Ibadan Travel Guide | Where To Go, What To Do, Where To Stay | Nigeria travel info, tourism and attractions
City & Town

Ibadan Travel Guide

Ibadan (Èbá-Odàn) is the largest city size-wise in both Nigeria and Africa. With more than 3 millions people, Ibadan had been the centre of administration of the old Western Region since the days of the British colonial rule, and parts of the city’s ancient protective walls still stand to this day.

Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, grew into an impressive and sprawling urban centre so much that by the end of 1829, Ibadan dominated the Yorùbá region militarily, politically and economically. The military sanctuary expanded even further when refugees began arriving in large numbers from northern Oyo following raids by Fulani warriors.

After losing the northern portion of their region to the marauding Fulanis, many Oyo indigenes retreated deeper into the Ibadan environs. The Fulani Caliphate attempted to expand further into the southern region of modern-day Nigeria, but was decisively defeated by the armies of Ibadan in 1840. In 1893 Ibadan started growing into the major trading centre that it is today.

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The University of Ibadan
The first premier university of Nigeria founded in 1948 and is still waxing stronger in academic excellence. The University was then established as College of the University of London until it was converted into an autonomous university in 1962.


Zoological Garden, University of Ibadan
Founded in 1948, the Zoological Garden still remains one of the leading zoological garden in Nigeria. It has a wide variety of wild animals such as gorilla, lions, chimpanzees, crocodiles, baboons, snakes, derby eland, ostriches, emus, white storks, hooded vulture, mona monkeys, drill monkeys, horses, donkeys etc.


The Botanical Garden, University of Ibadan
The botanical garden houses various species of plants which are grown to give a serene environment. The garden is used for picnics, retreats, relaxation and research purposes.


Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Ibadan
Built in 1959 by late Obafemi Awolowo, this television station used to be known as WNTV before it changed NTA Ibadan. It is the oldest television station in the whole continent of Africa and it serves as a museum in journalism. It is an idea place to learn more about journalism in Nigeria.


The National Museum of Unity, Dugbe
This is a museum which have sample of traditional musical instruments used by different tribes in Nigeria on display. Within the vicinity of the museum are a garden and a kitchen restaurant. The car used by the last Premier of Western Region, Late Chief Ladoke Akintola is displayed in the museum.


Cocoa House, Ibadan
Built by late Obafemi Awolowo in the 60s, this building is the first skyscraper ever to be built in Africa and it was constructed from the proceeds of cocoa sold for export.


Agodi Gardens, Ibadan
This is a lovely park right at the centre of Ibadan city. The park, which spreads over 13 acres of land is a good example of multiple land use for forestry, entertainment and recreation. Its nursery, arboretum, park and Zoo blend into one another to make the garden unique.


Game World, Dugbe, Ibadan
Game world is a recreational centre where different indoor games such as snookers, table tennis, play station, dart and others are played. There is also a conference centre, minibar and restaurant.


Old Oyo National Park
The park lies in the north-western part of the Oyo State and it is about 160 kilometers from Ibadan. It has an area of about 2,500 square kilometers and harbours a wide variety of wildlife. At its Northern end are the ruins of Old Oyo, the former capital of the famous Oyo Empire which was invaded by the Fulani in 1837. Read more


IITA Forest
Thickest of climbers grow in openings where the secondary nature of the forest is most apparent, with clumps of bamboo Bambusa vulgaris etc. The forest is a good place for bird-watching because it has numerous species of tropical birds. The forest reserve, which is a mature lowland rainforest with scattered emergent also has sporting facilities such a 9-hole golf course, football pitch, badminton court, lawn tennis court, table tennis and a swimming pool within the institute. Read more


Cultural Centre
The cultural center is one of the best places to learn about the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people because the place is full of historical values that are very important in the history of the Yorubas.


Irefin Palace, Ibadan
Built over 200 years ago, the palace is one of the surviving palaces in Ibadan that was constructed in the traditional way of using mud and it has about one hundred and eighty five rooms.


Mapo Hall
This is an unmissable colonial edifice located right beside Bere Market in Ibadan. The building, which was just recently refurbished is a home to the courts and visitors will be taken aback by the outstanding pillars and the general structure.

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Golden Dragon Chinese Restaurant
One of the top Chinese restaurants in town serving Singapore fried noodles, noodles with shrimps, ham and chicken and a tasty green pepper beef dish. The also serve a large choice of drinks! Address: Premier Hotel, Mokola, Ibadan. Tel: +234 805 122 2640


Kokodome Restaurant
Rated one of the best restaurants in the city where the restaurant and bar surrounds a swimming pool. It has half a dozen billiard tables and attracts a large number of clients. It serves both Nigerian cuisine and continental dishes. at Oron Museum serves light local dishes such as Isi-Ewu, peppersoup and fresh pal wine. It offers a complete taste of Akwa Ibom! Address: Cocoa House, Dugbe Area, Ibadan. Tel: +234 (0)2 751 0918


Tantalizers outlets
This is a top brand fast-food outlet that are all over the country. Their outlets serves continental and local delicacies, and often have separate sections for them. Address: Almost everywhere in the city Tel: +234 N/A


Mr Bigg’s: This is another popular fast food chain with outlets across the state as well as the country serving pastries, snacks, burgers and hot meals to families, teenagers, and corporate customers for nearly twenty five years. Address: Check out their website for outlet details.


