A Student City Guide to Abuja

Just moved to Abuja to start university or college? We’ve put together a list of ways to spend your time in your new city.

Explore the city centre

Get to know your new town with a quick trip to the city centre. Request a ride to take you right to the heart of the action, so you can spend a full-day exploring. It’s a great time to find out which shops are going to be your go-to, where the best places to go for a night out are, and where your new favourite coffee shop is. Keep an eye out for community centres, cafés and bars that host regular events as well as handy places like libraries and gyms.

Eat local street food

One of the best things about moving to a big city is discovering all the food options on offer. Take a trip to a street-food market and start sampling all the local cuisine. Try to eat the traditional suya dish in its many forms: chicken, beef, goat and even turkey. Food halls are also great places to check out, as well as small, family businesses where you’ll usually find fresh food at reasonable prices.

Immerse yourself in the culture

Make the most of Abuja’s rich cultural scene by checking out the many galleries and attractions the city has to offer. If you want to learn more about Nigeria’s art scene, head to the Thought Pyramid Art Centre or to the Omega Gallery. Abuja is also home to the Nigeria National Mosque which is situated in the centre of the city, an easy ride away.

Chill in a park

Fancy getting away from the busy city life? Try one of Abuja’s city parks. There are impressive attractions such as the beautiful Millennium Park or the Julius Berger Waterfront Park as well as many smaller green spaces scattered throughout the city. If you want to combine your wind-down with a workout, there’s also plenty of park, where you can exercise.

Discover new finds at markets

As a new student, thrift shopping is about to become your new favourite pastime. Get some practice in early and take a trip to one of Abuja’s thriving markets. You’ll find different markets depending on what you’re looking for, with everything from handmade arts and crafts to fashion to food. Spend the weekend browsing the Utako Market or take a trip over to the Garki International Market.