· NG

Edo

Edo, Nigeria

Step Back in Time to Edo: Discover Tokyo's Enchanting Past Beneath the neon lights and futuristic buzz of Tokyo lies the heart of Edo, a city teeming with history, culture, and captivating charm. Journey back in time as…

#Historic city#Former capital of Nigeria#Cultural hub#Traditional art and craft#Local cuisine

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Edo.

Top Hotels in Edo

Top Flights to Edo

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Edo.

Tours

Benin City National Museum

Discover the rich history and art of the Benin Kingdom.

Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin

The historic palace of the Oba, a significant cultural and political site.

Emotan Statue

A historic statue commemorating Emotan, a revered trader and woman leader.

Shopping

Igun Street

Visit the famous bronze-casting center of Benin City.

Oba Market

A bustling local market offering a variety of goods and an insight into local life.

Outdoor

Okomu National Park

A lush rainforest park home to diverse wildlife and plant species.

Ogba Zoo and Nature Park

Zoo featuring a variety of animal species and natural walkways.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Edo.

Currency

₦ | NGN | Nigerian Naira

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Edo, Nigeria, is 4.5 million.

Languages

Edo, English

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Edo.

What people love

Edo State, located in southern Nigeria, offers a variety of attractions and experiences that can make it a compelling destination for travelers. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Edo State:

Rich Cultural Heritage: Edo State is known for its vibrant culture and history, being the heartland of the historic Benin Kingdom. Visitors can explore the rich traditions of the Benin people, including their art, music, and festivals.
Historical Sites: The ancient city of Benin City, the capital of Edo State, is home to several historical sites. The Benin Moat and the Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin are significant landmarks that offer a glimpse into the pre-colonial history of Nigeria.
Benin Art and Crafts: Edo State is famous for its bronze casting and other forms of traditional art. The Benin Bronzes are world-renowned, and visitors can appreciate these artworks at various local galleries and museums.
Natural Attractions: The state offers beautiful natural landscapes, including the Okomu National Park, which is a rainforest reserve home to various wildlife species, and the Ososo Tourist Center, known for its picturesque hills and valleys.
Festivals and Events: Edo State hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year, such as the Igue Festival, which celebrates the Benin New Year with traditional ceremonies and performances.
Cuisine: Travelers can enjoy the local cuisine, which includes traditional dishes such as banga soup, owo soup, and pounded yam.
Friendly Locals: Visitors often find the people of Edo State to be welcoming and hospitable, making for a warm and inviting travel experience.
Educational Opportunities: With institutions such as the University of Benin, the state provides opportunities for educational tourism, including academic conferences and cultural exchanges.

Overall, traveling to Edo State offers a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and natural experiences, making it an attractive destination for those interested in exploring Nigeria's diverse heritage.

What to know

Traveling to Edo State in Nigeria, which includes the city of Benin City, can offer a rich cultural and historical experience, but there are also challenges and cons to consider:

Security Concerns: Like many regions in Nigeria, Edo State can face security challenges, including issues related to crime and political unrest. Travelers are advised to stay informed about the current security situation and follow any travel advisories issued by their government.
Infrastructure: The infrastructure in some parts of Edo State may not be as developed as in more urbanized areas. This can include roads, healthcare facilities, and public transport, which might not meet the expectations of travelers used to more developed regions.
Healthcare: Access to quality healthcare facilities might be limited, especially in rural areas. Travelers should ensure they have adequate travel insurance and possibly plan for medical emergencies.
Electricity and Water Supply: There may be inconsistent electricity and water supply, which can affect comfort and convenience during your stay.
Cultural Differences: Understanding and respecting local customs and traditions is important, but cultural differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings if not well navigated.
Climate: The climate in Edo State can be hot and humid, which may not be comfortable for all travelers.
Language Barriers: While English is widely spoken, there can be language barriers, especially in rural areas where local languages are more prevalent.
Internet and Communication: Internet connectivity might be slower or less reliable than what you are accustomed to, particularly outside urban areas.
Political Stability: It's important to stay informed about the political climate, as changes can affect travel plans and safety.

Travelers should do thorough research, take appropriate precautions, and plan accordingly to mitigate these challenges when visiting Edo State.

Edo, Nigeria, historically refers to the region that is now primarily known as Benin City, the capital of Edo State in southern Nigeria. The region has a rich history, particularly associated with the ancient Benin Kingdom.

Early History:

Benin Kingdom (c. 900 AD - 1897 AD): The Benin Kingdom, one of the oldest and most highly developed states in West Africa, was founded around the 10th century. The Edo people, who were the primary inhabitants, developed a sophisticated society with a complex political structure.
Ogiso Era: The early period of the kingdom was ruled by the Ogisos ("Kings of the Sky"). The 31st Ogiso, Ogiso Owodo, was the last of this dynasty, leading to a period of turmoil.

Rise of the Oba:

Oba Dynasty: Around the 12th century, the first Oba (king), Eweka I, ascended to the throne, marking the beginning of a new dynastic rule that transformed Benin into a powerful kingdom. The Obas were instrumental in expanding the kingdom’s influence across West Africa.
Oba Ewuare (c. 1440-1473): Known as Ewuare the Great, he was a transformative leader who expanded the kingdom, reorganized its administration, and fortified the city with massive walls.
Oba Esigie (c. 1504-1550): His reign saw the flourishing of arts, particularly the famous Benin Bronzes, and increased interaction with European traders, particularly the Portuguese.

European Contact and Trade:

16th to 19th Century: Benin became an important center for trade with Europeans. The kingdom exported goods such as ivory, pepper, and, tragically, slaves, in exchange for European goods and firearms.
Art and Culture: The period saw the production of intricate bronze sculptures and plaques that depicted the kingdom's history, royalty, and deities, which now are some of Africa's most treasured artifacts.

British Invasion and Colonial Era:

Benin Expedition of 1897: In a significant historical event, British forces invaded and captured Benin City, leading to the fall of the kingdom. The British looted thousands of artifacts, including the Benin Bronzes, which were taken to Europe.
Colonial Rule: Following the invasion, the area became part of the British protectorate, and the traditional governance system was disrupted.

Post-Colonial Period:

Independence (1960): Nigeria gained independence from Britain, and Benin City became part of the newly formed Nigerian state.
Modern Edo State: In 1991, Edo State was created from the split of the former Bendel State, with Benin City as its capital.

Significant Landmarks:

Benin Moat (Iya): One of the largest man-made earthworks, the moat surrounds the city and served as a defensive structure.
National Museum, Benin City: It houses many of the artifacts and artworks that survived the 1897 British expedition.
Oba's Palace: The residence of the Oba of Benin, it remains a cultural and spiritual center for the Edo people.
Igun Street: Known for its bronze casting craft, recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

Cultural Heritage:

The Edo people maintain rich cultural traditions, including festivals like the Igue Festival, which celebrates the renewal of the Oba's power and the unity of the Edo people.

Edo, Nigeria, with its historical significance and cultural richness, remains a vital part of Nigeria's heritage and continues to influence contemporary Nigerian culture and politics.