Things To Do
in San-Pédro

Whole fish grilled over charcoal with spicy tomato and onion sauce; widely available at beachfront stalls and small restaurants.

Must-Try!

Cassava couscous (attiéké) served with fried or grilled fish, onions and hot sauce — a ubiquitous, satisfying local meal found at markets and eateries.

Fried ripe plantain slices often served as a side or snack; commonly sold by street vendors and in casual restaurants.

Stews made with fish, meat or vegetables in palm oil or peanut sauce; eaten with rice, attiéké or fufu and available at family restaurants and market stalls.

Bustling market where you can sample fresh fish, grilled street food, fruits and attiéké preparations; go in the morning for the freshest catches.

Small beachfront stalls near the port sell grilled fish and seafood platters — great for sunset dining and authentic flavors.

Always greet people politely before starting a conversation or business transaction; French is the common lingua franca — a simple 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' goes a long way. Local languages like Dioula may also be used in markets.

Dress modestly in public, especially in conservative neighborhoods and when visiting villages or religious sites; beachwear is fine on the beach but not in town markets or religious areas.

Showing respect to elders and community leaders is important; wait for introductions and be mindful of local customs when photographing people (ask first).

Public displays of affection are less common; accept offers of food or drink politely and try a small amount when invited into a home.

Tipping is appreciated but not always expected; small tips (10% in restaurants where service is good, a few hundred CFA francs for porters or guides) are customary. For casual street food and small purchases tipping is uncommon but you can round up.

The local currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Cash is widely used, especially in markets and small businesses. Credit/debit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants; ATMs are available in San-Pédro but carry cash for remote areas. Mobile money services (e.g., MTN Mobile Money) are commonly used for local payments.

Drier and sunnier weather with lower humidity — a popular time for beach visits and easier travel on unpaved roads; evenings are more comfortable.

Heavy rains and high humidity are common; some rural roads and trails may be muddy or impassable and outdoor plans can be disrupted.

Intermittent rains with warm temperatures; coastal areas remain pleasant but expect occasional downpours and higher humidity.

Unpredictable showers and high humidity; pack quick-dry clothes and expect occasional travel delays on rural routes.

The local airport serves domestic flights and occasional charters; convenient for access to the city but with limited scheduled services — check flight availability in advance.

The major international gateway for Côte d’Ivoire located in Abidjan; most international flights arrive here and ground transfers or domestic flights connect to San-Pédro.

The most popular sport across Côte d’Ivoire, followed passionately in San-Pédro with local clubs, neighbourhood matches and lively support for national teams.

Given the coastal setting, beach football, volleyball and recreational fishing are common pastimes and draw locals and visitors alike.

Vegetarian options exist but can be limited — order attiéké or rice with vegetable stews and fried plantains; communicate clearly in French about no meat or fish, and be aware many stews use fish stock or palm oil.

Vegan choices require care: fried plantains, plain attiéké and certain vegetable sauces are suitable if no fish stock is used; ask about ingredients in French and confirm cooking methods.

Many meat sellers offer halal meat informally, and the population is partly Muslim; ask or look for Muslim-run eateries if halal certification is needed.

Cross-contamination is common in busy kitchens and street stalls; explain allergies in French and avoid sauces and fried foods if you have severe reactions.