Nigeria

Ibadan

Nigeria

Population
3,565,108
Currency
NGN1,364/$

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.

Guide content adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Ibadan". Source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Weather

Live

25°C

Moderate rain showers · feels like 29°C

  • 87%
  • 10 km/h
  • AQI 28
  • SunSlight rain showers23° / 28°
  • MonLight drizzle22° / 28°
  • TueLight drizzle22° / 28°
  • WedSlight rain showers23° / 28°
  • ThuLight drizzle22° / 27°

Measured at 7.378, 3.906 · Africa/Lagos

Ibadan map

Getting there

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. Private taxis can be hired from Lagos for USD 30-50. 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.

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.

  • 1 Ibadan Airport.

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. Tickets cost between ₦3000-6000.

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.

  • 2 Obafemi Awolowo railway station Moniya (18 km north of city centre).
  • 3 Old Ibadan railway station.
  • 4 Ladoke Akintola railway station, Omi Adio, Abeokuta Road. 7AM-9PM. free.

Getting around

Get around

editedit source
Map of Ibadan

There is an extensive network of minibuses and shared cars. A journey from one end of the city to the other costs around ₦100. Okadas (motorcycle taxis) are cheap and available everywhere, though some riders are erratic.

What to see

Bower Memorial Tower
University of Ibadan gate, Ibadan
Cocoa House
  • 1 National Museum of Unity, National Museum Road (off Dick Road). M-F 8AM-4PM. Better than most of the regional museums in Nigeria, the museum at Ibadan has a large collection of art, drums, and Egungun costumes.
  • 2 Agodi Gardens (formerly Agodi Zoological and Botanical Gardens), Secretariat Rd, Mokola Hill. 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. An adult entry will cost ₦500-1000. ₦500 entry and ₦500 for zoo.
  • 3 Bower Memorial Tower, Oke-Are. Here you can get some inspiring views over Ibadan, particularly from the top of the tower.
  • 4 The University of Ibadan, Sango-Ojoo Road, ☏ . 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.
  • 5 Mapo Hall, Old Quarter. 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.
  • 6 Cocoa House, Dugbe. 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.
Broking House, Dugbe, Ibadan
  • 7NOT EXISTING IMAGE The Broking House (Femi Johnson House/ The Glass House), 1 Alhaji Jimoh Odutola Road, Dugbe, ☏ . 7AM-9PM. 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.
  • 8 IITA, Oyo Road. 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.
  • 9 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)
  • 10 Cathedral of St. Peters. Historic Angelican cathedral.
  • 11 Ibadan Military Cemetery. A military cemetery with burials of soldiers from the Nigeria Regiment.
  • 12 Moor Plantation, Federal College Of Agriculture local government, Apata, ☏ . Monday-Saturday: 8am-4pm Sunday: Closed. 2 years ago
    Moore 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.

What to do

For some outdoor touring and hiking, you could try:

  • 1 Ado Awaye Mountains and Suspended Lakes (about 110 km northwest of Ibadan; once in Ado Awaiye, take road heading east of central mosque for about 1 km), ☏ . 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.
  • 2 Old Oyo National Park, Iseyin - Oyo Rd, Isokun, Oyo (park office 57 km north of Ibadan, actual park is like another 40 km north), ☏ , . [1] 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.
  • 3 Trans-Amusement park (Trans Wonderland), Along Bodija road. 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.
  • 4 Viva Cinema, The Palms Shopping Mall, MKO Abiola Way, ☏ . 8AM-10PM.

