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Abidjan
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CAVA - Centre Artisanal de la Ville
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CAVA - Centre Artisanal de la Ville

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CAVA - Centre Artisanal de la Ville
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1-2 hours
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
246 within 3 miles
Taco Stop
4
0.2 mi$ • French • Mexican • American
Le Thai
2
0.2 miAsian • Thai
Richard's
50
0.4 mi$$$$ • French • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Richard’s
2
410 ft$$$$ • European
Café Continent
1
0.2 mi
Patisserie Abidjanaise
18
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Bakeries • Cafe
Restaurant Chez Arthur
205
0.4 mi$ • African
NEM Abidjanaise
5
0.3 mi
Bacio Nero
1
0.4 miDessert • Contemporary
Chez Ambroise
17
0.4 mi$ • African • Barbecue
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Attractions
21 within 6 miles
PlaYce-Marcory
60
0.4 miDepartment Stores • Shopping Malls
St. Paul's Cathedral
255
3 miChurches & Cathedrals
Treichville
43
1.2 miNeighborhoods
Domaine Bini Lagune
10
1.1 miBodies of Water
Galerie Eureka Abidjan
1
1.3 miArt Galleries
Marche de Treichville
8
1.7 miFlea & Street Markets
Banco National Park
100
National Parks
Mosquée SALAM du Plateau
33
2.2 miReligious Sites
The Plateau
142
2.8 miNeighborhoods
Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire
56
Natural History Museums • History Museums
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
116 reviews
Excellent
40
Very good
54
Average
21
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Eyekaytoo
Leverkusen, Germany2,996 contributions
An authentic market for African crafts
May 2022
We were taken here on a Thursday lunchtime recently in the company of the wife of one of our works colleagues. She was a local and just as soon as we had parked outside this jumble of market stalls she seemed to be in her element. Almost every stall holder seemed to know her and there lots of hugging and kissing as we made our way. We ambled graciously through the market politely declining most of the African wares on display. I was reassured that this place was not setup for tourists but I simply wasn't convinced. Actually on that day the place was very quiet.

Anyway we did succumb to buying some trinkets that would fit easily into my luggage. And fortunately I left all the price haggling to my "guide" who seemed very skillful in knocking down the asking prices to something that she felt was reasonable. Oh, and just before we left one kind stall holder wrapped up two small carvings to present to us free of charge. That was nice.

If you're looking for traditional African handiwork then this is the place for you. But I would go with a local who can help you with all the price haggling.
Written May 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BobWE
Manhattan Beach, CA727 contributions
African Crafts at Reasonable Prices
Apr 2023
The cooperative artist center consists of series of small stalls or display areas where visitors can make purchase of African artifacts, crafts, bronzes and clothing items produced by local artists (we were told). Dollars and/or Euros are acceptable and most of the vendors speak some English. All prices are negotiable. There was no pressure to buy and all of the vendors were welcoming and friendly. During our visit the electricity went out and all lighting was extinguished but we were able to view the goods with cell phone flashlights. We purchased a few trinkets for low prices.
Written April 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Talampakan
Nairobi, Kenya418 contributions
Open on Sundays
May 2022
Shops sell souvenirs of all kinds, shapes and sizes. There are items of clothing for everyone, bags, baskets, bronze items, wooden figurines, masks and furniture. Be prepared to haggle. If you are in a group, combining your purchases may get you a better price. Merchants speak some English, but if you have a francophone in your group or better yet, a local, then you may receive larger discounts. Dare to ask for a gift (un cadeau) if you buy a lot of items. The worst that can happen is for your request to be turned down. Bring some water if you plan to stay for more than an hour, as it can get very warm.
Written May 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rouffa
Tunis Governorate, Tunisia10 contributions
Be careful with prices...
May 2015 • Solo
Nice places next to zone 4 and CRS police district.
from plateau taxi will cost 3000 unit max.
Negotiate prices and visit all shops before deciding.
Big masks cost between 3000 and 5000
serial of animal max 3000 unit
jewel for women 1000 per unit...
Written May 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shiva Subramani M
Navi Mumbai, India75 contributions
Traditional Ivory Coast Handicrafts Market
Mar 2018 • Business
If you are more interested in local handicrafts and traditional works of country you visit, you should visit CAVA as you can purchase variety of materials such as wooden statue, jewellery, paintings, furnitures, clothes (African style), etc. Language will be a barrier if you cannot communicate in French, as the local only speak French.
Written June 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Owen D
Abidjan, null, Côte d'Ivoire14 contributions
A must see in Abidjan
May 2015 • Business
As an exporter, I have made hundreds of purchases from many of the merchants of CAVA. Look for Mr. Good Deal (ask for him by this name) and tell him Owen the Canadian sent you! Authentic hand drums of the best quality from Isaika. His uncle makes fantastic bags of leather as well. Knock at least 30% off their opening price. If you are ordering, never pay more than 25-30% deposit and give yourself plenty of time to collect the finished product. bring a camera as well...lots to see and snap images of...
Written September 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Exploration572304
6 contributions
Cote d'Ivoire Souvenirs
Nov 2019 • Family
I live in Abidjan and this is the best place to get souvenirs at a reasonable price in Abidjan. Not crowded and easy access. Also visit maison d'artisan in Plateau nit far from the Mosque and la BAD to get natural made in Cote d'Ivoire products like black soap, cashew nuts, Shea butter, cocoa, honey etc.on the Route de Lycée Technique on your left from Plateau there are a couple of Souvenir shops..one is called Comptoir de paysan..you will get real unique pieces.
Written November 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven B
4 contributions
Stack up on orginal souvenirs and african art
Apr 2017 • Couples
Definitely worth a visit as the CAVA is the main center of art of Abidjan. You can find all sorts of souvenirs, from keyhangers, to endemic statues, clothing made of local linnen, to paintings. Prices may vary quite a bit, make sure to negotiate! Two strategies suggested:
1.go early morning as to be first customer of the day, the shop owner will want to make a sale to start the day well (this is regarded as an omen of good luck)
2.go in the evening, usually the shop owners that have had bad day will want to make a sale in order not to go home empty handed / be able to buy food for dinner.
Important: If you buy larger wooden statues or many wooden items, you'll need to go to the National Museum of Abidjan and add a small amount to your purchase for obtaining an export certificate. If you don't, during luggage scanning at the airport, you could face either confiscation or a fine (depends on the guy you have in front of you)...
There is lots of shade provided by the trees, so you can go any time of the day really. In the middle of the CAVA you also have a typical local restaurant (maquis) where all types of local dishes are served for lunch as well as cold drinks (can be a lifesaver).
Written April 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ahmed Hashem
Cairo, Egypt86 contributions
Be careful
Jul 2015 • Business
Be careful if you plan to visit this place, make sure your know exactly where you are going, we used the location mentioned on trip advisor and we were unable to arrive
Written July 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
moniquecover
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam105 contributions
Nice Saturday morning shopping
Aug 2021 • Friends
A fantastic little artisanal market with many enthusiastic vendors. Stick to what you want to pay and bargain your heart out. Don’t accept the vendors’ first price!
Written August 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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CAVA - Centre Artisanal de la Ville - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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