Places to Visit in Nigeria

Ibadan is the capital of the Oyo state in the southern region of Nigeria. It is the third largest city in all of the country, closely following Lagos and Kano. The inhabitants of the city are mainly the Yoruba tribe, with a few other native tribes who dwell here. One of Nigeria’s culturally richest cities, Ibadan boasts a primitive beauty that is only complemented by its modern developments. The sleek and elegant charm of its high rises are contrasted against its quaint tribal villages, its vast open spaces and luxuriant gardens.

When in Ibadan, one should not miss out on the opportunity to visit the Agodi Gardens, an exquisite Botanical Garden that prides in its flourishing flora. Complementing this, another trip can also be made to the Ibadan Zoological Garden, home to a variety of native animals and birds.

Apart from its various attractions, Ibadan is also well known for its nightlife. While in the city, do make it a point to explore the fantastic nightlife spots here. If you’re visiting the city in March, you could also take some time out to visit the Oke iBadan Festival, an annual cultural festival that celebrates the making of Ibadanland.

The weather in Ibadan remains hot and humid throughout the year, with temperatures rarely falling below 3 degree Fahrenheit. The wet season, between the months of July and September, is generally overcast, while the drier half of the year remains partly cloudy. 

Regarded as the tourism capital in Nigeria, Calabar is the capital of the Cross River State. The city was originally called Akwa Akpa in the native Efik Language, also called the Kingdom of Calabar. Sitting atop a hill by the Calabar River, the city boasts of quiet, rustic charm. The village-like beauty of Calabar is complemented by the ancient British-era monuments here, with its sleek, white marbled elegance.

Nature lovers coming to Calabar will have the time of their lives here. Whether it is the majestic Kwa Waterfalls or the expansive Cross River National Park, the city abounds in its natural wealth. Calabar is also home to the Drill Rehabilitation Centre, a natural park built to conserve the endangered species of Drills.

One of the best things to do while in Calabar is to go museum hopping. Whether it is the Slave Museum, detailing the brutal history of African slaves, or the National Museum of Calabar, one can never run out of things to see here. One can also head on over to the adventure park in Tinapa Resort for a fun day out with the family, or witness the famous Calabar Carnival in December.

Sprawling along the eastern banks of the Niger river, the city of Onitsha is Anambra’s primary metropolitan hub. Initially occupied by Igbo settlers, the city gradually developed into a commercial hub, and is now considered to be one of Nigeria’s most important trading ports.

With a river sprawling along its side, Onitsha prides in a unique rustic charm of its own. The colorful culture of the town, with its festivals and sprawling marketplaces, adds to the beauty of the place.  While in Onitsha, do make it a point to visit the magnificent Ogbunike caves, which are a network of subterranean caves just outside Onitsha. Those interested in exploring the history and heritage of the town can also make a quick visit to the Palace of the Obi of Onitsha, an architectural marvel in its own right. Another unmissable attraction here is the Rojenny Tourist Village, which hosts a marvelous array of museums, a zoo, an amusement park and much more.

One of the best ways to explore the thriving culture of Onitsha is to go shopping at the Onitsha Market. One of the largest markets in West Africa, the Onitsha markets is known for its traditional locally produced wares sold at affordable rates. Picnics at the Rojenny are also quite popular among families. Onitsha remains fairly hot and humid throughout the year. The wet season here is generally oppressive and cloudy, while the drier months are overcast and extremely hot.

Nestled just on the southern tip of the majestic Sahara, Kano is the second largest city in Nigeria after Lagos. Now a commercial capital, the town was once home to the Nok tribes in the 7th century, and the remnants of the Nok culture here  remains preserved here as proof of the city’s past.

With converging rivers on one side and mesmerizing plateaus on the other, Kano is a place of charm. Rumbling old school settlements flanked by rustic markets litter the city, while the gushing Jakarta River adds to the charm of the place.

Owing to its rich cultural and religious history, the cultural attractions of this city are many. The Emir’s House is Kano’s greatest height. Once belonging to the Hausa emperor, the Emir’s House is a resplendent display of the traditional Hausa architectural designs prevailing during its period. Another prominent attraction here is the Kano Central Mosque, which routinely draws thousands of devotees to itself during its Friday prayer time.

One of the most interesting experiences that one can have in Kano is to witness the dyeing process at one of the many dyeing pits in Kano, where the colourful traditional Nigerian clothes are made. Those that love nature can also head on over to the Falgon Game Reserve and spend time by the various animal exhibits here. Fishing and boating in the Tiga Dam is also a fun way to spend your time while in Kano.

