Magdalene EnimhienomoI find it funny when people say they’re bored in Nigeria or think there are limited activities to carry out. C’mon! It’s Nigeria! . I can count over 50 budget friendly things to do in Nigeria. Not to talk about the luxury things to do in the country.
Not only are there numerous activities to do things in Nigeria, but it also comes in handy that many of these things are budget-friendly. Yes, whether you’re a local or a tourist who wants to explore Nigeria, you do not need to break the bank.
Nigeria has so much outdoor activities that will take you a whole year to experience. From the best waterfalls in the world to its numerous beaches. There’s so much fun to be had on your visit as a tourist.
Bohobiri House Lagos
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50 budget friendly things to do in Nigeria
In doubt? Here are 50 budget-friendly activities that will allow you to experience the beauty and diversity of Nigeria:
No matter your budget, we have you covered. So, get up and go out. Starr by exploring your current environment then move to other states for fun.
Explore Lekki Conservation Center
Somewhere in Lagos, this place boasts of having the longest canopy walkway in Africa. You can also spot wildlife in this serene conservation area. It is a fun place to explore, especially if you’re in a group.
LCC offers so many fun activities like the longest canopy walk in Africa, a time with family at the nature park etc.
LCC family park
Climb Olumo Rock
If you’re a fan of heights and want to see the panoramic views of Abeokuta, you should climb Olumo rock. Trust me, you will have fun with your camera doing this activity.
Visit the National War Museum, Umuahia
Located in Abia, you can visit this museum to get more knowledge about Nigeria’s military history, including the Nigerian Civil War. I love that they have an extensive collection of relics.
Explore the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
Interestingly, this place is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a sacred forest in Osogbo with shrines and sculptures dedicated to the Osun goddess. It is best to visit this place in the company of a local.
If you need other fun activies close to the Grove, you can check my post on the best things to do in Osun State.
Osun-Oshogbo Grove
Discover Ancient Kano City Walls
Without a doubt, Kano is one of the most beautiful cities in Nigeria. It is calming to take a walk along the historic walls that once protected the ancient city of Kano
Experience Local Markets
Wherever you find yourself in Nigeria, one budget-friendly activity to do would be to experience the local markets. You can visit bustling markets like Balogun market in Lagos or Kurmi market in Kano to shop for local crafts, textiles and spices.
Walk Through Millennium Park, Abuja
As a public park, you can be sure that you’re not breaking the park to engage in this activity. At this park, you can have picnics, walks, and relaxation.
Explore the Afi Mountain Drill Ranch, Cross River
When talking about ranches in Cross River, it’s common for people to know about Obudu Cattle Ranch. However, going to Obudu resort doesn’t count as budget-friendly. Instead, you can go to the Afi Mountain Drill Ranch and learn about the conservation efforts for endangered drills and chimpanzees. They also have a canopy walk.
Visit the Gashaka-Gumti National Park
This park sits in between Taraba and Adamawa states. It is Nigeria’s largest national park. At this park, you can engage opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and wildlife spotting.
Discover Idanre Hills
One budget friendly thing to do in Nigeria is to explore the ancient Idanre Hills in Ondo State. It is known for their stunning views and historical significance.
Enjoy the New Afrika Shrine
This is a place in Lagos dedicated to Fela Kuti. It has an upbeat and lively energy. If you’re a fan of live performances, you will have fun at this place.
Although, me and this place have a love hate relationship yet it is a fun place to be. I did a vlog on my visit, click to watch my vlog on the New Afrika shrine to give an idea of what to expect on your visit.
Visit the Slave Trade Museum in Calabar
If you need to have a visual representation of the slave trade era, you should take a trip to the slave trade museum in Calabar. I got emotional at some point when I went there, as the experience tugs at the heart.
Calabar is a great place to have fun experience the annual festival and explore other parts of the state. I have written a round up of fun things to do in Cross river to guide on your visit.
Experience Zuma Rock
This is one of the popular places in Nigeria, and it is a sight for the eyes. You can visit this place to view its beauty and also learn about its cultural significance.
Explore Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls
Also known as Olumirin Waterfalls, this natural wonder in Osun State offers multiple levels of cascading water. I had a lot of fun when I visited this waterfall.
Visit the Kajuru Castle
I remember reading about this place in textbooks when I was in primary school, and looked forward to visiting it in place. It is a medieval-style castle located in Kaduna state. Be sure to take along your camera when going there.
