20 Most Popular Attractions In Nigeria – Do you know that there are so many places in Nigeria that you have not been to, that will have a lot of fun? Apart from malls, restaurants, beaches, and some local recreational centers, where else have you been to that has given you the kind of ecstasy and excitement you want?
Let me take some time to let you know that Nigeria is a blessed country with so many attractive sites that I’m sure you haven’t been to. I realized that even visitors and strangers from other countries come to Nigeria to have tours of some of these attractive monuments that God has endowed us with. However, in this article, we will look at the 20 (twenty) most popular and attractive places you can visit and catch a cruise.
If you are ready to experience the unique cultural heritage and natural wonders that God has used to make Nigeria a tourist nation, then read this article without distractions.
About The Country, Nigeria
Nigeria is the largest and most populated country in the entire African continent. It is a land that is richly blessed with rich natural resources. As if that is not enough,
It become the tourist paradise of Africa and the world at large with so many exotic beaches, wonderful waterfalls, incredible caves, lush mountains, age-long preserved traditions, sustainable cultural heritage, and many other titillating tourist attractions.
These and many more have been the reason the country has attracted worldwide attention and has kept a memorable experience in the minds of many people. However, from all the cardinal points of this nation ranging from the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Ibibio Tiv, and others, we bring you the 20 most memorable places in Nigeria.
20 Most Popular Attractions In Nigeria | Places To Explore
- Obudu Mountain Resort
- National Theatre Lagos
- Oke Idanre/Idanre Hill
- Zuma Rock
- Olumo Rock
- Kainji National Park
- Lagos City
- Awhum Water Fall and Caves
- Tinapa Free Zone & Resort
- The Royal Palace of Oba of Benin
- Coconut Beach
- The Millennium Park
- Yankari National Park
- Abuja Arts and Craft Village
- New Afrika Shrine
- Queen Amina’s Wall
- Sukur Cultural Landscape
- Emotan Statu
- Osun Osogbo Grove
- Port Harcourt Tourist Beach
Obudu Mountain Resort
Obudu Mountain Resort is situated in Obudu, Cross River State. It is stationed above sea level on the Oshie Ridge of the famous Sankwala
Mountains, which sit comfortably upon the Obudu Mountain Resort. This Nigerian attraction site runs on a temperate climate, breathtaking views, idyllic tranquility, and beautiful scenery that has made it one of its kind, and one of Nigeria’s famous tourist sites. If you want to visit this place, it is located in Obudu, Cross River State.
National Theatre Lagos
In the whole of Nigeria, Lagos is the most populous city. It is a home for every tribe of the nation, including Hausa, Igbo, and Yorubas. It
was once the capital of Nigeria before it was later moved to Abuja. Lagos is home to many wonderful attractions like the National Theater, Lekki Ikoyi Bridge, Lagos Lagoon, and the Marina. The Nike Art Gallery established in 2009 by Nike Davies-Okundaye is also a place in Lagos you can’t afford to miss.
Oke Idanre/Idanre Hill
Oke Idanre/Idanre Hill is located in Idanre, Ondo state, the southwestern state of Nigeria. This UNESCO World Heritage cluster of gigantic hills has drawn a lot of attention to Nigeria, and you need to see it for yourself. One notable thing about this hill is that it is visible from anywhere you stand, and is so high that it seems to be touching the sky.
Zuma Rock
The Zuma rock is one attraction center that has been crafted into the history of the country. The rock which is said to be the ‘Gateway to Abuja from Suleja, is located in the west of Abuja the capital of Nigeria, and appears on one of Nigeria’s currencies. Zuma Rock, sleeps 725m, or 2,400ft, in height. It was the hiding/escape reservation of retreat for the Gbagyi tribe when under attack.
Olumo Rock
The Olumo rock stands at a height of about 137 meters above sea level. You can scale the rock with man-made steps carved into the face of the rock or with the use of an elevator.
The rock is located in Abeokuta, a city in western Nigeria. The term ‘Olumo’ means troubles and sufferings all over, but as its name implies, Abeokuta means ‘under the rock’. It is why the Egba people are said to have the rock as a haven during the inter-tribal war.
Kainji National Park
Kainji National Park, borders two neighboring states, Kwara and Niger. It has three divisions:
- The Zurguma Game Reserve
- The Kainji Lake, in the south, and
- The Borgu Game Reserve, towards the west.
The park will give you many opportunities to see honey badgers, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, birds, lizards, snakes, turtles, monkeys, lions, elephants, cheetahs, and many other animals.
