-glass windows that glow when sunlight pours in.

Traveler’s Note: Traffic in Abidjan can be intense! I even experienced my first international (and first ever!) car accident while in a taxi. Always wear your seatbelt and stay alert when moving through the city.

Cultural Note: At meals, men and women sometimes sit on separate sides—observing and respecting customs like these offers deeper insight into Ivorian traditions..

First Published: August 2025