Where to Stay in Nigeria in 2023 | Best Areas & Hotels

Nigeria is a country with many faces. From vibrant cities to serene villages, from beautiful beaches to majestic mountains, it has so much to offer for all kinds of travelers.

There are also several places to stay when visiting. But don’t worry — we’ll help you decide which one is best for you; let us be your guide!

The Best Places to Stay in Nigeria

Our top 4 picks for the best areas to stay on a trip to Nigeria include:

1. Abuja: Nigeria’s capital, a place filled with hip restaurants with a strong urban vibe but also close to national parks and great hiking areas, is perfect for both urban and outdoor adventurers.
2. Lagos: The bustling economic hub and cultural capital of Nigeria, renowned for its vibrant energy, galleries, and beaches.
3. Benin City: An ancient city with a rich history, famous for its historical landmarks and cultural heritage.
4. Idanre and Akure: Filled with historical sites and UNESCO-listed hills, these places are a must-visit for experiencing the less urban side of Nigeria.
5. Uyo: A great place to start exploring southeastern Nigeria, filled with natural riches and a characteristic modern development.

Where to Stay in Nigeria: Best Areas & Hotels

Nigeria has very affordable accommodation options, generally speaking. But, oftentimes, a lot of logins are hard to find online, and those that you can find are mostly present in larger cities.

Here, we’ve provided the best we could find for a particular city or town, but don’t expect anything luxurious. Most of the high-end places can be found either in Abuja or Lagos, two of the biggest and most cosmopolitan cities in Nigeria.

1. Abuja

Although many think it’s Lagos, it’s actually Abuja that’s the capital city of Nigeria. It’s a modern, planned metropolis situated in the heart of the country, designed to be Nigeria’s political and administrative center.

But it’s much more than a place for politics and diplomatic missions. It’s also home to a notable Nigerian landmark, the Aso Rock.

This massive granite rock is a 1,300-foot tall monolith whose peak reaches 3,071 feet above sea level. So when you arrive in Abuja, this is something that you just can’t miss.

Also, all of the important government buildings, like the Nigerian Presidential Complex, the Nigerian National Assembly, and the Nigerian Supreme Court, are located around it, making up for a very interesting sight.

In the city center, you’re going to see wide roads, busy city streets, and lots of green spaces like Central Park and Jabi Lake Park.

There are also lots of amusement and kid-friendly places like Magicland Amusement Park and National Children’s Park & Zoo Abuja. There are also plenty of arts and culture spaces for art lovers out there.

The Nike Art Gallery outside the city center is particularly worthy of visiting. It is owned by Nike Davies-Okundaye, a famous Nigerian textile designer, and it features more than 8,000 artworks from various Nigerian artists.

Nigeria is also a country of various religions, with their own places of worship. Visit the National Mosque and National Church, which are two very prominent religious sites in Nigeria with impressive architecture.

The National Mosque is open for visits for non-Muslims, except during congregational prayers. And if you’re more into exploring the artistic and commercial side of Abuja, we’ve got you covered.

You can shop for traditional Nigerian art, crafts, and souvenirs at the Jabi African Art And Craft Market. Here, you’ll find all kinds of items showcasing the country’s diverse cultural heritage.

Abuja is a great place to visit if you want the feel of an urban center but also don’t want to give up on feeling the graces of nature as well. This city has a lot to offer when it comes to outdoor excursions, with regular hiking tours taking place to the city’s hills all the time.

You can easily contact hiking groups like Tha Outdoor Tribe, Naija Adventurers, and Mantrek Hikers Club and join these groups on a new adventure.

Abuja Budget Hotels

• Tranquil Mews Hotel is a three-star, budget-friendly hotel that offers comfortable rooms and basic amenities at affordable rates. It has an outdoor pool and bar. While it may not have extensive luxury facilities, it can be a suitable option for budget-conscious visitors looking for a comfortable stay.
• Quest Boutique Hotel is a three-star hotel known for its affordable rates. The hotel offers cozy accommodations and basic services. It’s designed to cater to travelers seeking a comfortable place to rest without breaking the bank. Facilities might include essentials like free Wi-Fi, simple breakfast options, and clean rooms.

