Discovering Nigeria's Best Cities

  • Day 1: Lagos Island
    20 minutes (9.5 miles) from Murtala Muhammed International Airport

    Start your trip off in Lagos, Nigeria's largest city, with a visit to Lagos Island. Explore the vibrant streets and markets, including the bustling Balogun Market, and witness the city's history at landmarks such as the National Museum Lagos and Freedom Park. End your day by watching the sunset at the Lekki Conservation Centre.

  • Day 2: Victoria Island
    15 minutes (3.5 miles) from Lagos Island

    Take a trip across the bridge to Victoria Island, the commercial and entertainment hub of Lagos. Visit the Lekki Arts and Crafts Market for some unique souvenirs or relax at the Eko Atlantic City Beach. For dinner, sample some local cuisine at the Yellow Chilli Restaurant.

  • Day 3: Abuja
    1 hour 5 minutes (345 miles) from Lagos by flight

    Head to Abuja, Nigeria's capital city. Visit the National Mosque of Nigeria and the National Christian Centre to get a glimpse of the city's religious diversity. Take a peaceful stroll through the Millennium Park, then end your day with a visit to the Abuja Arts and Crafts Village.

  • Day 4: Zuma Rock
    1 hour 30 minutes (40 miles) from Abuja

    Take a day trip from Abuja to marvel at the stunning natural beauty of Zuma Rock. This towering monolith holds significant cultural and spiritual significance to the people of the region. Take a guided tour or hike up to the rock for spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes.

  • Day 5: Benin City
    1 hour 5 minutes (215 miles) from Abuja by flight

    Visit Benin City, steeped in ancient history and culture. Start your day with a visit to the Benin City National Museum to learn about the kingdom's past, then explore the Akpolokpolo's Palace, the former residence of the Oba of Benin. End your day with a visit to the crafts markets, where you can see skilled artisans at work and purchase traditional handcrafted goods.

  • Day 6: Calabar
    1 hour 35 minutes (315 miles) from Benin City by flight

    Head to Calabar, a city renowned for its vibrant cultural festivals and delicious cuisine. Start your day with a visit to the Slave Museum to learn about Calabar's history in the slave trade, then explore the bustling Watt Market. End your day with a dinner of local favourites like Edikang Ikong soup or Afang soup.

  • Day 7: Obudu Mountain Resort
    4 hours (120 miles) from Calabar

    End your trip with a bang by visiting the Obudu Mountain Resort. This beautiful and serene location offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, waterfalls and lush greenery. Take part in outdoor activities such as hiking or rock climbing, then unwind in the natural hot springs before departing home.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • National Museum Lagos (2 hours, ₦1000)
  • Lekki Conservation Center (2 hours, ₦1000)
  • Yellow Chilli Restaurant (1.5 hours, ₦6000)
  • Abuja Arts and Crafts Village (1 hour, ₦500)
  • Zuma Rock Tour (3 hours, ₦3000)
  • Benin City National Museum (2 hours, ₦1000)
  • Slave Museum (1 hour, ₦500)
  • Watt Market (2 hours, ₦1000)
  • Obudu Mountain Resort Activities (4 hours, ₦4000)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₦22,000 or approximately $60 USD

Transportation

When traveling between cities, it's recommended to fly between cities to save time. There are major airports within each of the listed cities with domestic and international flights. Taxis, ride-sharing, and personal driving can be arranged in each city to get to attractions at an average cost of ₦2000 or $5 USD per ride.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other cities in Nigeria like Kano, Enugu or Port Harcourt, which also offer cultural experiences. For shorter trips, consider skipping some of the cities and spending more time in one or two cities instead. Also, be sure to try some popular Nigerian dishes like Jollof rice, Suya or Pounded Yam during your trip!

Airports

Nigeria has several airports across the country, but the main international airport is Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos. Other major airports include Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) in Abuja, Akanu Ibiam International Airport (ENU) in Enugu, and Margaret Ekpo International Airport (CBQ) in Calabar.

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