---
title: "Top 10 Things To Do in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast | Wimup"
description: "The 10 best things to do in Yamoussoukro, ranked. The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, the crocodile lake at the palace, the Grand Mosque, Baoulé weavers, Lake Kossou, where to eat and stay, and how to get there."
url: https://wimup.com/city/yamoussoukro
type: City guide
updated: 2026-10-05
publisher: Wimup (https://wimup.com)
---

# Top 10 Things To Do in Yamoussoukro

Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast · Africa · By Wimup Editorial, 10 min read

Yamoussoukro is the village Félix Houphouët-Boigny was born in and the capital he made of it in 1983. Wide boulevards, artificial lakes and monuments built to impress sit on Baoulé farmland, three hours up the motorway from Abidjan.

## Quick answer

Give Yamoussoukro one full day and a night. Spend the morning in the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, then see the Grand Mosque and the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Foundation. Be at the crocodile lake by the presidential palace in the late afternoon, and eat on the 14th floor of the Hôtel Président. A second day buys Bomizambo's weavers or Lake Kossou.

## Quick facts

- **Best months:** Nov · Dec · Jan · Feb
- **Ideal length:** 1–2 days
- **Budget per day:** $40–120
- **Language:** French, with Baoulé spoken in daily life
- **Getting around:** Shared and metered taxis, plus a car for day trips
- **Tourism board:** [Official site](https://www.tourismecotedivoire.ci/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## The 10 best things to do in Yamoussoukro

### 1. Basilica of Our Lady of Peace

Faith · Basilique Notre-Dame de la Paix, Yamoussoukro

Guinness lists it as the largest church in the world: a dome and colonnade after St Peter's, 7,000 m² of French stained glass and room for 18,000. John Paul II consecrated it in 1990. Go in the morning, when the light comes through the glass.

- **Time:** 1–2 hr
- **Cost:** Entry fee, guided visit
- **Best at:** Morning light
- **Tip:** Cover shoulders and knees

Links: [Website](https://basiliquenotredame-delapaix.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 2. Lac aux Caïmans

Wildlife · Beside the Presidential Palace, Yamoussoukro

The lake ringing the presidential palace holds more than 200 Nile crocodiles, fed beef by their keepers in the late afternoon. It is the city's strangest sight. Watch from the road side and keep well back from the water.

- **Time:** 1 hr
- **Cost:** Tip the keepers
- **Best at:** Late afternoon feed
- **Tip:** Ask at the lakeside for that day’s feeding time

### 3. Félix Houphouët-Boigny Foundation for Peace Research

Landmark · Fondation Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Yamoussoukro

A congress centre created in 1973 to promote peace in Africa, designed by Olivier-Clément Cacoub. Its two amphitheatres keep their original 1970s decor. Ask at reception for a guided walk through the halls.

- **Time:** 1 hr
- **Cost:** Guided visit
- **Best at:** Weekday mornings
- **Tip:** Call ahead to confirm a guide

### 4. Grand Mosque of Yamoussoukro

Faith · Grande Mosquée de la Paix, Dioulakro, Yamoussoukro

Houphouët-Boigny had the mosque built in the 1960s, two decades before the basilica, and the two still face off across town. The white minarets are the view. Visit outside prayer times.

- **Time:** 45 min
- **Cost:** Ask on arrival
- **Best at:** Mid-morning
- **Tip:** Dress modestly and ask before entering

### 5. Hôtel Président

Landmark · Boulevard from Abidjan, at the city's southern entrance

Olivier-Clément Cacoub's tower in a 25-hectare park is the city's grand hotel, and its 14th-floor panoramic restaurant has the best view of the basilica. Come for dinner or a drink at sunset even if you sleep elsewhere.

- **Time:** 2 hr
- **Cost:** Restaurant prices
- **Best at:** Sunset
- **Tip:** Book a window table on the 14th floor

### 6. Cathédrale Saint-Augustin

Faith · Cathédrale Saint-Augustin, Yamoussoukro

The town's first great church, named for Houphouët-Boigny's late brother Augustin and made a cathedral when the diocese was created in 1992. Smaller and busier than the basilica, it is where Yamoussoukro actually goes to Mass.

- **Time:** 30 min
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** Sunday Mass
- **Tip:** Pair it with the basilica the same morning

Links: [Website](https://www.cathedrale-st-augustin-de-yakro.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 7. Président Golf Club

Sport · Président Golf Club, Yamoussoukro

Eighteen holes by Dave Thomas, opened in 1980 around a six-hectare lake, with a clubhouse of two concrete tents by Roger Taillibert. Visitors can book a round. The clubhouse alone justifies the detour.

- **Time:** 4 hr
- **Cost:** Green fee
- **Best at:** Early tee time
- **Tip:** Book ahead through the club

Links: [Website](https://pgc.ci/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 8. Lake Kossou and the Kossou Dam

Nature · Kossou, 32 km northwest of Yamoussoukro

The Bandama River dammed in 1972 into Ivory Coast's largest lake. Drive out for the view across the water from the dam. Go in the dry season, when the roads are easiest.

