Location: Kano
Top Things to do in Kano
Top 7 Things to do in Kano, Nigeria
Kano is the state capital of Kano State in North West, Nigeria. It is situated in the Sahelian geographic region, south of the Sahara. Kano is the commercial nerve centre of Northern Nigeria and is the second largest city in Nigeria. The Kano metropolis initially covered 137 square kilometres (53 square miles), and comprised six local government areas (LGAs) — Kano Municipal, Fagge, Dala, Gwale, Tarauni and Nasarawa; However, it now covers two additional LGAs — Ungogo and Kumbotso. The total area of Metropolitan Kano is now 499 square kilometres (193 square miles), with a population of 2,828,861 as of the 2006 Nigerian census.
Restaurants in Kano
1. Ado Bayero Mall
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By ElieSall0um - Lagos, Nigeria
Ado Bayero Mall is situated in Kano, the popular north city of Nigeria. The location of the mall is not excellent, resulting in many empty spaces and it's not too crowded... For example Adidas Store opened there for on year and closed down...very disappointing!!!
2. Emir's Palace
Overall Ratings
4 based on 6 reviews
The most striking example of Kano's traditional Hausa architecture, the Emir's Palace is accessible only to those invited by the Emir, but its sheer majesty makes it worth a sightseeing visit.
Reviewed By A H
Luckily, as a volunteer with USAid I was able to have an audience with the Emir. No one speaks to the Emir directly and many of his sons were there as well. It was a luxurious event.
3. Kurmi Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 6 reviews
Supposedly this is the largest market in Africa.
Reviewed By ijamilu - Kano
Excellent place to purchase locally woven materials, dyed materials, sculptures (mostly animals like giraffe, elephants, ducks etc), carved stones, silver jewelries, beaded jewelries, jewelry box, leather (cow hide mostly - but genuine leather all the same) shoes, bags, wallets, stuffed animals, local musical instruments (best used for decorations), ostrich feathered shoes, bags and fans... lots of goodies.
Make sure you bargain all the time. The actual price is usually between 40 - 60% of what they initially tell you. If you can find a local you can trust, let him do the bargaining for you. Pay in Naira, though a few shops will take foreign currency (Euro/ Dollar), but it is cheaper when you pay in Naira.
4. Murtala Muhammed Library
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 4 reviews
A tribute to the 1970s Nigerian dictator, the Murtala Muhammed Library is a grand reference center.
Reviewed By Mehmet T - Aydin, Turkey
You will find nothing special unless you are really interested about the history of that area. Even if you are interested you will not find a lot.
5. Gidan Makama Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 8 reviews
Originally constructed in the 15th century, the Gidan Makama Museum teaches visitors about the long and distinguished history of Kano.
Reviewed By vlady - Oundle, UK
I lived in Nigeria nearly 3 years (2001 to 2004), and spent about 2 months living in Kano. I toured and took groups to Kano to tour, eat and enjoy this historic and interesting city. The Gidan Makama Museum is where you start any tour of Kano. The museum, in a series of Sudanese-style structures, is a wealth of information. You will be required to get a guide at the door; they are informative. The museum walks you through Kano history from the 9th to 21st century. The museum, which has recently received a face-lift, takes about 45 minutes to an hour to get through. The jihad period and the British invasion of the city in 1901 are really interesting. Another overlooked building is Gidan Dan Hausa, which is the Kano State museum. It was closed as of September 2004, but you can see the curator at the main house who can likely give you a tour.
In Kano do this: From Gidan Makama go to the Emir's Palace. You can take pictures, you need to know someone in the court or within influence to get in. You can however try to arrange to see the Emir come out to court in the morning. This is normally not too complicated. Be there for the amazing Durbar, twice yearly Muslim fetes, where thousands of horses and horsemen go on parade to pay homage to the Emir. Amazing sight.
Sights: Kurmi Market, one of the oldest in West Africa, is simply amazing. Get a guide at the market or they will simply find you. The Dye Pits are a must for indigo cloth at great prices. The old city has amazing mud Sudanese housing. Get a guide at the market to take you around the city to see what is left of the old city walls. The German Government was paying to have a portion rebuilt.
Hotel: Stay at the Prince Hotel, only place in town that is clean and good; almost too nice for Kano. Stay clear of the Central Hotel. Durbar Hotel was under renovation, a likely good choice. But believe me, the Prince is your best bet. In a pinch try the guest houses at La Locanda and Torona Restaurants.
Food: Amazing choices for Nigeria. My favorites: 1.) La Locanda (Italian) great atmosphere and food. Really some of the best pizza I ever had. From chicken wings to fine Italian and roasted meat dishes. 2.) Peking Chinese, Mrs. Lee is a great hostesse, food is acceptable. Their Sunday Brunch is best. 3.) Torona (Lebanese) amazingly good, but has been going down hill of late, mangement problems. 4.) SeeSweets (restaurant and bakery), nice spot with nice Terrace, no alcohol. 5.) Calypso (Lebanese) at the Prince Hotel. Nice place with professional staff and excellent food. 6.) The French Club, need to have a member sign you in, place known among Nigerians who like to get away from it all. Acceptable, not really nice, but nice fish at night. 7.) Lebanese Club, great mixed grill and nice atmosphere. 8.) The Golf Course, you need a member to sign you in, has great roasted lamb and beef, as well as, cold beer and good conversation. Other places like the Indian restaurants are good, but not too clean. Nigerian places are good in Sabon Gari.
Note: Sharia law has really put a damper on nightlife and alcohol consumption in Kano. People tend to stay home more. For nightlife go to Sabon Gari, Christian quarter. Kano is fun, and there are cafes to hang out in and drink coffee and watch people in the "G.R.A."
Good luck and have fun.
6. Dala Hill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By ijamilu - Kano
Cool breeze, lovely view of Kano, could stay for hours having fun trying to identify and locate places. Nice place for a picnic. No bathroom facilities though, get the children to ease themselves before you get there.
7. Central Mosque
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2 reviews
A majestic religious structure, the Central Mosque routinely draws thousands of worshippers during Friday prayer time.
Reviewed By ijamilu - Kano
Five daily Muslim prayers are observed here but the Juma'at (Friday Congregational) Prayer is the ultimate time.
Although not open to non Muslims during prayers, there is a market that holds after prayer every Friday which is open to all.
People are friendly and you find things from books in Arabic, Hausa, English and other local languages, you will find beautiful rosaries (counters) locally called "charbi", you will find pure natural honey and local spices. You will find clothing materials and ready made clothes especially "Jallabiya" the long men dress usually imported from Saudi Arabia, Flip-flops and local genuine leather shoes too....
