23 Best Places To Hangout In Ibadan In 2024 & How Much It Costs

The best places to hangout in Ibadan are Mauve Lounge, Latitude Cafe, Frostyz, University of Ibadan Zoological Garden, Agodi Gardens, and a couple of others.

Hey there! Are you planning a trip to Ibadan or perhaps you are already in the pacesetter city and you are looking for cool spots to chill, relax and let loose in this vibrant city? 

Well, you’re in luck! Ibadan, the heart of Oyo State in Nigeria, isn’t just any city – it’s a blend of rich history, diverse culture, and bustling urban life, making it a perfect destination for anyone looking to explore or unwind.

Known for its stunning landscapes, set amidst seven hills, Ibadan offers a unique mix of the old and the new.

This city is full of surprises, from historical landmarks that whisper tales of the past to contemporary hotspots that pulse with modern energy.

And let’s not forget the food – Ibadan’s culinary scene is a delightful journey through local flavours and exotic cuisines.

This blog post will dive into the ’15 Best Places to Hangout in Ibadan in 2024′. Whether you’re a local seeking new adventure or a traveller eager to experience the city’s charm, these spots promise memorable experiences. 

We’ve got everything from serene nature escapes and buzzing nightclubs to cultural hubs and hidden gems. So, grab your notepad because you’re about to get the insider scoop on the best spots to hang out in Ibadan!

The 15 Best Places to Hangout in Ibadan

1. GO KART Arena

The first on the list of places to hangout in Ibadan is dedicated to all the adrenaline junkies out there. It’s perfect for those who feel that this economy is not crazy enough and want to take it up a notch.

With a well-maintained track and a fleet of karts to choose from, you’re in for an exciting ride; even if you are not a professional, they have staff that can teach you.

If you want to have some crazy fun and get that competitive streak in, you might want to consider this spot.

Location: Independence Square, Awolowo Road, Bodija, Ibadan

Price Range: #1500 upwards

Best For: Thrill Seekers and Young People

2. FOODCO

If you are looking for a shopping experience that also comes with food, then you would be happy to discover FOODCO. It’s basically a supermarket that also comes with a restaurant inside it where you can eat, charge, or just hangout with friends.

They sell various products, including groceries, fresh produce, household items, etc., and have branches all around the city of Ibadan. Some branches have added features like restaurants, arcades, and even more food options.

I personally like FOODCO because of the food; the food is heavenly, and I wouldn’t want to miss that for anything.

Location: FOODCO has several locations in Ibadan, including:

• Bodija: Opposite Aare Junction, Bodija/UI Road​​.
• Basorun: 225 Basorun Rd, 200285, Ibadan, Oyo​​.
• Ring Road: 117 MKO Abiola Way, Opposite IBEDC, Ring Road

Price Range: Depending on what you are buying, but budget #2,000 upwards if you are looking to get the best out of the experience.

Best For: A casual hangout spot for a group of friends or with family and also if you are looking for a shopping experience.

3. GQ Lounge

GQ is one of the best spots to hangout in Ibadan, especially at night. If you are the life of the party, this is your spot; it has some of the best DJs in Nigeria turning up for parties nonstop, and did I mention it also comes with an outdoor bar?

The spot is very secure, with the Lounge very particular about the safety of its patrons, meaning you and your friends can come, chill, party, and grab some tasty food from the bar or have some dope cocktails made.

Location: 26 Awolowo Road, Bodija Estate, Ibadan.

Price Range: #5000 upwards

Best For: perfect for a wild night out with friends or alone.

4. Mauve 21 Lounge

Mauve Lounge is for those people who want a classy timeout. In fact, you can’t mention the best places to hangout in Ibadan, and you don’t add Mauve to the list. With over 6000 followers on Instagram, Mauve is the crème de la crème of the posh lifestyle.

They offer the best intercontinental dishes, heaven-defying cocktails, a fantastic karaoke bar, 24/7 onsite security ready to guarantee your safety, and a host of other treats.

If you want to have some time alone with someone either very special or someone very important, Mauve is the place, this is the place where million-dollar deals are negotiated.

Location: Mauve21 Hotel & Events Centre, Ring Road, Adeoyo Roundabout, opposite First Bank, Ibadan, Nigeria​.

