Ibadan.
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Overview

Ibadan is a city of 4,004,000 people (2024) in Oyo State, South West Nigeria. Its historic significance in the affairs of the declining Oyo Empire has endowed it with a lot of places to see and its location at the edge of the Yoruba heartland makes it an ideal base to explore the major Yoruba cities which might not always have as many developed facilities for the foreigner as Ibadan does.

It has a tropical wet and dry climate (Köppen climate classification Aw), with a lengthy wet season and relatively constant temperatures throughout the year. Ibadan's wet season runs from March through October.The mean total rainfall for Ibadan is approximately 1,230 millimetres or 48 inches, falling over about 123 days.It also has daily temperature which is 26.46 °C or 79.63 °F, the mean minimum 21.42 °C or 70.56 °F, and the relative humidity is 74.55%.

Get in

Shared cars and buses are available to Ibadan from multiple bus terminals in Lagos for about ₦2,000 and above (naira). The journey takes about three to four hours along the heavily trafficked Lagos-Ibadan expressway, and buses arrive in the southern part of the city. There are various destinations which you can alight at in Ibadan city, the popular place is known as IWO-ROAD.

Regional buses connect to Ibadan from all major towns in Southwestern Nigeria, including Abeokuta, Ile-Ife, Ogun, Ekiti and Oyo. Night buses also connect the city to the north, via Abuja, Kaduna, Sokoto, Katsina and eastern Nigerian town.

By plane Ibadan has an airport, which is served by domestic carriers only. There are flights from Abuja, Lagos and Ilorin. Arik Air and Overland Airways are the two airlines that operate in Ibadan Airport.

By train The higher-speed Lagos-Ibadan Railway line connecting Ibadan to Lagos via Abeokuta opened in January 2021. In the future, the line will be extended to Kano. The new railway station is located in Moniya, far north of the city centre, meaning you will have to use a connecting bus or taxi. Nigerian Railway Corporation offers several daily return passenger service on the line.

Additionally, there are much slower long-distance trains on the old narrow gauge route from Kano via Kaduna, continuing to Lagos. These long-distance trains should run a few times per week, but are subject to frequent cancellations. Notice that these trains call at the old, centrally located, station.

Get around

There is an extensive network of minibuses and shared cars. Okadas (motorcycle taxis) are cheap and available everywhere, though some riders are erratic.

See

National Museum of Unity. Better than most of the regional museums in Nigeria, the museum at Ibadan has a large collection of art, drums, and Egungun costumes.

Agodi Gardens. The tropical garden includes a swimming pool with inflatable balloons. There is a mini zoological park, and a garden/lawn for picnickers. The upkeep can be variable.

Bower Memorial Tower. Here you can get some inspiring views over Ibadan, particularly from the top of the tower.

The University of Ibadan. Nigeria's oldest university (established in 1948), and a centres of collegiate learning in Africa. The beautiful campus has several places of interest: the Tower Court, Zoological garden, Botanical garden and an ultra-modern guest house.

Mapo Hall. This is another site where you can get good views of Ibadan, particularly of all the brown roofs everywhere. But take care because it is not in the best neighbourhood.

Cocoa House. This is the first building in Nigeria with over 20 floors, it is the first skyscraper in West Africa. It was completed in 1965. It was built from proceeds of agricultural commodities.

The Broking House. The Broking House is a 10-storey low rise building in the heart of Ibadan, It is the second tallest building in the Ibadan commercial area of Dugbe. The building is a commercial building which belongs to the late Femi Johnson Ogundoyin. It is mostly built of glass and in the sun; the bouncing of sun rays off the panes of glass provides an amazing view that will overwhelm you. Such a beautiful sight to behold. It houses multiple businesses and finance companies.

IITA. IITA is a forest reserve with over 450 different plants, 272 birds, 236 butterflies, 48 mammals and 28 reptiles and amphibians that have been recorded and many more potential discovery. The Forest Reserve is also an important resource for scientific research, training, and environmental education.

Ado Awaye Mountains and Suspended Lakes Agodi.

Ideere Hills, at Igbo Ora-Eruwa Road, Open 24 hours, with Hills, caves, wonderful rock formations and landscaping views. The rock formations are amazing, the hiking was very exciting, the caves, the lakes, the relics, the fascinating landscape view from the summit. Ideere is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes. (March 2022)

Cathedral of St. Peters. Historic Angelican cathedral.

