12 Most Beautiful Cities in Nigeria

[Updated 15 April 2021]

Nigeria is a fascinating country with amazing cities. Most of these cities are known across the country for their attractions, scenery, natural resources and cultural heritage. We’ve come up with a list of the most loved cities in Nigeria so in no particular order, here are the most beautiful cities in Nigeria:

1. Ibadan

Most beautiful cities in Nigeria

Ibadan, also known as the ‘ancient city’ is the capital of Oyo State. Located in the southwestern part of Nigeria, it is densely populated with so many industrial and commercial activities. This city has the first advanced learning institution – the University of Ibadan, the first skyscraper (Cocoa house) and the first teaching hospital in Africa. This city is known for tourism too, with a remarkable museum in the African study institution, botanical and zoological garden in Agodi and in the University of Ibadan. This is why Ibadan is one of the most beautiful cities in Nigeria.

2. Abuja

Most beautiful cities in Nigeria

Nigeria’s federal capital, Abuja, is one of the most developed and most beautiful cities in Nigeria. Abuja is Nigeria’s seat of power and it is believed that in Abuja, life is good. Whether rich, middle class or poor, there somehow is a place for all. While in Abuja, experience a different kind of sightseeing that will make your visit memorable. Places like Jabi Lake and Millennium Park are really cool spots to unwind and have fun. For folks who love to shop, some of the big shopping stores in Abuja will give you value for your money.

3. Jos

Most beautiful cities in Nigeria

Another one of the most beautiful cities in Nigeria is Jos and people love it particularly for its weather and serene environment. The southern part of Jos is said to be peaceful and the people are really accommodating. The standard of living in Jos is very affordable. it boasts a number of attractions including two museums, a wildlife park and game reserve, breathtaking waterfalls and striking hills and the 10 commandments statue.

4. Calabar

Most beautiful cities in Nigeria

Located in southeastern Nigeria and watered by the Great Kwa and Calabar rivers, the city is home to a variety of attractions such as Obudu Cattle Ranch and Tinapa Resort. The city attracts visitors with its array of tasty delicacies, beautiful architecture and festivals. Every year, Calabar hosts Africa’s biggest street party known as the Calabar Carnival, where diverse colourful cultural costumes are displayed. For indigenous vacations in Nigeria, Calabar is often the first location that comes to mind, hence why it’s among the most beautiful cities in Nigeria.

5. Minna

Most beautiful cities in Nigeria

Located in the west-central part of Nigeria, Minna is a quiet and beautiful city in Nigeria. According to history, Minna was a labour camp for railway construction and this led to the gradual development of the town to the major commercial city it is today. This town is not densely populated and it has a blend of several cultures and lifestyles. Minna has some notable tourist sites to her name, amongst which are the Gurara Falls, Baro Port, The Wushishi Transway Engine (first railway locomotive engine) and others, like Kainji Lake National Park which is not too far from the city.

6. Enugu

Most beautiful cities in Nigeria

Popularly known as ‘coal city’ for its mining activities, Enugu is definitely on the list of the most beautiful cities in Nigeria. The city is one of the oldest urban areas within the region and the locals here are involved in agriculture, along with the mining of coal and other solid minerals. Enugu is loved by so many, not just for coal but for its notable tourist destinations like Awhum Waterfall and the famous Nmanwu Cultural Festival. In general, the city is highly commercialised and life in Enugu is like living in a fast lane.

7. Port Harcourt

Most beautiful cities in Nigeria

You can’t list the most beautiful cities in Nigeria without Port Harcourt. This city was described as a “centre of black jewel” (oil). Port Harcourt is the state capital of Rivers State located in the south region of Nigeria. This town is known for its level of commerce as far back as 1912 due to the presence of the seaports used for exporting. It is home to so many multinational companies, most of which are affiliated with oil and gas. Port Harcourt is home to many tourist sites such as Isaac Boro Park, Bony Island and Ifoko Beach.

8. Uyo

Jos

Photo Source: Jae Pete on Flickr

Once labelled the neatest city in Nigeria, Uyo is a calm and serene destination. Also in southeastern Nigeria, it is the capital of Akwa Ibom, a major oil-producing state in the country. Uyo is on the list of the most beautiful cities in Nigeria because of its peace and serenity among other things. The inhabitants are predominantly farmers and traders. With the increased level of infrastructural growth and human development, Uyo is definitely a place to look out for. Some cool spots to look out for are the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort and Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre.

