15 Best Things To Do In Abuja, Nigeria

1. Enjoy a relaxing time with your family at BMT African Garden

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

BMT African Garden is the best spot to relax and have a great time with your family while in Abuja, Nigeria. This lush plot of land within the city is adorned with sprawling greens that would soothe your senses. Your kids will love it here as well as the place also features a zoo, a kids’ playground, and swimming pools. After strolling around the beautiful gardens, take a break at the restaurant where they offer delectable freshly cooked meals.

BMT African Garden

Address: 155 Adetokunbo Ademola Cres, Wuse 904101, Abuja, Nigeria

Website: BMT African Garden

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

2. Take a stroll along the cliffs and lake of man-made wonder, Mpape Hills

This amazing place is truly a miracle as what was once a destructive quarry site has become a beautiful place that Mother Nature herself reclaimed. The Mpape Hills are in the outskirts of the city and features breathtaking views of rocky cliffs, moss-lined footpaths, small green hills, and a lake that was formed when quarry workers accidentally struck an aquifer. People from all over the world flock to this amazing site to take pictures, go sunbathing, and marvel at this beautiful spot. Just a word of caution, though—never attempt to dive into the water as it’s full of abandoned machinery.

Mpape Hills

Address: 901101, Abuja, Nigeria

3. Breathe in some fresh air while enjoying the views at Millennium Park

Millennium Park is the biggest public park in Abuja. It covers a large land area of over 80 acres (or a little more than 32 hectares) in the heart of the city. It was designed by Italian architect Manfredi Nicoletti and was inaugurated in December of 2003 by Queen Elizabeth II of England. The park features large sprawling greens, strategically placed trees, as well as waterfalls and fountains. The best thing about this attraction is that it’s free!

Millennium Park

Address: 5 Usuma St, Three Arms Zone 900103, Abuja, Nigeria

4. Experience fun under the sun at Tobix Recreational Park and Garden

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Check out the fun activities you can enjoy with your kids at Tobix Recreational Park and Garden. The beautiful landscape of sprawling greens, dotted with trees here and there, is the perfect spot in the bustling city to unwind and have a great time with your family. It features gardens, grass fields, amusement parks, playgrounds, and a badminton court, offering fun activities under the sun with your kids. You can even grab a cold bottle of beer at the bar.

Tobix Recreational Park and Garden

Address: Ahmadu Bello Way, Kado 900108, Abuja, Nigeria

Website: Tobix Recreational Park and Garden

Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)

5. Grab a refreshing drink with the gang at Bature Brewery

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If you’re planning a fun and relaxing night out with the gang, then you should check out Bature Brewery. Dubbed as the pioneers of craft beer in the country, Bature Brewery offers a wide range of award-winning high-quality brews, from fruity ales and rich stouts to hazy New England-style IPAs. It also features a relaxing taproom that’s frequented by the hippest of the hip in the city. Bature Brewery also offers canned brews and merchandise like T-shirts and wristbands.

Bature Brewery

Address: A1 Discovery Mall, Adetokunbo Ademola Cres, Wuse 2, Abuja, Nigeria

Website: Bature Brewery

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5pm - 11pm; Sat: 12pm - 12am; Sun: 3pm - 12am

6. Unwind with your family at Central Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Enjoy a grand time alone or with your family in this 500-acre (202.3-hectare) park, situated in the heart of Abuja. Hit the 1640.4-foot (500-meter) go-kart race track, play paintball, or watch your kids play at the engaging playground. Next, you can check out the water park or take some nice pictures in the dedicated spaces, featuring a heart-shaped plant, the yellow bridge, and more. This place is also a popular spot for concerts, festivals, birthdays, and more. And of course, there are food joints and restaurants serving pizza, barbecued chicken, drinks, local delicacies, and more.

Central Park

Address: Plot 174 Kur Mohammed Ave, Wuse 900211, Abuja

Website: Central Park

Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 12pm - 7pm (closed from Mon - Thu)

Price: 2 USD

7. Hike the rolling hills at Usuma Lower Dam

From picnics at the green spots to hiking, the outdoor fans will love it at Usuma Lower Dam, located in Ushafa Bwari Area, some minutes’ drive from the capital. It is the fifth-largest human-made lake globally, and it boasts the biggest hydropower plant in West Africa, which serves the metropolis with electricity and water. The rolling hills at the venue are easy to hike, and you can enjoy canoeing on the water. The food joints in this location aren’t always open, so it’s best to come with your own snacks and drinking water.

Usuma Lower Dam

Address: Near Kubwa, Abuja 905102 Nigeria

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

8. Buy souvenirs at Jabi African Art And Craft Market

A journey to the capital of the culturally endowed Nigeria without getting a souvenir is not complete. Peruse and choose from the many handicrafts, including bronze sculptures, leather bags, bracelets, and more on offer at the Jabi African Art and Craft Market. It’s located at the Abuja Arts & Crafts Village in the city’s central business district. On entering, you’ll be welcomed by a sight of an authentic African market scene made up of thatched-roof huts as shops. With local products on display from different parts of the country, this market is one of the best places to understand this nation’s diversity.