Kano has a typically tropical savanna climate, which means that it remains quite hot throughout the year with temperatures peaking in April. The city enjoys precipitation throughout the year, with most of the rains concentrated between the months of June and September. 

The capital city of the Akwa Ibom state, Uyo lies in the south eastern region of Nigeria. Lying between Oron and Ikot Ekpene, the city acts as an important trading hub and collecting station for local products. The beauty of Uyo derives largely from its open parks and quaint little villages. With open blue skies melting into its rustic skyline, the city offers a perfect getaway for those looking for a little peace and quiet.

While in Uyo, do not miss out on the opportunity to explore the humble Discovery Park here. With its natural setting and picnics spaces, the Park beckons all for its quiet charm. Another fantastic place to visit here is the Uyo Christmas village, a lovely little village known for its Museum and its eateries.

One of the best things to do in Uyo is to head over to the Ibom Plaza for a fantastic shopping experience. With its street lined with stores and stalls, the Ibom Plaza is one of the biggest shopping centres in all of Nigeria. Those with a penchant for the old can also go on a tour of the National Museum of Colonial History here, which preserves the country’s colonial past through its exhibits. The weather in Uyo remains quite hot throughout the year. The wet seasons, between June to September, generally remain warm and overcast, while the drier months remain hot and cloudy. 

Sprawling along the banks of the river Warri, the city of Warri is a major oil hub in the southern part of Nigeria. The city was initially inhabited by the Urhobo and Ijaw people, before being developed as a major industrial hotspot in the country.

Once regarded as the seat of the Kingdom of Warri, the Delta city still carries some of its original regal beauty. With massive cenotaphs and royal palaces, the city offers a magnificent display of the architectural designs and styles that flourished here in the earlier days.

One of the best ways to discover the city’s beauty is to make a visit to the Palace of the Olu of Warri. The seat of the Wari Kingdom, the palace is known for its brilliant architecture. Another prominent royal attraction here is the Chief Nana’s Palace, a 19th century palace that has now been converted into a Museum. Those interested can also take a trip to the Warri Kingdom Royal Cemetery, home to all the erstwhile Olus of Warri, where they are honored with massive Iroko trees instead of headstones.

While in Warri, do not miss out on the opportunity of enjoying a canoe ride through its mangrove swamps. The mangroves are known for their magical environment, and there are several canoe tours offered here. If you happen to visit the city between July and August, you could also witness the bombastic Kiroro festival celebrated here, where the people of Warri pay tribute to their ancestors through masquerades and performances. The climate in Warri remains hot and oppressive throughout the year. The wet season, between July and August, generally remains warm and overcast, while the drier seasons are hot and partly cloudy. 

Benin City is the largest city and capital of the Edo state in Nigeria. Now an industrial capital, the city was once home to the Kingdom of Benin which flourished between the 13th and the 19th century. One of the oldest cities in Nigeria, Benin boasts of a primitive, rural beauty that is unfound anywhere else. With its colorful festivals and world famous art, the vibrant beauty of Benin City must be witnessed firsthand.

One of the best ways to explore this marvelous beauty of Benin is to visit the Royal Palace of Oba Benin Here. One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this royal residence is considered an architectural wonder. Another place of cultural significance here is the Benin City National Museum, home to some of Africa’s finest bronze and terracotta artefacts. The city is also home to the fantastic Okomu National Park, with its protected animals and birds.

When in Benin City, do not miss the chance to go on a shopping expedition across Igun Street, where the city’s finest metalworkers can be found at their craft. If you visit the city in December, you could also witness the traditional Igue festival, with its dances and its mock battles. The weather in Benin remains hot and oppressive throughout the year. There are alternate periods of wet and dry, with the monsoon period restricted to the mid-year months. 

Priding in its status as the largest city in all of Africa, Lagos offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Lagos sprawls inward from the Gulf and Guinea and stretches onwards across the Lagos Lagoon. The city had initially emerged as a home for the erstwhile Yoruba tribes of West Africa, and was later developed into a port city settled across multiple islands.

With its youthful, cherry vibe, the city of Lagos is celebrated both for its high-end culture and fantastic coastlines. Dramatic sandstone cliffs jutting into fantastically turquoise waters borders the city on one end, while the metropolitan malls and high-rise buildings scatter the skyline on the other.

One of the best ways to explore the beauty of Lagos is to tour the fantastic beaches here. The city is home to two of Africa’s most beautiful beaches- the Praia do Camilo and the Meia Praia, known for their ravishing white sands and clear waters. Another prominent marine attraction here is the Ponta de Piedade, a series of limestone caves and grottos located just off Lagos Bay.

