8 Cool Things To Do In Ibadan

Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State is one of the major cities in the country. The city is full of Yoruba history and has a rich cultural heritage. Unlike fast-paced cities like Lagos and Abuja, Ibadan has a more relaxed pace making it the perfect place to go when you need to take a break from the hustle and bustle.  For Lagos residents, it’s only a train ride away.

We have put together the perfect to-do list for any potential tourists.  Here are eight cool things to do when you visit Ibadan:

Picnic at Agodi Gardens
A picnic or potluck with your friends. There is music, games, laughter and fun meals. Picture enjoying of all as you sit surrounded by a small lake, a pool slide at the back, an overhead bridge, restaurants, and bars. You can also relive your childhood in the playground. If you’re feeling adventurous, you and your friends can go paintballing right there!

Horse riding at the Ibadan Polo Club
If you’ve always wanted to check out the equestrian sport, this is the right place to be. Not only do you get the chance to witness some polo, but you can also go horseback riding for a small fee. The green hills and wide spacious fields make a pleasant landscape to ride.

Visit the hills
A little unknown fact about Ibadan is that it’s a city that has several hills. So while you’re here, why not visit them all? From Oke Mokola, which seats Ibadan’s first hotel, Premier Hotels, to Oke Mapo, where the great Mapo Hall is located. You may even get to climb to the rooftop and get a nice aerial view of the city.

Eat Amala and Abula
England is known for its tea and crumpets, Italy for its pasta, and Ibadan for being the motherland of Amala, Ewedu, and Gbegiri. You shouldn’t visit without finding a place to have a meal of piping hot Amala and Abula. Ask your friends, ask around, there’ll always be somewhere you can grab a plate. Else, you can just find your way to the infamous Amala Skye at Bodija.

Play mini-golf at Arnheim
There’s a mini-golf course at Arnheim, enclosed within artificial ponds and a garden lounge. Arnheim boasts a tasty menu and an art gallery. So after playing some golf, unwind by checking out good art.

Check out some cultural sites
The Cultural Centre at Mokola makes a nice attraction for its history and architecture. You also have the New Culture Studio, built by renowned Nigerian architect, Demas Nwoko, which is a great sight to see. It used to be the hotspot for famous writers like Wole Soyinka and Niyi Osundare back in the day. 

Visit IITA
If you have a contact at the institute, you can visit the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). IITA covers a massive land area, with a forest reserve and a beautiful resort. Its attractions include a forest walk and bird watching, as well as the serene environment.

Enjoy the nightlife
Ibadan is great during the day but it really comes alive at night. Ringroad is full of clubs and bars and lounges, and people who know how to have a good time. So if you’re in Ibadan, you can go club-hopping with friends.