The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace ranks 1st in the list of best places to visit in Yamoussoukro. The instance of the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, the largest church in the world, is the perfect illustration of the stark contrast between Yamoussoukro's run-down streets and its ambitious ambition to become a recognized capital city. The magnificent St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City served as the inspiration for the basilica, which was built in 1990. Still, it vastly outshines it thanks to its more significant dimensions and a dome with a diameter that is more than twice as enormous. Even the most seasoned tourists are taken aback by the Godzilla-sized church because it is so spectacular and unavoidable.

The church can accommodate up to 18,000 people, with space for 7,000 worshipers in the nave. However, due to the grandiose structure's location outside of the downtown area in a city that was never really thought of as a major international tourist destination, the average number of visitors rarely exceeds a few hundred. Given that the Basilica was constructed entirely out of marble imported from Italy and cost upwards of half a billion dollars, it was widely criticized for being an extravagant display of avarice in a nation where around 50% of people make less than $3 per day.

Google rating: 4.6/5.0
Address: Rue de St.France, Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire
Phone number: +225 27 30 6 41021
Official site: https://basiliquenotredamedelapaix.com/

The Palais Presidentiel ranks 4th in the list of best places to visit in Yamoussoukro. If you have time, make sure to visit the Palais Presidentiel once when you travel to Yamoussoukro. The official residence of the President of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire is located in Yamoussoukro, which serves as the nation's capital. It performs this duty with the Presidential Palace of Abidjan, which is located in Abidjan, the nation's economic hub and the location of the majority of its national political and administrative organizations.

It was constructed at the request of Félix Houphout-Boigny, the first president of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, and is the creation of architect Olivier-Clément Cacoub. On the original location of N'Gokro, the little village of huts where President Houphouet-Boigny was born, it consists of a massive six-story building surrounded by dwellings for his family and employees, enclosed by a 22 km perimeter. The site, which is surrounded by the sacred crocodile pond, has an entrance flanked on either side by two life-size rams, the builder's totem animals.

Google rating: 4.3/5.0
Address: Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire
Phone number: +225 27 21 2 79727
Official site: https://www.presidence.ci/les-palais-presidentiels/

Around 40% of Ivorians practice Islam, making Ivory Coast one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse countries in the world. One of the main objectives of the capital's move, among many others, was to provide a location that would be inclusive of all the different cultures that make up this diverse country, including Muslims. As a result, Félix Houphout-Boigny, the nation's first president, ordered the erection of a powerful grand mosque in the center of Yamoussoukro, which, despite its modest size in comparison to the basilica and other administrative structures, manages to stand out as a significant iconic monument.

One of the most striking aspects of the mosque is its ability to be appealing in more than one way: first, as a prominent feature of the city's skyline, second, its remarkable latticed façade can be appreciated from a closer distance, and third, a visit to the mosque interior parts is an excellent opportunity to observe worshipers performing their religious duties. Interestingly, the many tiles adorning the mosque's columns were imported from Morocco, whereas the casted iron for the mosque's massive doors was made in France, both of which were only a small part of the overall building operation, which was overseen by the skilled mason, El Hadj Balla, whose tomb is located in the mosque's courtyard.

Google rating: 4.0/5.0
Address: Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire
Phone number: +225 01 52 24 8381
Official site: N/A

In Côte d'Ivoire, there is a protected area known as the Abokouamekro Game Reserve. It was started in 1993. There are 135 km2 in the wildlife reserve (52 sq mi). Many wild animals that were thought to be extinct in the Ivory Coast for many years now can be found in the reserve, which was established in 1986. The environment of the park is still at risk from poaching, though.

On your way to Yamoussoukro, you can go on an excursion via the Abokouamekro Game Reserve's terrain in search of wildlife. When searching for rhinos, giraffes, and lions in the lush fields, forests, and shrubs, you will have the opportunity to do so. However, you should keep an eye out for stinging insects and reptiles, which can emerge covertly from their hiding places. In order to get as close to the wild animals as possible, follow a ranger who will lead you through their habitats.

Google rating: 4.0/5.0
Address: Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire
Phone number: N/A
Official site: N/A

St. Paul's Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The cathedral, designed by Aldo Spirito of Italy, serves as the mother church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Abidjan. Pope John Paul II consecrated the first stone of the cathedral on May 11, 1980, during his first pastoral visit to Côte d'Ivoire. He dedicated the structure once it was finished in 1985, during his second visit to the country to lay the cornerstone for the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro.

The cost of constructing this modern architectural marvel, which is said to be Africa's second-largest church and one of the world's greatest cathedrals, was estimated at $12 million. The cathedral is architecturally unique and modern, but it was created to satisfy the special ambitions of the ethnic people of Côte d'Ivoire. The cathedral's most prominent external feature (which draws people at the entry) is the tall concrete structure styled like an anthropomorphic giant. It is prominently placed on a hill with excellent views over the city of Abidjan and the Bay of Cocody.

