Things To Do
in Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt is the capital of Rivers State and a major hub for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, giving the city a busy, cosmopolitan feel. The city mixes modern developments and corporate infrastructure with lively markets, waterfronts and green public parks. Port Harcourt’s population is ethnically diverse — a mix of Ikwerre, Ogoni, Ijaw, Igbo, Yoruba and many migrants from other parts of Nigeria — and English and Nigerian Pidgin are widely spoken.
Visitors find a vibrant food scene, active nightlife, and easy access to riverine and mangrove landscapes nearby.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Port Harcourt Museum, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Niger Delta. Marvel at the traditional artifacts and learn about the history of the local tribes through engaging exhibits. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the nearby gardens, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling city.
Head to the famous Art and Cultural Center for a taste of local art and crafts. Here, you can interact with local artists, watch live demonstrations, and purchase unique pieces to take home as souvenirs. Enjoy a traditional Nigerian lunch at a nearby restaurant, savoring local delicacies such as jollof rice and moi moi.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at one of the riverside bars to unwind with a drink. Experience the lively local music scene as live bands often perform, showcasing the rhythmic sounds of the Niger Delta. End your day with a delicious dinner at a popular seafood restaurant, indulging in freshly caught fish and shrimp.
Begin your day with an exciting river cruise along the Bonny River. Take in the beautiful landscapes and lush greenery that line the riverbanks, often dotted with local fishing villages. Your guide will share stories about the river's significance to the local communities and its ecological importance.
After the cruise, dock at one of the remote islands for a picnic lunch under the shade of palm trees. Spend the afternoon exploring the island's natural beauty, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, or simply relaxing on the beach. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including colorful birds and playful monkeys.
Return to Port Harcourt in the late afternoon and freshen up at your hotel. Choose a local eatery for dinner, where you can enjoy spicy pepper soup or grilled plantains. Conclude your day with a stroll through the bustling streets, soaking in the vibrant nightlife and perhaps enjoying some street food.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee / Tea at café | $1.50-4 |
| 🚕Local taxi (short trip) | $1-3 |
| 🍽️Mid-range dinner for two | $20-45 |
| 🏨Hotel (mid-range per night) | $50-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant food scene with excellent seafood and local specialties
- Gateway to mangroves, waterways and wildlife of the Niger Delta
- Cosmopolitan city with cultural attractions and active nightlife
- Heavy rains and localized flooding in the wet season can disrupt plans
- Petty crime and occasional security issues require vigilance
- Infrastructure (traffic, power outages) can be unreliable compared with major global cities
- "How far? (Nigerian Pidgin)" - Hello / How are you? (informal greeting)
- "Wetin dey? (Pidgin)" - What's happening?
- "Eziokwu (Igbo/Ikwerre influence)" - Truth / Really?
- "Ifeoma (Igbo greeting usage)" - Good/pleasant thing (often used as a name or compliment)
- "Biko (Igbo)" - Please
Places to Visit in Port Harcourt
Visit one of these nice places.
Sunrise and sunset over the river and mangrove channels offer dramatic light; fishing boats and waterfront life make strong documentary subjects.
Green public spaces and modern leisure areas with sculptures, fountains and city skyline backdrops—good for portraits and candid city shots.
Vivid market scenes with colorful produce, textiles and busy vendors—ideal for street photography (ask permission before photographing people).
Arrange a guided boat trip into the mangroves for atmospheric landscape and wildlife images—early morning is best for light and bird activity.
Colonial-era architecture, residential avenues and street markets provide varied urban subjects with a local flavor.
Food in Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich palm-nut broth made with fresh seafood or meat, eaten with starch (like fufu) and widely available in local restaurants and homes.
Must-Try!
A peppery, light-colored soup often made with catfish and spices; popular in Rivers State and the wider Igbo-speaking region.
West Africa’s famous spiced tomato rice, here frequently served with grilled or stewed fish and prawns.
A spicy, warming broth made with fish, goat or chicken—great for an evening meal or when you want something light and flavorful.
