Source: Travel Jumia

  Have you ever sited a city that still imbues its cultural heritage into the social, financial and political affairs of its citizens? If you haven’t, let me introduce one of the few cities that is modernized and keeps its historical character intact! Benin City! In the southernmost part of Nigeria, there lies a place that holds you spellbound. As the capital city of Edo state, Benin City covers a whopping geographical location with a diversified vegetation to boast. The local language is Benin, but tourists can effortlessly navigate themselves with English as means of communication. Benin City is also imbued with rubber plantation, thus it has an especial contribution to the national industry of rubber. 
 
     You get amazed at the very threshold of the city when you gaze at the copious magnificent palm trees. Their aligned structure and enormity can hypnotize you while you embark on your journey to Benin City. Surprisingly, this is only city in Nigeria that incorporates the word “city” when being referred. Why? Let’s turn back the hands of time.
     Being proud of originating from here, I must cite this: Benin City was the first place to be visited by the Europeans (Portuguese). Trade between the Portuguese and Benin was mainly in coral beads, cloths for ceremonial attire quantities in exchange of tobacco, spices, ivory, earthenware etc. The bronzes, statues and other artistic items fascinated the travelers and at a time the road infrastructure was likened to that of the streets of Amsterdam. When I heard about the mythological history of the Binis , I uninterruptedly paid  rapt attention. From the formation of the name (Benin) and the long-lasting dynasties (Ogiso and Eweka) down to the exercise of slave trade, you will definitely be thrilled. The state of Edo was one of the founding empires in Africa - the Benin Imperial Kingdom.       The reputation of the Benin Kingdom went viral between the 15th and 16th century.

Time to tour
 Some of the attractions you would surely esteem are the above…

1) The Royal Palace.
As a tourist, one of the places you would appreciate exploring is the Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin. “Oba” means King in the Benin Language and its palace is situated at the heart of Benin City. A visit there would be purely edifying as you  will be exposed to the customs and tradition of the Kingdom. However, it is advisable that you comply with the rules around there at it would be unwelcomed if you don’t. They are not hard to obey. It’s just that the Oba and his kinsmen are very sensitive with the choice of colors. For instance, black and red aren’t appreciated as they are perceived as colors of omen and bloodshed respectively.

2) The Igun Street
If you are a lover of art, you would definitely acclaim the artistic materials of Igun Street. This is a tourist site that hosts a gratifying number of bronzes and brass. The place is highly visited as every souvenir encapsulates an element Benin’s historical past. Don’t leave this place without getting one.

3) Benin National Museum
 If you were to amass all the museums in Nigeria and point at the one of the most sought after, the Benin National Museum would lead the way. It is a large museum that embodies three different galleries with many artifacts stemming from the early ages of Benin Kingdom.

4) Ogba Zoo Nature Park

Source: Hotels.ng

  How would you come to Africa and not cherish the impressive wildlife in the zoos? You wouldn’t. Therefore, another place to be when traveling to Benin City is the Ogba Zoo Natural Park. It houses various species of the animal kingdom that are enthralling. You will be marveled by the fearsome lions and gargantuan chimpanzees.  When I visited the park for the first time, I was enthused by the whopping size of the tortoises. They were so cute and intimidating at the same time. Funny, isn’t it? The park is suitable for tranquil walks, refreshing picnics and exhilarating excursions.

5) Kada Cinemas and Plaza

Source: Nitestay

  Are you a movie freak?  Then take a break from the historical and cultural digestion and watch some of the updated movies in Kada Cinemas. If you wish to taste a more familiar cuisine, the Chinese Restaurant in the plaza would be at your services.

Where to stay.
 Of course you would need to settle accommodation. So I am pleased to inform you that my hometown is a wizard in the hospitality industry. The hotels here ensure customized services for optimal satisfaction. Let’s take a look at 2 of them.

Uyi  Grand  Hotel. If you desire luxury, this is the best spot for that. The suites, the bars, the rooms and wireless access points are superb. It is situated in Auchi, a picturesque area close to Benin. Their cuisine encompasses sumptuous food and wine. 
Constatia Hotel is another exceptional accommodation center. This 5-star hotel is proximate to the International Airport in Benin, so directives would be easily accessed. Facilities, such as swimming pools and event centers are guest friendly and the diversified African cuisine is worth giving a try.

Source: Hotels.ng

Nightlife in Benin City 
Once the sun goes down, the beats of music highlight the nightlife in the city. The clubs and lounge bars are very entertaining. The three centers to explore and dance the vitality out of you are Hexagon Nightclub, Novonia and Jokers. In Hexagon, there are two floors - a club upstairs to groove some dance moves and a lounge bar upstairs to enjoy some refreshing cocktails. Novonia is characterized by the international and national music and the Djs’ are specialized in hip hop. Jokers is another recognized entertainment center.  The place is populous and enlivened with music beats that make your feet move unconsciously. 

All in all, Benin City is an intriguing destination. You would be more than enchanted when you arrive here because the Binis are very attentive and welcoming to international tourists. Ensure you exploit every facet of Benin City’s tourism and hospitality. I wish you a worthwhile stay here in Benin City-the Heartbeat of the Nation.