It is not every time you travel to a remote, exotic resort. Sometimes, tourists need to explore the world around them. One popular tourist activity that helps tourists explore a place is city tours. City tours are basically a drive around town to see popular locations and experience the way of life of the people living in the city. This urban tourism helps people discover the unique cultures and attributes of certain cities. Though not every city is ideal for a city tour.
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To decide what makes a city the right fit for a city tour, it must have any or some of the following attractions:
1. Historical monuments
Beyond visiting Museums, try visiting towns with historical significance. From statues and cenotaphs, to caves, burial grounds and pre-colonial buildings, some cities in Nigeria are full of historical monuments to enrich any tourist’s experience. For instance, Badagry town in Lagos state is as much a tourist destination as its slave trade routes and beach attractions. Another historical city to visit is Benin City in Edo state with historical locations like Igun street, Idahosa Gallery at Faith Arena Cathedral, Oba’s palace, Sir Victor Uwaifo’s Museum, Kings square and more. The more the historically significant a place is, the more interesting a guided city tour around it will be.
2. Intriguing Architecture
One reason city tours in Dubai are such a hit is because of the architecture in the city. With attractive structures and purposely built houses, a drive around town can become a marvel. A classic example of this in Nigeria is the Central Business District in Abuja. The structure of the buildings for the National Mosque, PTDF Corporate Headquarters, Millennial Towers, Ministry of Defence and National Christian centre, are compulsory sights for an Abuja City tour. Another place with a similar appeal is Lagos Island (Lekki) in Lagos state. From high-rise buildings, to artistically painted spaces along commercially busy roads, a city tour is revelatory regarding the taste and aspirations of a city.
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3. Unique Urban Culture
Do you know why Paris is perceived as the city of Love? That’s because of the culture of romance at the Eiffel tower that is known internationally. When your city has a culture of its own, people will flock there to experience it. The beauty of a culture is that it covers a myriad of things like dressing, traditions for events, lifestyles, food choices, etc. For instance, Lagosians believe you have not truly visited Lagos until you experience the traffic, beaches, Lekki Conservation Centre or the art & culture spots. Meanwhile a visit to Onitsha is not complete without a stopover at the popular Onitsha market; as the town is legendary for its commercial activities.
4. Renowned attractions
Who wouldn’t be drawn to a town that has a good reputation preceding it? Some people travel to California to experience Disneyland while others want to visit Kenya to see the Elephant Orphanage. In the same vein, some locations draw people to that city and makes city tourism a thing there. An example would be Yankari Game reserve in Bauchi State. The reserve alone takes hours to explore with lots of attractions to keep you occupied. But yet, tourists stop over at army guest house en route to the game reserve so they can spend a day visiting other attractions in the city. Another attraction that makes way for urban tourism is festivals like the Durbar in Kano or the Iwaji (New Yam) festival in Abia state. People get to the town early and use the opportunity to move around. The city tour becomes a good way to kill time till they get to the main attraction.
Even the landscape of a town can be an appeal for city tours, this has worked for cities like Jos and Abeokuta. Choosing the right urban center for a city tour in any town in Nigeria is important if you want your itinerary to ‘make brain.’
Have you ever been on a city tour? What city did you explore, and what features of that city intrigued you?
Disclaimer: Due to the unpredictability of the coronavirus Outbreak in Nigeria, all forms of travel, especially interstate travel, is not advisable this period. It is best to wait till the pandemic is over before embarking on a trip.
Featured Image Source: Daylight Reporters
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