Things to do in Northern Nigeria
Discover the best attractions and experiences Northern Nigeria has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore the ancient walls, palaces, and historic sites that trace the empires and trade routes of Northern Nigeria.
Kano City Walls
Ancient defensive walls encircling Kano's old city, a defining feature of the historic metropolis.
Dala Hill
Rocky outcrop offering city views and a site with deep ties to Kano’s rulers.
Emir's Palace, Kano
Historic residence of Kano's emir, showcasing traditional Hausa architecture.
Museums
Delve into regional histories, royal regalia, and Nok-era artifacts housed in Northern Nigeria’s museums.
Gidan Makama Museum Kano
Historic house museum illustrating Kano’s royal heritage and city history.
Jos Museum
One of Nigeria’s oldest museums, famed for Nok sculptures and regional artifacts.
National Museum Kaduna
National collection of ethnography and history from the north.
Religious Monuments
Explore iconic mosques and spiritual centers that mark the religious landscape of the region.
Sokoto Grand Mosque
Massive mosque in Sokoto, a central place of worship and city landmark.
Sultan's Palace, Sokoto
Historic residence of the Sokoto Caliphate’s ruler with religious significance.
Kano Central Mosque
Impressive mosque in Kano’s city center, a focal point for worship and architecture.
National & Theme Parks
Stretch your legs in Nigeria’s northern parks, where wildlife and landscapes thrive.
Yankari National Park
Popular wildlife sanctuary in Bauchi State, known for elephants and warm springs.
Kainji Lake National Park
Nigeria’s first national park, protecting savannah and lake ecosystems along the Niger.
Gashaka-Gumti National Park
Nigeria’s largest national park spanning Taraba and Adamawa regions.
Neighborhoods
Walk through distinctive districts that reveal local life, markets, and Hausa-style streetscapes.
Kano Old City
Historic quarter with traditional houses, markets, and narrow streets.
Nassarawa GRA, Kano
Affluent residential area with tree-lined streets and local cafes.
Tudun Wada, Kaduna
Busy district known for its markets and everyday northern city life.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy no-entry experiences that reveal daily life, views, and nature across the north.
Walk the Kano Old City
Stroll through historic streets and markets to soak up local ambience.
Sunset from Dala Hills
Watch the city light up from a scenic, accessible viewpoint.
Shere Hills hike (Jos area)
Easy-to-moderate hike offering panoramic views of Jos Plateau.
Gastronomy
Taste bold northern flavors from street snacks to hearty regional staples.
Tuwo Shinkafa with Miyan Kuka
A staple pairing of soft rice cake with leafy soup.
Kilishi
Spiced, dried, and flavorful meat snack beloved across the north.
Waina
Fermented rice batter fried into soft, tasty pancakes.
Suya
Skewered, grilled meat with a peppery, smoky kick.
Nightlife
Evenings feature cultural performances and post-sundown markets in select cities.
Kano Durbar (seasonal)
Evening festivities with horse parades and traditional music.
Live cultural performances in Kano's cultural centers
Evening showcases of music and dance rooted in Hausa heritage.
Entertainment
Experience traditional performances, crafts, and regional art forms.
Dambe traditional wrestling events
Traditional combat performance blending skill and showmanship.
Kannywood cinema screenings
Screenings and performances from Northern Nigeria’s film industry.
Cultural dances at town squares
Evening dances and musical displays in city centers.
Sports
Catch a match or visit iconic stadiums where local teams play.
Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano
Home ground for football and local events in Kano.
Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos
Jos-based stadium hosting football and community events.
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi
Multi-use stadium hosting league and regional matches.
Off the Track
Seek lesser-known sites that reveal crafts, viewpoints, and rural landscapes.
Kofar Mata Dye Pits, Kano
Traditional dye pits where heritage crafts persist.
Shere Hills viewpoint (Jos area)
Quiet hilltop that rewards hikers with sweeping views.
Local rural villages near Bauchi and Kaduna
Authentic insight into northern rural life and agro-crafts.