The bustling city of Abidjan offers three standout tours that showcase the best of Côte d’Ivoire’s economic hub. The well-organized Walking Tour hits all the must-sees, including the stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral and vibrant local markets, with guides who smoothly switch between French and English. The Alternative City Tour – my favorite – takes you off the tourist track through the fascinating Plateau district, where local guides share insider stories and hidden gems. For history buffs, the Grand Bassam City Tour combines colonial architecture with hands-on pottery making – a perfect mix of sightseeing and culture.
Check out our detailed reviews of these top Abidjan tours below.
Key Points
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The Abidjan Walking Tour is a highly rated (4.4 stars) and award-winning tour that showcases the city’s top landmarks, including St. Paul’s Cathedral and vibrant markets.
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The Alternative City Tour offers an intimate experience (max 15 travelers) focused on the often-overlooked Plateau district, with knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to purchase unique local souvenirs.
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The Grand Bassam City Tour & Workshop combines a guided tour of historical architecture with a hands-on pottery creation session with local artisans, catering to a maximum of 15 participants.
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Cultural Insights tours emphasize local culture and heritage, with engaging experiences such as hands-on workshops and evening tours highlighting unique wildlife like fruit bats.
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The tours offer flexible meeting and pickup options, transportation for cruise passengers and private groups, and consideration for weather and traffic conditions to enhance accessibility for travelers.
Abidjan Walking Tour (French and English)
Although Abidjan is known as the “Paris of West Africa,” the Abidjan Walking Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
Available in both French and English, the tour boasts a 4.4-star rating across 36 reviews, earning a Badge of Excellence.
Held regularly every Saturday at 9 AM, the tour accommodates up to 20 travelers and is praised for its knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating guides.
Highlights include visits to St. Paul’s Cathedral, a local mosque, La Pyramide, and vibrant markets.
For cruise passengers, the tour includes transportation from the port.
With personalized experiences and evening tours showcasing the city’s fruit bat gathering, this walking tour provides an immersive way to discover Abidjan.
Read our full review: Abidjan Walking Tour (French and English) Review
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Alternative City Tour
For those seeking an alternative perspective on Abidjan, the Alternative City Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the often-overlooked Plateau district.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, this tour provides an intimate experience to meet friendly locals and skilled merchants in the city’s business hub. Priced at $29.83 per person, the tour includes bottled water and flexible meeting and pickup options.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, such as Aichatou and Ange, who share informative historical insights.
While weather and traffic can be challenging, the tour promises an unforgettable chance to discover the culture of the ‘Ivorian Manhattan’ and purchase local souvenirs not found elsewhere.
Read our full review: Alternative City Tour Review
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Grand Bassam City Tour & Workshop
What better way to take in Côte d’Ivoire’s rich cultural heritage than the Grand Bassam City Tour & Workshop?
This hands-on experience takes travelers on a guided tour through the architectural remnants of the 19th and 20th centuries in Grand Bassam.
Afterward, participants can create their own pottery piece under the guidance of local artisans.
With a maximum group size of 15, the tour boasts a 90% recommendation rate and a 4.6 rating based on traveler reviews.
Guests can opt for private transportation or head to the meeting point directly.
The pottery workshop and tour provide an authentic cultural dive into Ivorian traditions.
Read our full review: Grand Bassam City Tour & Workshop Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Abidjan offers a variety of engaging tours to suit different interests. The Abidjan Walking Tour provides a guided exploration of the city’s French and English landmarks. The Alternative City Tour showcases Abidjan’s vibrant local culture, while the Grand Bassam City Tour & Workshop allows visitors to enjoy the region’s art and craftsmanship. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or art, Abidjan has a tour that can cater to your preferences.