Abuja Mid-Range Hotels

• The Envoy Hotel Abuja is a four-star hotel. It has great reviews from people who’ve stayed there, rating every aspect of the hotel perfectly — from the staff to the cleanliness and value for your money. The hotel has a pool and a fitness center, as well as a bar and a garden you can relax in.
• Nordic Hotel Abuja is a nice, four-star hotel in Abuja with lots of amenities. You can swim in the outdoor pool, or go to the gym, you can play billiards, or relax in the hotel garden. It’s a good hotel with beautiful, spacious rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, a minibar, a TV, and a great outside view.

Abuja Luxury Hotels

• Transcorp Hilton Abuja is a five-star luxury hotel in the heart of Abuja from the famous brand you already probably know. It offers upscale accommodations, lots of amenities like a spa center, a fitness center, a huge outdoor pool you can swim in, an ATM machine inside the hotel, as well as evening entertainment. With its three restaurants, this is considered to be one of the city’s premier hotels.
• JOHNWOOD HOTEL by Bolton is an upscale hotel in Abuja. It has an outdoor pool, as well as a fitness center. Guests can dine at the hotel’s restaurant or relax in the hotel bar. Rooms are comfy, classy, and clean, with their own private bathrooms, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV.

See All Hotels in Nigeria

2. Lagos

Situated along the Gulf of Guinea, Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria and one of Africa’s most populous urban centers. It’s a very dynamic metropolis, a true melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions.

Lagos is a city where the new and the old mix in very peculiar ways. On one side of the street, you can see new, modern buildings, and on the other side, you’ll see historical sites like the National Museum, showcasing Nigeria’s artistic heritage.

The bustling markets, including Balogun and Lekki Markets, offer a taste of local life and commerce. With a vibrant arts scene, Lagos is home to galleries, theaters, and music venues that celebrate African creativity.

One example is the Nike Art Gallery, which exists in several cities throughout Nigeria. The Fela Kuti Shrine is another example that pays homage to the legendary musician’s legacy and is a good place to start if you want to explore Afrobeat culture.

Besides the vibrant arts scene, Lagos also has a thriving nightlife scene. If you want to check it out, start from the hip and upscale neighborhood of Victoria Island.

Visit Quilox, one of Lagos’ most famous nightclubs, which is famous for its live gigs and its rooftop pool lounge. You can also hop to Escape, a club known for its impressive sound system and DJ lineup, playing a mix of Afrobeats and international music.

Lagos Island, the city’s core, is characterized by its business district and notable landmarks like Tafawa Balewa Square and the Third Mainland Bridge. The city’s coastal stretch features beaches, such as Tarkwa Bay and Elegushi Beach, offering relaxation and water activities.

Lagos Budget Hotels

• Mariners Suites Lagos is a three-star hotel in the affluent Victoria Island area. It has a wonderful waterfront location, large rooms with terraces and ocean views, as well as private bathrooms.
• J Gibson Suites is a three-star hotel near the Nike Art Gallery in Lagos. It has an outdoor swimming pool and clean, stylish rooms with private bathrooms, TVs, and air conditioning. The hotel also has a restaurant and a bar.

Lagos Mid-Range Hotels

• Riviera Suites is a four-star hotel with a great central location and even greater service. It has big rooms with a garden or pool views that also have private bathrooms. The hotel offers room service and has an outdoor pool, three restaurants, and a bar.
• Park Inn by Radisson is a mid-range four-star hotel from the famous Radisson brand. The rooms are clean and modern and have private bathrooms and air conditioning, and some even have patios and balconies. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool.

Lagos Luxury Hotels

• Nordic Hotel Lagos is an upscale five-star hotel in central Lagos. The rooms are super-modern, decorated in a minimalist Nordic interior design style. The hotel has a gym, an outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant. Breakfast is included in the room price.
• The Yacht Hotel is a luxury five-star hotel near the Nike Art Gallery. It has rooms in the style of luxurious yacht cabins, with room service and private bathrooms. The hotel also has a gym, two restaurants, and a bar.

See All Hotels in Nigeria

3. Benin City

Benin City, located in southern Nigeria, holds historical significance as the former capital of the Benin Empire, renowned for its advanced civilization and intricate bronze artworks. Today, it’s the capital of Edo State and a hub of cultural heritage.

