Tersoo’s guidebook to Abuja
Art Space
This gallery is found on 62 Parakou Crescent, Wuse II, and opened from 8am to 8pm. Contact: +234(0) 803 332 2885. It is a creative landmark of the city and its purpose is to assist artists reach their creative potential, as well as promote Nigerian art on the map at home and abroad. Has a modern exhibition hall which also acts as a training centre for artists and curators in a programme offered throughout the year. In it there is also a well-stocked library with good collection of materials on Nigerian and African art. Visitors are encouraged to feel free to drop in to view and purchase art of startling originality by the Nation’s Finest Artists.
7 locals recommend
Thought Pyramid Art Centre
18 Libreville CresThis gallery is found on 62 Parakou Crescent, Wuse II, and opened from 8am to 8pm. Contact: +234(0) 803 332 2885. It is a creative landmark of the city and its purpose is to assist artists reach their creative potential, as well as promote Nigerian art on the map at home and abroad. Has a modern exhibition hall which also acts as a training centre for artists and curators in a programme offered throughout the year. In it there is also a well-stocked library with good collection of materials on Nigerian and African art. Visitors are encouraged to feel free to drop in to view and purchase art of startling originality by the Nation’s Finest Artists.
Sightseeing
Located on One Memorial Drive Central Business District, Opposite Sheraton Hotel and Towers. Contact: +234(0) 9524 0021 or +234(0) 9524 0022. This foundation was built in memory of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’adua, Former President of Nigeria. The Yar’adua Foundation has a lot of facilities which ranges from libraries, a centre with both conference facilities and a shop to buy gift items, organized programmes such as charity projects, Yar’adua Merit Scholars etc, exhibition halls, and above all the Late President’s speeches, photographs and biography. For more information visit: www.yaraduacentre.org.
Shehu Musa Yar' Adua Centre
Plot 1161 Memorial DriveLocated on One Memorial Drive Central Business District, Opposite Sheraton Hotel and Towers. Contact: +234(0) 9524 0021 or +234(0) 9524 0022. This foundation was built in memory of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’adua, Former President of Nigeria. The Yar’adua Foundation has a lot of facilities which ranges from libraries, a centre with both conference facilities and a shop to buy gift items, organized programmes such as charity projects, Yar’adua Merit Scholars etc, exhibition halls, and above all the Late President’s speeches, photographs and biography. For more information visit: www.yaraduacentre.org.
Also called the “Gateway to Abuja”, this rock is a 725m above sea level monolith situated along the Abuja- Kaduna Road, Niger State. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) begins at its base. Most captivating is the picture of a person’s face that seems to naturally occur in it. Visit tours could be covered in a day trip.
Zuma Rock
Kaduna RoadAlso called the “Gateway to Abuja”, this rock is a 725m above sea level monolith situated along the Abuja- Kaduna Road, Niger State. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) begins at its base. Most captivating is the picture of a person’s face that seems to naturally occur in it. Visit tours could be covered in a day trip.
This Lake is very close to Nordic Villa and is found at Alex Ekuwueme Way, Jabi, west of the city centre. It is open to visitors from 8am to 7pm daily. The most fascinating activity is the lakeshore walk which is lined with clumps of bamboo, making it a great spot for picnics and evening strolls. There is also the availability of tour boats available for trips round the lake for a great view.
8 locals recommend
Jabi Lake
This Lake is very close to Nordic Villa and is found at Alex Ekuwueme Way, Jabi, west of the city centre. It is open to visitors from 8am to 7pm daily. The most fascinating activity is the lakeshore walk which is lined with clumps of bamboo, making it a great spot for picnics and evening strolls. There is also the availability of tour boats available for trips round the lake for a great view.
Food scene
Wakkis is an all time favorite in Abuja because of their consistency and delicious, authentic Indian food. Try the classic Chicken Tikka Masala or their fantastic prawns. The staff is great and friendly.
Opening hours: Daily 11am-23pm
Address: No. 171 Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II
Wakkis
171 Aminu Kano CresWakkis is an all time favorite in Abuja because of their consistency and delicious, authentic Indian food. Try the classic Chicken Tikka Masala or their fantastic prawns. The staff is great and friendly.
Opening hours: Daily 11am-23pm
Address: No. 171 Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II
Out most recommended restaurant – right next door to our sister hotel, Nordic Hotel 5 min. drive from Nordic Villa. Here you can enjoy everything from a freshly prepared salad to a perfectly prepared steak to a great pizza and varieties of the great Lebanese cuisine. Both an indoor area as well as the amazing outside are by the beautiful pool which is lit up at night time. On top of it all you’ll of course experience great service.
Opening hours: Daily 7am-11pm
Address: Next to Nordic Hotel, Abuja
11 locals recommend
BluCabana Restaurant & Cafe
1322 Shehu Yar'adua WayOut most recommended restaurant – right next door to our sister hotel, Nordic Hotel 5 min. drive from Nordic Villa. Here you can enjoy everything from a freshly prepared salad to a perfectly prepared steak to a great pizza and varieties of the great Lebanese cuisine. Both an indoor area as well as the amazing outside are by the beautiful pool which is lit up at night time. On top of it all you’ll of course experience great service.
Opening hours: Daily 7am-11pm
Address: Next to Nordic Hotel, Abuja
The best pizza’s in town. Italian owned restaurant with great atmosphere and great wine. Also a great place to enjoy a football game on the big screen while enjoying a crisp pizza.
Opening hours: Daily 11am-23pm
Address: Riverplate Park, off Ahmadu Bello Way, Wuse 2, Abuja
The Secret Garden Abuja
979 Ahmadu Bello WayThe best pizza’s in town. Italian owned restaurant with great atmosphere and great wine. Also a great place to enjoy a football game on the big screen while enjoying a crisp pizza.
Opening hours: Daily 11am-23pm
Address: Riverplate Park, off Ahmadu Bello Way, Wuse 2, Abuja
Favourite Spa
Located on Cassava Street plot 707 in Wuye (close to Family Worship Centre) this Italian owned and run spa is the best in town. Various types of massages, facials, body treatments are available.
To book, call +234 705 422 4398 or check their website: www.beautyaddictabuja.com
Beauty Addict
Plot 707 Cassava StreetLocated on Cassava Street plot 707 in Wuye (close to Family Worship Centre) this Italian owned and run spa is the best in town. Various types of massages, facials, body treatments are available.
To book, call +234 705 422 4398 or check their website: www.beautyaddictabuja.com
Best Cinema
Situated at the Jabi Lake Mall,Bala Sokoto Way, Jabi. Open Mondays to Sunday from 11am to 10:30pm, Contact: +234 (0)9094778020 and tickets range from N500-N1, 500. This is the newest and most modern cinema in Abuja. http://silverbirdcinemas.com/jabi/
Silverbird Cinemas - Jabi Lake Mall
Situated at the Jabi Lake Mall,Bala Sokoto Way, Jabi. Open Mondays to Sunday from 11am to 10:30pm, Contact: +234 (0)9094778020 and tickets range from N500-N1, 500. This is the newest and most modern cinema in Abuja. http://silverbirdcinemas.com/jabi/
City advice
Getting around
Uber and Bolt are usually the easiest as a first-timer to us
Drivers will typically ask where you're going to. Always make sure you check yourself if they have enough fuel on the car. If not, don't start the trip.
Useful phrases
Greetings are important in Nigeria.
Say "how far" to greet someone (meaning "how are you").
"How body" meaning "how are you feeling - all ok?"
Customs and culture
Pictures aren’t permitted in public spaces.
Always ask before taking pictures.