From ordinary activities like eating at a local buka to carefully designed recreational experiences like camping at Idanre Hills, Nigeria has an astonishing range of things to see, do, and discover. Below are the top ten.
1. Visit Ikogosi Warm Springs
Ikogosi Warm Springs in Ekiti State is one of nature’s most amazing wonders on the planet. The warm spring flows down a hill next to the cold spring, where they unite and continue their journey into a river. Tourists are captivated by stories about the healing abilities that can be obtained by swimming in spring water. The fact that the temperatures in both springs come from the same source continues to amaze scientists and tourists alike. There is also a resort at Ikogosi Warm Springs, which is surrounded by deep, magnificent greenery.
2. Collect Artsy Decor and Souvenirs
If you want to acquire distinctively and carefully made artworks, craftwork, and fabrics that are also reasonably priced, two fantastic places to visit in Nigeria are the Jakande Market in Lekki, Lagos, and the Arts and Craft Village in Maitama, Abuja. Carvings, purses, stools, paintings, sculptures, and accessories are all available at these markets. A trip to either of these locations will be ideal whether you want to adorn your house, business, or car, or if you want to give someone a gift.
3. Go to Calabar Carnival
The world-famous Calabar Carnival is held annually in the lovely city of Calabar, Cross Rivers State. Every year on the first of December, hotels and inhabitants in the city begin to host visitors who are in town for Africa’s largest street party at the end of the month. The Calabar Carnival is one of Nigeria’s largest tourist festivals, with millions of people flocking to the various programs on offer. Boat regattas, massive fashion exhibitions, concerts, and traditional dances and performances enthral visitors. All of these activities are intended to highlight Nigeria’s beauty, cultural diversity, and friendliness.
4. Climb the Magical Idanre Hills
These mystical hills are located in the old town of Idanre, which is now the capital city of Ondo State. A climb up the highest peak’s 667 stairs shows meticulously preserved remnants of early settlement and culture, such as a school, a palace courtyard, and a mausoleum. The hills are named after historical personalities associated with Idanre. According to folklore, the early residents of Idanre paid annual tribute to the hills in exchange for protection from invasion. Tourists flock to Idanre Hills to climb the steps, camp, and enjoy the vistas and historical significance of the area.
5. Check out Bukas, Snack Stands and Joints
Bukas (also called as mama put) are the greatest way to experience authentic Nigerian meal the native way. Bukas do not disappoint, from the famed jollof rice and a vast variety of other carefully prepared rices, to swallows and soups from every region of the country, to delightful local treats like as moi moi (bean cakes).
These neighborhood cafeterias are distinct in terms of their design, the types of food they provide, and, most importantly, how the food tastes. Little shacks with curtains in their doors and wooden benches should be avoided. The majority of them have large steel cooking pots out front, emitting tantalizing fragrances. Others are housed in more modern structures but retain the same small-town atmosphere. Some regions in several states (like as Surulere and Lagos Island in Lagos, and Bodija and Ibadan in Oyo) are well-known for having a high concentration of bukas; simply ask a local for recommendations.
6. Revel in Art
In Nigeria, art galleries and exhibitions provide some of the most meaningful experiences that any visitor to the nation may have. Nigerian galleries blend visual perfection with a profound understanding of the importance of these artistic endeavors. Rows and rows of artworks by established Nigerian and African artists like Bruce Onobrakpeya and Ben Enwonwu, as well as those by emerging artists, may be found on exhibit at renowned galleries like Nike Art Centre, Omenka, and Hourglass.
If you don’t feel comfortable strolling into an art gallery, or if expensive artworks aren’t your thing, you can always find some street art that you like.
7. Enjoy the Resorts
The Obudu Mountain Resort, La Campagne Tropicana, and Le Meridien Ibom Golf Resort are three of Nigeria’s greatest resorts. These resorts offer wonderful encounters with grassroots Nigerian culture (tradition, arts, and languages), breathtaking scenery, and incredible local and foreign food, in addition to everything you’d expect from a modern resort. These three resorts also provide breathtaking vistas of nature, as well as the emotional and physical benefits of being so near to it.
8. Visit the Museums
The museums in Nigeria include a wealth of historical information as well as some interesting works of art. Nigerian history is rich with key events such as colonial domination, independence, slavery, and civil war, and the museum collections reflect this. Artifacts such as soapstone images discovered at Esie Igbomina, Kwara, Nok sculptures, and sophisticated artworks by early civilisations such as Benin and Ife can be seen.
While displays at museums such as the Nigeria National Museum contain a wide spectrum of historical artifacts, some, such as the Badagry Museum, focus on a single theme.
9. Shop at the Traditional Markets
Every true traveller understands that the best shopping deals may be found at local markets. Fortunately for such visitors, Nigeria’s traditional markets provide a combination of amazing discounts, great products, adventure, and excitement. Visitors can shop for nearly any type of item here, from food to home goods, whether at major markets like the Idumota Market in Lagos and the Kurmi Market in Kano, or at smaller markets all around the country. Even if you don’t need to buy anything, these are fantastic sites to window shop and observe the local merchants at work.
10. Witness the Creative Arts
Nigeria’s creative scene is diverse and contagious. There is always music in the air, a dance in the feet of others, and words to encourage you. There are numerous venues where you may soak in this local talent, including book groups, open mic nights, nightclubs, and music clubs. One such place is Lagos’ Freedom Park, where creatives from all walks of life converge to enjoy the splendor of the creative arts, such as varied music, heartfelt spoken word performances, and gripping plays.
