Nigeria, commonly called the “giant of Africa”, is blessed with dozens of cities that are tourist-friendly. Each year, thousands of tourists all over the world explore cities in Nigeria for their holidays. In this article, we are going to bring to you ten (10) of the most visited cities in Nigeria by tourists. We hope you find this list informative.
1. Lagos
Top on our list of most frequented cities in Nigeria by tourists is Lagos. Dubbed the ‘Centre of Excellence’, Lagos attracts more tourists than any other city in the country. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, Lagos is the most popular city in the country, and the most populous. The tourist scene is replete with tasty restaurants, lively bars, an active music scene, scenic beaches, and a vibrant nightlife. If you are planning to visit Nigeria, do not spend a few days in Lagos and soak in the city’s unique experience.
2. Abuja
As Nigeria’s seat of power, there is no shortage of tourist attractions in this scenic and beautiful city. Well planned and well organized, the city is filled with a multitude of classy restaurants, lively clubs, and other awe-inspiring tourist attractions. A visit will definitely get you enamored with the city.
3. Calabar
Popularly known as the ‘Canaan City’, the city of Calabar is renowned for its tropical monsoon weather, relaxed ambience, and picturesque locale. Tourists are attracted to this ancient city, once the capital city of the country, for its laid-back atmosphere, as well as its many historical tourist attractions, such as the famous Tinapa Resort. If you plan your visit in the month of December, you would definitely have a memorable experience with Carnival activities. The Calabar Carnival is definitely a bucket-list experience.
4. Ibadan
The ancient city of Ibadan is renowned for its brown rusted zincs. Considered the third largest metropolitan area, the city of Ibadan has witnessed remarkable growth over the years, drawing in visitors and tourists alike who troop to the city to savour the historical artefacts it has to offer. There also are numerous bars, lounges, and nightclubs in this city, and tourists are assured of a safe and secure stay.
5. Uyo
The city of Uyo, the capital of the oil-rich state of Akwa Ibom, is known for its excellent road networks, laid-back lifestyle, and tranquillity. Visitors to the state are usually hard bent to leave once they pay a visit to this alluring city. The city of Uyo is one of our favorite Tourist-Friendly Cities in Nigeria. A visit to this southern Nigerian city is absolutely worthwhile.
6. Owerri
Located in the eastern part of the country, Owerri is often dubbed the entertainment capital of Nigeria. It also plays host to an annual beauty pageant called ‘Miss Heartland”. It is the city with the most number of hotels in the country. There is a culture of entertainment all-round the city, and you would be open to great eastern food, shopping, and a vibrant nightlife.
7. Benin
The ancient city of Benin is renowned for its historical sites, various traditional festivals, art galleries, hotels, architecture, and restaurants. There is no shortage of places to visit in this historic city. From the famous King’s Square (known as Ring Road), the Benin Moats, and then Igun Street (famous for bronze casting and other metal works for centuries), Benin buzzes with energy all day long.
8. Warri
As one of the most visited cities in south-eastern part of the country, Warri is an oil-city with lots of expatriates and tourists all year round. Places to visit in the city include Abraka Golf Course, Delta Ports, Effurun Garden Park, Main Warri Market, Nana Living History Museum, Red Mangrove swamp, Udu Bridge, Warri City Stadium and Ovie palace. Explore the city’s charming history and vibrant cultural events while on your tour of the city.
9. Enugu
Popularly known as the coal city due to the ubiquity of the natural resource in the city, Enugu offers a whirlwind of tourist attractions to any visitor who chooses to pay a visit to this city. The city has its share of waterfalls, caves, hills, luxury hotels and gardens, something one would not expect to find an abundance of in a major city.
10. Port Harcourt
Last but not the least is the vibrant city of Port Harcourt. With an active and ever bustling outlook, it should top the list of our must visit cities in Nigeria. The city is home to many international oil companies. It also boasts of numerous world-class hotels, exotic restaurants, and a great entertainment scene. If you are one given to shopping and outdoor activities, then Port Harcourt city is a must visit place for you in the country.
Final words
In this article, we have listed our top 10 Tourist-Friendly Cities in Nigeria in Nigeria which we recommend you include in your itinerary when visiting the country.
Like anywhere in the world, Nigeria is relatively safe to visit. We recommend that you practice common sense at all times and stay safe while having a nice time.
Don’t listen to what they say. Go see!
You have a wonderful blog oto. Thanks for the inspiration. I’ve been planning to take a roadtrip across all the cities in Nigeria. Please what are the necessary things to be done and is it also okay if I take a pet along with me??
Thank you. I guess the first thing you need to do is decide if you want to do a road trip, takes flights or do both. If you choose to take flights, you need to contact the airlines directly to find out about their pet policies.