Are you planning a visit to The Eastern Heartland State? With its sightseer fascinations, epicurean delights and unrivaled hospitality, Owerri enchants first-time visitors and long-time residents alike.

Once considered less exciting than neighboring cities such as Port Harcourt, it has evolved into much more than just a city. Today, it is an ideal symbol of the possibilities of urban living in the 21st century – affordable, friendly and full of pleasure-seeking delights. It is saddening when visitors to Owerri complain on how less-than-thrilled they were with their stay, so, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal has picked 5 tips for first-time visitors eager to have fun in Owerri, Nigeria.

Ditch your car.

While travelling with your car or sending it ahead (if you are travelling by air) may seem like a great and cost-effective idea, it might not be the best option. Owerri is a dense city with many public transportation options – Taxis, Buses and Tricycles (popularly known as keke-na-pep).

Aside from the fact that not all the roads are well constructed and might damage your car, you do not want to waste your time looking for a hard-to-find parking spot. So take a bus into the city, or a cab from the airport. Once there, take public buses, the tricycle – keke or walk. The keke is the most popular means of transportation. It is most convenient and you can maintain privacy by hiring a personal tricycle.

Choose a hotel in New Owerri.

Anyone who has visited Owerri City will affirm that the New Owerri part of the city has the best array of hotel options – from budget to high-end. New Owerri is not only convenient as it provides easy access to most parts of the city, and transportation is plentiful in the area; it is also the entertainment hub of the city as you will find most of the hotels, nightclubs and entertainment spots in that area. The landscape is also properly planned and safe.

Treat yourself to Channel O sharwarma.

Channel O is a quirky, local business known for the most delectable Sharwarma in the city. While the recipe for Sharwama in Owerri is generally not same as the classic Lebanese or Arabic Sharwama recipe, the best adaptation of the continental snack is found at Channel O.

The sharwarma spot is located in Ikenegbu, a popular area in the city, and the price range is between 600 to 800 Naira. Note that the place can get very busy sometimes and you might have to wait in a long queue to get your package.

Dine local

When you are visiting a city for the first time or have not been somewhere in a long time, you will want to get the most local experience while you are there. Search for local places to eat, as they will give you the best local food options in the city, and you can also see other people’s experiences. Some of the popular local restaurants are found in Ikenegbu area of the city. Mama G and Nda Letti are popular choices. Vegetarian visitors can easily enjoy the city as much as meat lovers as some of the local dishes are non-meat or special dishes.

Enjoy the Nightlife

Owerri is widely known for its remarkable nightlife. With five tertiary institutions in the city, it is populated with a large number of young people and so the clubs and lounges are never empty.

People from neighboring towns and cities visit the city in droves during weekend as the nightlife is considered epic. There are quite a number of clubs, pubs, lounges and beer parlours to consider, and the good thing about nightlife in this city is that no one is too old to fit in. From young to older adults in their 40’s and 50’s, there is a spot for everyone.

Take a walk to the nearest club, have a drink, maybe a plate of spiced meat and you are bound to have a great time. The people in the town are friendly so making friends should be easy!

True, oh yes, true!

if travel to owerri and never enter ibariogwa you never start. I live in lagos but owerri is still my best city when it comes to fun and native ditches. ...ebe ke anyi,,.. live there this comming december by Gods grace

The place is quite cool sha! but u must hold money o! and you must be mentally alert at all times!

OWERRI - my people my people!!!