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. I Rep cool City state(Enugu)anyways proudly Nigerian…..God bless Nigeria

  2. Mx representer to the fullest. I carry my city on ma back. No hesitation no complain. Niger is amazing. Good peoples!

  3. Uyo Ado Ok!!!. The fastest growing city in Nigeria.

  4. ewo, d only thing in warri is their slank, and jaguda, i use to stay in warri, infact i grew up therei left warri 2006, u will not compare warri to benin in any way pllllsssss, may be shld com and take u round benin metropolise u will beg to stay back, interms of light we dey, infraustructure we dey, pls o dont measure warri to benin, am not supprise warri is like dat the state capital of delta state is worst no light at all, everybdy na generator, they even charge bateries and phn 50 per one with generator, too, poor bad governance, calabar is the most finest and neatest city in d whole of nigeria.

    • abeg tell dem.

    • Did u get to read d headline b4 making conclusion about warri being a slank? What has Benin got? Proudly wafarian!!!!

  5. Maiduduri i love my state (home of peace)

  6. Detailing Obudu cattle ranch as being in Calabar is incorrect. The ranch is located in Obanliku local Government area which was formerly part of Obudu in Cross River State. That’s about 6 hours by road from Calabar.

  7. My home town Uyo is worth the trouble these days and my favourite town Calabar also makes the list. Then has Owerri become so bad that it could not get a look in?

  8. Even Kaduna is not there. I thought it could have been ahead of Minna

  9. Jos the only state in the country known to be the largest and only producers of agricultural produce like fresh fruits & vegetable, the that produces cabbage,lettuce,carrot,bitrude etc in nigeria.

  10. What about Taraba State, the nature’s gift to nation, home of peace. I am pround of TRS.

  11. 042 is the best. The pride of the East. Enugu bu Obodo oyibo.

  12. Owerri should be on the list, it has one of the most beatiful hotels in the country.

  13. What of Onitsha in Anambra state where you have the largest market in west Africa,that attracts thousands of visitors in and out of Nigeria.

  14. This Benin City, Abeokuta and Kaduna deserve to be in this list iver Warri, Kano and Minna. If u say mist loved, you need to register the fun, living experiences and kind of people you’ll find in these places. Warri and Minna are kinda dry especially for indigenes not to talk of visitors. Kano is much less exciting and homely as KD! With these the list is complete!

  15. ABEOKUTA…. d emerging city of OGUN STATE….very peaceful

  16. Aba should be there. Atleast show the world how developed Aba is.

  17. Anambra is the best city!Home 4 all,also Nigeria dubai

    • Close ur mouth there lilian , what do u mean anambra
      Is the dubai of nigeria, that’s a big lie
      That state is the worst state ever, there girls is the most unfaithful as far nigeria is corncen, when its comes to blood money anambra is always there to represent, a state where they feel no other tribe in nigeria is better than them, anambra women are been sold into marriages and last but not the lest they have the wost belive. There quest for money is too much. I hate igbo generally they are just mistakes to this great country.

    • Anambra, Hmmmm home of robbers

  18. Ilorin is on the list it should have come before Minna. Kaduna is not on the list it should also have come before Minna. I have been to these cities and know the difference.

  19. Ilorin should be the first on list.Dont hear from me, come and withness it cos its really Good here.

  20. Funniest joke that I have heard lately ‘maiduguri, home of peace’.

  21. I wish I will have the time and resources to visit and explore all these places mentioned and those not mentioned. this write up really make me love Nigeria again. Long live my father land.

  22. I love ma state. Am Proudly Akwa ibomite. Long live Uyo! Long live Akwa ibom!! Long live NIGERIA!!!

  23. ibadan the largest city in west Africa.. Ibadan the city of the heroes

  24. Warri is not not included please.

  25. Because that picture is not even in this Warri am living in. Most of the companies you are talking about have relocated to port Harcourt because of these communities boys and their wahala.

    • Warri is the best in whole of south south or shud I say warri and it’s environ(ughelli, effurun, ogunu, osunbi) bcos it’s like we 4got warri is used to call any whr in Delta state dat is not Asaba just like d Lagosians do

  26. Its a lie guy benin is a dead town no light, water, no road and dust everywhere. U can’t compare warri to benin at all

  27. J twn we d bst….am jostified…

  28. Nnah nawa oooh,see this people oooh a whole Nigerian Dubia(Anambra State -Obodo Oma) not in the list,maka Y? In fact list INVALID,try again later

  29. Jtown is 4 real a tourist and agricultural state.a home of peace & tourism,a home 4 all.

  30. All of us busy clamoring for our states, lets tell ourselves the truth. where is Lagos in this list if the list is as authentic as the blogger makes it out to be? I’m not biased. I live in abuja and come from akwa ibom and schooled in uniport and all these places made the list but the absence of Lagos simply tells me this fellow is just writing for writing sake. 10 ‘most loved’ cities in Nigeria and you don’t mention Lagos? Haba.

    • My dear Dexter, Are you sure you read it all? Lagos is number 11 on the list. And the list is in no particular order.

  31. The greatest market that has sustained Nigeria, Onitsha is missing in the roll call. Why? May be traders are not tourists. What of all the foreigners that are attracted to Nigeria by Otu Onitsha?

  32. good thinking good product. very objective analysis. waooo minna made the list. pls for the critics of the choice come and see for yourselves and you will not regret you did.

  33. Why is the seat of the caliphate not there?

  34. How can you finish this write up without mentioning the seat of caliphate? It should be ahead of warri and ilori

  35. the exclusion of Benin City the craddle of black civilization a moated city with the widest ring raod in the whole of West Africa, the City of bronze the father of many towns and cities including Lagos n Warri list is erroneous.

  36. without Benin City the City of enjoyment in d list it is incomplete.

  37. what of ABA the japan of Africa. a commercial city with a difference. in abia state. Despite that we don’t have road but we still on producing.

  38. Nice one. Perfect description 4 ilorin. It’s good here

  39. Ilu tojinna sinna tosumma Aljanna ilorin ni wao nic one

  40. Best position for the IB’s always on top.

  41. All these beautiful cities that was analysed, what about ehimba city?(ABA)

  42. In Warri we go all it takes to feed d Nation, from farm produce to iron and steel and even to crude oil and not to talk of our ports. We are Mini-Nigeria with great potential. Infact we top d list if it were to b in order.

  43. One most worst city in Nigeria: Aba! Pls show the world the evil of some Governors in Nigeria. Aba stinks!!

  44. I luv my capital ilorin

  45. Uyo and calabar? You’ve made a wonderful selection. Those cities are paradise on earth, a place one need to visit. Weldone for including them in the list.

  46. I hv not seen my kada state, dis survey is not complet without mentioning kaduna state, de centre for learning.

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