Grilled whole fish served with roasted plantain (boli) and spicy pepper sauce; popular from street vendors and beachside stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The city’s bustling central market where you can sample local snacks, fresh fish, spices, and produce—excellent for street food photography and bargains.
Smaller neighborhood markets and roadside vendors offering suya, boli, roasted corn, and fresh grilled fish—good for quick, authentic meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet people when entering shops or homes; polite handshakes and asking after someone’s health are important. Show respect to elders and community leaders.
Dress conservatively in public, especially in more traditional neighborhoods and when visiting religious sites.
Ask permission before photographing people, particularly women and in markets; some locals expect a small payment if you take commercial-like photos.
If invited into a home, small gifts are appreciated and modest, polite behavior is expected. Removing shoes may be requested in some homes.
Safety
Tipping in Port Harcourt
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory. Small tips (5–10% in restaurants when service charge is absent) or a few hundred naira to helpful porters, drivers or guides are common. For tour guides and private drivers a larger tip at the end of a multi-day service is customary.
Cash (Nigerian Naira) is the most widely accepted method, especially in markets and for street food. Major hotels and some restaurants accept debit/credit cards; POS and mobile-money (USSD/payments apps) are common in the city. ATMs are available but can have limits and occasional outages—carry some cash as backup.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect heavy, sometimes daily rain showers and high humidity. Road flooding and slow travel are possible after intense storms—pack a good waterproof jacket and plan extra travel time.
Drier weather with lower rainfall; temperatures remain warm. Late dry season (December–February) can bring Harmattan dust and slightly cooler mornings.
Occasional dusty, dry wind from the Sahara can lower visibility and dry out skin and eyes—bring moisturizer and sunglasses.
Port Harcourt at Night
Hiking in Port Harcourt
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Hilly terrain and scenic landscapes in the Ogoni area offering hikes and cultural visits; access requires travel to the Ogoni region and preferably a local guide.
A biodiverse rainforest reserve with trails for guided walks and birdwatching; one of the last remaining blocks of primary rainforest in the Niger Delta—arrange visits through park authorities or conservation groups.
Lowland coastal walks and guided boat-to-shore excursions reveal mangrove ecosystems and shoreline views—best done with a local guide or boat operator familiar with tides and channels.
Airports
How to reach Port Harcourt by plane.
Primary airport serving Port Harcourt (Omagwa). Handles domestic flights and some international connections—about 30–60 minutes drive from the city depending on traffic.
Regional airports such as Owerri’s and Asaba’s airports are a few hours away by road and can be used for regional connections; Lagos (Murtala Muhammed LOS) and Abuja (ABV) are major national hubs with frequent flights to Port Harcourt.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
An indigenous ethnic group to the Port Harcourt area, with strong cultural presence in local traditions and language influence.
Coastal and riverine ethnic groups in the Niger Delta with distinct cultures, especially around fishing and mangrove livelihoods.
Significant migrant populations from other Nigerian regions working in commerce, industry and services, contributing to the city’s multicultural character.
International and national oil-industry professionals and contractors who live and work in the city, influencing housing, dining and leisure sectors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local professional clubs (e.g., Rivers United FC) draw passionate crowds and matches are a major social event.
Local riverine communities hold boat and canoe events; traditional watercraft skills are culturally important and occasionally feature in competitions.
Basketball, volleyball and informal community sports are common in schools and recreation centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Port Harcourt.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited—look for stewed vegetables, beans (e.g., akara or moi moi), rice dishes and salads. Ask staff to omit fish or meat sauces and verify ingredients because many dishes are cooked with stock.
Vegan dining requires care: many soups and stews use fish or stock. Fresh fruit, fried plantain, cassava-based foods and some stews can be adapted—ask clearly about animal products.
Staples like rice, yams, cassava (garri, fufu) and plantain are naturally gluten-free, but watch for wheat in bread, pastries and certain sauces.
Seafood is pervasive in the local cuisine—notify restaurants of allergies and when in doubt choose simple, plainly prepared foods from reputable places.