Abuja is the kind of city that surprises you with different fun places to visit. At first glance, it may seem like just another calm and quiet capital city, with an endless supply of government buildings and calm streets. In between the polished glass offices and wide boulevards, you’ll find a surprising bounty of excitement, beauty, and rich culture waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re a local mixing up your weekends or visiting from the outside, and ready to experience Abuja beyond the politics, here are 7 fun places in Abuja that will both amaze and inspire you, and give you some stories to tell.
7 Fun Places in Abuja
1. Jabi Lake and Jabi Lake Mall
2. Discovery Museum Abuja
3. Millennium Park
4. Karshi Waterfall
5. Thought Pyramid Art Centre
6. Zuma Rock and Zuma Rock Resort
7. Abuja Arts and Crafts Village
Fun Places in Abuja
1. Jabi Lake and Jabi Lake Mall
This is the ideal place to enjoy the lake, go on romantic dates, boat ride. Jabi Lake is Abuja’s very own waterfront utopia. Imagine sitting under a tree experiencing the peacefulness that comes with boats floating by, or shopping at one of Nigeria’s most stylish shopping malls while still being able to see the lake. That is the Jabi Lake experience.
From kayaking to paddle-boating or just enjoying the breeze by the lake, these water activities will bring out that fun part of you till you get tired. Jabi Lake Mall serves as home to cinemas, restaurants, fashion outlets, little cafes, and more.
If you’re looking for the perfect spot for your romantic date or picnic, Jabi Lake and Jabi Lake Mall also offer the perfect setting that fits the mood. The shore is a perfect place for a photo shoot, quiet moments, or simply chilling out with friends on the weekend. Whether it is concerts to pop-up markets or boat parties, Jabi is never quiet.
At the blend of trendy and tranquil, it is a picture-perfect destination that combines natural tranquility with the sophistication of urban living.
Location: Jabi Gwarinpa, Abuja, FCT (Jabi Lake)
Bala Sokoto Way, Jabi, Abuja, FCT (Jabi Lake Mall)
No entry fee for both.
2. Discovery Museum Abuja
Are you an enthusiast of history, a culture lover, or do you just love to go on educational trips? Here is one place you don’t wanna miss.
Discovery Museum Abuja is a window to the soul of Nigeria, it is the first digital museum in the country. It is not just a museum, it is a telling ground for Nigeria’s engaging story through artifacts, sculptures, traditional arts, and interactive displays. Enjoy creating your own self-led experience through the open park. Lots of shaded areas as well for some on-site reflection, or light snack/picnics, etc.
You get to learn about many of Nigeria’s tribes, as well as traditional rulers, and several other stories. Unite serenity with enlightenment, while identifying ways to reconnect with Nigeria’s identity, and enjoy a quiet and informative outing.
Location: 7 Hombari Cres, Adetokunbo Ademola Cres, Wuse 2, Abuja, FCT
Entry Fee: ₦5,500(Adults)
₦4,440(Children)
Discount for a group
3. Millennium Park
At Millennium Park, enjoy your family outing, solo stroll, couple romantic walks, and photography.
Designed by an Italian architect, Millennium Park is the largest public park in Abuja, making it a focal point for open and natural space lovers to unwind and lose themselves. Get ready to be stunned by the beautifully landscaped lawns, which are perfect for picnic-spread photography or a gentle jog around the park.
The park has a pedestrian bridge overview with a series of pictures, which surely should be showcased on your Instagram. There are open and green areas for kids to run around in, while couples can enjoy their love while walking under their favourite shade tree.
Explore as you inhale its green, simple, and soothing atmosphere- a breath of fresh air in the city.
Location: 5 Usama Street, Three Arms Zone, Abuja, FCT.
No entry fee.
4. Karshi Waterfall
Karshi Waterfall is for those seeking adventure, those exploring nature on a higher level, families with all their picnic gear in the car for that weekend, or an overnight getaway. This Waterfall is a natural destination you may have never considered.
Water cascading from heights into dripping lush valleys is truly relaxing and breathtaking. It has this truly majestic view. Depending on the dry season, you can access bathing creek’s fine playing spots, Exploring and discovering yourself in nature, Investigating and sitting.
It feels like Mecca for photographers, wedding photography, drone footage, or the best background scene for you and your important others’ photo and image request.
It is powerful, peaceful, and poetic, the perfect destination for an escape into nature.
Location: RG4M+WWJ, Karshi, Abuja FCT.
5. Thought Pyramid Art Centre
Art is powerful, and this potent force at Thoughtful Pyramid Art Centre oozes beauty, identity, and self-expression. This gallery is one of the capital’s foremost creative spaces.
You’ll see contemporary African art, exhibition after exhibition of African painters, sculptors, and visual storytellers. Get your creative on through art classes offered in the center, participate in poetry nights, or help launch a book, and have a quick coffee while enjoying the surroundings.
For selfie lovers, you’ll find Photogenic Corners: murals, installations, and art pieces in all of the corners.
Smart. Artsy. Chic.Three words that define Thought Pyramid Art Centre.
A tranquil space to be inspired and contribute to.
Location: 18 Libreville Cres, Wuse, Abuja, FCT
Entry is free
6. Zuma Rock and Zuma Rock Resort
Your weekend getaway, search for historical tales and folklore, or scenic drive just got better.
This is Nigeria’s biggest rock with a circumference of 3.1 km and a height. Feel the excitement of climbing or scrambling near the monolith.
It’s only in Nigeria that you’ll have not just a giant rock, but also the guardian spirit. Zuma Rock is a rock and a giant representation as a symbol of mystique. Geographic awe, worth the picnic, and a monument at 725m, the mysterious spirit rock dwarfs Aso Rock. The chic Zuma Rock Resort helps turn the monumental rock into an adventure-filled day.
To enjoy a breathtaking view of Zuma Rock, you can stay in the classic African-style villas. This mysterious landscape and some likely truth will leave you with added intrigue, rumor has it that the face on the rock watches over the land.
It’s nature and divinity all in one, You’ll leave with weary feet, a full heart, and 100 photos.
Location: Zuma Rock, KM 6 Abuja— Kaduna— Zaria Expressway, Tafa, Niger.
7. Abuja Arts and Crafts Village
Only five minutes away from the Sheraton, a rustic locale you won’t want to miss: Arts and Crafts Village. A colorful cultural market filled with creativity, energy, and artisanship.
It has a 30 craft hut and they contain handmade items from and near Nigeria: jewelry, wood art, paintings, leather work, etc. While you’re there, find gifts or décor items that support local artisans. Observe painters and sculptors demonstrates their talents and capture every moment as every angle is colorful, bright, and showcases traditional heritage.
This is truly an arts and crafts market with a cultural pulse. Craft City to celebrate culture.
Location: Central Business District, Abuja, Nigeria.
Many say Abuja is boring because they have no idea what the city has to offer. Abuja offers the lakeside tranquility, the thundering waterfalls, buzzing art centers, and immediate access to ancient rocks. It is a world of adventure that quietly sits within an otherwise calm atmosphere.
So next time you are planning a day out or a weekend getaway, don’t swallow yourself into making your local area your whole world. Get out, explore, experience and enjoy all that Abuja has to offer.
Which destination are you heading to first? Or is there a hidden gem that we missed? Share in the comments or reach out to us on your next adventure!