Price Range: expect anything from #7000 upwards for even the drinks

Best For: Classy Outings

5. Agodi Gardens

This is one of the most budget-friendly places to hang out in Ibadan; it’s a space of lush greenery and a swimming pool, which makes it the perfect spot for relaxing and unwinding with friends.

It’s also a perfect place for family outings with kids.

Location: Secretariat Road, Mokola Hill.

Price Range: #500 entrance fee

Best For: Group outings and family trips.

6. University of Ibadan Zoological Garden

The University of Ibadan Zoological Garden is a zoo on the University of Ibadan’s campus. It is home to many wildlife, including lions, tigers, elephants, and chimps. The zoo is a popular educational destination for both students and tourists.

The University of Ibadan established the zoo in 1948. It was one of the earliest zoos to open in Africa. The zoo was designed to be a university research center but rapidly became a famous tourist attraction.

The zoo has played an essential part in Ibadan and Nigerian history. It has served as a learning center for persons interested in animals and their environments. Personally, when I visited this Zoo in 2022, I was thrilled to see a baby Elephant and truth be told, it was as big as a full grown Cow. 

The zoo has also served as a location for visitors to unwind and appreciate nature and this is one of the coolest places to visit in ibadan. 

Location: University of Ibadan

Price Range: #500 entrance fee

Best For: Tourists, Kids and young people

7. Bower’s Tower

Bowers Tower is a popular tourist spot for people now; you can have picnics here or take on the daunting climb of the 60ft tower to get a breathtaking (literally) view of the city.

Bower’s Tower is a 60-foot tower on Oke Are Hill, one of seven hills that ring the Nigerian city of Ibadan. It was built in 1936 to honour Captain Robert Lister Bower, the first British person to live in Ibadan. This is one of the attractions that has seen quite the ages, serving as a watchtower in the colonial era. 

You can see the whole city from the top of the Tower, including the Dugbe Market, the University of Ibadan, and the Cocoa House. You can see as far as the Oyo River and the land around it on a clear day.

Bower’s Tower is a place that tourists and locals like to visit. You can take a romantic walk or just rest and enjoy the view. Photographers and artists also like to use the Tower as a background.

Location: Oke Are Rd, Ibadan 200285, Oyo.

Price Range: #200 entrance fee

Best For: Picnic and Group Trips

8. JERICHO MALL

I have been here before, and I can boldly say it’s one of the best spots to hangout in Ibadan. The mall is also friendly to your wallet, so don’t be afraid. 

The most fun part about this mall is the arcade, where you and your friends can play assorted games and the ice cream spot. That ice cream is beyond yummy.

Location: Onireke GRA, No 20 Kudeti Ave, Jericho, Ibadan 200284, Oyo

Price Range: Depending on what you buy or do, but it’s cheap

Best For: Group hangout or ice cream dates

9. FROSTYZ

This is a haven for ice cream junkies; they have some of the tastiest scoops in Ibadan and are also a cozy place to sit and enjoy your scoops of delight.

They have a lot of flavors, which are well done, and If you ask me, they deserve more hype than they are getting.

Location: 30 Osuntokun Avenue, Ibadan 200285, Oyo.

Price Range: #1000 and above

Best For: Ice cream lovers and dates

10. Kokodome

Kokodome is reportedly the oldest nightclub in Ibadan. I can definitely confirm that they are one of the best places to hangout in Ibadan.

The restaurant is owned by a Lebanese national and primarily offers Lebanese cuisine. The music and the open-air pool are key features that make this place rock.

Location: Cocoa House complex, Dugbe, Ibadan Nigeria, Ibadan 200223.

Price Range: #3000 and above

Best For: Relaxing and good music

11. Aqua Ebevande

This is another place that screams luxury; you can’t be a big boy or girl, and you don’t know Aqua. The lounge prides itself as the only hangout spot providing spectacular luxuries. 

Some of their shows include Bottle Rush Friday, and Our Thursday is Different, among others.

They also have some of the tightest security in any place in Ibadan.

Location: 76 Ring road Ibadan, 200253, Ibadan, Nigeria

Price Range: Pricey

Best For: Upper-class fun

12. Irefin Palace

The Olubadan of Ibadan, the traditional king of Ibadan, lives at the Irefin Palace. This palace is a massive collection of structures in the center of Ibadan. It is a renowned tourist destination representing Ibadan’s history and culture.

