Abuja is the perfect midway city. Picture perfect scenery? Check. Adventurous activities to keep your day fully occupied? Check! Delicious and diverse food to have you going for seconds? Check! A healthy nightlife scene? Check! Check! From hiking on hills to exploring culture, arts and pottery, Abuja has an enormous amount of things to offer and so much unexplored gems. To help plan your next visit, keep reading for my tips and recommendations of the best things to do to make your next visit to Abuja one to remember!
Things to Know about Exploring Abuja, Nigeria
- Just like Lagos, entry into Abuja, Nigeria will require a passport and visa if you are not from West Africa. See my post on things to know about entry into Nigeria here.
- Access to a car is a necessity! The city is big with minimal traffic (thank heavens!) compared to Lagos, but you will need reliable access to a car. You can either rent a car or use rideshares like Bolt, Uber or an exclusive company like Alita. I switched from Using Bolts to Alita midway through my visit because it was a safer option for me.
- Cash is king! Bring cash with you if you can everywhere you go. Some stores and vendors accept POS payment but quite many businesses and vendors are cash only so be safe and carry a little with you.
- If you’re going hiking or exploring the rocks and mountains, bring bug spray! The mosquitoes are very active.
Best Things to Do in Abuja, Nigeria
Pottery at Bwari Pottery is a great way to start your trip out. Bwari pottery is a combination of history, culture and art. The pottery experience allows you to create your art with access to experienced potters ready to teach you the technique and tell you more about where the art comes from. There’s also a showroom with designs from expert potters that you can pick up souvenirs from. It is worth a visit.
Exploring Usman Dam and the beautiful hills with Naija Adventurers. The beauty of Usman Dam took my breath away when I finally got to the top of the hill. This incredible spot was a stumble upon while shooting come content on my trip and I am so happy I got to experience it. The hike through a little tricky was not too bad and the view when you get on top of the trail is mesmerizing and worth every step taken. Due to security in this region, you might not be able to just walk in so make sure to use a tour guide. We went with Bayo from Naija Adventurers and it was a very pleasant experience and exploring Abuja is incomplete without this tour.
Craft Shopping at Abuja Arts & Crafts Village is the best way to connect with Abuja’s collection of the unadulterated art scene. The Abuja Arts & Craft Village takes you through a journey with the thatched-roofed huts with round red-brick walls and access to a variety of handcrafted wooden and bronze sculptures, stuffed wildlife and beaded and braided jewelry and adire fashion pieces that you will most likely never find anywhere in the world. If you’re looking for unique gift ideas, this is one place you don’t one to skip.
Jabi Lake is the hybrid spot for when you want to explore a little and also take in a little bit of the city. The lake park is a nice open space about 10 minutes from the city centre and features lots of recreation opportunities like bike riding and scooters, boat cruises, horseback riding, games and lots of street food. It’s a good place to relax. It is also close to the Jabi Lake Mall which features some high street brands for some last-minute shopping.
Selfcare Day and Swimming at Nisa Wellness. After exploring Abuja and taking in the city, you will need a down day to recuperate for the next steps of your trip and Nisa Wellness is a treat to try. This experience includes access to fitness and wellness classes, beautiful meals and delicacies in lovely scenery and access to their gorgeous rooftop pool – a thing of dreams!
Where to Eat in abuja, nigeria
Village Chief Restaurant & Bar was without a doubt my favourite restaurant in Abuja. I fell in love with the scenery and theme of the restaurant; I loved their local take on the ambiance that carried from the decor to the menu. Ambiance aside, the food was also very unique and tasty, a lot of the dishes reminded me of meals I ate as a child. I knew I had to go back and I made sure to visit more than once.
Zuma Grill is the home of elegant curated dinners. The ambiance is gorgeous, complete with a live pianist to set the tone of the evening and friendly staff. The menu is well-curated from appetizers to delicious main dishes and an assortment of good wine. This is the spot you want to pick for a romantic date night or a birthday dinner. 
Vintage Cafe is a lovely quaint coffee shop and restaurant with space for nurturing creativity. This restaurant offered great coffee blends, lots of delicious seafood meals and lovely desserts. Perfect for connecting and chilling with friends. 
Streetside. You can argue that the best food in Abuja can be bought streetside. From the endless delicious kilishi (spicy beef jerky) from Kilishi Village in Area 1 Market to the best Amala in the land from Iya Oyo, streetside food in Nigeria is a good reason to visit.
Where to Stay in abuja, nigeria
Hotel 2020, a new boutique hotel in Abuja, Nigeria offers one of the best boutique experiences I’ve experienced so far. The beautifully designed rooms, lobby and amenities were what I needed at that point in my trip. The location is also very central and they have a friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere.
The Envoy though a little bit more on the “business side” is quite the beauty to behold. The rooms were sophisticated with architecture, interior design and amenities that meet and exceed all expectations. It also offers an outdoor swimming pool and a cozy outdoor bar and a restaurant. Perfect for a business trip, or solo traveller who loves luxury and privacy.
For more travel updates, check out my postcard from Lagos, Nigeria for more things to know before your next visit! I’ll put out a vlog of my time in Nigeria, check it out nd make sure to subscribe to my YouTube!
Watch the Abuja Vlog
