Travel to Port Harcourt: A Guide for foreigners visiting Port Harcourt for fun

By Esther Omuzor

27 November 2019

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Port Harcourt which is sometimes referred to as Pitakwa is the capital and largest city of Rivers State, Nigeria. It lies along the Bonny River and is located in the Niger Delta region. It was established as a port city by the colonial government to export coal from the town of Enugu. Port Harcourt has since grown to become one of the most important metropolises in the country.  Affectionately known as the Garden City, Port Harcourt is so known because of its array of trees and flowers that are beautifully planted on street corners and sidewalks around the city. As a result of the concentration of oil and gas companies in Port Harcourt, the city constantly has a lot of expatriates from all over the world visiting and living in it. 

How to get to Port Harcourt

Port Harcourt can be reached by air via the Port Harcourt International Airport. It connects to several African cities and cities all over the world such as Paris and Frankfurt among others. Port Harcourt can be reached by road through any of the nearby cities of Owerri, Yenagoa, Aba, Warri, and Uyo.

Best road transportation companies in Nigeria

How to move around Port Harcourt

Buses, bikes, tricycles, taxis, and cabs are the most common means of transportation in Port Harcourt. Bikes are commonly referred to as Okada while tricycles are called Keke. The choice of commuting is usually dependent on the distance and area you find yourself in. Some highbrow areas and estates have placed a ban on Kekes and Okadas.

Things to do in Port Harcourt

Port Harcourt city has some of the best places to visit in Nigeria. The Garden city has a lot to offer and is the perfect place to visit if you have a taste for the good things of life as there are a myriad of recreational and fun spots that will give you a fun-filled experience.

 Here are some of the top places you should visit while in Port Harcourt.

Enjoy Tasty Delicacies At Kilimanjaro Restaurant, Port Harcourt

Rivers Cultural Centre Port Harcourt

The Garden city mall

The Cultural Center plays host to a variety of literary and cultural events that are suitable for art lovers. The center exhibits artifacts that tell the history of the city and also houses shops that sell copies of these local artifacts as well as African jewelry, homewares, pottery, ceramics and souvenirs within the center. It has a theater, a stage, and an auditorium for live performances of cultural dance and plays. Read more

Port Harcourt Golf Club

The Port Harcourt Gold Club is a great place to visit all year round. There is always a tournament to thrill the lover of Golf, plus it makes for a great relaxation spot. Read more

The Rivers State Museum

The Museum

The Rivers state museum contains artifacts related to various ethnic groups indigenous to the state including bronze, pottery, masks and masquerades, household utensils, fishing gears, and currencies. It is one of the best historical place in Port Harcourt. Read more

Garden City Amusement Park

Garden City Amusement Park is a safe place that offers lots of excitement and spots tons of fun facilities. For parents bringing their children, you need not worry about finding interesting and engaging activities for your kids because the Garden City Amusement Park is a great destination to have fun. Read more

Port Harcourt Polo Club

Port Harcourt Polo Club is a great location for visitors looking for relaxation and amazing entertainment. The Club has one of the best polo playing fields in Nigeria. Read more

Port Harcourt City Mall

The Port Harcourt City Mall is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Port Harcourt. It is simply called Port Harcourt Mall by the locals. The mall serves as a landmark in the city for people looking to have quality items and fun. If you are in Port Harcourt and you seek fun away from the beaches and island, the Port Harcourt City Mall is your best bet. Get all that you need from this city mall, ranging from groceries, cosmetics, perfumes, clothing items etc. Read more

Port Harcourt Tourist Beach

One place you definitely have to visit when in Port Harcourt is the amazing man-made tourist beach created along the Kolabi Creek line, old Port Harcourt. Its location has an advantage over others as it is on the edge of the city, such that visitors can take a walk through the hiking trails. The designers of the beach created a serene environment for visitors to have a good time. Read more

Isaac Boro Garden Park

Isaac Boro Park is an outdoor recreation facility, named after one of the minorities rights activists of the South-South region. The park aside being open to the public is also used for government functions such as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Workers Day events and National Youth Service Corp send-off parade. Read more

Ifoko Beach

Ifoko beach?is a popular hangout spot in Port Harcourt. Unlike the Port Harcourt?Tourist beach, this is not man-made. Well maintained by the local residents, it is one of the best beaches Port Harcourt has to offer. This beach is the source of livelihood to local fishermen in the area. Visitors and tourists alike are treated to freshly caught seafood at local restaurants close to the beach. Read more

The Best hotels in Port Harcourt:

Golden Tulip Port Harcourt Hotel

Best Western Hotel GRA

Ogeyi Place Hotel

Landmark Hotel

Novotel Port Harcourt

De Edge Hotel

Swiss Spirit Hotel & Suites Danag

Mina Hotels

Polo Court

Dmatel Hotel and Resort PH

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