Mama Ope
This is the home of traditional Nigerian cuisine which include rice and stew, soup and pounded yam, beans and plantain, pepper soup etc. It’s a popular spot amongst the locals and it only serves soft drinks and juices. Address: Gemdewon Road, Along Sabo Rd, Mokola, Ibadan. Tel: +234 806969 6141. Open: 9am-6pm Mon-Sat

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Agbowo Shopping Complex
This shopping center is located in the city center, just few blocks from the main square. The complex has variety of shops, restaurants and an amusement hall. Address: Agbowo Shopping Complex, Opposite University of Ibadan, Ibadan.


Big Treat Supermarket
This is a reasonably priced supermarket that stocks a wide range of goods, including imported ones, you can find just about any snacks or refreshments you need here. Address: Oluyole Industrial Estate, Ibadan. Tel: +234 807 438 6831


Trolleys Supermarket & Pharmacy
This is a convenient essentials shop that sells groceries, toiletries and wide range of drinks and snacks. Address: 1 Abeokuta Road, Dugbe, Ibadan. Tel: +234 703 463 8922 Open: 9am-7pm Mon-Sat

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International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) The institute has well-equipped rooms as well as a selection of self-contained one-and-two-bed flats with their own kitchen. Address: Oyo Road, Ibadan. Tel: +234 2-241 2626. Read more


Premier Hotel
This hotel is located on top of a hill in Mokola where visitors can have an overview of the city from even the ground floor. It offers superb accommodation and excellent services with recreation facilities, swimming pool, restaurant, bar, car park, internet access etc. Address: Mokola Hill, Ibadan. Tel: +234 2 2012345, 080123456789


Lafia Hotel
Lafia Hotel, located on wide expanse of land on Apata Road Ibadan was established in 1947. The environment is simply a place for leisure and relaxation with an inviting array of facilities for social functions. Address: Ibadan-Abeokuta Road, Ibadan. Tel: +234 2 2012345, 080123456789


Kakanfo Inn
Kakanfo Inn is conveniently perched on a hill about 10km to the Ibadan-Lagos express road toll gate and 30 minutes drive from the Ibadan Airport. It offers 14 suites, 68 spacious rooms; all rooms are furnished with refrigerator, telephone, satellite TV, standby power generators, laundry facilities, outdoor swimming pool, gym, 24 hour room service, internet, car park etc. Address: 1 Nihinlola Street, Off Joyce B Road, Off Tantalizer Mobil Bus Stop, M.K.O. Abiola Way, (Ring Road), Ibadan. Tel: +234-2-2311471-3, 2-7518000-1, 807-73590898 Fax: +234-2-2318909


Super K Hotel
Super K Hotel provides breakfast for guest in the morning at the bar that located in the basement. The bar provides a quiet atmosphere for people to relax after a long day in the hot sun. It has a good swimming pool, gym, telephone, satellite TV etc. Address: 1, Morgan Street, Oni & Sons Hospital, Off Ring Road, Ibadan. Tel: +234-08056047922.08056047928


Davies Hotels
Aside from the great customer service that the hotel provides, one of the best things that the hotel has to offer is its location. The hotel is located in the center of Ibadan, which makes everything easily accessible from the hotel. Most things are within easy walking distance, but the airport is only a 20-minute car ride away. The hotel restaurant serves traditional Nigerian cuisines and international dishes. Room prices start at $60 a night. Contact: 7/8 Adeyi Avenue, Old Bodija, Ibadan. Tel: +234 2-751-1977, 02 872 1035


Kolton Hotel
Situated in the heart of Ibadan and very close to the Oyo State secretariat, the 45-room hotel has a homey feel. It has a restaurant that serves the local and continental dishes with an outdoor bar for drinks. Contact: Ikoloba Area, Along Officers’ Mess Rd, GRA, Agodi, Ibadan. Tel: +234 (0) 805 409 7556


D Rovans Hotel
Their experience has created a tradition of hospitality that is evident in everything they do restaurant. The hotel has a bar, conference hall, gym, swimming pool with sit out bar, internet access etc. The hotel restaurant serves local and continental dishes. Contact: Chief Francis Aiyegbeni Close, Ring Road, Ibadan. Tel: +234 2 2318506 – 8 Fax: +234 2 2318508


Greensprings Hotel
New generation hotel accommodation in the historic city of Ibadan with its enjoyable climate and history. The hotel is nestled in the beautiful flat land of the city, quiet and tranquil. It has exquisitely furnished rooms with swimming pool, garden bar and restaurant, indoor and outdoor catering services etc. Contact: Old Ife Road, Ibadan, Tel: +234 8025342000, 08038308010


De Executive Suites
De Executive Suites is all about the warmth of the welcome that will always be the same; the hospitality that makes their visitors want to come want to come back again to stay at De Executive Suites; the pleasures and comforts you enjoy while you are in their hotel. Contact: 1 Oba Akenzua Avenue, Old Bodija, Ibadan. Tel: +234 2-7508128 Fax: +234-2-8100268


Check-Inn Hotels
The hotel offers 35 spacious suites, luxuriously furnished and exotically decorated. The hotel is equipped with modern facilities from indulgent touches like poolside cocktails to modern fitness centre and high-speed internet that ensure a fantastic stay to leisure and business travellers alike. Their restaurant offers the very best quality dishes with the finest services; delicious Africa and continental dishes. Contact: 1, Check-Inn Close, Behind Zain Head Office, Off Secretariat/U.I Road, Bodija, Ibadan. Tel: +234 (0)806 665 5593, (0)809 911 7790

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