The city’s landmarks include the ancient Benin City Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which served as defensive fortifications during the empire’s zenith.

As a visitor, you’ll surely want to explore the UNESCO-listed Benin City Walls, remnants of the ancient Benin Empire’s fortifications, offering insights into the city’s historical significance.

Here, you can discover an exciting collection of royal artifacts, exquisite bronze sculptures, and historical artifacts that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage. You can also take a glimpse at the remnants of the historical Benin Moat, a series of defensive trenches that once surrounded the ancient city.

Benin City is also known for its vibrant festivals, such as the Igue Festival, where the Oba (traditional ruler) offers blessings and cultural displays take place.

The Benin National Museum showcases the city’s rich history, including its royal artifacts and exquisite bronzes. The city’s markets, like Oba Market and New Benin Market, offer a glimpse into Benin’s colorful local life and commerce.

Here in this bustling shopping hub, you can find all kinds of crazy souvenirs and crafts, but also street food and local products, like delicious endemic fruits and veggies.

And if you’re looking for places where traditional artworks are still being made, then Igun Street is the place to be, a fascinating place known for its bronze casting workshops.

A word from us: Benin City is not your best choice to stay because it lacks accommodation options, but it’s certainly worth visiting because of its historic significance and priceless cultural legacy.

Benin City Budget Hotels

• Living Green Apartments is a hotel in the outskirts of Benin City. It offers whole apartment rooms, with a private bathroom and private kitchen. The house has a very convenient location, as it’s only a couple of miles away from the nearby airport.
• Charming 2-Bed Cottage in Benin City is what the name says — a nice place to stay while you’re in Benin City. It has all the things you need for a comfy stay, starting from a private bathroom with a shower, to a dining area with a fully equipped kitchen.

Benin City Mid-Range Hotels

• Smartly Built 2 Bedroom Flat is a one-bedroom apartment in Benin City near the Benin City Airport. It has air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a balcony, a TV, a washing machine, and a kitchen with a fridge.
• Hotel Los Reyes is a three-star hotel in Benin City. The hotel has a nice joint terrace and rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. There’s also a hotel restaurant, where guests can try African and American cuisine while sipping cocktails at the bar.

Benin City Luxury Hotels

• Princess Alice Hotel and Holiday Resort Ltd is a good hotel in Benin City. It has rooms with private bathrooms, kitchens, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. There’s breakfast every morning included in the room price as well.
• Kawruky Hotel Benin is a three-star hotel located in Benin City. It has an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and free on-site parking. The hotel’s rooms have private bathrooms, air conditioning, minibar, and a TV. The hotel also has room service, and it serves continental, full English/Irish, or Italian breakfast every morning. You can also have lunch and dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

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4. Idanre and Akure

Idanre is a historic town located in the Ondo State of Nigeria. Nestled amidst picturesque hills and lush landscapes, Idanre is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and archaeological significance.

The town is famous for the Idanre Hills, a cluster of rugged hills that stand as a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape. The Idanre Hills are filled with ancient settlements, terraces, and stone paths, providing insights into the way of life of the Yoruba people.

The hills also hold the Agboogun Footprints, mysterious imprints believed to belong to the founders of the town. This is definitely worth a visit if you want to immerse yourself in local myths and legends.

At the summit of the hills, visitors can explore the remnants of the ancient Owa’s Palace, a place that also offers amazing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Owa’s Palace, built in the 17th century, is a testament to Idanre’s royal history and is perfect for people who want a bit more insight into this time period of Idanre’s history.

Akure, the capital of Ondo State in Nigeria, is a city of historical significance, cultural vibrancy, and natural beauty. Situated in the southwestern region of the country, Akure has evolved from a traditional Yoruba settlement into a modern urban center.

The city showcases a blend of old and new, with historic landmarks like the Oba’s Palace and the Akure Museum reflecting its cultural heritage.

The Deji of Akure’s Palace, a prominent royal residence, stands as a symbol of the city’s traditional authority. Akure is surrounded by lush landscapes and vegetation, earning its nickname “The Sunshine City” due to its relatively stable weather.