- **Time:** Half day
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** Late afternoon
- **Tip:** Hire a car and driver for the round trip

### 9. Bomizambo weaving village

Craft · Bomizambo, 34 km north of Yamoussoukro

A Baoulé village where men of every age weave pagne cloth in 15 cm strips on wooden looms, a trade learned over seven years. Watch a loom, then buy directly from the weaver who made the cloth.

- **Time:** Half day
- **Cost:** Cloth to buy
- **Best at:** Weekday mornings
- **Tip:** Bring cash in CFA francs

### 10. Abokouamékro Wildlife Reserve

Wildlife · Abokouamékro, about 60 km from Yamoussoukro

A 204 km² reserve of protected savanna and grassland, the nearest wildlife country to the capital. It is not a safari park, so arrange a vehicle and guide before you go and set off early.

- **Time:** Full day
- **Cost:** Entry and guide
- **Best at:** Early morning
- **Tip:** Arrange access before driving out

## Best architecture in Yamoussoukro

Three more buildings from a city designed to look like a capital before it was one.

1. **Presidential Palace** (Landmark · Exterior only · Palace grounds): Cacoub's palace behind a 22 km wall, with two rams at the gate. Houphouët-Boigny lies in a vault beneath its chapel. Exterior only.
2. **Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny** (Campus · Exterior · South of the centre): The national engineering school, created in 1996 on a sprawling campus.
3. **Stade Charles Konan Banny** (Stadium · 20,000 seats · Near the Lycée Scientifique): A 20,000-seat stadium opened in 2022 for the Africa Cup of Nations.

## Best restaurants in Yamoussoukro

Three tables for a sit-down dinner, from Italian to a lakeside terrace.

1. **Chez Mario** (Italian · Route d'Abidjan): Italian cooking on the Abidjan road, and the easy first dinner.
2. **Le Brennus** (French · International · N'Zuessy): French and international cooking, among the best-reviewed tables in town.
3. **La Brise** (Pizzeria · View · Quartier Énergie): Pizzas and grills with a view across the lake to the basilica.

## Best maquis in Yamoussoukro

Three maquis, the open-air grills where the city eats foutou, kedjenou and braised fish.

1. **Le Banian** (Maquis · Ivorian · Yamoussoukro): A festive maquis for foutou banane and kedjenou.
2. **Complexe Le Boognak** (Maquis · Bar · Yamoussoukro): A restaurant-maquis and a bar under one roof.
3. **La Bâche Blanche** (Maquis · Ivorian · Yamoussoukro): Home-style Ivorian plates, cooked to order.

## Best hotels in Yamoussoukro

Four places to sleep beyond the Hôtel Président, from a 300-room resort to bungalows.

1. **HP Resort** (Resort · 300 rooms · Central Yamoussoukro): The former Hôtel des Parlementaires: 300 rooms, a pool and a nightclub.
2. **Royal Hôtel** (Hotel · 37 rooms · Town centre): A 37-room three-star in the centre of town.
3. **Onyx Hotel** (Hotel · Pool · Morofé Résidentiel): A pool, a bar and two restaurants in a residential quarter.
4. **Eklôfè Bungalows Hôtel** (Bungalows · Pool · Yamoussoukro): Bungalows around a pool, with a gym and a restaurant.

## Best shopping in Yamoussoukro

Three places to shop, from the central market to Baoulé masks near the basilica.

1. **Grand Marché** (Market · Habitat): The central market, for cloth, produce and everyday Yakro.
2. **Artisans’ market** (Crafts · Near the basilica): Baoulé masks, carvings and woven cloth a short walk from the basilica.
3. **Hôtel Président gallery** (Arcade · Hôtel Président): A shopping arcade inside the grand hotel, for a quick browse.

## Best neighbourhoods in Yamoussoukro

Five quarters of a planned city, where every distance is a short taxi ride.

1. **Habitat** (Central · Market · Habitat): The commercial centre, with the grand market and the main shops.
2. **Dioulakro** (Landmarks · Dioulakro): The quarter of the basilica and the Grand Mosque.
3. **Quartier Millionnaire** (Upscale · Hotels · Abla Pokou): Also called Abla Pokou: the upscale quarter, where most of the better hotels are.
4. **N'Zuessy** (Residential · Dining · N'Zuessy): One of the original quarters, home to Le Brennus.
5. **Morofé** (Residential · Quiet · Morofé): A quiet residential quarter with newer hotels.

## Best day trips in Yamoussoukro

Three trips out by road, to the weaving towns, the second city and the forest.

1. **Tiébissou** (Crafts · Road · North): The leading centre of Baoulé weaving, on the road north to Bouaké.
2. **Bouaké** (City · 1.5 hr · North): Ivory Coast's second city, 108 km north, and the heart of Baoulé country.
3. **Marahoué National Park** (Park · 2 hr · West): Forest-savanna with elephants, buffalo and monkeys, 28 km past Bouaflé.