Where to eat

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

  • 1 Bitemore Moniya, Moniya. 8AM-10PM.
  • 2 Chicken Republic, 96, M.K.O Abiola way, Ring-Road, ☏ . 9AM-9PM. An outlet of the restaurant chain Chicken Republic where meals such as rice, chips, chicken and Soda drinks are sold. ₦1000.
  • 3 Ose Olorun Food Canteen (Amala Skye), Beside Polaris Bank (Skye Bank), Bodija Market-U.I (Kenneth Dike way) Road, Ibadan. 9AM-8PM. A restaurant where you can buy local Nigerian meals such as Amala, Pounded Yam, Semo, Rice, etc and their corresponding soups. ₦500.
  • 4 Dominos Pizza (Dominos Pizza Ring Road), 6, M.K.O. Abiola way, ring road, Ibadan (from Challenge Bus stop, Approach M.K.O Abiola way, the outlet is close to Mobil Filling Station, at Ring Road), ☏ . 9AM-9PM. An international food organisation, they sell pizza and some other baked foods. ₦2000.
  • 5 Mr Biggs, Iwo road, Ibadan. 8AM-9PM. Mr Biggs franchise is a chain restaurant that sells rice, chicken, burger and other take-away foods. ₦500.
  • 6 Aroma Eatery, Iwo road, Ibadan. 8AM-9PM. Aroma restaurant is a fast food and take away food a restaurant that has a conducive environment for eat out. ₦300.
  • 7 Crystal House International Hotel..
  • 8 Our Garden Restaurant & Bar, Radio Kwara, No 5A Ilofa Rd, ☏ . 9AM-midnight. Chinese restaurant.
  • 9 Whitefield Hotels Limited.
  • 10 The Sidney Ilorin, 9 Catchment Close, Ilorin, ☏ . 10AM-10PM. Offers varieties of drinks and food.
  • 11 Chronicles Restaurant & Karaoke Bar, The Palms Shopping Mall (The Palms Shopping Mall, beside NTA ilorin, Fate Rd), ☏ . 8AM-11PM daily. Great place to eat, drink and relax.
  • ITEM 7, Osuntokun Avenue, Ibadan
  • Stone Café Bar&Grill, 6 MKO Abiola way, Oluyole (Iwo-road to roundabout, roundabout to Oluyole), ☏ . noon-midnight. 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. ₦2,000.
  • 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, Baptist Bus Stop Near Police Post, Akobo, ☏ , . Foodco Restaurant serves delicious meals such as Jambolaya rice, coconut rice, different soups, peppered gizzard, and more
  • Mauve Lounge, 1By Adeoyo Junction MKO Abiola way (Ring Road), ☏ , , . Mauve Lounge restaurant and bar sells both continental and assorted local foods & drinks in one location.
  • Ultima Executive Restaurant and Bar, White House, Opposite Former NITEL Building, Along Customs Way, Bodija, ☏ . 9AM-9PM. Delicious meals, with variety of drinks to choose from.
  • Belifill Restaurant, Sw9 Bolumole Area, Ring Road, Challenge, ☏ , , . 8AM-10PM. Belifill Restaurant specializes on offering a wide range of Nigerian, African and continental delicacies.
  • Country Kitchen, Arisekola Shopping Complex Beside First Bank Bodija, ☏ , . 8AM-8PM. A restaurant located in a serene environment offering mouth watering dishes including African and continental foods.
  • Cuisine n Chops, 12, Oba Olagbegi Street, off Osuntokun Avenue, Old Bodija, ☏ , , . Cuisine n Chops is a fast food outlet providing delicious delicacies, drinks and catering services.
  • Ibachi Restaurant, 1 Theophilus Akinyele Way, New Bodija, ☏ . 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, 8, Abe Street, Kewulere Layout, Ring-Road, ☏ , . Provides health-based local dishes, continental dishes and a wide-range of cocktails drinks and fruit juices for all occasions.
  • Relish Restaurant and Bar, 22, Akanji Shopping Complex, Opposite Ola Sheu Petrol Station, ☏ . Relish Restaurant and Bar delivers food services on various kinds of Nigerian dishes, including drinks, entertainment and catering
  • TolHuz Cafe, Suite 11, Preboyes world, Agbowo, UI, ☏ , , . Tolhuz cafe is a restaurant and outdoor catering service provider including Nigerian and continental dishes.
  • Country Kitchen, Ogunmola St. M-Sa 9AM-5PM.
  • Domino's Pizza, Orita Challenge Road, beside First Bank, Oluyole, ☏ . M-Sa 8AM-9PM.
  • Iyadunni Food Canteen, Shop 1, Oredeyin Shopping Complex, Challenge Expressway, beside PEP, opposite UBA, Ibadan.
  • Mr Bigg's, Challenge Expressway, ☏ . M-Sa 7PM-9PM.
  • Chicken Republic, Ogunmola St, ☏ . M-Sa 7PM-9PM.
  • Tantalizers, Challenge Expressway, 200273, Ibadan. 8AM-8PM.
  • Kapital Kitchen, Inside GASTAB, New Garage Road, Ibadan, ☏ .

