Port Harcourt named after Lewis, Viscount Harcourt, Secretary of State for the Colonies was originally known as “Igwe Ocha” and was founded in 1912 by the British in an area traditionally inhabited by the Ikwerre and the Ijaw. The initial purpose of the port was to export coal from Enugu.
The city is a major industrial center as it has a large number of multinational firms as well as other industrial concerns, particularly business related to the petroleum industry. It is the chief oil-refining city in Nigeria, oil being one of Nigeria’s most important commodities and the main foreign exchange earner. Rivers State, Port Harcourt inclusively, is very rich in tourist attractions.
With its long expanses of beautiful coastal sandy beaches stretching from Opobo through Brass to Koluama, numerous long and winding creeks, streams, and rivers as well as forests with their associated shrines and wildlife, the tourism potential of Rivers State is yet to be fully tapped.
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Port Harcourt Tourist Beach
Located on an artificial sand beach along Kolabi creek east of the old township, this leisure hub has bush-bar restaurants which offer palm wine, local dishes and entertainment. With a jetty, a restaurant, a wildlife display, museum and games room.
Isaac Boro Garden Park
Facing the flyover above the main motor park at the south end of Aba road, this park was named after Major Isaac Boro who was killed in the Biafran war. The tomb of the unknown soldier here marks those who fell in the world wars. The park is a popular venue for live music and other events including trade fairs.
Rivers State Museum
The museum is in the secretariat complex of Rivers State Government. The museum contains artifact related to ethnic groups in the state including masks and carving.
Cultural Centre, Port Harcourt
Located on Bonny Street has a stage and auditorium for plays dancing and there are shops where visitors can go and purchase local handcrafts.
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Mr Biggs
This eatery is located on Aba Road near the Shell residential complex and it serves local and continental dishes. The restaurant also offers take away services. Contact: Aggrey Road, Port Harcourt.
Eastern Gardens Chinese Restaurant
Eastern Garden provides a complete taste of Chinese dishes pork, chicken, chow mein, tofu and many other Chinese delicacies. You will also have the chance to use chopsticks while eating your food. Contact: 1, Ogbunabali West Layout, Aba Road, Port Harcourt. Tel: +234 84 238105F
Chicken Calypso Fast Food & Restaurant
This fast food restaurant offers a wide variety of chicken menu such as fried chicken, grilled chicken, chili chicken and roast chicken with various accompaniments. They have many types of refreshments and desserts are also available. The atmosphere is serene and the setting is comfortable.
Portofino Food and Beverage
Another Port Harcourt good eatery place to go to is this corporate camp restaurant and bar. Here you will get an international cuisine that even caters to vegetarians. The facility also has a bar area if you want to have your afternoon drink. It is located on the Aba Expressway.
Bouvati Fast Foods
For those of you who enjoy fast foods, make a point of going to this joint located on Old Aba Road. You will be able to get chips, hamburgers, sausages, hot dogs, milk shakes and soft drinks.
Le Meridien Ogeyi Place Hotel
Located in the GRA Phase 2 area, this hotel has a restaurant which offers international catering services. The staff is very friendly and ready to assist you. The place is also clean and with a unique setting. The meals are prepared by a renown chef. Contact: 45 Tombia Street · GRA Phase II, Port Harcourt· Nigeria· Tel: +234 (84) 461770
Kilimanjaro
Offering a wide range of Nigerian dishes such as amala, soups, pounded yam, rice and stew all at affordable prices. The restaurant is modern, clean and popular among office workers and students. Contact: Aba Expressway (opposite GRA Junctiotn), Port Harcour. Tel: +234 N/A
Piazza
This is a top pizza shop in the city as it offers a complete taste of authentic Italian menu that offers a wide range of salads, large burgers, sandwiches and others. Contact: Royal Residence Hotel, Off Tombia Street, GRA Phase I, Port Harcour. Tel: +234 (0)84 461 321
Bakers Palace
Bakers Palace offers Nigerian delicacies such as amala, eba, pounded yam, vegetable stew, egusi, ogbono, afam soups etc. They also provid well prepared and freshly baked snacks, meatpie, beef bread, ham & egg, sausage rolls, ice cream etc. Contact: 130 Abuloma Road, Port Harcourt. Tel: +234 (0)8065886127
Ice cream Bar
Offers Italian ice cream with over 30 different flavours, gourmet popcorn, cupcakes, candies and drinks all at a very moderate price. Contact: 2 Estate Road opp Mr Bigg’s, Woji, Port Harcourt. Tel:+234 (0)7082132940
Stella’s Bar
Offers an extensive choice of classic British pub grub and international cuisine. They offer spicy Thai chicken and steak pie which has made this restaurant popular amongst the city’s expatriate community. Contact: 14 Ndahbros Street, Nkpoju Village, Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt. Tel:+234 (0)803 312 2280
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Mile 1 (one) Market
