Benin City is a cultural rich city which captures the
heart of many, the city is known for its vibrancy and fun when it comes to
leisure activities. Incredibly, getting through the things to engage in is
quite interesting, places to explore are fantastic, not far apart and not ultra-expensive
which makes it a plus. There are lots of things to do and places to visit
without feeling like a complete loser, taking a break off work while engaging
in some gusto activities can ease your stress by up to 80%, so why the wait?, let’s
view a list of things to do in Benin city while on your vacation or stay in Benin.
heart of many, the city is known for its vibrancy and fun when it comes to
leisure activities. Incredibly, getting through the things to engage in is
quite interesting, places to explore are fantastic, not far apart and not ultra-expensive
which makes it a plus. There are lots of things to do and places to visit
without feeling like a complete loser, taking a break off work while engaging
in some gusto activities can ease your stress by up to 80%, so why the wait?, let’s
view a list of things to do in Benin city while on your vacation or stay in Benin.
1. TAKE A
VISIT TO THE ROYAL PALACE OF THE OBA OF BENIN
The palace of the Oba of Benin is well known in Africa
at large, it was declared a UNESCO listed Heritage Site in 1999. The palace itself
is an art so much so that it still commands the awe of visitors, it is seen as
a sacred site amongst the Benin people and still is a fascinating place to
spend some time in while learning the incredible culture observed in the Oba’s
palace. The Oba of Benin is one of the oldest sustained monarchies in the
world, get to see his unique and beautifully arranged attire and that of the
Bini chiefs. Like other palaces, the Oba of Benin palace has some of the dos
and donts with reasons embedded in their culture, take your time and get to
know such practices and the intriguing reasons behind them.
at large, it was declared a UNESCO listed Heritage Site in 1999. The palace itself
is an art so much so that it still commands the awe of visitors, it is seen as
a sacred site amongst the Benin people and still is a fascinating place to
spend some time in while learning the incredible culture observed in the Oba’s
palace. The Oba of Benin is one of the oldest sustained monarchies in the
world, get to see his unique and beautifully arranged attire and that of the
Bini chiefs. Like other palaces, the Oba of Benin palace has some of the dos
and donts with reasons embedded in their culture, take your time and get to
know such practices and the intriguing reasons behind them.
2. SPEND TIME VIEWING THE EYE-CATCHING IGUN STREET
Igun-Eronmwon is popularly known as Igun street in
Benin City, it is home to popular industries which specialises in the casting
of brass/bronze. Different artisans come together in Igun Street to display
fabulous piece of art that will keep your heart and mind busy picturing the
intriguing Benin cultural heritage. Overtime, the streets of Igun-Eronmron has
advanced to a level whereby it cannot be excluded while going on a tour in
Benin City. It was listed as a cultural heritage site by UNESCO. The
interesting part is that you get to keep your favourite artwork by purchasing
it. If you have an artsy spirit this is a place for you.
Benin City, it is home to popular industries which specialises in the casting
of brass/bronze. Different artisans come together in Igun Street to display
fabulous piece of art that will keep your heart and mind busy picturing the
intriguing Benin cultural heritage. Overtime, the streets of Igun-Eronmron has
advanced to a level whereby it cannot be excluded while going on a tour in
Benin City. It was listed as a cultural heritage site by UNESCO. The
interesting part is that you get to keep your favourite artwork by purchasing
it. If you have an artsy spirit this is a place for you.
3. ENJOY SOME LIVE MUSIC
Finding a live music show in Benin City isn’t a
hassle, as some clubs come alive in the night with good live music, though mostly
on Wednesdays. Forget your worries, Lean back, relax and listen to soothing
sounds developed from the different musical instrument at display.
hassle, as some clubs come alive in the night with good live music, though mostly
on Wednesdays. Forget your worries, Lean back, relax and listen to soothing
sounds developed from the different musical instrument at display.
4. FIT INTO
THE BENIN CULTURE AT THE IGUE FESTIVAL
The popular Igue
festival is celebrated in Benin City between Christmas and New Year, it is a
period traditionally set aside by the Bini people to thank the gods for bestowing
blessings on the palace, the Oba and his harem. During these periods, the oba
and bini chiefs are seen walking majestically with their enviable traditional
regalia, including the queens with their beautifully placed Okuku (hairdo). The
chiefs also perform a ceremonial dance at the festival in the palace in honour
of the Oba. Sounds interesting right? well get on it.
festival is celebrated in Benin City between Christmas and New Year, it is a
period traditionally set aside by the Bini people to thank the gods for bestowing
blessings on the palace, the Oba and his harem. During these periods, the oba
and bini chiefs are seen walking majestically with their enviable traditional
regalia, including the queens with their beautifully placed Okuku (hairdo). The
chiefs also perform a ceremonial dance at the festival in the palace in honour
of the Oba. Sounds interesting right? well get on it.
5. HAVE GREAT
FUN AT KADA PLAZA
Though
watching a movie in a cinema can be very interesting but Kada plaza does not
stop at movies alone, it is an exhilarating place to visit with lots of fun and
entertainment. It is one of the best places to hang out, it has available a
cinema, Chinese restaurant, go cart racing, shopping complex and for the ladies
a nail salon for the loved pedicure/manicure. The fun fact is that Kada plaza
is a flexible entertainment which has something installed for everyone, and
sometimes gets patronised by different organisation to boost their products by
fixing a lesser amount for more. So go get yourself a ticket or have fun at a
favourite spot.
watching a movie in a cinema can be very interesting but Kada plaza does not
stop at movies alone, it is an exhilarating place to visit with lots of fun and
entertainment. It is one of the best places to hang out, it has available a
cinema, Chinese restaurant, go cart racing, shopping complex and for the ladies
a nail salon for the loved pedicure/manicure. The fun fact is that Kada plaza
is a flexible entertainment which has something installed for everyone, and
sometimes gets patronised by different organisation to boost their products by
fixing a lesser amount for more. So go get yourself a ticket or have fun at a
favourite spot.