Google rating: 4.0/5.0
Address: Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire
Phone number: N/A
Official site: N/A

Abidjan, the capital and largest city of Côte d'Ivoire, has a core business zone called The Plateau. It belongs to the city's ten urban communes. Yopougon Municipality borders the Plateau on its western side and the Ébrié Lagoon on its southern side. The majority of the city's administrative and economic activity is centralized here as a central business area. Plateau is home to the majority of the big Ivorian businesses. There is a bustling market there as well.

The Plateau, with its towers and buildings, overlooks the Ébrié Lagoon and has been dubbed "Little Paris" or "Little Manhattan" by some. The Plateau has rapidly grown to become Côte d'Ivoire's administrative, commercial, and financial center since the building of the railway area to house the Abidjan-Niger railway line's terminus, and it occupies a significant position in West Africa. Along with that, there is the Félix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium and the Cathedrale Saint-Paul.

Google rating: 4.0/5.0
Address: Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire
Phone number: N/A
Official site: N/A

Bassam Beach is located in the Lagune region of Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire. This beautiful beach, surrounded by palm palms and vivid blue waves, is a wonderful choice for a relaxed beach day and a perfect holiday. Swimming, sunbathing, and sandwalking are all options. You may notice a wonderful array of hues becoming recognized with the best views at sunrise and sunset.

There are various eateries and resorts located along the beach. The staff and native people are all friendly and willing to help you make the most of your vacation. These restaurants and resorts are popular with locals, and it can get crowded on weekends; nonetheless, the beach is long enough to find a peaceful spot. Beautiful beach with a terrific atmosphere. A magnificent beach and very clean and transparent ocean water are two very enticing aspects that contribute to it being one of the most beautiful beaches in Côte d'Ivoire.

Google rating: 3.9/5.0

Address: Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire

Phone number: N/A

Official site: N/A

There is no better way to balance it than getting out into the nearby countryside if you feel overstimulated by Yamoussoukro's enormous structures. Ivory Coast is home to eight national parks, one of which, Marahoué National Park, is approximately two hours away by car from the nation's capital and is therefore a fantastic option for a day trip. Marahoué, a protected area that was established in 1968 and spans roughly 1,000 square kilometers, offers a haven for a wide variety of indigenous species, including the duiker, African buffalo, western hartebeest, red colobus, and several bird species.

The majority of Marahoué's African elephants, which serve as the nation's emblem, were moved to other reserves to prevent clashes with farmers who intruded onto the park's property, while chimpanzees were completely eliminated from the region. Despite the fact that the park is only a pale shadow of what it once was, it is still worthwhile to visit if you are staying in Yamoussoukro. In fact, going to Marahoué is probably the best way to preserve it since tourism has the potential to displace agriculture as the region's primary source of income.

Google rating: 3.8/5.0
Address: Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire
Phone number: N/A
Official site: N/A

The Jardin botanique de Bingerville has been in operation since colonial times, more specifically since 1904, when Bingerville was the political capital of the Ivory Coast colony. The private garden of the then-French Governor, Gabriel Angoulvant, who wished to establish a garden outside his mansion, which is now an orphanage, was the inspiration for the institution. The Governor chose to spruce up the garden using plant species he collected while traveling throughout the colony and the West African sub-region.

After 1960, the garden was expanded to 55.6 hectares, with 45 ha dedicated to the garden and 10 ha dedicated to the nursery. Plant species diversification is also ongoing. After abandoning the research operations entrusted to the aforementioned organizations, the choice to operate the botanical garden as a museum institution provided optimism for its protection and enhancement. As a result, conservation initiatives, as well as research and dissemination activities, are carried out for the sake of education and public enjoyment. Indeed, visits are planned to allow the institution to fulfill its social mission.

Google rating: 3.5/5.0
Address: Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire
Phone number: +225 0701621555
Official site: N/A

The Maison Ganamet was built in1920 in Côte d'Ivoire. Later, it was bought by Mr. Ganamet, a sizable Lebanese-Syrian dealer, who made a number of changes to it. The style of the home is distinctive from the structures constructed in the same period, and the floor plan reflects the second owner's modifications. Each level has a central crossing hall and components distributed symmetrically on either side.

According to the traditions of the period, the house's ground level was occupied by stores and warehouses, and a staircase on the back facade provided access to the rooms on the two upper stories. Several rooms, kitchens, water sources, and storerooms are located in the service courtyard behind the house. The house has a neo-classical front with plaster Ionic columns and pilasters as adornment. A full-length balcony with an openwork reinforced cement railing is on the first floor. The home is unique in that it has a mansard roof, which is uncommon in Grand-Bassam.

Google rating: 3.5/5.0

Address: Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire

Phone number: N/A

Official site: N/A