Things to do in Abuja
Abuja has been Nigeria's capital since 1991, when the seat of government moved from Lagos. It was built as a planned city in the c...
Abuja has been Nigeria's capital since 1991, when the seat of government moved from Lagos. It was built as a planned city in the centre of the country, chosen partly to be neutral ground.
The city lies at the foot of Aso Rock, with wide roads, green spaces and national buildings laid out in districts such as the Central Business District, Garki, Wuse, Maitama and Asokoro. Abuja is also known for its restaurants, lounges, conferences and a growing events scene.
Top things to do in Abuja
See Aso Rock and the national landmarks
Aso Rock, a 400-metre granite outcrop, towers over the Three Arms Zone where the Presidential Villa, National Assembly and Supreme Court stand. Eagle Square nearby hosts national ceremonies.
Visit the National Mosque and National Christian Centre
The National Mosque, with its golden dome and four minarets, and the National Christian Centre face each other across the Central Area. Both are landmarks of the city skyline.
Spend a day at Millennium Park
Millennium Park in Maitama is the largest public park in Abuja, with lawns, gardens, water features and a stream running through it. A favourite for picnics and weekend walks.
Relax by Jabi Lake
Jabi Lake is a man-made lake in the west of the city, with open banks, a waterfront promenade, a mall and boat rides. It is busy at sunset and on weekends.
See Zuma Rock
Zuma Rock, a huge monolith beside the road to Kaduna just outside the FCT, is often called the "Gateway to Abuja". It appears on the 100 naira note.
Enjoy the lounges and nightlife
Wuse 2, Maitama, Jabi and Garki have many of the city's restaurants, lounges, bars and clubs. December is especially busy with concerts and shows.
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Festivals & culture
Abuja hosts national celebrations such as Independence Day on 1 October, and it has held a large city carnival with cultural troupes from across Nigeria. As the capital, it brings together festivals and food from every part of the country, and December is busy with concerts, parties and end-of-year events.
Food to try
Abuja has food from across Nigeria. Try suya and kilishi from the north, pepper soup, nkwobi and isi ewu from the east, jollof rice, tuwo with miyan kuka, masa, and fresh fish grilled by the roadside in the evening.
Best time to visit
November to March is the dry season, with harmattan haze and cool mornings in December and January. The rainy season runs from about April to October, and evenings are pleasant much of the year.
Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest way around. Abuja's light rail links the city centre with the airport area, and the international airport is about 40 minutes from the centre by road.
Questions about Abuja
When did Abuja become the capital of Nigeria?
Abuja became Nigeria's capital in December 1991, when the seat of government moved from Lagos.
What are the top landmarks in Abuja?
Aso Rock, the National Mosque, the National Christian Centre, Millennium Park, Jabi Lake and Zuma Rock are among the top landmarks.
When is the best time to visit Abuja?
The dry season from November to March is best, with December being the busiest for events and celebrations.
How do I find events in Abuja?
Browse upcoming events in Abuja right here on GidiBox, or visit the Events page for the full listing with tickets.