Ibadan Military Cemetery. A military cemetery with burials of soldiers from the Nigeria Regiment.

Moor Plantation. 2 years agoMoore plantation is an institution that contain various departments such as NCRI( National Cereal Research Institute),NACGRAB( National Center for Genetics Resources and Biotechnology.) and more.. Here researches and carried out on plants, crops etc.

Do

For some outdoor touring and hiking, you could try:

Ado Awaye Mountains and Suspended Lakes. This is perhaps some of the best hiking in western Nigeria, up a rock dome where some depressions are filled with water and where you can look across the surrounding Nigerian countryside. There are 600 steps, though, so prepare for a bit of a workout.

Old Oyo National Park. This national park has rather fallen by the wayside. It used to the home of the critically endangered African wild dog, but no longer. There are in fact few animals left. But there are some interesting rock formations and natural landscape features to see.

Trans-Amusement park. An amusement and theme park. Attractions include roller coasters, electronic bumper cars, panoramic wheels, Ferris wheels, merry-go-round horses, space station, flying chain chairs, dragon boats, and funky basket circles. It is a multi-purpose park with a bar, an open space, a playground and lots of amazing structures for fun and entertainment.

Buy

If you're wanting the outdoor market experience, you could try the Oje, Bere Bodija, Gbagi, Aleshinloye or Dugbe Markets.

Foodco Supermarket Bodija. A supermarket and restaurant where you can buy all your needed groceries and African meals.

Foodco Supermarket Ring-road. A supermarket and restaurant in the southwestern part of Ibadan. The supermarket is on the ground floor while the restaurant is on the first floor. There is a section of the building where Medplus Pharmacy is located.

Bodija Market. An open-air foodstuff market, one of the largest in Ibadan.

New Bola Ige Market. An open air market dominated with sales of fabrics materials.

Graceys Mart Akobo. In-store shopping. In-store pick-up. Delivery.

Ace mall, Awolowo Avenue Opposite Housing, Bodija Ibadan, Oyo state. Opens 8AM- 11PM (Updated March 2022)

Mamtess Super Store. A store where you can shop for varieties of products including children toys and groceries.

Shoprite Kwara Mall. Supermarket chain with brand-name & house-label groceries, a bakery and a deli.

Challenge General Market. You can get most electronic equipments here.

Eat

For meals, you could try Kokodome Plus, Marthas Kitchen, Latitude Cafe & Lounge, Ibachi, or the Wimpy Ibadan.

Chicken Republic. An outlet of the restaurant chain Chicken Republic where meals such as rice, chips, chicken and Soda drinks are sold.

Ose Olorun Food Canteen. A restaurant where you can buy local Nigerian meals such as Amala, Pounded Yam, Semo, Rice, etc and their corresponding soups.

Dominos Pizza. An international food organisation, they sell pizza and some other baked foods.

Mr Biggs. Mr Biggs franchise is a chain restaurant that sells rice, chicken, burger and other take-away foods.

Aroma Eatery. Aroma restaurant is a fast food and take away food a restaurant that has a conducive environment for eat out.

Our Garden Restaurant & Bar. Chinese restaurant.

The Sidney Ilorin. Offers varieties of drinks and food.

Chronicles Restaurant & Karaoke Bar. Great place to eat, drink and relax.

Stone Café Bar&Grill. Stone cafe has delivery, reservation, parking available, a very conducive environment, sell different kinds of drinks, accept MasterCard and Visa card, Digital payment, Live music.

Ola Mummy Food Canteen, along Bodija market, Oju Irin Crescent. 9AM-10PM (updated March 2022) Distinctions Restaurant and lounge, adjacent fidelity bank, Bodija market. 8AM- 11PM (updated March 2022) Amala Skye food canteen, beside Polaris bank Bodija. 7:30AM-8PM (Updated March 2022) Latitude Cafe and Lounge, Ventura Mall, Sango-Ojoo Road. (Updated March 2022) Da Kings Grill and Coffee Restaurant, Sango-Ojoo Road. (updated March 2022)

Foodco Restaurant. Foodco Restaurant serves delicious meals such as Jambolaya rice, coconut rice, different soups, peppered gizzard, and more

Mauve Lounge. Mauve Lounge restaurant and bar sells both continental and assorted local foods & drinks in one location.

Ultima Executive Restaurant and Bar. Delicious meals, with variety of drinks to choose from.