6. VISIT THE HISTORICAL GELEGELE SEAPORT
Gelegele port
is the place where the first contact with the Europeans was made, the Portuguese
came via the Atlantic ocean where they finally landed in Benin kingdom. This is
a great place to learn about the Benin history, culture and trading activities.
It is a very safe place, buying of goods occurs too. While at it you can also visit
the captain James Philip tombstone at a close distance from the Gelegele sea
port, know the reason behind his death, what lead to the invasion of Benin and
the eventual deportation of the then Oba (Oba Ovonramwen). Ensure you come
along with your cameras.
is the place where the first contact with the Europeans was made, the Portuguese
came via the Atlantic ocean where they finally landed in Benin kingdom. This is
a great place to learn about the Benin history, culture and trading activities.
It is a very safe place, buying of goods occurs too. While at it you can also visit
the captain James Philip tombstone at a close distance from the Gelegele sea
port, know the reason behind his death, what lead to the invasion of Benin and
the eventual deportation of the then Oba (Oba Ovonramwen). Ensure you come
along with your cameras.
7. GET A FEEL
OF NATURE AT THE OKUMU NATIONAL PARK
Formerly
known as the Okumu wild life sanctuary, it is the smallest of the seven
National Parks in Nigeria. The park derives its name from the Okumu River that
runs through it. Okumu National Park holds a small fragment of the rain forest
ecosystem which covers the region where the last habitats of endangered species
were found. It is a home of forest elephants, leopards, bush baby, pangolins,
antelopes, potty nosed guenon etc. The white throated monkey which is one of
the rarest monkeys in the world today is also found in the park. The park with
its good feels of nature’s air, beautifully placed flora and its captivating
fauna cannot be over emphasized, it happens to be one of the most luxuriating
moment tourist and first timers cannot forget easily.
known as the Okumu wild life sanctuary, it is the smallest of the seven
National Parks in Nigeria. The park derives its name from the Okumu River that
runs through it. Okumu National Park holds a small fragment of the rain forest
ecosystem which covers the region where the last habitats of endangered species
were found. It is a home of forest elephants, leopards, bush baby, pangolins,
antelopes, potty nosed guenon etc. The white throated monkey which is one of
the rarest monkeys in the world today is also found in the park. The park with
its good feels of nature’s air, beautifully placed flora and its captivating
fauna cannot be over emphasized, it happens to be one of the most luxuriating
moment tourist and first timers cannot forget easily.
8. EXPLORE
THE BENIN CITY NATIONAL MUSEUM
You may not have
known much about the Benin kingdom before now, visiting the museum gives you an
informative insight on the culture and history of Benin. The museum contains
priceless antiques from Benin kingdom and other parts of the country. Equipped
with 3 galleries, the museum is seen as one of the largest museums in terms of
its numerous indigenous artefacts in Nigeria. It is also important to note that
the first known museum in Benin started in the Oba’s palace. If you are the
picture taking type your cameras will be useful for some selfies.
known much about the Benin kingdom before now, visiting the museum gives you an
informative insight on the culture and history of Benin. The museum contains
priceless antiques from Benin kingdom and other parts of the country. Equipped
with 3 galleries, the museum is seen as one of the largest museums in terms of
its numerous indigenous artefacts in Nigeria. It is also important to note that
the first known museum in Benin started in the Oba’s palace. If you are the
picture taking type your cameras will be useful for some selfies.
9. TAKE A
DRINK IN A HOTEL BAR
Benin City boasts
of numerous high standard hotels with well furnished bars and drinking joints.
Finding a hotel in Benin City is not rocket science, it’s as easy as ABC, as
you can find different fabulous hotel on the streets both in urban and suburban
areas. Pick a hotel of your choice, head straight to their bars and get a drink
while listening to good music. You can also use the medium to make new friends
too.
of numerous high standard hotels with well furnished bars and drinking joints.
Finding a hotel in Benin City is not rocket science, it’s as easy as ABC, as
you can find different fabulous hotel on the streets both in urban and suburban
areas. Pick a hotel of your choice, head straight to their bars and get a drink
while listening to good music. You can also use the medium to make new friends
too.
10. MOVE
AROUND AND EXPLORE BENIN CITY
Aside the
listed, Benin City has other interesting places to visit, and the best way to
know and discover such places is by moving around. Certainly there are sites
and locations you have not visited yet. Get around the city, watch how trading
is being carried out in Benin City, visit the popular markets, check out the
rural areas and get a feel of the rural life, visit a local restaurant and try
out the popular pepper rice, go on a golf course, learn some of their local
dialect, or checkout ancient landmarks. Whichever it is, it will surely be an
interesting thing to do.
listed, Benin City has other interesting places to visit, and the best way to
know and discover such places is by moving around. Certainly there are sites
and locations you have not visited yet. Get around the city, watch how trading
is being carried out in Benin City, visit the popular markets, check out the
rural areas and get a feel of the rural life, visit a local restaurant and try
out the popular pepper rice, go on a golf course, learn some of their local
dialect, or checkout ancient landmarks. Whichever it is, it will surely be an
interesting thing to do.