The city’s natural attractions include the Idanre Hills, a UNESCO-listed site with historical significance and panoramic views.

As a regional hub, Akure hosts educational institutions, government offices, and a range of commercial activities. The city’s annual Mare Festival celebrates its cultural heritage, featuring traditional performances, dances, and local cuisine.

Idanre is a very small town, and when it comes to accommodation, it’s not really possible to find anything readily available online there.

Your best bet for finding accommodation is Akura, a larger city around fifteen miles away from Idanre, and that’s what we’ve included in the hotel suggestions below. The same goes for the restaurants — because Idanre is so small, you can find proper restaurants only in Akure.

Idanre Budget Hotels

• HGL HOTEL AKURE is a two-star hotel in Akure. It offers apartment rooms for a very affordable price, with private bathrooms, a kitchen, and a terrace. The hotel also includes continental breakfast in the room price.

Idanre Mid-Range Hotels

• Sunview Hotel is a small, three-star hotel in Akure. It offers spacious rooms with amenities like a private bathroom, air conditioning, a hot tub, and a balcony. It has a swimming pool
• Akure Airport Hotel is a very decent hotel located near the Akure Airport. It has an outdoor pool, a terrace, and a lounge area, as well as free parking. It also has a restaurant which serves free breakfast every morning.

Idanre Luxury Hotels

• Stoney Grey Hotel City Center is a four-star hotel near Akure. It’s a good hotel, with an outdoor pool and a garden, a restaurant and a bar, as well as free private parking. The rooms have a private bathroom and lots of amenities like a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a safe, and a work desk.
• Heritage Continental Hotel is a four-star hotel in Akure. It has nice, bright rooms with en suite bathrooms. There’s also an outdoor pool for guests, a restaurant, and a bar. Breakfast is included in the room price.

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5. Uyo

Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria, is a rapidly growing urban center that offers a mix of cultural heritage, modern development, and natural beauty.

Situated in the southeastern region of the country, Uyo is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. The city boasts a blend of traditional Nigerian culture and contemporary urban lifestyle.

Uyo is home to the Ibom Connection, an annual cultural festival that celebrates the indigenous heritage of the Akwa Ibom people through music, dance, and other artistic expressions.

Uyo’s modern infrastructure includes notable landmarks such as the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, a significant sports venue in Nigeria.

The city’s surroundings feature lush landscapes, with natural attractions like the Ibom Plaza and Millennium Park providing green spaces for relaxation and recreation.

Additionally, this area offers a variety of local markets, eateries, and restaurants where visitors can savor traditional Nigerian cuisine and explore the local food scene. Uyo’s blend of cultural vibrancy, urban development, and natural charm makes it a city that reflects Nigeria’s diversity and progress.

Uyo Budget Hotels

• K-Orbit Hotels & Suites is a two-star hotel in Uyo. It’s a very affordable place that offers decent accommodation options. It has nice rooms with private bathrooms, as well as air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

Uyo Mid-Range Hotels

• Monty Suites & Golf is a four-star hotel that also has a golf course guests can use. The hotel has upscale rooms with en suite bathrooms and a minibar. You can swim in the hotel’s pool as a guest, eat at the hotel’s restaurant, or relax at the bar. Breakfast is included in the price of the room.

Uyo Luxury Hotels

• Four Points by Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene, near Uyo town. It is a luxury four-star hotel from the famous Sheraton brand. It has bright, spacious rooms with private bathrooms, a coffee machine, and a minibar. The hotel also has a gym and an outdoor swimming pool, as well as no less than four restaurants!

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So, Where Should You Stay in Nigeria?

🏆 Best for First Timers	Abuja
🎉 Best for Nightlife	Lagos
🏛️ Best for History Buffs	Benin City
🌳 Best for Nature	Idanre and Akure
🧘🏻 Most Relaxing Area	Uyo

Nigeria is a big country that has a lot to offer. From bustling cities to ancient villages, you’ll have the best time exploring this West African gem.

All you need to do is figure out where to start and what draws you in more — whether it’s the urban heart of this wonderland or its more natural resources. Once you have a clear answer in mind, you can start exploring Nigeria!