## Festivals & annual events in Yamoussoukro (2026)

- **Paquinou** (Easter): Baoulé families come home for three days of Easter feasting, reunions and masks.
- **FESTIB** (May–Jul): A two-day festival of braised meat and fried fish. Dates move each year.
- **Independence Day** (7 Aug): The national day, with parades. Yamoussoukro hosted the 2022 celebration.
- **Assumption pilgrimage** (9–15 Aug): Pilgrims fill the basilica for a week of Masses and processions.
- **National Peace Day** (15 Nov): A Mass for peace at the basilica, then delegations walk on to the Grand Mosque.
- **Ramadan and Korité** (Movable): The Grand Mosque fills for the end of the fast. Dates follow the lunar calendar.
- **Tabaski** (Movable): Eid al-Adha prayers at the Grand Mosque, then family feasts across town.
- **Fête des ignames** (Harvest): Villages around the city, Lolobo among them, give thanks for the new yam.

## Must-try dishes in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast

- **Foutou banane**: Plantain pounded smooth, the Baoulé staple with every sauce.
- **Sauce graine**: Palm-nut sauce with fish or meat, poured over foutou or rice.
- **Kedjenou**: Chicken slow-cooked in its own steam with vegetables and spice.
- **Attiéké and grilled fish**: Fermented cassava couscous with braised fish and raw onion.
- **Garba**: Attiéké with fried tuna, tomato and chilli. The cheap street lunch.
- **Alloco**: Fried ripe plantain with spicy tomato sauce, sold at dusk.
- **Placali**: Fermented cassava paste with a rich sauce, often okra.
- **Poulet braisé**: Chicken grilled over coals at a maquis, with attiéké.

## Yamoussoukro transport & airports

- **Yamoussoukro Airport** (ASK): A 3,000 m runway, once long enough for Concorde, with mainly Air Côte d’Ivoire domestic flights. International arrivals land in Abidjan. [Website](https://www.aircotedivoire.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- **Autoroute du Nord** (Road): Abidjan is 237 km away, 217 of them on the motorway, about three hours by car.
- **Intercity coaches** (UTB): UTB runs daily coaches to Abidjan, about three and a half hours, for around 4,000 to 4,500 CFA francs.
- **Taxis** (Taxi): Yamoussoukro taxis are white with green and orange bands. Many have meters; agree the fare first if not.

## Yamoussoukro at a glance

- **Country:** Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire)
- **Region:** Yamoussoukro Autonomous District
- **Population:** 422,072 in the autonomous district (2021 census)
- **Founded:** Baoulé village of N’Gokro, renamed in 1919, capital since 21 March 1983
- **Nickname:** Yakro
- **Language:** French is official, Baoulé in daily use
- **Currency:** West African CFA franc (XOF)
- **Time zone:** UTC+0, no daylight saving
- **Calling code:** +225
- **Airports:** Yamoussoukro (ASK) domestic; Abidjan (ABJ) for international flights
- **Power:** 220V, types C and E
- **Emergency:** Police 170 or 111, fire 180, ambulance 185

## Interesting facts

- Yamoussoukro was the village of N’Gokro until 1919, renamed for Queen Yamousso.
- It is the fourth capital in a century, after Grand-Bassam, Bingerville and Abidjan.
- Its 3,000 m runway was one of only two in Africa that could take Concorde.
- The ram is Houphouët-Boigny’s totem, and two rams flank the palace gate.
- The basilica can hold 18,000 people, 7,000 of them seated.

## Yamoussoukro travel FAQ

### How many days do you need in Yamoussoukro?

One full day covers the city: the basilica in the morning, the Grand Mosque and the foundation at midday, the crocodile lake late afternoon. A second day buys Bomizambo’s weavers, Lake Kossou or the Abokouamékro reserve.

### Is Yamoussoukro the capital of Ivory Coast?

Yes, officially since 1983. The port, the international airport, the embassies and most of government’s daily work stayed in Abidjan, which is why many still name it. Yamoussoukro hosts the big state occasions.

### How do you get from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro?

By road on the Autoroute du Nord: 237 km, about three hours by car. UTB and other coach companies run daily from Abidjan in around three and a half hours for a few thousand CFA francs.

### Can you visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace?

Yes. Visitors go in on a guided visit with an entry fee, and shoulders and knees should be covered. Mornings give the best light through the stained glass. Check the basilica’s own site before a feast day.

### When is the best time to visit Yamoussoukro?

November to February, the dry season, when rain is rare and roads to the day trips are easiest. The Harmattan can bring dust and haze from December. Rain peaks from May to September.

## Nearby guides

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Part of the [Ivory Coast guide](https://wimup.com/country/ivory-coast.md) · [Africa](https://wimup.com/africa.md)

## Sources

- [Yamoussoukro tourism board](https://www.tourismecotedivoire.ci/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (official site)](https://basiliquenotredame-delapaix.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Cathédrale Saint-Augustin (official site)](https://www.cathedrale-st-augustin-de-yakro.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Président Golf Club (official site)](https://pgc.ci/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Yamoussoukro Airport (official site)](https://www.aircotedivoire.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- Rankings are Wimup editorial picks. Prices, durations and budgets are editorial estimates, not live quotes; check the official site before you go.