Ibadan is known for being peaceful and serene, but there is more to Ibadan than that. It is a town of many “firsts” and it also houses some of the most beautiful and interesting attractions in town. Aside from the well-known tourist attractions that many people have visited numerous times and are tired of seeing, there are several other interesting tourist/recreational attractions worth visiting in Ibadan, although might not be popularly known. A visit to these places would leave you wanting to return.
There are quite a lot of interesting and aesthetically pleasing places to visit in Ibadan; here is a list of some.
- IITA Forest Reserve: This is one of the most beautiful and serene attractions to visit in Ibadan. As the name implies, this is a place where you get to have an upfront view of the beautiful scenery; which includes animals, botanical gardens, lake and the likes. Biking, fishing and golfing are some of the activities you also get to enjoy. It is a perfect location for nature lovers and it’s located between Oojo and Moniya. Aside from the recreational aspect of IITA, it is also a place you get to learn, explore and be educated about nature.
- Ilaji Resorts: Ilaji Resort, although not popularly known, is a very cool place worth visiting. This is one of the fun and picturesque places to visit in Ibadan. It houses several interesting places like swimming pools, stadium, art gallery, bars, hotel and restaurants where you get to have access to nice and delicious meals. If you’re looking for a fun place to visit, this is the place to go, but make sure to bring a good camera with you because you definitely don’t want to leave without capturing the pleasing moments. The best and most enjoyable time to visit is outside of holidays, when people are not actively looking for places to visit/relax. Ilaji Resort is located in Akaran, it’s one of the cool places worth visiting in Ibadan.
- Ado Awaye Mountain and Suspended Lake: As the name implies, this is a beautiful and unique spot that houses a mountain and a suspended lake. This suspended lake is known to be the only existing one in Africa and also the second existing suspended lake in the world. Although this tourist attraction is not located in Ibadan, it is easily accessible because it is only a few miles away. It is a beautiful place, however, hiking and climbing could get a bit tiring. If you enjoy hiking then this is a perfect place to try out in Ibadan.
- Bower Tower: Located on Adamashingba road in Ibadan, the bower tower is a nice place to visit. It is a tall creative building with spiral stairs from which you can enjoy a picturesque view of the iconic brown roofs of Ibadan. The tower allows you to have a nice and soothing view of Ibadan’s surroundings, including the Liberty Stadium, the University of Ibadan, and Cocoa House. It is a place of history and culture. If you are looking to have a thrilling experience, the Bower tower would be a nice place to visit.
- O’dua Museum: This intriguing museum is located on the topmost floor of the popular architectural innovation, Cocoa House. It is tastefully decorated and equipped with a blend of contemporary art, music, history, and culture. The most intriguing and adventurous aspect of visiting this museum is that you get to have access to the rooftop at Cocoa House. A spot to not only enjoy art but also enjoy the picturesque view of buildings, nature and the hustle and bustle of the people of Ibadan.
Other places you might want to explore are Topfat museum, Magnus paintball game, “Ibadan Disney world” — Trans Amusement park, Agodi garden and several others. There is more to Ibadan than just visiting or residing in it; explore the creative and interesting places around and make your stay in Ibadan worthwhile.
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