Irefin Palace was established in the nineteenth century and has served as the residence of the Olubadan of Ibadan ever since. The palace is a 100-building complex that houses the Olubadan’s family, court, and servants.

Visitors are allowed to explore the grounds of the Irefin Palace, which is a renowned tourist site. The palace also serves as a location for traditional Yoruba rites and festivities.

Location: Irefin Palace, Oke-Ofa, Oje, Ibadan

Price Range: Free

Best for: Historical Exploration

13. VENTURA MALL

Ventura is one of the best mall options in the whole of Ibadan and one of the best places to hangout in Ibadan. Ventura Mall is a retail center in Ibadan, Nigeria. It started out in 2018 and is smaller than Ibadan City Mall, yet it remains a popular destination for residents and visitors.

The ambiance is lovely, and it has a very nice cinema with the trendiest of shows; the décor is great for a time out with friends.

Ventura Mall has over 100 retailers, including worldwide and local vendors. It has m an arcade, bowling alley, and food court. The mall also contains a movie theater.

Location: Plot 5 and 6, Old Aerodrome Road Along Sango-UI Road, Samonda, GRA, Ibadan

Price Range: Depends on what you purchase

Best For: Group Hangouts

14. The Lekan Salami Stadium

Adamasingba Field, another name for Lekan Salami Stadium, is a multi-use field in Ibadan, Nigeria. Shooting Stars FC and other Ibadan-based teams play their home games there. 

It is mainly used for football games these days. The venue can hold up to 18,000 people. The stadium opened in 1977 and was first known as Adamasingba Stadium. 

They changed the name to Lekan Salami Stadium in 1998 to honor Chief Lekan Salami, a Nigerian football manager who started Shooting Stars FC.

Lekan Salami Stadium has been the site of many major sports events, such as the Nigerian Premier League, the Nigeria Cup, and the African Cup of Nations qualifying.

Festivals and performances have also taken place there. An extensive stadium makeover occurred in 2021, adding new seats, a new playing field, and a new drainage system. 

The Oyo State government paid for the makeover as part of its plan to make the stadium better for significant sports events.

Ibadan is a friendly and hospitable city; its people are well-known for their friendliness. If you want to visit a city with a rich history, culture, and gastronomy, Ibadan is the place to go.

In addition to the above, Ibadan is well-known for its delectable cuisine. Several city restaurants and street food booths provide traditional Nigerian meals, including amala and ewedu, pounded yam and egusi soup, and jollof rice. 

Ibadan is also famous for its distinctive foods, including moin moin, akara, and puff puff.

15. Ibadan City Mall

Ibadan City Mall is a contemporary retail mall in Ibadan, Nigeria. It debuted in 2016 and is one of West Africa’s biggest retail complexes. The mall has over 150 shops, including worldwide and local brands, and a theater, food court, and children’s play area.

Ibadan City Mall is a famous destination for both residents and visitors. It is an excellent location for shopping for clothing, shoes, gadgets, and other items. Several restaurants also provide Nigerian and foreign cuisine within the mall. 

16. Filmhouse Cinema

Filmhouse Cinemas is a movie theater franchise with many sites in Ibadan, Nigeria. It is an excellent venue for seeing the most recent Hollywood and Nollywood films. The theaters are clean and well-kept, and the personnel are kind and helpful.

17. Apollo’s Lounge

Like Mauve, this is another spot for the big boys and girls. It’s like the icing on the cake of posh life in Ibadan.

With its watertight security, amazing shows, fantastic music, and amazing bars, you get the treat of a lifetime here.

Location: Palms Shopping Mall, Ringroad, Ibadan

Price Range: #7000 upwards

Best For: Nightlife and Vibes

18. Latitude Cafe & Lounge

LAST but not least is Latitude; if you love décor, class, and a posh environment, this is the place for you.

As people would always describe it, Latitude is beyond beautiful, with impeccable service from its waiters and staff.

It’s definitely a place to consider for a serious date or perhaps to pop the ring.

