Must See

Jos

This popular holiday spot has a pleasantly cool climate, thanks to its location 1,200 m above sea level. The town has some fine museums, housing pottery and other artefacts from around the country. The nearby Assob Falls and many dams and streams make this an extremely pretty area.

Lagos

Lagos is the busy and overcrowded de facto capital of Nigeria, with the most active night scene in West Africa. The city feels the heartbeat of Nigerian music and visitors stand a good chance of seeing international music stars such as Femi Kuti, the son of the late Fela Kuti. With more nightclubs than almost anywhere on the continent, night-time energy just oozes from its streets. The city has long since sprawled from its commercial and administrative centre on Lagos Island. Over on the mainland, the infrastructure struggles - unsuccessfully - to keep up.

On the island itself, it's worth looking out for Nigeria's wonderful selection of homemade crafts, which can be bought at the Jankara Market. Goods include herbs, locally dyed cotton and handwoven cloth, and leather items. The National Museum at Onikan houses many exhibits of Nigeria's ancient civilisations and also has a craft centre that sells examples of Nigerian craft at fixed prices.

Kano

Kano is an ancient mud-walled city, the oldest in West Africa and once a strategic stop-off on the trans-Saharan trade routes. It was formerly the largest of the ancient Hausa cities, and founded at least 1,000 years ago. A medieval feel still fills the Old City, an area that houses an enormous and vibrant market, selling all manner of souvenirs and local wares. Other highlights include the Grand Mosque, the Emir's Palace (an outstanding example of Hausa architecture) and age-old dye pits.

Yankari National Park

The country's best wildlife reserve, even though sightings can be a bit hit-and-miss. However, this park, located in the eastern part of the country, is particularly good for birdwatching, whilst elephants, monkeys and crocodiles may also occasionally be seen. The park has accommodation, restaurants and a swimming pool.

Yorba Culture

Visitors who want to soak up examples of the Yoruba culture may want to visit Oshogbo, the founding centre of the internationally renowned school of Oshogbo art and home of the shrines and grove of Oshun. Ife is another example of Yoruba culture, and includes the Ife Museum, which has many wonderful terracotta and bronze sculptures dating back to the 13th century. Although modern Benin City is a rapidly developing metropolis, there are still some reminders of its long Yoruba history. The old city's wall and moat survive in places and the National Museum houses a fascinating collection of Benin royal art. The Oba's Palace is also worth visiting, although prior permission needs to be obtained in Lagos.