Things to See and Do in Côte d'Ivoire
- Abidjan is home to the country's major museums. Musée National sits near the Le Plateau market and contains more than 20,000 African pieces such as wooden statues, pottery, ivory, bronze and masks. The Musée Municipal d'Art Contemporain de Cocody offers visitors a view of contemporary works from African artists. Other museum choices include the Native Costume Museum that showcases native dress items as well as the Museum of Civilization, which displays exhibits relating to science and sociology.
- Cathedrale St. Paul in Abidjan features a statue of St. Paul in addition to several tableaux depicting religious scenes. Yamoussoukro's Basilique de Notre Dame de la Paix resembles St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome. At the time of its creation, the Basilique de Notre Dame de la Paix was said to be one of the largest Christian places of worship in the world. Also in Yamoussoukro, the Fondation Houphouet-Boigny is the home of the country's former leader Felix Houphouet-Boigny and his burial site. The onsite lake includes crocodiles that are fed daily by attendants. All feedings are free and open to the public.
- There are three main festivals in Cote d'Ivoire. The Bouaké Carnival is held each March in Bouaké. Near Abidjan, the annual Fête du Dipri in Gomon features villagers conducting rituals to cleanse the village of evil. The Fêtes des Masques in the region of Man encompasses several villages, and forest spirits are honored by decorative masks. Abidjan also offers Le Village Ki-Yi, which presents an authentic African dinner with a show. Performances come from Ki-Yi M'Bock, which consists of singers, dancers and musicians.
- Ivoire Golf Club in Abidjan offers 27 holes of golf. The course has an ocean view as part of the design by Piero Mancinelli. A hotel with conferences and banquet rooms is onsite. Parc National de la Comoé is a nature park that provides views of animals such as lions, monkeys and elephants. A guide and vehicle are required to enter the park. (As of 2011, visitors may only enter the park when there is no fighting amongst the local warring factions.) Fishing opportunities are available at the coast and hiking is on hand near Man.