Things to Do in Nigeria: Best Cities, Culture and Travel Experiences

Lagos is the city that most travellers hear about first, and for good reason. It’s fast. It’s creative. It’s busy. It’s seaside. It’s buzzy. It’s the loudest expression of Nigeria’s modern culture, from music and fashion to food, nightlife, and art.

For things to do in Lagos, Nigeria, begin with the Lekki Conservation Centre. It’s one of the best spots in the city for a peaceful nature break, especially if you want to walk the canopy bridge and take in a more verdant side of Lagos. Another must-visit is the Nike Art Gallery, with Nigerian art, textiles, sculpture, and traditional crafts. If you’re a beach lover, try Tarkwa Bay, Elegushi Beach, or Landmark Beach for sand, sea, and city vibes.

Lagos is also one of the best food places. Enjoy jollof rice, suya, pepper soup, grilled fish, puff-puff, and local street snacks. Balogun Market and Lekki Arts and Crafts Markets are colorful and frenetic for shopping and local culture.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Nigeria Lagos is easily one of the top picks. Live music, local restaurants and late-night entertainment, boat rides, art spaces, beach clubs, and rooftop bars. Lagos never sleeps, but that’s what makes it interesting

Kano is one of Nigeria’s oldest cities and most culturally important cities. It has been a major center of trade, Islamic learning, crafts, and Northern Nigerian heritage for centuries. If you want to know Nigeria beyond the coast and capital cities, Kano adds a whole different layer to your trip.

One of the most famous historic features of Kano is the ancient city walls. They tell the story of the city’s long history as a trading and political center. Another major highlight is the Kurmi Market. It is one of West Africa's oldest markets and a good place to see traditional crafts, textiles, leather goods, spices, and everyday local trade.

You can also visit the Gidan Makama Museum for interesting insight into Kano’s history, architecture, and culture. The Emir’s Palace is one of the city’s important traditional institutions, but access may be limited and should be approached with respect.

Kano is a culture-rich destination but travellers should plan carefully and check current travel advice before visiting

Ibadan is the largest and most historical city in Nigeria. It may not have the tourist appeal that Lagos or Abuja always do, but it does have a distinct local identity and is important for understanding south-western Nigeria.

One of the city’s iconic landmarks, Cocoa House was once one of the tallest buildings in West Africa, a symbol of the region’s cocoa wealth. Another important historic site in the city is Mapo Hall, which is known for its colonial architecture and hilltop position overlooking parts of the city.

The University of Ibadan, Nigeria's oldest university, is also located in Ibadan, and the city has a strong intellectual and cultural character. “It’s a very local market experience with fabrics, food, household goods, and everyday city life.

Ibadan is worth including if you like cities that feel real and lived-in. It’s not polished up for tourists like some places are, but that gives it character. It's a nice place to slow down, eat local food, and see a more grounded side of Nigeria

Benin City is one of Nigeria’s most important historical cities. It was the center of the old Benin Kingdom, a powerful and highly developed kingdom known for art, royal traditions, architecture, and bronze works.

One of the city’s most important cultural attractions is the Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin. It is still a highly respected traditional institution, and visitors should approach it with care and respect. The Benin National Museum is another key stop, especially for travelers interested in the history of Benin bronzes, royal art, and local heritage.

The city is also connected to the ancient moats and earthworks, which demonstrate the scale and organization of the historic Benin Kingdom. Benin City offers a strong sense of Nigeria’s pre-colonial history and artistic excellence for culture vultures.

This is one of the best places in Nigeria for travelers who want history with depth. It is not just for sightseeing; it is to understand a kingdom, its people, and its enduring influence

Food is one of the great things about being in Nigeria. Nigerian food is hearty, spicy, filling, and full of regional variety. From Lagos to Calabar, Kano, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Enugu, you will find different flavors.

One of the most popular dishes is jollof rice, served at parties, restaurants, and family gatherings. Another must try is suya, especially if you are a fan of street foods. It's spicy, grilled meat, often served with onions, peppers, and sometimes tomatoes. Other popular meals include egusi soup, pounded yam, pepper soup, moi moi, akara, fried plantain, beans, grilled fish, and meat stews.

In Calabar, try the afang soup and edikang ikong. “Go to Port Harcourt and look for bole and fish.” In the north, you will find tuwo, masa, and kilishi, among other foods. In Lagos and Abuja you can find anything from local bukas to stylish restaurants and international dining.

One of the most fun and enjoyable things to do in Nigeria is to try local food that will connect you to everyday life. If you're not used to spicy food, take it easy, but don't miss out on the local flavors