Although I have visited Abuja a few times before, I decided to go on a solo trip as a tourist this time around and trust me I had no regrets. Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, is a bustling cultural, art, and history hub. From exploring local markets to hiking in the beautiful outdoors, there is no shortage of things to do in Abuja. During my recent visit to the city, I had the opportunity to visit a few places as it was a short trip.
ART AND CRAFT MARKET
One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the Art and Craft Market, located in the heart of the city. The market is a treasure trove of local art, crafts, and souvenirs. From beautifully woven baskets to intricately carved wooden masks, there is something for everyone here. The vendors are friendly and welcoming, and I was able to bargain for some great deals on unique souvenirs to take home. I saw the Biafra money for the first time and the Nigerian pounds my mom always told me about growing up. She said it used to be one Naira to a Pound. Imagine that!!! We would do anything to have that back. There were amazing cultural items at an affordable prices, I got a basket.
The Nigerian pounds was used before Naira was introduced in 1973
Above is Biafran money. It was introduced in 1968. Biafra, formally the Republic of Biafra, was a West African secessionist state that declared independence from Nigeria in 1967 and existed from 1967 to 1970.
The four monkeys embody the Japanese proverbial principle that was popular in the 17th century; “See no evil, hear no evil, do no evil, speak no evil.”
Some of the beautiful stones being sold at the market, they could arrange for them to be polished if you wanted.
DAWAKI HILLS HIKE
Going on a hike was a highly therapeutic experience for me. The rocks, which were situated near my friend’s residence, were visible from her balcony, and it was an other-worldly feeling to be surrounded by them. Dawaki is home to an abundance of stunning rocks. I went on a hiking trip with my friends, and it was worth it. Although I was gasping for air at some points while ascending the rocks, I persevered because I wasn’t willing to give up halfway through.
Aside from the health benefits of hiking, the top of the rock makes you forget reality for a moment. It is a perfect spot to meditate and is picture-worthy too.
MAGIC LAND ABUJA
The first time I visited Magic Land, formerly known as Wonderland, was in 2008. It was one of the biggest and most equipped parks in Nigeria. Some even called it the Nigerian “Disneyland” because children and adults enjoyed the recreational activities.
Nonetheless, on this occasion, I wasn’t particularly impressed as there was no proper maintenance. Since I wasn’t willing to put my life in danger, I didn’t do much here. If you decide to visit, you might find something to do as I was able to have a little fun.
JABI LAKE AND BOAT CLUB
Jabi Lake is a man-made earth dam initially created to supply water to the people of Abuja. The 1,300 hectares were proposed to supply water to 100,000 residents of Abuja before it became a tourist and fishing site after a bigger reservoir was created.
Meanwhile, I played table tennis at the Jabi boat club. Don’t ask me who won, lol! The most important thing is I played table tennis.
The Jabi boat club is ideal for that picnic or weekend brunch with friends. You can also take a boat cruise for a period of time at an affordable rate.
MUSA YAR’ADUA CENTRE
The Multipurpose edifice built in honour of late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, one of Nigeria’s foremost leaders is a place for the civil and ethnic history of Nigeria. it has a museum, a mall and an event centre for weddings, birthdays, and other ceremonies. The entrance is free and a great place for a casual date. The exhibition of past leaders, the transition from military to democracy, and the colonisation of Nigeria is very informative and educative. A great place to visit if you are a lover of art and history.
VIBES BY ANN’S RESTAURANT
I went to Vibes by Ann‘s restaurant with a friend of mine. The food was good, and yes! I ate more than I could stomach, hey! what are vacations for? After dinner, we went dancing and enjoyed a bit of the nightlife. it was chilled and less rowdy compared to Lagos.
Overall, my trip was short but fun, I enjoyed being a tourist in Abuja. My next visit would definitely be longer so that I can explore all the lovely places I hear about. Now time to plan my next trip!
Have you been to Abuja as a tourist? What places did you visit?
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