Explore Port Harcourt, Nigeria’s garden city!
Explore Port Harcourt, Nigeria’s garden city!
Also known by many as ‘Igoucha’ in Igbo, Port Harcourt in south-south Nigeria, is an affluent, cosmopolitan and animate city which can easily pass as Nigeria’s second economic hub after Lagos. The state is best known for having humongous oil deposits which have driven different people and businesses to the city. These added to the pomp and glitz of Port Harcourt.
The oil-rich city was named Port Harcourt in honour of Lewis Vernon Harcourt by Sir Frederick Lugard in August 1913. Featuring beautiful coastal sandy beaches navigating through major cities and towns, it is an appealing destination for a holistic peek into Nigeria’s colonial past. An event that many dwellers of the city look forward to is the Port Harcourt Carnival tagged ‘CARNIRIV’ held every December.
As a visitor, you can access this city via the International Airport or by road. If you want to visit Port Harcourt in the nigh future, here is how you can make the most of your trip to Nigeria’s garden city:
Tourist Attractions
Port Harcourt tourist beach
The Port Harcourt tourist beach is located on an artificial sand beach along the Kolabi creek east of the old township. It serves as the perfect leisure and relaxation spot coupled with a bush-bar restaurants selling fresh palm wine, local dishes and entertainment. The beach also has a jetty, a restaurant, wildlife, museum and games room. A visit to the beach offers all round fun to fun seekers.
Isaac Boro Garden Park
This is a popular garden park located at the south end of Aba road. This park was named after Major Isaac Boro who died during in the Biafran war. The tomb of the soldiers here marks those who fell in the world wars. The park is a popular venue for live music, picnic and other events including trade fairs.
Port Harcourt Cultural Centre
This centre is where culture meets arts. You can watch stage plays and cultural dances while admiring beautifully carved artefacts and handicrafts on sale. They are significant souvenirs to buy to remind you of a visit to Port Harcourt.
Where to sleep
The era of running helter-skelter searching for a hotel to sleep in is over with entry of Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal into the hospitality industry. Travellers can now book hotels ahead of their travels. Affordable hotels in Port Harcourt include are – Ocabique Planet Hotel-N5,000; Clen phil hotel and suites-N6,500, Hotel Presidential-N47,600, and Beverly Hills-N10,000. You can get more exciting prices on by visiting Jovago.com.
Where to shop
The Mile One market along Ikwerre road is a place to visit to feel the pulse of a buzzing city. You can buy everything from fashion items to consumer goods as well as laugh at the shenanigans of the sellers as they attempt to poach customers. But if you do not fancy this kind of experience, visit places like Park n’ Shop, Everyday Emporium and the Craft Centre among other places.
Where to eat
A metropolitan city like Port Harcourt never lacks fantastic and awesome spots to eat. You can eat great cuisine at one of the many well-established restaurants or ‘bukkas’ along the streets of Port Harcourt. Chicken Calypso Fast food and restaurant, Bouvati fast food and Portofino foods are among the popular restaurants.
Fun Fact
The oil-rich city of Port Harcourt is believed to be an expensive city because many have the perception that everyone works in an oil company. This is not entirely true. The city is quite affordable.