The largest city in West Africa isn't its country's capital and has barely any tourists

Ibadan is not only the largest city in Nigeria by land area but also the largest in all of West Africa, covering a vast 3,080 square kilometers—nearly twice the size of London. As the capital of Oyo State, Ibadan is Nigeria's third most populous city, following Lagos and Kano. While you may not have heard of it before, Ibadan offers more than just a large city and is filled with history and culture. 

Ibadan is home to Cocoa House, West Africa's first skyscraper, standing 105 meters tall with 26 stories, largely funded by the region's cocoa industry, and now featuring a museum on one of its top floors. Located in southwestern Nigeria, the city is also home to Bower's Tower, a historical landmark and the highest point in the city with panoramic city views, and Agodi Gardens, a scenic park featuring turtles, peacocks, animals, picnic areas, horses, and a water park.

It holds the country's oldest and first university established in 1948 initially affiliated with the University of London and later became independent in 1962.

The ancient Mapo Hall is also a must-see historical building to see views of the city and learn more about the city's past.

Ibadan offers a rich cultural experience for travellers with the National Museum of Unity, which promotes national unity and highlights the diverse cultures of Nigeria's various ethnic groups, including the Yoruba heritage. 

Visitors can also enjoy a peaceful sunset over the Eleyele River, where kayaking and fishing are popular activities, and explore the Adedag Art Gallery to appreciate local art.

The Ibadan Travel & Tourism Expo (ITTE) 2025 will be taking place in the city in April, will bring together global industry leaders to promote sustainable tourism, foster collaborations, and aims to position Nigeria as a key player in Africa's tourism market.

The two largest cities by population according to World Atlas is the Nigerian city of Lagos and Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

Lagos has become an increasingly popular destination in recent years with its beaches such as Tarkwa Bay Beach or Elegushi Beach, the bustling Lekki Arts and Crafts Market, the incredible Nike Art Gallery and the Lekki Conservation Centre, home to Africa's longest canopy walkway. 

Kinshasa is a large, highly populated city with around 17 million people, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, and is home to unique attractions like the world’s only sanctuary for orphaned bonobos, the Congo River, the central market, the National Museum, Palais de la Nation, and more.