2025 Nigeria Travel Guide: Top Nigerian States with the Best Attractions
In this Nigeria Travel Guide, we bring you the best places to visit while in Nigeria. Tourism in Nigeria, compared to other West African states, offers a unique experience of a little bit of everything. Whether it’s history, culture, or city life, Nigeria has developed cities that can provide this experience without fuss. From big cities like Abuja and Lagos, which blend modern life with tradition, to incredible destinations like Kano and coastal cities like Calabar, exciting things await you.
Keep reading this Nigeria Travel Guide to get a glimpse of what the country has to offer.
Top Nigerian States with the Best Attractions
Lagos State
Formerly the capital of Nigeria, Lagos State is a perfect place to experience Nigeria’s history and culture. It’s also highlighted throughout this Nigeria Travel Guide. The city boasts beautiful beaches, lively markets, rich art scenes and engaging museums. Below are some Lagos’ top attractions.
Lekki Conservation Centre
Located on the Lekki Peninsula and managed by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, this 78-hectare nature reserve is home to Africa’s longest canopy walkway and wetlands rich in native plants and animals.
Nike Art Gallery
One of the largest in West Africa, this gallery showcases traditional and contemporary Nigerian paintings, textiles and sculptures. It was founded by Nike Okundaye‑Davis and offers artwork for sale as souvenirs.
National Museum of Lagos
Situated in Onikan on Lagos Island, the museum offers a wide collection of Nigerian artefacts, including the famous Jemaa Head (a Nok terracotta sculpture dating from 900–200 BC)
Freedom Park of Lagos
Once Broad Street Prison during colonial rule, this site was transformed in 2010 into a public memorial park celebrating Nigeria’s independence and cultural history.
Calabar
Calabar, capital of Cross River State, is clean, inviting and culturally rich — often featured in the Nigeria Travel Guide. It offers heritage sites and family‑oriented attractions.
Tinapa Resort
About 10 km from Calabar, Tinapa is a 265-hectare resort and free‑trade zone combining shopping malls, a waterpark, film studio (Studio Tinapa), restaurants, casino and entertainment strip.
Built in phases and commissioned on 2 April 2007 under Governor Donald Duke.
Kwa Falls
Set in Aningeje village, the waterfall is reached via a 234-step staircase and is admired for its natural splendour.
Slave History Museum
Located in a former 15th‑century slave-trading warehouse, the museum presents exhibits on the Esuk Mba Slave Market, shackles, copper barter items and the abolition story — a staple in the Nigeria Travel Guide.
Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt, the Niger Delta’s Garden City, is increasingly featured in the Nigeria Travel Guide. It blends culture, leisure and coastal charm.
Tourist Beach
Built in 1988 along Kolabi Creek, this man‑made beach offers calm water, recreation space and hosts the annual Big Carnival.
Rivers State Cultural Centre
A centre for arts and heritage, including ceramic displays, theatre and puppet performances — frequently recommended in travel guides.
Benin City
Benin City in Edo State features prominently in cultural editions of the Nigeria Travel Guide, known for its history and craft.
Benin Moat (Walls of Benin)
A series of earthworks built between around 800 AD and 1460 AD, stretching approximately 16,000 km and recognised by Guinness in 1974 as one of the world’s largest man‑made structures, second only to China’s Great Wall. The moats were added as a UNESCO World Heritage extension in 1995 though full recognition is still pending.
Benin National Museum
A showcase for Edo’s royal history, with bronze sculptures, carvings and artefacts.
Igun Street (Bronze Work)
Home to master bronze casters, this lively street offers masks, statues and ceremonial pieces often available for purchase.
Abuja
A visit to Abuja is essential in any Nigeria Travel Guide. As the national capital, it is home to iconic landmarks and serene green spaces.
Aso Rock
A massive 400‑metre rock formation near the Presidential Complex, popular with hikers for sweeping views and possible wildlife sightings.
Millennium Park
The city’s main public park, offering flower beds, walking paths and picnic areas amid peaceful greenery.
Jabi Lake
This lakeside spot is perfect for canoe or paddle‑boat rides, fishing or quiet lakeside walks.
Kano
One of Nigeria’s oldest cities, Kano State features heavily in the Nigeria Travel Guide thanks to its cultural and historical depth.
Ancient City Walls
These medieval ramparts, built between the 11th and 14th centuries, once protected the city — parts still stand, including restored gates.
Dala Hills
At 534 metres elevation, Dala Hills offers panoramic views of Kano and is reachable via stairways, popular with locals and visitors alike.
Gidan Makama Museum
An historic Hausa building housing exhibits on local religion, architecture, crafts and city history.
Bauchi
Bauchi State is the go‑to destination in the Nigeria Travel Guide for wildlife and natural beauty.
Yankari Game Reserve
Spanning about 2,244 km² (870 sq mi), this was established in 1956 and upgraded to a national park in 1991. It is home to over 50 mammal species — elephants, lions, hippos, buffalo, antelopes, baboons — and more than 350 bird species. Wikki Warm Springs is a major draw for bathing and relaxing.
Tafawa Balewa’s Tomb
This memorial museum honours Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, with personal items such as his wristwatch, cap and radio on display.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best time to visit Nigeria?
The dry season, from November to March, brings milder weather and minimal rain — plus festivals and fuller itineraries. A popular time for tourists seeking vibrant though busier travel.
What are the best tour packages for first-time visitors to Nigeria?
A 5–7 day tour featuring Lagos, Abuja and a heritage destination (such as Benin or Calabar) is ideal.
Look for packages that include a local guide, transport and some bespoke options suited to interests and budget.
What are the best clubs and bars in Lagos?
Top nightlife spots include Quilox, Cubana and Moist Beach Club. Rooftop venues in Victoria Island remain popular too.
The Best Clubs and Bars in Lagos, Nigeria