Unlike most of the cities in Nigeria that evolved through population surge, culture, commercialization, and necessity, Abuja stands quite uniquely as a fully planned city that was meticulously crafted and designed to fit into what a capital city should look like. Every inch of the city was planned to be a symbol of peace and unity, carefully balancing the weight of modern architecture, cultural foundation, and basic functionality.
Origin Story: From Wilderness to Wonder City
The land now known as Abuja grew from a wild land, being part of the ancient Kingdom of Zazzau (Zaria), filled with several different ethnic groups. It later became the quiet region of Abuja under the leadership of Abu the fair, a 19th-century king who founded the kingdom and named the kingdom after himself.
Under the emirate system of colonisation, Abuja fared well as an emirate kingdom but was still not popularly known until Lagos, which was the first capital of Nigeria, began to be reconsidered as the capital city, mainly because of issues regarding population, location, and construction.
Abuja was considered to take the place of the nation’s capital due to its strategic location of being at the very center of the country, climate, vastness of land, security, multi-accessibility, and ethnic neutrality. It eventually won the position over 33 other sites, and from there began the careful layout and planning of the city to become an architectural masterpiece.
A City Built to Impress
Overlooking the giant monolith naturally created to impress, that is the Zuma rock, which can not really be overlooked at the outskirts of the city, the rest of Abuja is a carefully constructed blueprint designed to impress. From government houses and institutions, to private companies and businesses, and of course, tourist sites, it does seem like everyone got the memo to build structures in the city only to impress.
Abuja Skyline is lined with architectural wonders such as the Aso Rock, which is not only, but also a natural granite hill towering over the city, but also the foundation of the presidential complex, the Aso Villa, and a physical symbol of government power.
The Abuja National Mosque and National Christian Center, matching masterworks built very differently but with the intent to marvel opposite each other as symbols of peace and unity, the National Assembly complex, an imposing structure symbolizing democracy, and other impressive buildings like the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the four intimidating skyscrapers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Towers.
Luxury and Comfort at the Best Hotels
As if the government complexes and corporate wonders are not enough, Abuja houses some of the most impressive hotels and resorts in the country. Some of which have won multiple awards in the hospitality industry.
A few of the best hotels include;
- Transcorp Hilton: One of the best (if not the actual best) hotels in the city of Abuja. Transcorp Hilton is a massive, luxurious hotel that doubles as an architectural and hospitality work of art. It features about 667 rooms and suites, 7 restaurants that frequently rank as some of the best in the city, including international restaurants like the Oriental, and relaxing lounge spots like the Fulani Pool bar, numerous conference halls, and a pretty cool casino. The hotel sits right in the heart of the commercial district, close enough to many of the business and government complexes and still within a short driving distance of many of the tourist sites like the Abuja National Mosque and Millennium Park.
- Abuja Continental: Formerly known as the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja Continental is a family-friendly luxury hotel right in the middle of Abuja. These 540 rooms hub of comfort features three restaurants, quite a few lounge and bar areas, infant beds for families visiting with children, and kids’ play area, game rooms, to mention a few highlights, and a professional staff.
- Fraser Suites: Frasers is a luxury apartment hotel that offers about 126 different high-end rooms complete with a fully equipped kitchenette to guests right in the middle of the Central Business District. The hotel offers 2 restaurants, a snack bar, an impressive pool area, and is situated within close proximity to key business and hubs.
- The Nordic Hotel: comprises the Nordic Hotel and the Nordic Villa, both situated in Abuja. The Nordic Hotel earns its reputation as one of the best hotels in the city and is well known for its minimalist decor. It offers simple but very comfortable rooms, a serene garden and terrace area, a library, and the perfect spot for special events and business workshops.
- Summerset Continental Hotel: Located in upscale Maitama, Summerset Continental is a luxury boutique hotel that offers guests an intimate and serene environment amid Abuja’s most affluent residential neighbourhood. Just a couple of minutes’ drive from the IBB golf course and the Amusement Park, travelers can enjoy a bout of fun during their stay in the hotel. The rooms provide comfort and muted luxury, with state-of-the-art facilities, a restaurant and lounge area, and exceptional staff services.
Tourist Sites and Must-Visit Places
However, while Abuja is popular for its corporate and government facilities, that does not mean that the city does not have its fun spots. Abuja has several sites that will attract both locals and travelers. These areas range from historical and cultural sites to nature parks and art centers.
Some of the most attractive tourist spots are:
- Millennium Park: Designed by Italian architect Manfredi Nicolletti and commemorated by Queen Elizabeth in 2003, the Millennium Park is one of the largest parks in Abuja. A serene fusion of both modern architecture and beautiful gardens and trees, the park is perfect for jogging, picnics, and relaxing walks to reconnect with nature.
- Jabi Lake and Jabi Shopping Mall: These man-made waterfront is your answer to rejuvenation after long hours working. The lake offers soothing boat rides, adrenaline-inducing jet skiing and kayaking, and the surrounding park by the shore is ideal for picnicking and playing sports. The Jabi Mall, situated on the premises of the lake, is one of the best shopping malls in the city, perfect for a bit of retail therapy.
- Nike Art Gallery: Now, for the art lovers visiting Abuja or living in Abuja, Nike Art Gallery is your go-to for an immersive art experience. Lined with rows and rows of Nigerian artwork and sculptures, the gallery is a beautiful getaway from the hub of the city, where creativity and beauty connect.
- Bwari Pottery Village: Another immersive art experience for tourists is the Bwari Art Village, a remote pottery-making site that promotes Nigerian traditional artworks. Guests can participate in making their pottery or watch the process of making amazing pottery from start to finish. As a plus, you can also buy the diverse artworks made in the village.
- Zuma Rock: While technically located in the outskirts of Abuja, in Niger state, this foremost monolith is closely tied to the city and is widely known as the Gateway to Abuja. The sheer size as you approach the city by road is breathtaking, and you would want to watch out so you can make out the distinct face-like features that make the rock a subject of folktales.
Restaurants and Entertainment Centers
Your visit to Abuja would not be complete without visiting many of its culinary scenes, with its amazing flavors, beautiful ambience, and, of course, typical of the city, the amazing aesthetics. Abuja is not just rich in its structures, but pretty wealthy in its food, both local and international.
You could opt for fine dining restaurants like BluCabana restaurant, Nkoyo, International restaurants like Cantina and Cilantro, or for a taste of local delicacies from local bukkas and eateries. For lovers of nightlife, Clubs like Tokyo Nightlife and 345 Nightlife serve as must-visit places to have fun and dance the night away.
The Best Neighbourhoods
If you are thinking of moving to this impressive city, then some of its best and safest residential areas to consider living in include: Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, Garki, Jabi, Gwarinpa, and Utako, ranging from the most affluent areas to more moderately priced neighbourhoods.
These areas are easily accessible from different parts of Abuja and house some of the best businesses, hotels, and fun places to visit in the city. It contains the necessary facilities and conveniences that families prefer to have in residential areas. However, if you would prefer to stay close to the Central Business District, then commercial and residential areas like Wuse and Garki would be much better options.
My Last Say
Abuja may not bustle with the fast-paced energy of Lagos; the city is more serene and quiet, lacking the usual hustle and rush spirit that defines Lagos, or the unplanned chaos that governs it. The city of Abuja offers a nicely-paced blend of business and pleasure, beauty and functionality, culture and unity that is very befitting of a city that is also the federal capital territory.