While in Lagos, one must definitely make it a point to try out the various water sports offered here, kayaking being the most popular one. Those with a love for nature will also have a good time at the Lagos zoo, known for its native African exhibits. Those with an adventurous bent can also head on over to the Parque Aventura Lagos for a fun and happening day out with the family.  Lagos experiences warm weather throughout the year, with the relatively cooler months being between June to September. The city receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with the monsoon months concentrated between May to July.

Also known as ‘Pitakwa’, Port Harcourt is the largest and capital city in the Rivers State of Nigeria. Nestled within the Niger Delta, the city sprawls along the gushing Bonny River. The city was initially made up of several fishing villages, which were later developed into a port.

Balancing modern city life on one side and the coast on the other, the city offers the perfect blend of modernity and nature. The cool waters along its white sand beaches makes the city an ideal getaway for beach lovers, while its malls and shopping plazas are perfect for those desiring to escape into a busy cityscape.

If you’re one for the beach, do make it a point to visit the Tourist Beach in Port Harcourt. Apart from the water here being ideal for a quick dip, the beach is also home to a number of activities such as horse riding or beachsports. For a more traditional visit, you could also take a trip to the Port Harcourt Cultural centre, which preserves and displays antiquities and artefacts of cultural value. You may also choose to extend this visit with a trip to the Rivers State Museum.

For a fun day out while here, you could visit the Pleasure Park in Port Harcourt to explore all the fun activities here, tower climbing being one of the more popular ones. You could also head out to the Tourist Beach in Port Harcourt for a quick dip. Alternatively, a visit to the Port Harcourt Zoo is always a must-try for all nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Owing to its tropical climate, Port Harcourt remains extremely hot throughout the year. There are spells of wet and dry interspersed throughout the months, with maximum rainfall concentrated between the months of June and September. 

Located in the heart of Nigeria, Abuja is the capital city of the country. Serving as the country’s political and administrative council, the city of Abuja is home to all important government residencies, including the National Assembly and the Presidential Complex. The city is flanked by the enormous Aso Rock on one side, which dominates Abuja’s skyline.

Full to the brim with open parks and natural outcrops, the beauty of Abuja must be witnessed to be believed. Apart from its resplendent natural splendor, the town’s skyline boasts of multiple high-rises that rise up to kiss the sky.

Whether you’re a history buff or a lover of nature, you can never run out of places to visit in Abuja. The Abuja National Mosque, with its spellbinding beauty, and the National Christian Centre with its architectural flair, are among the top attractions in the city. The charming Jabi Lake is another popular tourist spot here. If you find repose in nature, a visit to the Guara waterfalls should also be on your list.

One of the best ways to explore Abuja is to go rock climbing at the Aso Rock, the massive monolith that flanks Abuja. The adventure sport is well-suited by beginners, and can be attempted by all. If you’re not keen on adventure, however, you could always spend your time at the several open markets here, shopping for souvenirs and handicrafts. The city is also known for its street food culture, which is an absolute- must-try here.

Despite being one of the cooler regions in Nigeria, Abuja experiences hot weather throughout the year. Humidity and precipitation remains high across all months. Rainfall is concentrated between May and October, while the rest of the year remains dry. 

Set in the heart of Igboland is Owerri,  the capital city of the Imo State in Nigeria. It is the largest city in the state, and is home to the thriving Igbo tribes of Western Africa.  Flanked by two rivers, Otamiri and Nworie, on either side, the natural beauty of Owerri is quite amazing. From the massive Oguta Lake to the expansive plantations here, nature seems to have bestowed its best gifts to this city.

One of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of Owerri is to visit the Oguta Lake. The largest lake in Nigeria apart from Chad, the clear waters of the Oguta are ideal for fishing and swimming. Another prominent attraction here is the Nekede Zoo, with its plethora of animals and birds. Those with an interest in local culture can also pay a visit to the Mbari Cultural and Art Centre.

While in Owerri, do not miss out on taking a tour of the Imo Plantation complex, where you can witness the harvest of palm oil at close hand. The Freedom Square in the heart of the city is a perfect destination for all shopping enthusiasts coming here. Alternatively, you could also head ovr to the Oguta Lake to enjoy a serene boat ride here. The weather in Owerri remains hot and oppressive throughout the year. Precipitation and humidity is generally on the higher side, with excessive rainfall between the months of June and September.