Discover Abidjan

The Ébrié Lagoon, Parc national du Banco and cultural sites in Plateau each offer a different focus. If you’re looking for hotels in Abidjan, it helps to first decide what you want to shape your trip: lagoon transport, nature and environmental education, or architecture and social themes. These highlights describe different sides of the destination; they don’t have to be combined into a single itinerary. This way, you can choose your accommodation based on the interests that genuinely matter most to you.

Lagoon routes as a guide

The Société de Transport Lagunaire (STL) connects Abidjan’s main districts via six landing stages and four lagoon routes. This makes lagoon transport a practical topic around which to plan your trip. The network information comes from the operator and may change, so check the latest route information before travelling.

Parc national du Banco

Parc national du Banco covers 3,438.34 hectares. The protected area is described as a water reservoir and the green lung of Abidjan, as well as an important place for environmental education. Nature and environmental education are therefore two closely connected highlights for anyone interested in the green side of the destination.

The arboretum contains more than 800 species of higher plants from the tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Latin America. Its botanical focus thus includes plants from three regions of the world. Campbell’s monkeys can also be regularly spotted in the park, although individual sightings may vary. The protected area also includes an internal network of 80 kilometres of trails. If you’re planning a visit, check the current access conditions beforehand.

A semi-natural swimming pool is another facility in the park. If you’re planning to include it in your itinerary, ask in advance about its current operating status and access options. The Maison du Gouverneur Reste is also located in Parc national du Banco and serves as an écomusée. If you’re planning a visit, you should also check the access options beforehand.

Cultural sites in Plateau

The Cathédrale Saint-Paul rises above the Ébrié Lagoon from the Plateau district. It is considered one of Abidjan’s most famous monuments. The building thus combines an architectural highlight with views of the lagoon.

The Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire is also in Plateau. Its permanent exhibition is divided into five thematic areas: Côte d’Ivoire from an archaeological perspective, economic organisation, sociopolitical organisation, religious beliefs and contemporary life. The themes therefore range from archaeological and social questions to the present day. Unlike the single landmark of the Cathédrale Saint-Paul, the focus here is on the breadth of the exhibition’s themes.

When planning your trip, these cultural sites can appeal to different interests: the relationship between architecture and the lagoon, or the exhibition’s range of themes. Together with Parc national du Banco and the lagoon routes, they offer several ways to discover Abidjan according to your own interests. First decide which of these matter to you during your stay, then look for hotels in Abidjan.

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