9. Kano

Most beautiful cities in Nigeria

The city of Kano is the capital of Kano state in Northern Nigeria. While Kano is one of the largest and most beautiful cities in Nigeria, it is also an ancient city and is the pride of most northerners. The city boasts an international airport and a number of tourist attractions, including Bagauda Lake/Tiga Lake Resort, Gidan Makama Museum and Kofar Mata Dyeing Pit among others. The major annual festival is the Durbar Festival hosted by the Emir of Kano to mark and celebrate the two annual Muslim festivals Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Most of the locals are farmers which is no surprise since Kano is considered to be extensively irrigated with over three million hectares of land suitable for cultivation.

10. Warri

Most beautiful cities in Nigeria

Warri is one of the biggest cities in Delta State and, of course, one of the most beautiful cities in Nigeria. Located on the lower Niger/Delta coastline, it is not the state capital but is the most popular city and has a lot of history compared to its capital, Asaba. Warri is an old town, famous for its traditional kingdom that dates back as far as the 15th and 16th centuries. It’s a port town that has a lot of industrial activities (oil and steel). Tourism here is huge thanks to attractions like the Palace of the Olu of Warri, Koko Red Mangrove Swamp, plenty of beaches and resorts.

11. Lagos

Most beautiful cities in Nigeria

We can all agree that Lagos is definitely part of the most beautiful cities in Nigeria. This mega-state is separated by water bodies into two main parts: island and mainland. Lagos is located in the southwestern part of Nigeria and is known for commerce, filled with industries from all economic sectors. The nightlife in this city is as busy as the day, painted with many malls, clubs, restaurants and beaches. Visitors will always have a first-class experience whether buying, selling or simply exploring its local and international markets. The coastline alone makes Lagos a ravishing beauty!

12. Ilorin

Most beautiful cities in Nigeria

Ilorin is a very interesting place. It’s a city that hasn’t really been in the limelight but is surprisingly one of the largest and most beautiful cities in Nigeria. Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, is located in the North Central region of the country. As quiet as Ilorin seems, it has an international cargo airport, a 20,000 capacity stadium and a standard baseball court. Ilorin is blessed with several natural resources and the standard of living is affordable. Pottery and traditional textile industry, among others, are thriving businesses there. Tourist attractions in the area include the Esie Museum and the stately Sobi Hill.

Which of these beautiful cities in Nigeria have you visited?

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All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of outdated or incorrectly noted information.

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223 thoughts on “12 Most Beautiful Cities in Nigeria

  1. Thanks for the infor but You forgot to mention Onitsha, Nnewi and Aba which are in Anambra and Abia state respectively. While Onitsha host mainmarket which is rated as the largest market in African with other large markets in the town and Nnewi the japan of Nigeria because the availability of all kind of auto spare parts going on there and Aba which are regarded as the home of local made goods in Nigeria.

  2. I Love Calabar! Nigeria is Beautiful!!!!

    ‪#‎WinATripFor2ToCalabar‬ ‪#‎ObuduRanch‬ ‪#‎IPrayIWin‬

  3. Warri in the list has spoiled your observation. A town without infrastructures. There is nothing in Warri. When last did you visit Warri. Remove Warri and add Benin City.
    Am Henry Akporherhe from Ughelli North LGA of Delta State.

    • Henry what d u knw abt warri? Dey shld remove warri and add benin city? Am ashamed u r a deltan at all. Can benin city hold a candle to Oghara? Not to mention warri. When was d last time u even visited warri? I would av been disappointed had I not seen warri among d list.

    • I support you Henry. Warri is a town to be worried about.

  4. I rep 042(coal city)…

  5. No place like home, love J town!

  6. One people one destiny…

  7. Yes! Ilorin. Ilu Esin.

  8. Ilorin is a fantastic city…we need to explore more opportunities that will attract more investors and shout more about the friendly hospitality atmosphere which will attract more people in.

    • It feels great to see the ILcity on the list…Ilorin is an amazing town with a lot of potentials yet untapped…Ilorin is a city every tourist would love to be…great people, great hospitality, a peacful city like no other…IrepIlorin

  9. Ilorin, Geri Alimi….but can’t stop laughing

  10. The pictures used to depict the cities are with bais. You cannot convince me that there are no other locations of serenity in Ibadan and Jos like those of Lagos and P/Harcourt. Let us try to balance whatever comparison in the name of fair play.

  11. These are old photographs. This story will not make the desired impression in the minds of the target tourists. The writer of this story should know better. You can improve on the story by using better photographs.

