Things To Do
in Aba
Aba is a bustling commercial city in Abia State, renowned for its dense markets and industrious artisans. It serves as a key trading hub for textiles, footwear, and crafts, drawing shoppers from across southeastern Nigeria. The city blends traditional Igbo culture with a thriving street-food scene, especially around Ariaria Market and the Ogbor Hill area.
Visitors should pace their visit to explore the textile workshops, navigate the lively streets, and sample local delicacies in the evenings.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the National Museum of Colonial History, where you'll delve into the rich heritage of Aba and its role in Nigeria's history. After immersing yourself in the exhibits, take a stroll through the vibrant streets to soak in the local architecture. Stop by a nearby café for a traditional Nigerian breakfast, enjoying the local flavors and atmosphere.
Spend your afternoon at the Ahiara Market, a bustling hub filled with local vendors selling everything from textiles to fresh produce. Engage with the friendly locals and perhaps pick up some handmade crafts as souvenirs. As you wander through the market, enjoy some street food from the various stalls that showcase the region's culinary delights.
As the sun sets, head to a local eatery for dinner, where you can savor dishes like jollof rice or pepper soup. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the town center, where you can experience the nightlife and music that permeates the air. End your evening at a local bar, enjoying the rhythms of live music while mingling with residents.
Begin your day with a visit to Ngwa, known for its rich traditions and cultural significance. Attend a local ceremony or festival if your visit coincides with one, to witness traditional dances and rituals firsthand. Engage with the community members who are eager to share their stories and customs with visitors.
After your cultural immersion, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try dishes like fufu and egusi soup. Post lunch, visit the Ngwa High School, which has historical importance and a beautiful campus that reflects local educational practices. Take part in a discussion with teachers or students about the educational landscape in Aba.
As the day winds down, participate in a storytelling session around a bonfire, where elders share tales of the past that shape the community's identity. Enjoy the warmth of the fire and the company of locals, learning about their values and traditions. Finally, relax with a nightcap at a local bar, reflecting on the day’s experiences.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two in mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| 🛍️Local market snack | $1-3 |
| 🚖Taxi ride within town | $2-6 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant markets and crafts with affordable goods
- Warm, welcoming local people and rich Igbo culture
- Wide variety of street food and traditional dishes
- Easy day trips to nearby villages and craft workshops
- Very hot and humid climate, especially afternoon
- Crowded markets can be chaotic and congested
- Inconsistent infrastructure and power supply in some areas
- Safety can vary by neighborhood and time of day
- "Kedu" - Hello/How are you?
- "Biko" - Please/Kindly
- "Daalụ" - Thank you
- "A bịa" - Welcome
- "Ọ dị mma" - It's okay/That's fine
Places to Visit in Aba
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful textiles, busy stalls, and the rhythmic activity of tailors make for dynamic street photography.
Low-lying river edges and sunset views offer wide-angle opportunities of the cityscape against water.
Hands-on craft spaces with vibrant beads, fabrics, and dyeing processes provide intimate portrait and detail shots.
Food in Aba
Aba Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Spicy cow foot dish prepared with palm oil and pepper sauce, commonly found at street stalls and eateries.
Must-Try!
Fermented cassava pearls mixed with ugba, palm oil, onions, and fish for a creamy, savory salad.
Rich leafy soup (oha) served with fufu or pounded yam; often cooked with meat or fish.
Breadfruit seeds served as a hearty, protein-rich dish, typically enjoyed with palm oil or pepper sauce.
Comfort staples of boiled yam or yam porridge cooked with palm oil, pepper, and vegetables.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vast market known for textiles, leather goods, and live cooking stalls; great for sampling street bites.
Smaller stalls offering roasted plantain, suya skewers, yam chips, and pepper soups.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet elders with a respectful tone and handshake; use the right hand for handing objects and money.
Dress modestly, especially in markets and religious sites; avoid overtly flashy displays in certain areas; photography with permission.
Safety
Tipping in Aba
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated in hospitality and for guided services, typically 5–10% for good service; not always expected in street stalls.
Cash in Nigerian Naira is widely accepted; some urban venues accept cards or mobile payments (OPay, Paga); keep small bills for market purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cooler mornings and dry air; comfortable for outdoor markets, but dust can be noticeable during harmattan; stay hydrated.
Heavy afternoon rains and high humidity; carry a light rain jacket and waterproof bag; markets still active but paths can be slippery.
Aba at Night
Hiking in Aba
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short, scenic hike in nearby gentle hills offering city views and a chance to see rural landscapes.
Easy riverside trails around the Aba River edge with birds and quiet viewpoints.
Airports
How to reach Aba by plane.
Major international gateway about 2–3 hours by road from Aba; domestic flights connect to Lagos and other Nigerian cities.
Regional airport serving Akwa Ibom; a possible alternative for longer trips, typically reached by domestic flight connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Aba’s skyline is shaped by a vibrant Igbo trading community and a large base of garment artisans and craft workshops.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The region loves football with local leagues and informal games throughout Aba.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Aba.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most dishes center on fish and meat, but you can request vegetable stews, yam porridge, and plantains; look for beans, tofu, and leafy soups and ask for palm oil to be reduced.