Abidjan City Guide

Local dishes like Attiéké and Kedjenou are must-tries. Variety includes Lebanese, French, and Asian food. Vegan and vegetarian options exist but may need asking. Street food and some restaurants serve late.

Nightlife is active in Zone 4 and Cocody, with clubs, bars, and live music venues to choose from.

Coffee culture is growing with street vendors and specialty cafes emerging.

Tipping isn't required but appreciated. 5-10% in restaurants; round up taxi fares.

Buy SIM cards at the airport or official shops like Orange CI and MTN CI. Orange has the best coverage. ID required for activation. eSIMs are rare.

Cleanliness varies; market and residential areas can be untidy. Waste management is improving.

Few places open 24/7. Some pharmacies and minimarts stay open late. Night clinics are rare.

Big supermarkets like Carrefour and Casino sell international goods. Local markets have fresh produce but expect to bargain. Hours generally 9 AM to 9 PM, less on Sundays.

Card payments work in big hotels and supermarkets. Local markets mostly use cash. Mobile money apps like Orange Money and MTN are common for daily payments.

ATMs are easy to find at banks and shopping centers. Use ATMs attached to banks during the day for safety. International cards may incur fees.

International schools offer American or French curricula, with English and French instruction. Early application is advised.

Small but growing community with meetups on social media. Cafes with good Wi-Fi are increasing.

Parks like Parc National du Banco offer green areas for walking and running.

Popular to run in Plateau and Parc National du Banco. Daytime runs are safer, but traffic can affect air quality.

Several gyms and sports clubs are available around the city.

Tennis courts at clubs like Ivoire Golf Club; padel is rare but found in some sports centers.

Padel courts are limited but available in newer facilities.

Yoga classes appear in Cocody and Zone 4, some with English instructors.

Martial arts like Taekwondo and Boxing are common. BJJ and Muay Thai have smaller groups.

No skiing in Ivory Coast due to tropical climate.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are possible on the lagoon. Sailing and windsurfing are less common.

Surfing is possible mainly at Assinie-Mafia, suitable for all levels, best from May to October.

Limited diving near Abidjan because of lagoon. Some options further up the coast.

Some private clinics have English speakers, like Polyclinique Sainte Anne-Marie. Public care varies. Pharmacies are common and carry basic meds.

Tap water isn't safe to drink. Stick to bottled water.

Several parks and playgrounds available, with attractions like the Zoo and Parc National du Banco. Kid-friendly cafes are growing, mainly in Cocody and Marcory.

Conservative social norms; limited safe spaces and no legal protections.

Pet policies vary, vet services exist but few pet parks. Import rules can be strict.