Drinking & nightlife

  • 1 Club Switch, 77, Olusanya Close, off Ring Road, Challenge, ☏ . 9AM-9PM. A bar and nightclub where mixed cocktails, soda, beverages and alcoholic drinks are sold. ₦1000.
  • Plat'num Nite Club Ibadan, Awolowo Ave, Mokola. 24 hr. It is a nice relaxation center located in the hub of Bodija, Oyo State. They have both bar and club facilities. ₦1000.
  • 2 Mapsy Relaxation Centre, A1, 200136, Ibadan. 8AM-8PM.
  • 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)

In Challenge

editedit source
  • 3 Chicken Republic - Challenge, Ibadan, Ogunmola St, ☏ . M-Sa 8AM-9PM.
  • Bold Place Bar & Lounge, Along Odo-Ona Elewe Road, ☏ . 24/7.
  • The Hub Lounge, Ward 08 Sw7, ☏ . M-Sa 10AM–11PM.
  • Sublime Lounge & Bar, MKO Abiola Way, 200273, ☏ . 10AM-2AM.
  • Greol Lounge and Bar, Odu' A Shopping Centre, Agodi Road / Idi Ape Rd, ☏ . 10AM-11:30PM.

Shopping

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

For a more cosmopolitan experience,

  • The Heritage Mall or Cocoa Mall, Dugbe. 10AM-9PM daily.
  • 1 The Palms Mall, M.K.O. Abiola Way, Ring-road. 9AM-9PM.
  • 2 The Jericho Mall, 20, Kudeti Avenue, Onireke GRA. 9AM-9PM.
  • 3 The Ventura Mall, Plot 5 and 6, Old Aerodrome Road Along Sango-UI Road, Samonda, GRA. 9AM-10PM.
  • 4 Foodco Supermarket Bodija, Opposite Aare Ave, Secretariat Rd, Bodija, toll-free: . 9AM-8PM. A supermarket and restaurant where you can buy all your needed groceries and African meals.
  • 5 Foodco Supermarket Ring-road, 17 MKO Abiola Way, New Gra (from Challenge Bus stop, Approach M.K.O. Abiola way, it is opposite the chicken republic building at Iyana-Adeoyo), toll-free: . 9AM-9PM. 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.
  • 6 Bodija Market. An open-air foodstuff market, one of the largest in Ibadan.
  • 7 New Bola Ige Market (Gbagi Market), Old Ife road, Ibadan. An open air market dominated with sales of fabrics materials.
  • 8 Graceys Mart Akobo, Akobo Ibadan, ☏ . 8AM-11:30PM. In-store shopping. In-store pick-up. Delivery.
  • Ace mall, Awolowo Avenue Opposite Housing, Bodija Ibadan, Oyo state. Opens 8AM- 11PM (Updated March 2022)
  • 9 Agroshop, IITA), Idi-Ose, Km 40, Along, Old Oyo Rd, Ibadan, ☏ . 8AM–8PM. Fresh food market.
  • 10 Mamtess Super Store, Dugbe (Ibrahim Taiwo Rd), ☏ . 9AM-6PM daily. A store where you can shop for varieties of products including children toys and groceries.
  • 11 Shoprite Kwara Mall, M.K.O Abiola Way, Ring-road (Plot 1 Fate Rd, in Kwara Palms Mall), ☏ . 9AM-9PM. Supermarket chain with brand-name & house-label groceries, a bakery and a deli.

