Explore Places To Visit In Ivory Coast For Culture, Nature, Beaches And Short City Breaks

The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro is one of the best place to visit in Ivory Coast.

Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) will excite your sense of adventure! West Africa is a lively destination with golden beaches, tropical rainforests, and fast-paced cities that all live in harmony together. Popular places to visit in the Ivory Coast include coastal areas like colonial towns such as Grand-Bassam, and the heavily unrivalled Padua Hotel, as well as modern metropolises like Abidjan and the environmental sanctuary, including the quiet surroundings of Yamoussoukro. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, an explorer of history, or one who relaxes at the beach, consider Ivorian landmarks with many cultural and natural displays to be seen.

10 Places To Visit In Ivory Coast

The places to visit in Ivory Coast include serene beaches, metropolitan cities, ancient rainforests, and cultural hubs.

1. Abidjan

St. Paul’s Cathedral in Abidjan with a tall cross-shaped tower and angular concrete roof, one of the top places to visit in Ivory Coast.

Photo: Anthere / Wikimedia Commons

Located in one of the thriving and varied regions of the Ivory Coast, Abidjan is a city where cosmopolitan development coexists with traditional markets and waterways. Known as the “Paris of West Africa,” Abidjan is a mixture of cosmopolitan culture, nightlife, and urban energy. With the Plateau district as the business centre of the city, and Cocody featuring upscale districts and the impressive St. Paul’s Cathedral, there is much to do and see in Abidjan. Check out the Treichville markets, sample traditional Ivorian dishes at a local maquis, or lounge by the Ébrié Lagoon.

Location: Lagunes District
Top Highlights: Cathedral of St. Paul

2. Grand-Bassam

Exterior view of the National Costume Museum in Grand-Bassam with historic charm.

Photo: Modjou / Wikimedia Commons

Grand-Bassam is an old seaside town with a harmonious mixture of historical beauty and coastal leisure. The town, which was once the capital of the French Ivory Coast, is now a UNESCO World Heritage, generally commemorated in its intact 19th-century architecture and heritage culture. The old French quarter, the faded mansions, the broad boulevards, all the tales of ancient times. Tourists may visit the National Costume Museum, walk in artisanal markets, or rest on peaceful beaches with palm trees. Grand-Bassam is one of the places to see in Ivory Coasy which provides a quiet, nostalgic retreat and a destination.

Location: Sud-Comoé
Top Highlights: Costume Museum

3. Yamoussoukro

Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, a must-see place to visit in Ivory Coast.

Photo: Felix Krohn / Wikimedia Commons

The political capital of Ivory Coast, Yamoussoukro, is an impressive city in terms of architecture and tranquil atmosphere. Its most famous structure is the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, the world’s biggest church area-wise, based on the idea of St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome. It smacks of awe with its giant columns and marble interiors. Larger boulevards, peaceful lakes and well-kept landscapes are the characteristics of Yamoussoukro beyond the basilica. It is a collecting area of faith, history, and national pride, so it is one of the tourist places in Ivory Coast.

Location: Lacs District
Top Highlights: Crocodile moat

4. Taï National Park

Leopard resting in the dense greenery of Taï National Park’s tropical rainforest.

Photo: Marthijn Brinks / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Taï National Park is a real gem in West Africa and one of the last remaining untouched rainforests, offering a unique opportunity to experience the exotic, untouched tropical wilderness. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has incredible biodiversity in the form of flora and fauna, including rare species such as pygmy hippos, chimpanzees and leopards. Some ancient jungle trails, guided tours and eco-lodges give visitors a close look at the centre of biodiversity. Not only is it one of the natural wonders in the world, but it is also one of the tourist places in the Ivory Coast because of its rich ecosystem and international importance.

Location: Montagnes District
Top Highlights: Chimpanzee sightings

5. Man

Scenic waterfall in Man, a natural highlight and top place to visit in Ivory Coast.

Photo: Mike Lewis HeadSmart Media / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Nestled in the western highlands of Ivory Coast, Man is a picturesque town surrounded by forested mountains and waterfalls. It has a mild climate, breathtaking scenery and cultural character. The area is perfect for hiking, especially to Mount Tonkoui, the second-highest peak in the country, and the craggy and daunting Dent de Man. Both hikes will bring you into contact with striking green valleys and open-air markets of the Dan people, known for their colourful mask dances, traditional woodwork and folk tales. Also, eco-tourism activities abound with waterfalls and areas populated by butterflies in the vicinity.

Location: Montagnes District
Top Highlights: Mount Tonkoui

6. Assinie

The shoreline of Île Napoléon in Assinie with palm trees and thatched huts near the water.

