Plateau
Abidjan, Ivory Coast
The city's business and administrative center known for skyscrapers, modern bridges, rooftop bars, and luxury hotels, nicknamed the 'Manhattan of Abidjan.'
Places in Plateau
- Plateau French bistros European and French cuisine found in the wealthy business district.
- Deux Plateaux cafés A lively commercial area filled with cafés, restaurants, bakeries, and boutiques.
- Plateau rooftop bars Rooftop bars overlooking the skyscrapers of the business district.
- Plateau skyline and bridges Skyscrapers and modern bridges that earned Plateau its 'Manhattan of Abidjan' nickname.
Practical notes for Abidjan
- Best time to visit
- November to March (dry season) offers the most comfortable weather for exploring the city's neighbourhoods and markets.
- Getting around
- Plateau is the central business district and a natural base for skyscraper views and rooftop bars, with Cocody, Deux Plateaux, and Riviera reachable by taxi for upscale dining, and Yopougon and Treichville offering a grittier, more local experience.
- Currency
- West African CFA Franc (CFA)
- Language
- French (official); Dioula is widely spoken.
- Timezone
- GMT (UTC+0)
- Current trends
- Abidjan's dining scene continues to split along neighbourhood lines, with European and French cuisine concentrated in wealthy districts like Plateau, Cocody, and Zone 4, while Yopougon's affordable street food and bars sustain the city's most authentic local nightlife scene, and the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire remains the benchmark for the city's luxury hospitality.
Other neighborhoods in Abidjan
- Cocody — One of the most residential and upscale areas of Abidjan, known for its calmer atmosphere and green streets.
- Yopougon — Known for its lively nightlife and the local party scene with more affordable street food and bars, ideal for immersing in local culture.
- Treichville — A mix of local markets and cultural experiences that is budget-friendly and offers a glimpse into everyday Ivorian life.
Read the full Abidjan guide