In Challenge

editedit source
  • Challenge General Market, Challenge Bus Stop opposite Glo office. You can get most electronic equipments here.
  • Feedwell Supermarket, Challenge, Ogunmola Street Opposite Tantalizer, Challenge Roundabout, 1 MKO Abiola Way, Ibadan, ☏ . 8AM–8:30PM (closed Sundays).
  • RJ Signature Grocery Store, Along elebu Akala Road, Challenge, Ibadan, ☏ . 9AM–6PM (closed Sundays).
  • Extra mile Stores NigerWest, AK Filling Station Orita challenge Road, ☏ . M-Sa 7AM-9PM.
  • Pinnacle Supermarket, 65 Adekunle Fajuyi Road, Mokola Hill 200284, Ibadan, ☏ . M-Sa 8AM-9PM.

Where to stay

  • 1 Adis Hotels Ibadan, 1 Akinsehinwa Street (east of Agodi Gardens), ☏ . Gated hotel in neighborhood with wifi, restaurant/bar, and airport shuttle. Dependable lodging. ₦23600.
  • 2 Best Western Plus Ibadan, 25 Jibowu Cres, GRA, ☏ . Dependable chain hotel close to Ring Road with hot tub, pool, gym, free breakfast, restaurant/bar, buffet a/c, WiFi, airport shuttle. Very sleek. ₦36751.
  • 3 Mauve21 Hotel, MKO Abiola Way, Oluyole, ☏ . 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".
  • 4 Biobak Kitchen & Apartments, Ibadan, 25 Okediji Ave, Off Awolowo Ave, Old Bodija, ☏ . 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, Bodija Road. Cheap, clean rooms near the university. Secure location, pleasant staff. There is something of a cockroach problem, though.
  • 5 Best Western Plus Ibadan, 25 Jibowu Cres, GRA, ☏ . 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. ₦44,263.
  • 6 Premier Hotel, Mokola Hill (Mokola Hill, off Mokola roundabout, Mokola-Sango road), ☏ , . ₦25000-80000.
  • 7 Golden Tulip Ibadan, Golden Tulip Ibadan Quarter 781, GRA, Jericho, ☏ . 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. ₦44000.
  • 8 Townhouse Hotel Ibadan, 1, NTC Quarters, Iyaganku GRA (adjacent to Ibadan Tennis Club), ☏ . 3-star hotel in Ibadan with outdoor pool and restaurant. ₦32000.
  • 9 Kakanfo Inn and Conference Center (Kakanfo), Nihinlola Street, Off Joyce 'B' Road, Off, MKO Abiola Way, ☏ . 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. ₦20000 - 80000.
  • 10 Divine Grace Suites, Apapa Road, ☏ . Check-out: noon.
  • Joybam Hotel & Event Centre, Old Sawmill Street (Challenge), ☏ . Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. 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)
  • 11 Tobijays Global Hotel, Number 7, Abepe Oduaiye Crescent, Idi-Igbaro, Eruwa Road, ☏ .
  • House Eleven Hotel and Apartments, Old, Sawmill Street, Ibadan.
  • Joybam Hotel and Event Centre, Old, Sawmill Street, Ibadan, ☏ .
  • Genesis Hotel and Suites, : Beside Fire Station Bus stop, Challenge, Ibadan, ☏ .
  • Mauve 21 Hotel, MKO Abiola Way, Oluyole 200273, Ibadan, ☏ .
  • Scrolab Executive Hotels, ☏ .

Staying connected

All guide text on this page is adapted from Wikivoyage and reused under CC BY-SA 4.0. Prices and opening hours change — verify anything that matters before you rely on it.

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