Are you visiting Ibadan for the first time? And you seek to have maximum fun as a tourist, then planning your itinerary well is probably what's on your mind right now. The ancient city is most times seen as a local place and most visitors expect less. But, you will be astonished to find out that Ibadan isn't what it used to be before now.

Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State is finally emerging as one of the top tourist destinations in Nigeria. For a city which is home to major landmarks in Nigeria, Ibadan is fast becoming a center of tourism. IBcity, as it is fondly called, can today, boast of many art and cultural centers, hotels, restaurants, ecotourism sites, shopping malls, entertainments hubs, recreational centers and many other attractions you are sure to love.

However, as a tourist, your visit to Ibadan will be termed incomplete if you fail to visit any these exciting tourist attractions. They include;

1. Ventura Mall

For an exciting dining, gaming and entertainment experience, Ventura Mall is easily the best place to get it in Ibadan. It is an easy access mall which you would easily find along Sango-Samonda road.

The mall features a cinema, an arcade game center, and a cafe and lounge, Latitude. Latitude has to be one of the best places to eat out in Ibadan at an affordable price. Ventura mall environment is equally serene for relaxing and unwinding.

2. Cocoa Mall

For an exciting shopping experience, you should visit Cocoa Mall. The mall which is not far off from the major road can easily be located at Dugbe. Cocoa mall houses Shoprite, PEP, Da viva and many other stores.

From clothing to groceries and every other thing in between, you will get it all here at Cocoa Mall. Prices are also affordable as you need not break the bank to enjoy an exciting shopping spree.

3. National Museum of Unity

If you are a lover of art and culture, then you definitely should visit the National Museum of Unity. The museum is situated around Aleshinloye area of Ibadan. With about four galleries including the masquerade and pottery gallery, you will learn about the Yoruba culture at a glance.

They are opened daily except Sundays and entry fee is reasonably priced also.

4. University of Ibadan Zoological Garden

The premier university of Nigeria houses one of the favorite ecotourism attraction in Ibadan. The Zoological garden can easily be found at the Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan. You are sure to have a swell time viewing and learning more about animals native to Africa.

Some animals you are sure to view are baboons, lions, crocodiles, snakes, birds, hyenas, giraffe and many more. You can also visit the zoo natural history museum where you will view exciting things. With an entry of N500, you will enjoy relaxing in serene and safe environment while you enjoy your snacks and drinks.

5. Agodi Garden

Agodi Garden is another ecotourism site in Ibadan which is located at Agodi. Agodi Garden is a nature-based fun-filled leisure park. Unlike the University of Ibadan Zoological Garden, Agodi Garden features more facilities like a water park, a swimming pool, mini zoo and ample space for picnicking.

This is one of the best places to relax in a serene environment as well as enjoy plenty of nature in Ibadan. The entry fee is also reasonably priced and will definitely not eat deep into your pocket.

I guess you will take a cue from this list and have an exciting tourism experience in Ibadan.

Kuku add Jisol Event centre on your list.

How is Ventura mall a tourist centre? You could as well say GQ, House 25, Shoprite are same too.

Ventura Mall was listed because it holds some fun, amusement and enjoyment for tourists.

Yes, I can also list GQ and others as other attractions that abound in Ibadan because a tourist can visit a particular tourist destination for different reasons among which may be for leisure purpose.