Things To Do
in Owerri
Owerri is the capital of Imo State in southeastern Nigeria, known for its lush greenery and friendly hospitality. The city functions as a lively hub of markets, culture, and commerce, with a compact, walkable core. It serves as a gateway to the lagoons, riverine landscapes, and Igbo cultural heritage of the region.
Visitors can expect warm people, flavorful cuisine, and a blend of traditional and modern urban life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Imo State Museum, where you'll delve into the rich history and culture of the Igbo people. As you wander through the exhibits, you'll see traditional artifacts and artworks that highlight the region's heritage. Don't forget to savor a traditional breakfast at a nearby local eatery, where you can try dishes like ugu soup and yam.
After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the Owerri city center, stopping by the popular Eke Ukwu market to experience the vibrant local commerce. Here, you can shop for handmade crafts, clothing, and fresh produce while engaging with the friendly vendors. Later, visit the National Museum and Art Gallery to appreciate contemporary Nigerian art alongside historical pieces.
As the sun begins to set, head over to the nearby Oguta Lake for a scenic boat ride; the tranquil waters and lush surroundings provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation. For dinner, indulge in a delicious meal at a local restaurant, trying out specialties like pepper soup and jollof rice. Cap off your evening by enjoying live music at a local bar, immersing yourself in the nightlife of Owerri.
Begin your morning with a visit to the Mbari Cultural and Art Center, where you can learn about traditional art forms and practices of the Igbo people. Participate in an interactive workshop to create your own piece of art, guided by local artisans. Enjoy a light breakfast at the center's café, featuring local pastries and fresh fruit.
In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the nearby village of Nkwere, where you can witness traditional Igbo ceremonies and rituals, offering a deeper understanding of the local culture. Interact with the villagers and learn about their customs, including traditional dances and storytelling. Enjoy a hearty lunch at a local eatery, tasting authentic Igbo dishes.
As night falls, return to Owerri and enjoy a traditional dance performance that showcases the vibrant cultural expressions of the Igbo people. After the show, dine at a popular local restaurant known for its warm atmosphere and varied menu of local dishes. Conclude your day with a stroll through the lively streets, taking in the sights and sounds of Owerri at night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| 🍽️Meal for 2 at a mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🍺Local beer | $1-2 |
| 🚕Taxi start (city center) | $1-2 |
| 🎬Cinema ticket | $4-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm hospitality and friendly locals
- Strong market culture and diverse traditional cuisine
- Variable road conditions and occasional heavy traffic
- Limited English-language resources outside major hubs
- "Ndewo" - Hello
- "Kedu?" - How are you?
- "Biko" - Please
- "Daalụ" - Thank you
- "Ọ dị mma" - It's okay / that's good
- "Ee" - Yes
Places to Visit in Owerri
Visit one of these nice places.
An iconic site with traditional Igbo art and architecture, offering striking photogenic spaces, murals, and sculpture work.
Serene river views and tree-lined banks ideal for landscape and social moments with locals.
Expansive lake scenery, village life along the shore, and reflective water scenes perfect for wide-angle shots.
Food in Owerri
Owerri Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant soup made with Oha leaves and meat or fish, best enjoyed with pounded yam.
Must-Try!
A hearty melon-seed-based soup often served with fufu or pounded yam.
A thick, slippery soup made from wild mango seeds, typically paired with lafun (cassava flour) or fufu.
Leafy green soups common in Igbo cuisine, rich in vegetables and protein, best with fufu or garri.
A steamed bean-cake made from Bambara groundnuts, often enjoyed as a snack or light meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market offering fresh produce, local spices, fish, meats, and ready-to-eat snacks.
Another bustling market zone with street-food stalls, produce, and everyday essentials.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet elders with a polite hello (Ndewo) and a smile; address people with respectful terms and a handshake using the right hand.
Conservative, respectful attire in markets and religious sites; shoulders and knees covered in formal settings.
Polite, patient conversation; avoid raising voices in public and show appreciation for local customs and foods.
Safety
Tipping in Owerri
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a 5–10% tip is appreciated for good service; small tips to drivers and hotel staff are common but not obligatory.
Cash in Nigerian Naira is widely used, especially in markets and smaller eateries. Cards are accepted in larger hotels and some urban restaurants; mobile money and transfers are increasingly common in city centers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Lighter clothing with warm days and cooler evenings; lower humidity, but Harmattan dust can affect visibility and lungs. Great for city walks and outdoor photography.
Heavy rains and high humidity; lush greenery and vibrant landscapes abound, but plan for sudden showers and flooded streets in some areas.
Owerri at Night
Hiking in Owerri
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Riverside and village trails around the lake offering scenic views and relaxed hiking opportunities.
Gentle hill climbs with city panorama and green landscapes suitable for short hikes.
Airports
How to reach Owerri by plane.
Known locally as Owerri Airport, located near the city and serves domestic flights and cargo operations; taxi or ride-hailing is available to the city center.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant cultural group in Owerri with strong traditions, languages, and community networks.
A mix of university attendees, educators, and business travelers contributing to a vibrant urban feel.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, with local clubs and casual play across neighborhoods.
Active community leagues and school-level competitions common in urban and university settings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Owerri.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most soups can be prepared without meat; opt for leafy greens, egusi without meat, and vegetable-based soups with fufu or yam.