Things To Do
in Enugu
Enugu sits on rolling hills in southeastern Nigeria, known for its coal mining history and green landscapes. The city blends colonial-era architecture with bustling markets and a friendly, approachable vibe. Its compact center is walkable, with notable landmarks like Ogbete Market and the old Government House set against tree-lined streets.
Visitors can enjoy Igbo hospitality, vibrant street food, and easy access to nearby waterfalls and pine forests.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Enugu State Cultural Center, where you can immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Igbo people. After exploring the exhibits, take a stroll around the bustling Ogbete Market, where local vendors sell fresh produce and traditional crafts. Enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café, sampling local delicacies such as Akara and Puff-Puff.
In the afternoon, visit the National Museum of Unity, which showcases artifacts that reflect Nigeria's diverse cultures. Take time to engage with local artisans at the nearby artisan village, where you can learn about traditional crafts like weaving and pottery. As the sun begins to set, find a cozy spot to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savoring dishes like Jollof rice and grilled fish.
As evening approaches, head to the Nike Lake Resort for a relaxing atmosphere by the water. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the lake’s shore while taking in the serene views and vibrant colors of the sunset. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner at the resort’s restaurant, where you can indulge in a mix of local and continental cuisine.
Begin your day with a guided tour of the Awhum Waterfall, a breathtaking natural site surrounded by lush vegetation. Take in the fresh air and picturesque views as you hike to the waterfall, where you can enjoy the sounds of cascading water. Capture beautiful photographs and maybe even take a refreshing dip in the natural pool below the falls.
After your morning adventure, have a picnic lunch in the nearby forest, surrounded by nature's tranquility. Spend your afternoon exploring the nearby Ngwo Pine Forest, where you can hike through towering pines and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. Look out for local wildlife, such as various bird species and small mammals that inhabit the forest.
As dusk falls, return to Enugu city and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant specializing in traditional Nigerian cuisine. Sample the local favorite, Nsala soup, which is rich and flavorful. After dinner, take a stroll through the city’s lively streets, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps stopping for a nightcap at a local bar.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| 🚌Local transit (bus/taxi) | $0.50-2 per ride |
| 🏨Budget hotel room (per night) | $25-50 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $15-40 |
| 🍺Local beer or drink | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm hospitality and vibrant street life
- Compact, navigable city with easy access to nature
- Rich Igbo culture and delicious regional dishes
- Growing range of modern amenities and connectivity
- Dust in the Harmattan and occasional heavy rainfall
- Traffic congestion in peak hours and some road conditions
- Limited high-end dining options compared with bigger cities
- Healthcare access can vary; plan for appointments and travel time
- "Kedu?" - Hello / How are you?
- "Ndewo" - Hello (polite)
- "Biko" - Please
- "Daalụ" - Thank you
- "Ebee ka m ga?" - Where is ...?
- "Ọ bụrụ na i nwere ike ị nyere m" - If you can help me
Places to Visit in Enugu
Visit one of these nice places.
Dense pine forest with winding trails, offering soft morning light and atmospheric greens for landscape and macro shots.
Majestic waterfall and an accompanying monastery; ideal for long-exposure photography and serene portraits.
Elevated vantage over Enugu’s hills and cityscape; spectacular golden-hour photography.
Hilly residential pockets and colonial-era architecture provide interesting urban compositions and skyline shots.
Food in Enugu
Enugu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A spicy cow foot dish commonly served in local joints; typically enjoyed with pounded yam or fufu.
Must-Try!
Goat head soup, rich and spicy, often paired with yam or fufu.
White soup made with catfish and yam, light on palm oil and very flavorful.
A traditional Nigerian salad featuring dried cassava (garri) and oil-rich ugba with peanuts and spices.
Breadfruit seeds cooked in a flavorful sauce, commonly enjoyed as a hearty, warming dish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Core downtown market offering fresh produce, spices, yam, fish, and ready-to-eat street bites.
Large market hub for wholesale and retail goods, with abundant food stalls and snacks.
Local market known for vegetables, palm oil products, spices, and quick street meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet elders with a handshake and a polite nod; say 'Ndewo' or 'Kedu' to show respect. Use polite language and avoid interrupting elders during conversations.
Modest dress is appreciated in markets and religious sites. Public displays of anger or confrontation are frowned upon; modest language and patience are valued.
When bargaining at markets, smile and be respectful; small talk is common and appreciated before negotiating prices.
Safety
Tipping in Enugu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is common but not always expected; 5–10% in nicer venues if service is good. In casual spots, small coins or rounding up is appreciated. Cash tips are often preferred; some places may add a service charge.
Cash (Naira) is widely accepted, and many places accept POS cards. Mobile payments (Paga, Opay, Flutterwave) are increasingly common in restaurants, hotels, and larger shops. ATMs are widely available in central areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Drier air with cooler mornings and evenings; harmattan dust can reduce visibility on some days. Great for city walks and outdoor photography; carry water and sunscreen.
Frequent showers and higher humidity; landscapes turn lush and green. Pack a light rain jacket and quick-dry footwear; plan afternoon indoor options as showers can be sudden.
Enugu at Night
Hiking in Enugu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible hike to a dramatic waterfall near Awhum Monastery; popular for day trips and photography.
Gentle to moderate forest trails through tall pines with scenic viewpoints and shade.
Airports
How to reach Enugu by plane.
Enugu’s main airport offering domestic and some international connections; convenient for regional travel.
Regional gateway for the southeast with connections to major Nigerian hubs; useful for longer-distance itineraries.
Abuja-based hub with extensive connections; typically used for international travel and longer trips.
Lagos’ major international airport; common long-haul and regional connections when planning broader Nigeria trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Major ethnic group in Enugu with a strong cultural and linguistic presence; welcoming communities with a rich tradition of music, cuisine, and crafts.
A mix of other Nigerian groups and expatriates in professional and student communities, adding cultural variety to the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The national pastime; local games and leagues draw large crowds and vibrant atmosphere in stadiums and bars alike.
Growing participation and local leagues; campus and urban courts are common gathering spots.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Enugu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Igbo dishes are meat-forward; ask for vegetable-based soups, fish, or mushroom substitutes, and request palm oil-free options when needed.
Ask for fufu alternatives like yam or cassava-based swallows and confirm if any thickening agents contain gluten.
Most Igbo soups rely on palm oil and spices; specify if you need dairy-free broths or sauces.