Things To Do
in Owerri
Owerri is the capital of Imo State in Nigeria, located in the southeastern part of the country. Known for its vibrant culture and lively atmosphere, Owerri is a hub of economic activity and social interaction. The city is characterized by its bustling markets, colorful festivals, and a mix of traditional and modern architecture.
Residents and visitors alike enjoy a range of attractions, from local cuisine to historical landmarks.
- "Bawo ni" - How are you
- "I appreciate" - Thank you
- "Wetin dey happen?" - What's happening?
- "Make we go" - Let's go
- "No wahala" - No problem
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the National Museum, where you can learn about the rich history of Nigeria. Take some time to admire the artifacts and cultural displays.
Head to the Owerri Mall for lunch and shopping. Enjoy a variety of local and international cuisines.
Relax at a local bar or lounge. Experience live music while enjoying a drink.
Start your day with breakfast at a popular local eatery. Try out traditional meals such as Akara and Pap.
Visit the Mbari Cultural and Arts Centre to learn about Igbo culture. Participate in workshops showcasing local crafts.
Dine at a traditional Igbo restaurant and enjoy local delicacies. Engage with locals and hear stories of Owerri's history.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and traditions
- Vibrant local markets and trade activities
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger Nigerian cities
- Friendly and welcoming community
- Access to beautiful landscapes and rural areas
- Limited infrastructure and public services
- Frequent power outages
- Traffic congestion in certain areas
- Health care services may be lacking compared to urban centers
- Security challenges in some regions
Best Activities in Owerri
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a day of fun and entertainment at Owerri Amusement Park with activities such as rides, games, and outdoor picnics.
Explore the traditional Igbo culture and art at Mbari Cultural and Art Center, which features sculptures and artifacts in an outdoor setting.
Experience the beauty of Ngwu Spring Waterfall with a refreshing outdoor hike and the opportunity to appreciate the natural surroundings.
Tours
Uncover the best of Owerri with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Owerri
Visit one of these nice places.
A cultural festival featuring traditional performances and vibrant colors, offering great photo opportunities.
A public square with historical monuments, providing a picturesque backdrop for photos.
Home to traditional Igbo artifacts and unique architecture, making it a great spot for capturing the local culture.
Food in Owerri
Owerri Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Igbo soup made with assorted meat, vegetables, and local spices. It is best enjoyed at local eateries like The Ivory Place or Keggys Restaurant.
Must-Try!
A popular delicacy made from oil bean seeds and dried fish, seasoned with spices. Visitors can savor this dish at Nkwo Square or Heroes Square, where street vendors offer authentic preparations.
Also known as African salad, Abacha is made from cassava, ugba, and other local ingredients. It can be savored at the popular Ukwu Omiri market or the Ekeonunwa Market.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where visitors can explore a wide array of fresh produce, local ingredients, and street food stalls selling snacks like roasted plantains and corn, suya (grilled meat skewers), and akara (bean cakes).
This vibrant square is a hub for street food vendors offering authentic Igbo delicacies such as roasted yam, maize, and other traditional snacks that are a must-try for a taste of local flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It is important to greet everyone you meet, using the appropriate greeting based on the time of day and the person's age and status. Respect for elders is highly valued in Owerri, so it is important to show deference and use respectful language when interacting with older individuals.
When dining with others, it is important to wash your hands before and after eating. It is also customary to accept food and drinks offered to you, as refusing can be seen as disrespectful. It's polite to eat quietly and neatly, and to express gratitude for the meal.
In Owerri, nonverbal communication is significant. Maintaining eye contact during conversation is considered a sign of respect and attentiveness. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of body language to convey humility and respect in social interactions.
Safety
Tipping in Owerri
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in Owerri, Nigeria, especially in the service industry. It is customary to tip waitstaff at restaurants, bartenders, taxi drivers, and hotel staff. The amount of the tip is usually around 5-10% of the total bill.
In Owerri, Nigeria, cash is the predominant form of payment, especially in smaller businesses and local markets. However, credit and debit cards are also accepted in larger establishments. Mobile payment systems are gaining popularity, allowing for convenient and cashless transactions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The dry season is the best time to visit Owerri, as the weather is pleasantly warm and you can expect minimal rainfall. This is a great time for outdoor activities and exploring the city's attractions.
During the rainy season, Owerri experiences heavy rainfall, which can make outdoor activities challenging. However, the lush greenery and lower tourist numbers during this time can provide unique opportunities for cultural experiences and local festivals.
Owerri at Night
Hiking in Owerri
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful natural attraction with scenic views, Ngwu Salt Lake is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers great hiking opportunities along its trails and along the nearby hills.
Located about an hour from Owerri, Awhum Waterfall is a stunning site with surrounding hills and trails perfect for hiking, allowing visitors to enjoy nature and the sound of cascading water.
A renowned tourist attraction located slightly further from Owerri, the Ogbunike Caves offer hiking trails through lush green paths leading to magnificent caves and unique rock formations.
While primarily an art center, the Mbari Cultural and Art Centre has paths and trails around it that provide a nice hiking experience amidst natural beauty and cultural richness.
A local park in Owerri that boasts walking trails and a serene environment for light hiking and enjoying the outdoors without traveling far from the city.
Aiports
How to reach Owerri by plane.
Located in Abuja, this is one of the major international airports serving Nigeria, approximately 390 kilometers away from Owerri.
Located in Lagos, this is Nigeria's busiest airport and serves as a major hub for international flights, approximately 700 kilometers away from Owerri.
Located in Port Harcourt, this airport serves the southeastern region of Nigeria and is about 100 kilometers from Owerri.
Located in Enugu, this airport serves as a gateway for international flights and is approximately 70 kilometers away from Owerri.
Located in Port Harcourt, this air force base has civilian operations and is about 100 kilometers from Owerri.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Owerri and Imo State, known for their rich culture, language, and traditions.
A significant demographic group present due to migration and trade, contributing to the cultural diversity of the area.
Another Nigerian ethnic group found in Owerri, primarily engaged in business and trade.
Includes the presence of various smaller ethnic communities from different parts of Nigeria and neighboring countries.
Includes expatriates and foreign nationals residing in Owerri for work or education.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Owerri, played both at amateur and professional levels. Local teams and community matches are common.
Basketball enjoys significant popularity in Owerri, with various schools and clubs participating in local and regional competitions.
Though not as popular as football, cricket is played in Owerri, supported by schools and cricket clubs that host matches.
Track and field events are popular in schools and universities in Owerri, often featuring at local competitions and athletic meets.
Traditional wrestling is a cultural sport in Owerri, often practiced during festivals and community celebrations.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Owerri.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Owerri's traditional cuisine is meat-oriented, several restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian-friendly dishes such as plantain pottage, vegetable soups, and fruit platters. Bongo Center and The Ivory Place are known for their accommodating menus.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can opt for dishes like grilled fish with steamed vegetables, rice-based meals, or fresh fruit salads, which are readily available at most restaurants and markets in Owerri.