Lagos City
Lagos was the center of excellence, the capital of Nigeria before it was later moved to Abuja. It is a home for every tribe of the nation, including Hausa, Igbo, and Yorubas. Lagos is home to many wonderful attractions like the National Theater, Lekki Ikoyi Bridge, Lagos Lagoon, and the Marina. The Nike Art Gallery established in 2009 by Nike Davies-Okundaye is also a place in Lagos you can’t afford to miss.
Awhum Water Fall and Caves
Awhum Waterfalls is located in Enugu. The natural waterfall is housed under gigantic walls of limestone, and it has two awesome cascading streams falling from varying heights of the fall. However, the Awhum waterfall is one of the most attractive places in Nigeria.
Tinapa Free Zone & Resort
Tinapa Free Zone & Resort is located in Calabar, Cross River State. It has 860,000 sq ft of lettable retail space and is the charm that gives Calabar the taste of the rich culture and entertainment that it has.
Tinapa is a popular site that houses a digital cinema, restaurants, a mini-amphitheater, a casino, and children’s arcade, a Studio Tinapa for Nollywood, a nightclub, and pubs.
The Royal Palace of Oba of Benin
The royal palace of the Oba of Benin, Edo State Is another interesting and attractive site in Nigeria. UNESCO has listed the royal palace as one of its heritage sites, this royal palace is situated at a central point close to King’s Square. In this palace is a huge collection of sculptural pieces of past Obas of Benin and their ancestral shrines and ivory, all made in bronze,
Coconut Beach
Coconut Beach is another attractive site that Nigeria has and it is located in Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous city, which also serves as a home for every tribe of the nation, including Hausa, Igbo, and the Yorubas. Lagos is home to many wonderful attractions like Coconut Beach. The coconut beach lies 20 miles away from the Republic of Benin. A perfect place of relaxation full of coconut trees. You will find it in Badagry, Lagos State.
The Millennium Park
Millennium Park is erected in the heart of the Maitama district. It was honorably inaugurated by Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. The park is a very gigantic public park in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja. And since its inauguration, it has become the children’s paradise and relaxation haven for people.
Yankari National Park
You will find the Yankari National Park In Bauchi State. The park is about 2,244 km2. Yankari National Park is home to natural warm water springs in West Africa’s eco-destinations. It is also the wildlife haven in the South-Central part of the state.
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Abuja Arts and Crafts Village
If you are a lover of craft, then you need to visit the Abuja Arts and Crafts Village which is located in the Central Business District in Abuja. You will be able to lay your hands on so many artifacts and handicrafts at the craft village and can buy some if needed. The village is right behind the Silverbird Cinema building.
New Afrikas Shrine
The New Afrikas Shrine is located in Adeleye Street, Ikeja, Lagos state. The present shrine is a replacement for the original Shrine that was burnt down. You just have to pay a token of N500 fee, and the rest is a story told with the music of the legendary Fela Kuti that you enjoy till you leave the place.
Queen Amina’s Wall
Queen Amina’s Wall is a monument in Nigeria. The great city wall of Zazzau (Zaria) was erected as a means of defense and protection for the ancient city of Queen Amina of Zaria. Today this wall has turned into the majestic modern city of Zaria, Kaduna State, though it was renowned for Amina’s wise military exploits and strategies in the past.
Sukur Cultural Landscape
Sukur Cultural Landscape is situated on top of the Mandara Mountains, Madageli, Adamawa State. UNESCO has also made it one of its World Heritage sites. The Sukur cultural landscape is blessed with lush avifauna and populated with traditional cemeteries and ritual terraces around the area.
Emotan Statu
Located opposite the Oba market in Benin City, Edo State. Emotan Statue majestically, erected to fit into a monument that you cannot look at just once. Her traditional wrapper and headgear which are associated with royalty, have attracted a lot of people to the Benin Kingdom.
Osun Osogbo Grove
Osun Osogbo Grove is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located by the way leading to the Osun River, in Osun State. The tourist center is one of a kind because it has inherited some sacred shrines, sanctuaries, sculptures, and artworks that are created in honor of the goddess of fertility, Osun.
Port Harcourt Tourist Beach
Port Harcourt Tourist Beach is a leisure hub that leads to Kolabi Creek.
The beach is built on an artificial sand beach. So if you have not been there, do well to visit the place. The Port Harcourt Tourist Beach is one of the Nigeria attraction centers you can’t afford to miss. So make a move now!