Belifill Restaurant. Belifill Restaurant specializes on offering a wide range of Nigerian, African and continental delicacies.

Country Kitchen. A restaurant located in a serene environment offering mouth watering dishes including African and continental foods.

Cuisine n Chops. Cuisine n Chops is a fast food outlet providing delicious delicacies, drinks and catering services.

Ibachi Restaurant. Ibachi is a Chinese restaurant in Ibadan offering mouth watering meals including prawns in chili sauce, shrimp with mixed vegetable, spring rolls and lots more.

Maame Foods. Provides health-based local dishes, continental dishes and a wide-range of cocktails drinks and fruit juices for all occasions.

Relish Restaurant and Bar. Relish Restaurant and Bar delivers food services on various kinds of Nigerian dishes, including drinks, entertainment and catering

TolHuz Cafe. Tolhuz cafe is a restaurant and outdoor catering service provider including Nigerian and continental dishes.

Drink

Club Switch. A bar and nightclub where mixed cocktails, soda, beverages and alcoholic drinks are sold.

Plat'num Nite Club Ibadan. It is a nice relaxation center located in the hub of Bodija, Oyo State. They have both bar and club facilities.

Oliver's Cafe, 26 Ladoke Akintola new Bodija Ibadan. 8AM-11PM (Updated March 2022) Distinctions Lounge, adjacent fidelity bank new bodija. 8AM-11PM Celebrity Club, Plot 4, Aare Junction Bodija, 5 Kenneth Dike Road noon-6AM (Updated March 2022) Club GQ Night club, Awolowo Road Till dawn (Updated March 2022) Club Derock, Disco Club. Palms shopping mall till dawn (Updated March 2022) Frolics Lounge and Night club, Akala Express, Elebu till dawn (Updated March 2022) Option 24/7, 4 Orelope street (Updated March 2022)

Chicken Republic - Challenge, Ibadan.

Sleep

Adis Hotels Ibadan. Gated hotel in neighborhood with wifi, restaurant/bar, and airport shuttle. Dependable lodging.

Best Western Plus Ibadan. Dependable chain hotel close to Ring Road with hot tub, pool, gym, free breakfast, restaurant/bar, buffet a/c, WiFi, airport shuttle. Very sleek.

Mauve21 Hotel. Place looks like it was hosed down in mauve. Has a big events center and club, plus security gate, gym, bar, and WiFi. On the commercialized "Ring Road".

Biobak Kitchen & Apartments, Ibadan. Place kind of looks like an apartment complex in a quiet neighborhood close to the Agodi Gardens and Oyo State municipal buildings with a security gate and restaurant and bar.

Plaza Park Hotel. Cheap, clean rooms near the university. Secure location, pleasant staff. There is something of a cockroach problem, though.

Best Western Plus Ibadan. Has 50 bedrooms which feature current technology as of 2021 and amenities. Each room is equipped with high-speed wireless Internet access, a work desk, refrigerator, mini-safe and 40-inch HD television.

Golden Tulip Ibadan. Features accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Among the facilities are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The accommodations provide a shared lounge and a concierge service for guests.

Townhouse Hotel Ibadan. 3-star hotel in Ibadan with outdoor pool and restaurant.

Kakanfo Inn and Conference Center. 3.5-star hotel with restaurant and bar/lounge, this hotel has massage/treatment rooms. Free WiFi in public areas and free self-parking are also provided. Additionally, dry cleaning, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour front desk are onsite. All 63 rooms offer free WiFi, rainfall showerheads, and TVs with satellite channels. Safes, showers, and free toiletries are among the other amenities that guests will find.

Joybam Hotel & Event Centre. Free parking lot, pool, free breakfast, full laundry service, bar, restaurant, fitness.

Carlton Gate Xclusive Hotel Agodi Ibadan, Quarters 860, Total Garden Road Agodi. (Updated March 2022) Orchard Hotel, Onireke Quarters Rd. (Updated March 2022) BON Hotel Nest Bodija Ibadan, Plot A, Oduduwa Street off Adeyi Street Off Awolowo Road Old Bodija. (Updated March 2022) Danest Hotels and Suites: Hotel in Old Bodija Ibadan, with swimming pool, gym and fitness centre, free Wifi, free parking and complimentary breakfast. (Updated March 2022) 4, Beckley Street off Adeyi- Estate old Bodija Road. (Updated March 2022) Best Western Plus Ibadan, 25 Jibowu Crescent. (Updated March 2022)