Location: V2/V3 Ventura Mall, Sango-Ojoo Road, Ibadan

Price Range: #5000 upwards

Best For: Dates and Vibes

19. The IITA Forest Reserve

The IITA Forest Reserve is a natural reserve situated in Ibadan’s outskirts. It supports various flora and animals, including monkeys, snakes, and birds. Hiking, camping, and birding are all popular activities in the reserve.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) created the forest reserve in 1967. The IITA is a research institution committed to improving farmers’ lives in tropical and subtropical nations.

The woodland reserve is significant for a variety of reasons. It is a location where visitors may learn about the environment and a habitat for various flora and animals. People may also come to the forest reserve to relax and appreciate nature.

20. The Trans Wonderland

Trans Wonderland is an entertainment park situated on Ibadan’s outskirts. It has a roller coaster, a water park, and a petting zoo among its rides and attractions. Trans Wonderland is a popular destination for families and children looking to have a good time.

Trans Wonderland opened in 2019 and is one of Nigeria’s biggest and most contemporary amusement parks. The park features rides and several attractions for people of all ages, including:

1. Roller coaster: The park’s iconic roller coaster attraction is a must-do for thrill lovers.  Water park: The water park is a terrific spot to cool down on a hot day, with various slides and pools for all ages.

2. Petting zoo: A nice spot for youngsters to learn about and interact with animals is the petting zoo.  Other attractions: Other attractions in the park include a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and a bumper car track.

Trans Wonderland is a fun destination to visit with family and friends. The park is clean, and the staff is kind and helpful. Trans Wonderland has something for everyone and is guaranteed a fantastic day out for the entire family.

21. The Adire Museum

The Adire Museum is devoted to the art of adire, a traditional Yoruba cloth-dyeing method. The museum features exhibitions on the history and culture of adire and an adire textile collection.

The Adire Museum, inaugurated in 2015, is the first museum in Nigeria devoted to the art of adire. The displays in the museum address the history of adire, the many forms of adire, and the cultural value of adire. 

The museum also contains a collection of adire fabrics from various locations of Nigeria and historical periods.

The Adire Museum is an excellent site to learn about Adire art and Yoruba culture. The exhibits in the museum are educational and well-presented, and the staff is knowledgeable and courteous. 

There is also a gift store within the museum where visitors can buy various adire goods.

22. The Cocoa House

Cocoa House is a 25-story structure formerly the highest in West Africa. It was constructed in the 1960s to store and export cocoa beans. Cocoa House is now a prominent tourist destination and a symbol of Ibadan’s heritage.

The Western Nigeria Development Business (WNDC), a government-owned business founded in 1955 to promote the economic development of Western Nigeria, erected Cocoa House. 

The WNDC was in charge of several significant development projects in Western Nigeria, such as building roads, trains, and industries.

Creating Cocoa House was a significant accomplishment for the WNDC and the people of Western Nigeria. It represented the region’s economic success and dedication to progress. Cocoa House was also a cultural emblem for the area. 

Cocoa was Western Nigeria’s most significant export crop, and Cocoa House served as a reminder of the region’s prominence in the worldwide cocoa trade.

Queen Elizabeth II formally opened Cocoa House in 1965. The Queen’s visit was a significant occasion for Ibadan and Nigeria. It was a symbol of the country’s rising global significance.

Cocoa House has played an essential part in Ibadan and Nigerian history. It has symbolized the region’s economic growth, cultural identity, and global significance.

23. The Mapo Hall

Mapo Hall is a historic structure from the early 1900s. It served as both a courtroom and a town hall. Mapo Hall is now a museum with exhibits on the history of Ibadan and the Yoruba people.

The British colonial administration constructed Mapo Hall. It was one of the earliest important public structures constructed in Ibadan. Mapo Hall represented the authority and power of the British colonial administration.

Mapo Hall was also a gathering place for Yoruba people to discuss and debate important matters. Mapo Hall was a space where Yorubas could express their cultural identity and hopes for the future.

Mapo Hall has significantly impacted the history of Ibadan and the Yoruba people. It has served as a symbol of British colonial power and Yoruba cultural identity.

 Conclusion

That brings us to the end of the list of the best places to hangout in Ibadan. We hope you enjoyed reading the article and that you have a place in mind on our list for your next date or outing.

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