  12. ibadan,d pacesetter,i luv my city

  13. ibadan is accomodating & peaceful

  14. Non communicative advertising. Hardly any mention of places to visit. for e.g Ilorin. a tourist doesnt care if it has a cargo airport and stadium or the natural resources it has. Quote the names of attractions and what can be done or seen there!!!

  15. Uyo 4 live……proudly an akwa ibomite…God bless gov. Godswill Obot Akpabio

  16. my country is very beautiful,i like my country no b small,up naija.

  17. You’ve never been to Makurdi, i guess.

  18. why is OWERRI not on da list mehn,,,pls mk una try visit o’ town, is d best

  19. I wish u know how interesting,neat,beautiful,attractive,touristly loaded calabar is. Then you would know calabar is the most awesome city in 9ja.

  20. Pls remove warri, there is nothing in warri is the most dirty city in Nigeria

  21. Proudly Port hacourt boy

  22. Ilorin …..what a lovely city.

  23. but there’s another cool area in Ibadan like iwo-road,challenge,uch,ring-road and the likes…

  24. Yeah,there are so many cities springing up as well.Benin city, is really a city,..a city with commercial activities running 24hrs,..no dull moment.I think benin should be in ur list.Thanks

  25. i luv my state porthacourt my city my home my hope of rest nd luv of my dream i luv my state a home full of beauties nd luv abeg ph carry go

  26. UYO is Number 2 of the best #proudlyuyo

  27. This report is extremly baised. Even the unborn child is very well aware that Calabar is #1 in terms of the most beautiful cities in Nigeria. You can google for yourself.

  28. Warri should be removed from the list. Firstly, the picture used to describe Warri is no where in Warri that am living in. No where Warri can be used to compare that picture, no road like that in Warri ooo. I am living in the major city,( effurn, jakpa, airport road, ehenren and enviro). DSC road and refinery road are the most beautiful roads and can not be compared with that picture used. Secondly those factories and companies have relocated because of all these community boys and their wahala. De

  29. Owerri should make the list by all means. Port Harcourt on the other hand does not qualify because of the vicious traffic conditions and harassment of visitors for so called traffic crimes. It’s a great and one of the oldest cities but the list is for the MOST LOVED cities and honestly%2ly, there’s not much to love!

  30. I really appreciate your efforts on this, proudly Ibadan A̶̲̥̅̊₪d̶̲̥̅̊ am BOLD to tell the world that ‘I LOVE MY TOWN Ibadan ilu Ogunmola.

  31. Ib all the way,very large & accommodating.

  32. J-town, ‘home of peace n tourism’ writer u forgot to mention d dams in jos and alots more tourist centres but more power to u, u don try. Jos is d real London of Nigeria. Come n experience d cool weather n u will decide to make it ur second if not d first permanent home. LUV MY JTOWN LUV D COLD SERENITY!

  33. Enugu is stil d best

  34. Warri is an old town but not the dirtiest in Nigeria. I don’t think it should be removed from that list because every tourist destination has its uniqueness. Wafarians are very hospitable , which is very key in tourism nd there are areas in Warri that reminds one of the colonial era.Is simply an old town with an intresting history,waiting for a messiah to carefully re brand it . kudos Man!

  35. I love every nook n cranny of my belove 9ja,may GOD continue blessing it…1 9ja!

  36. I’m not from Calabar, but I’m presently a youth corp member there. Calabar is very fine

  37. Why did the writer left Kaduna behind,every nigerian need to come to KD to see most amazing things

  38. Please remove Warri with immediate effect and replace with Benin City, Zaria or Kaduna. Warri ke? Have you lived there at all???

  39. Thank you for adding Uyo on the list; a place you must visit.

  40. J-town no place like home..

  41. Wait,did u say ibadan, ilorin wot a laugh i tink u are jst tryin to b fair to all tribes otherwise a City as dirty as ibadan shud Not come i n at all,illorin is even more laughable as d place shud not even b rated as a City at all ,everytin abt it is so local,rural,fetish dirty …..i Know wot am sayin i hav bin dere

  42. My two best 3 best cities made it. Jos, Warri and Calabar.

  43. This may be funny but has anyone been to Akure the Ondo state capital recently? It’s a cool place too. You’ll bet.

  44. What about kaduna you didn’t include it y now. U guys r missing it out o. Love crocodile city try and visit kd city as it fondly called.

  45. And what is warri doin there when owerri and Benin city are not? You actually know very little about nigerian cities.

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