This is a sprawling and sometimes chaotic open market offering everything from dried crayfish to cheap Chinese suitcases and fairly-used materials like clothes, electronic appliances etc. You can also to get items like the traditional Nigerian/African wear both in small and large quantity. It usually opens from 6.00 a.m. up to 9.00 p.m. Contact: Behind main motor park, Mile 1 Diobu, Port Harcourt. Tel: +234 N/A
Gifts Homewares Ideas
This is a gift shop that sells African art, jewellery and home wares which include beautiful pottery. Most of their stocks here are imported from East African countries and they don’t always come cheap. Contact: Elelenwo Street, GRA Phase II, opposite Best Bite, Port Harcourt. Tel:+234 N/A
Park ‘n’ Shop
This is a popular brand in the country and it offers a wide selection of imported goods and caters for both expatriates and well-to-do locals. The shop also features a bakery and extensive wine selection with items such as furniture, electrical goods, computers, gift items, cosmetics etc. Contact: Guru Plaza, 97 Aba Road, Port Harcourt. Tel:+234 (0)84 230 7413
Everyday Emporium
This is a popular superstore that stocks a huge range of tinned and packet foods, wines and spirits, household items and toiletries. Located on the second floor are shops selling electrical items, mobile phone repair and unlocking service and many others. Contact: Aba Expressway, close to Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt. Tel:+234 N/A
Aba Expressway Craft Centre
This is a a popular brand in the country and it offers a wide selection of imported goods and caters for both expatriates and well-to-do locals. The shop also features a bakery and extensive wine selection with items such as furniture, electrical goods, computers, gift items, cosmetics etc. Contact: Guru Plaza, 97 Aba Road, Port Harcourt. Tel:+234 (0)84 230 7413
[tab:Hotels]
Hotel Presidential
Hotel Presidential has a total of 251 rooms and 49 suites, situated in the two wings of the building: Wing I consists of 100 rooms and Wing II consists of 200 rooms. All rooms have air conditioning, television with cable TV, fridge, telephone with idd access, small coffee table with chairs, toilet desk with mirror, bathroom with shower over bath, washing basin, toilet, full size wardrobe in the entrance with full length mirror and balcony. The Garden Bar is the place to have a meal while enjoying the cool surroundings. Contact: GRA Phase II, Aba Road, Port Harcourt. Tel:+234 (0)84 901 306 – 310, 0805 555 9500
The Novotel
Located in the heart of the city in a serene and secured environment, Novotel Port Harcourt offers 2 suites, 117 apartments, 29 non smoking rooms, 2 accessible rooms, internet access, restaurant with terrace area and outdoor swimming pool. The hotel is 5 minutes drive from the Nigerian Air Force base and 20 minutes from the international airport. Contact: 3 Stadium Road, Rumuomasi, Port Harcourt. Tel: +234 (0)84 461 540. Fax: +234 (0)84 461 575. Read more
Toki Hotels
A vibrant hotel with first class facilities including outdoors packing space, swimming pool, restaurant, bars, laundry, armed security personnel, internet cafe etc. Room rates are often on discount for long stayer and block bookings. Rates are variable according to the need of the guest. Contact: Nkpogu Road, Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt. Tel: +234 (0)803 3386 544
Labake Hotel Limited
This is a popular traditional and freindly hotel, specilising in great Nigerian food and offering all the local delicacies and more. Rooms are all air-conditioned with cable TV and fantastic room service. Situated in the heart of Port Harcourt, near ABC transport. Contact: 3 Odu Street, Port Harcourt. Tel: +234 (0)8063452840
Embassy Hotel
Embassy Hotel is a fairly new and cosy hotel not far away from Port Harcourt Airport (about 20 km). It has 5 executive rooms and 9 standard rooms all with facilities such as roof top bar and a verande on the 1st floor and groundfloor where it is always nice and cool. The hotel is under Nigerian-German management. Contact: 39 Nkpolu Road, off Phsychiatric Junction Rumuigbo, Port Harcourt. Tel: +234-84-572-062
Best Western Premier Hotel
Best Western Premier Port Harcourt Hotel is an international four star Hotel located in the exotic region of Port Harcourt. Only 27km from International Airport Omagwa and 10 minutes from the Garden City Terminal Airport, the hotel has 89 delightful rooms that will compare to any hotel internationally and with all the luxury that goes with it. The hotel offers 24 hours room service, secured open parking space, wireless internet access, gynasium, gift shop for your arts, souvenirs and essentials. Contact: Aba Expressway, Opposite Intels, Port Harcourt. Tel: +234-(0)844 65700; 0813.6115.347
Protea Hotel Garden City
Situated in close proximity to the Polo Club in GRA II, Port Harcourt, only 35km from the international airport, this is a 4 star that offers 103 rooms of which 78 are superior rooms, 10 deluxe rooms, 4 lounges, 9 suites and 2 presidential suites. The hotel caters for the corporate as well as conference markets, and it offers state-of-the-art facilities which can seat up to 160 delegates with a 20 seater boardroom, including a business centre. Excellent dining facilities are offered in the restaurant, while leisure amenities include a pool and fully-equipped gym. Shops, a golf club, night life and the polo club are all within easy driving distance. Location: 1C Evo Crescent, GRA 2, Port Harcourt. Tel: +234 (084) 463 401/3 -15, 463 402
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