Photo: WILLAV-FR / Wikimedia Commons

Assinie is the ultimate beach resort in Ivory Coast with golden sands that gently flow into the calm lagoons and luxury intermingling with the locality. This coastal paradise is only a short drive of just a few hours from Abidjan and is a favourite weekend escape for city inhabitants. The beaches are long and lined with palm trees, ideal for removing the tan. The lagoon water is still and makes one want to try out jet-skiing, a banana boat ride and tours on the pirogue.

Location: Sud-Comoé
Top Highlights: Lagoon boat trips

7. Korhogo

Green hilltop of Mont Korhogo with rocky patches, overlooking buildings, amongst the best places to visit in Ivory Coast.

Photo: Manouka / Wikimedia Commons

Korhogo is a heartland of culture, design, and spiritual heritage inhabited by people in the rolling hills of the northern Savanes region. It is the ancestral homeland of the Senufo, who are famous carvers of wood and weavers and creators of elaborate brass pieces. Visitors may visit busy craft markets, open-air artisan workshops or the Peleforo Gbon Coulibaly Museum and learn more about local history. Outside the city, closer to the village, there are sacred places such as Mount Korhogo and closer neighbours, which give more understanding of what animist beliefs are, as well as their ceremonies.

Location: Savanes
Top Highlights: Woodcarving villages

8. Comoe National Park

Savanna in Comoé National Park with tall grass, scattered trees, and a rainbow overhead.

Photo: ETF89 / Wikimedia Commons

Comoe National Park is a limitless wilderness in the northeastern Ivory Coast and a UNESCO World Heritage site that is part of one of the most diverse ecosystems in West Africa. There are savannahs, gallery forests, and the winding Comoe River, which is home to wildlife that includes elephants, hippos, antelopes, monkeys, and hundreds of birds. Comoe is an unusually diverse mixture of habitats that provide opportunities for some great wildlife viewing for eco-tourists and botanists alike. Visitors have the option of participating in guided safaris, river cruises, or nature walks led by knowledgeable rangers.

Location: Zanzan District
Top Highlights: Comoe River

9. San Pedro

A serene view of the beach at San Pedro with sandy shore, calm waters, and palm trees, amongst the best places to visit in Ivory Coast.

Photo: Rowan Heuvel / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

The coastal city of San Pedro in southwestern Ivory Coast is a relaxed, beautiful and culturally rich place. It is most famous for its port, which is the second largest one in the country, but at the same time, it has some of the most serene beaches in the region. San Pedro, unlike the more advanced Assinie, has quiet beaches, which are less crowded and ideal for either swimming or playing beach soccer. Nature is not left out as the surrounding forests and the nearby river, Nero River, provide canoeing and nature walks, which add a sprinkle of adventure.

Location: Bas-Sassandra
Top Highlights: Port of San Pedro

10. Abengourou

Cocoa tree farming in Abengourou with ripe pods growing in a lush green setting.

Photo: PROJETO CAFÉ GATO-MOURISCO / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

The calm town of Abengourou in the eastern part of Ivory Coast has a royal history and is famously endowed with the beauty of cocoa-blessed countryside. It is a kingdom, and the capital of the Indenie Kingdom, where people can visit the Royal Palace to get more information about their ancestors and the cultures of the Akan communities. Another interesting region is also connected with the production of cocoa, where plantations are open to people and let them take a look at cocoa farming and enjoy fresh cocoa. Hence, it is a unique destination that should be on the list of places to visit in Ivory Coast.

Location: Indénié-Djuablin
Top Highlights: Indénié Royal Palace

Ivory Coast offers a unique blend of modern cities, ancient traditions, and natural beauty. Explore the stunning basilica of Yamoussoukro, vibrant markets, and the lush rainforests of Taï National Park. Whether you’re seeking cultural experiences, coastal escapes, or rainforest adventures, Ivory Coast has something for every traveler. With rich heritage, warm hospitality, and diverse landscapes, it’s a West African gem worth discovering. Start planning with TripXL today.

Cover Photo: Didierwiki / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

You can observe chimpanzees, pygmy hippos, monkeys, and exotic birds. A guided trek is the best way to experience the park's unusual rainforest wildlife in an unaltered and protected environment.
Korhogo is well known for its crafts in the traditional Senufo way. The area is famous for weaving, woodcarving, and dance ceremonies. A visit to the artisan villages and the local museum provides deep insight into Ivorian culture.
You can use domestic flights, long-distance buses or hire a private car. The roads between the cities are reasonable, but the roads leading to more remote areas would probably require 4x4 vehicles.
Visitors should try traditional Ivorian dishes like attieke (cassava couscous), alloco (fried plantains), garba (cassava with tuna), and kedjenou (spicy stewed chicken).
French is the official language, but many local languages are spoken, including Dioula, Baoulé, and Senufo. In tourist areas, basic English is sometimes understood, especially in hotels and guided tours.

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