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. PORT HARCOURT, THE GARDEN CITY AND THE ECONOMIC HUB OF AFRICA.

  2. i think we hv beautiful places

  3. Whao, ibadan, d pace setter. 1st on d list, hw 1daful my city is.

  4. Am pleased to have read this. Today i have known the different cities that has the biggest Cities, most liked, and it economical value.

  5. Most of all in CROSS RIVER my beutiful state

  6. How can you not list Owerri? How?

    • Thank you o! Owerri, the entertainment capital of Nigeria!

  7. 042, The Empire State of Nigeria…she is like a mother, she gave birth to so many Nigerian past, rising and reigning super stars ‘both soccer super stars, movie super stars and music super stars. Many of them started their carriers in coal city before heading to any other cities like Lagos, Abuja and outside the country. Here’s my lil’ anthem for my city. Like mama you birth me, Coal city you nurse me, like teacher you thought me, Hilly City you bred me…If i got a second life, i will still be your son and when i got my first son, i will nick name him Coal city, you will love his serenity just like the Coal city.

    I love you; the city of Life in my city, the city of big ladies and gents…THE CITY OF GREAT KINGS AND PEOPLE!

    • So Loving ur comment!

  8. Warri is the only city mention here that is not a capital city. I’m proud of my Home.

  9. I am proudly Akwa Ibomite. Akwa Ibom ayaiya.

    • We are the real yobeans, what a wonderful? Come on “The young shall Grown”.

  10. I read through your list i travel widely in Nigeria. For what reason is Ibadan on the list and why Kano and Niger or are you doing quota system here? Apart from Abuja, Jos, Enugu, Uyo. Calabar and perhaps Lagos, others shouldn’t make this list. It will also be good to note places of interest in each town.

    • Perhaps Lagos?
      …..and u r evn questioning Ibadan?im not sure u r a Nigerian.
      Anyway…….”Not to know wat happenef before u were born is to remain a child forever”

  11. Ilorin <3 <3 Love my state capital

  12. Am pleased to know we have such a wonderful places in our country

  13. woooooo!!! wat a wwonderfull city. I love my City KANO STATE OF NIGERIA.
    by Sarki Daura””

  14. Wow! Ilorin afonja,gerin Alimi….Proud to be a Kwaran(an ilorite)

  15. Hmmmmmm, I’m happy to see my state calabar among d 12 most loved cities in Nigeria.d state dat hosts Africans biggest street party know as the calabar carnival. I luv my state.

  16. I have travelled wide around Nigeria. Beautiful place, people and good culture. I think i prefer Enugu. It’s really a beautiful city and very lovely people.

  17. I love that your Enugu city. Cool place.

  18. There is no place like home, I love Kano city. Thank God it is among the nice places in Nigeria.

  19. Enugu is a very cool & hospitable city in Nigeria.

  20. And Why is Kogi state not mentioned? O.jo.ro

  21. Na true my sister, Kogi should also made the list of the most loved cities in Nigeria,because the kogites love their city the way it is like this,in the hands of their PDP Gov.

  22. And Why is Kogi state not mentioned?

  23. And Why is Kogi state not mentioned? Pls, kogi suppose to dey there ooo

  24. Portharcourt de center of black oil. I love my city

  25. Enugu coal city is a place to be .. I love my state!

  26. proud to b a Josite, Jos pikin no dullin

  27. Am sure you people got it wrong here in the North for excluding Kaduna….It’s the capital of northern part of the country.

  28. Warri,with much critics and scorn…she could still make the list…Damn!! Am proud of her.Waff! I present no matter the course.”Area Ay”.

  29. Nice and well Mentioned, Hoping for more cities to make the list #upcoming *OSOGBO* nd more

  30. Akwa-Ibom THE LAND OF PROMISE!!!

  31. Ds foto of J’town is an old 1.cos dere r nolonger bikes in d city center

  32. if u any 1 of us mentioned d most loved state in Nigeria without Katsina he made a big sin coz ………..

  33. I like this information full of life, bring about awareness to our environment. Infact over whelm by the submission.Thks.

    Yelola

  34. whateverrrrr still love my Anambra

  35. As an artiste and video director, I traveled a lot across Nigeria,so I guess u are right to some extence,but not 70% right, u omit some beautiful livable and admirable city, when last did u visit akure, or kaduna and some other beautiful cities u didn’t mention here? Nigeria is a blessed country with some fabulous and fantastic great city.

  36. Wow!! More of this please. Is very very educative.

  37. Interesting misses-Kaduna,Akure,Abeokuta and Benin city.Lovely cities.

  38. Ibadan as no 1. is beautiful, I love my state.

  39. Am stil looking for aba, abia state……
    .
    .
    I Dnt think this post is complete 😉

  40. am very sure the writer, ve never been to owerri, where money is spent. dat city should be on this list.

  41. Jos popularly known as “J TOWN” which is nw J city is the Europe of Naija bcos of it weather n beautiful serenity which includes water falls, hills, rocks, beautiful landscape etc is d number one home of tourism. Places like Lagos ” eko oni baje o” abuja, Calabar, Akwa Ibom, Akure, n Ibadan are also nice

  42. Well, you are not far from the truth, but much is missing regarding my vast traveling experiences. Abuja, Enugu, Calaba, Uyo,Jos are OK. Cities like PH and LAG are popular base on economic status but very stressful places to be. Sir, Ibadan, kano, did not make the list by my rating. I prefer you mention Akure, Kaduna, Asaba. Even Abakiliki of today is a sweet place. Except you are talking about money and population.

  43. Akwa Ibom Ayaya

  44. #042 Is a place to be. very cool, beautiful place and nice people to meet in coal city “iluvENUGU…

  45. Very few other states might be better than 042/Coalcity/Enugu, but the fact still remains that any sincere Nigerian that come across Enugu falls %100 in love with the Coal city…….uncountable non coal city guys have testified. Enugu is awesome. Come and see it yourself. God bless u as u come.

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