Abuja: The Attraction, Vibe of Nigeria’s Capital City

For tourists and people who are considering relocation from their current city of residence, or just looking for a change of scenery, Abuja has long been a centre of attraction.

Whether they are citizens or expatriates, different things about Nigeria’s capital city draw more and more people to it as the years go by. From its green landscape and tree-lined streets to the carefully planned road network and thriving nightlife, it is not a surprise when people seem so enchanted with the city of Abuja. It is among the best cities to live in or visit for tourism purposes, and you are about to find out why.

There are different things to love about Abuja. As a visitor on vacation, the nation’s capital offers high standard hotels and restaurants, and amazing locations to sightsee. No matter your preference, there is something for you. If you are an introvert who prefers quiet spaces and private indoor locations, you can locate the several homely cafes in Maitama, Gwarimpa, Garki and Wuse with the help of your tour guide and Google Maps.

If you prefer to enjoy the great outdoors and nature’s scenery, Abuja’s expanse of gardens and parks in places like Wuse and Jabi are perfect for you. Jabi especially has the famous Jabi Lake Park and Jabi Lake Mall (yes, they are two different places) where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the lake. At the mall, you can shop for luxury items and souvenirs, enjoy good food, or see a movie at the theatre. You can also opt for a boat ride to get an even better lake experience.

The park is an excellent place to enjoy a picnic with friends and get in a good workout with the available sports facilities for volleyball, tennis, and football. Speaking of workouts, Abuja’s impressive landscape and stretch of mountains/ hills are an instant magnet for the hiking enthusiasts. If you came with the kids, you can give them a great experience at any of the city’s amusement parks, and spend quality family time at the National Park and Zoo. You can end your day with a breathtaking lake-view dinner at the Jabi Boat Club.

If you enjoy good food and exotic drinks, then Wuse has got you covered with its extensive population of restaurants for different tastes. It also has a bubbling nightlife with its various nightclubs, lounges and karaoke bars. For the art and architecture lovers, there are structures and galleries spread across the city, like the Nike Art Gallery and the Thought Pyramid Art Center. 

When moving to a new city, a lot of things are there to consider, but the most important is accommodation. Then comes transportation, food, and, if you have children, education. The good thing about Abuja is that all these things can be provided no matter how much you earn. Using accommodation as an example, different areas in the city can meet your housing needs at various prices.

If you have deep pockets and are looking to live in a luxurious area, you could consider Maitama and Asokoro for residence areas. These areas are high-end neighborhoods that play host to the city’s crème de la crème. Their excellent roads, tastefully furnished houses, top notch security and overall tranquility are proof of how deep the pockets of the residents are.

If you’re looking to spend a little less, but still want a bit of luxury, then you can consider settling in areas like Jabi, Gwarimpa, Life Camp, Lokogoma, Lugbe, Apo, Dawaki, and Jahi. Life Camp and Apo are excellent options if you’re moving with your family, they are the perfect areas for a suburban family to settle and host a large number of estates. Gwarimpa is one of the most populated areas in the city, so much so that it is sometimes referred to as the “city within the city”. As a young person looking to start a new life, you can move into Gwarimpa or Lokogoma.

Despite the seemingly magical charm that surrounds it, lot of people tend to be under the impression that Abuja is an expensive city to live in, and that it is impossible to hit it big in the city without high and mighty connections.

Based on this perception, they are more than ready to visit Abuja on vacation or for tourism purposes, but become reluctant at the idea of moving in fully into the city. To nullify the first claim, let’s just say that Abuja can accommodate any lifestyle or budget you choose to have. Food is relatively cheap, and there are parts of the city that offer affordable accommodation services with similar benefits as the highbrow areas.

The capital city also offers diverse opportunities for many, whether for business or leisure. At almost any time of the year, there’s a festival or concert being hosted that comes with chances to socialize and make all the useful connections you might need.

At Abuja, there’s something for everyone. Young or old, single or engaged, family, friends or solo, there’s always something enjoyable to do, regardless of your budget. This is why we love the city, the centre of unity.