Jabi African Art And Craft Market

Address: Airport Rd, Jabi, Abuja

Website: Jabi African Art And Craft Market

Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)

9. Take your kids to Magicland Amusement Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Magical Park is Nigeria’s Disneyland and the first and largest amusement park in the country. It’s located close to the city gate in the capital’s heart, making it easy to spot. The park features many ways to have fun with modern facilities such as carousels, roller coasters, bumper cars, flying tower, and even arcade games spaces. There are also green spaces to picnic with your loved ones. The entrance fee is very affordable, and there are restaurants and food joints on-site.

Magicland Amusement Park

Address: No. 1, Kukwaba Hills, Constitution Ave, Wuye, Abuja

Website: Magicland Amusement Park

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 9pm; Tue - Fri: 12:30pm - 8pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 2 USD

10. Hike the Wonderland Twin Peaks

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

How about enjoying a clear panorama of the Abuja skyline? Wonderland Twin Peaks, located close to Wuye District in the center of the town, offers you an easy 20-minute hike to the top with a 360-degree view of the capital. Although one of the hills is easier to climb than the other, both their paths are well paved. While on the peak, you can picnic or take lovely pictures. The sunrise and sunsets from the top are also spectacular.

Wonderland Twin Peaks

Address: Kukwaba, Abuja

11. Visit the Abuja National Mosque

Whether you’re a Muslim faithful or not, seeing the elegant Nigerian National Mosque, situated in Independence Avenue, is a must. The place of worship was constructed in 1984, at the request of some Islamic leaders, after the capital was moved from Lagos to Abuja. The building comprises four domes, each measuring a height of 393.7 feet (120 meters) and a central dome with a height of 196.9 feet (60 meters). The mosque also features an administrative office, a 500-capacity conference center, and a library.

Abuja National Mosque

Address: 1012 Sani Abacha Way, Central Business Dis, Abuja

Website: Abuja National Mosque

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

12. Go birdwatching at Jabi Lake

The natural scene combined with urbanization makes the Jabi Lake area, close to the city’s center, a beauty to behold. Jabi Park, situated on the waterfront, is graced with green vegetation, making it an ideal spot for picnicking and birdwatching. You can book a boat ride and enjoy cruising on the calm waters. On-site, there is a shopping complex housing Shoprite and other stores that you can check out after a relaxing day at the lake.

Jabi Lake

Address: Jabi Lake

13. Have fun at the National Children's Park And Zoo Abuja

If you’re vacationing with the kids, let them have fun at the National Children’s Park and Zoo, located close to Aso Rock. On-site, you can admire many wild animals, including zebras, giraffes, elephants, and camels. That’s not all: there’s a children’s area called the Toddler’s Lane, with numerous fun activities such as ziplining, baby slides, and slings. You can enjoy paid horse rides, play table tennis, or set up your picnic spot on the well-maintained grounds. There are no restaurants on-site, but you will find some food spots outside the gate.

National Children's Park And Zoo Abuja

Address: Abuja 900231 Nigeria

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

14. Check out African art at Thought Pyramid Art Centre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you have a sweet spot for African art, Thought Pyramid Art Center is a must-visit. It has a mission to collect, conserve, and study contemporary and modern art made by African artists. From the main entrance to the interior, you’ll be greeted by old and new paintings, metallic pieces, and sculptures made with exceptional talent. The venue is small, but the hour or less you’ll spend here is unforgettable. Admission is free, although pictures are not allowed within the building. You can also have some delicious bites at the eatery next door.

Thought Pyramid Art Centre

Address: 18 Libreville Cres, Wuse, Abuja

Website: Thought Pyramid Art Centre

Opening hours: Sun: 1pm - 7pm; Mon - Sat: 9am - 7pm

Price: Free

15. Admire the variety of flowers at Sarius Palmetum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The wife of the former head of state - Mrs. Ajoke Murtala Muhammed - is fascinated by flowers. During her travels, she collects varieties from different countries worldwide, which gave birth to Sarius Palmetum. It is situated on a 52-acre (21-hectare) picturesque property with stunning rock formations, green hilly areas, and a river traversing the region. Currently, the location boasts over 1,000 plant species, out of which 450 are palm varieties. You will find a range of plants of Mauritius, Singapore, and Hawaii origins. If you love nature, this place should be at the top of your Abuja itinerary.

Sarius Palmetum

Address: 3259 Ibrahim Babangida Blvd, Maitama 900271, Abuja

Website: Sarius Palmetum

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 3 USD

Have a wonderful time in Abuja

A visit to Nigeria’s capital is bound to be fascinating. The place’s strategic location and business opportunities make it a converging point for people from all over the country. Meet local cultures, unwind in the parks, enjoy the gifts of nature, and have a wonderful time experiencing the top things to do in Abuja, Nigeria.