Attend a Traditional Festival
One thing about Nigeria is that the country has lots of traditional festivals. During these festivals, you can experience the vibrant culture and traditions of Nigeria. Some of these festivals are the Argungu fishing festival or the Osun-Osogbo festival, Ojude Oba Festival, Calabar Carnival among others.
Recently I just heard that ilorin has a festival too. I was pained because I have tucked ilorin off as a done and dusted. However, I can wait to revist just to experience the carnival. Need other things to do in ilorin kwara state, click here.
Visit the University of Ibadan Zoological Garden
This is a small but interesting zoo located within the University of Ibadan. It doesn’t require you breaking the bank to engage in this activity.
Explore the Badagry Slave Museum and Black History Museum
At this place, you get to learn about the history of the slave trade in Badagry. In case you didn’t know, Badagry was a significant slave port during the transatlantic slave trade era.
Badagry alone has so much places to explore on a budget. Asides the slave trade museum, you can explore the Gberefu island beach ( also known as point of no return), the first church, suntan Beach among others.
Badagry slave trade museum
Hike the Mambilla Plateau
This is a highland region in Taraba state that gives you one of the best views. It is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of nature.
Visit the Oguta Lake
This is a lake in Imo state that is perfect for boating and relaxation. It is a great place to visit if you’re looking to have a quiet time.
Explore the Sukur Cultural Landscape
This is another UNESCO World Heritage site in Adamawa state. It is known for its terraced fields and unique cultural history, and a place worth exploring.
Visit the Nok Village
If you’re a fan of art, you will love this place. I remember learning about Nok art in high school, and discovering that there is a Nok village years later, got me excited. At this place, you will learn about the history of the ancient Nok civilization and the terracotta sculptures. This place is located in Kaduna state.
Walk Through Agodi Gardens
If you’re looking for a budget friendly thing to do in Ibadan, you should go to Agodi gardens. It is a beautiful park that is ideal for picnics, walks, and enjoying nature.
Ibadan is another great place for vacation. I did a my honey moon in ibadan. It was a great place to stay as it has so much to offer. Click here to know other fun things to do in Ibadan on a budget.
Explore the Kainji National Park
You will find this park in both Niger and Kwara states. It is home to diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Discover the Awhum Waterfall
I like that this waterfall is both a waterfall and cave. It is located in Enugu state, and perfect for a serene escape.
Experience Yankari National Park
This is one of Nigeria’s most popular wildlife reserves, located in Bauchi state. It offers game viewing and hot springs.
Visit the Benue River
If you’re looking for a serene place to relax by the banks of a river, you should visit this place. You can also take a boat ride on this river.
Explore the Lekki Arts and Crafts Market
Yes, you can shop at the Lekki arts and crafts market without breaking the bank! At this market, you can shop for unique local crafts, jewellery, and souvenirs in this vibrant market in Lagos.
Tour the Jos Museum
At this place in Jos, you get to learn about the cultural and natural history of Nigeria. For history lovers, you will have a swell time at this place.
Discover the Surame Cultural Landscape
This is an ancient city in Sokoto state, known for its historical significance and ruins. It is one place on my bucket list that I hope to visit soon.
Other budget friendly places in Nigeria include
- Visit Oba Zoo – Edo state
- Walk Through Maitama Amusement Park – Abuja
- Experience the Ogbunike Caves – Anambra state
- Go to the Mbari Cultural Center – Imo state
- Explore the Ikogosi Warm Springs – Ekiti state
- Tour the Kano Dye Pits – Kano state
- Wander Around Nike Art Gallery – Lagos state
- Visit the Emir’s Palace – Kano state
- Discover the IITA Forest Reserve – Oyo state
- Visit the Ojukwu Bunker – Abia state
- Tour the Arewa House – Kaduna state
- Visit the Sungbo’s Eredo – Ogun state
- Visit the Kanta Museum – Kebbi State
- Go to the National Children’s Park and Zoo – Abuja
- Enjoy Nature at Okomu National Park – Edo state
- Go to the Lagos Theater – Lagos state
- Visit Jabi Lake – Abuja
- Visit the Jos Wildlife Park – Plateau state
- Discover the Esie Museum – Kwara state
- Visit the First Oil Well in Nigeria – Bayelsa state
Which of these 50 budget friendly places things to do in Nigeria have you visit? My top 5 of these 50 budget friendly things to do in Nigeria include Erin Ijesha water falls, Lekki Arts and Craft market, Agodi gardens, New Afrika shrine and Osun Oshogbo Grove.
I can’t forget to add the Nike art gallery to the list. Totally free to access and you may choose to shop the arts, the interior decoration pieces or the fashion. Ciao.
