About
Calabar is a coastal city in Cross River State, in southern Nigeria. It serves as the state capital, and it is best known to visitors for its carnival and for its colonial-era architecture, which sets it apart from many other Nigerian cities.
What draws visitors
- The carnival. Calabar's annual carnival is the event the city is most associated with, bringing music, dance and street celebration into its streets.
- Colonial architecture. Older buildings from the colonial period give parts of the city a distinctive character, and walking through them is a natural way to see its past.
- A coastal setting. Its position on the coast gives the city a different rhythm from inland Nigerian towns.
Planning a visit
Calabar is a major tourist destination within Nigeria, so it suits travellers who want to combine cultural events with time spent exploring the city on foot or by local transport. Visiting around the carnival period gives the fullest sense of the city's public life, while a quieter visit allows more time with its architecture and coastal surroundings.
Anyone deciding whether to go should look for current information on travel conditions and event dates before setting out, as these can change from year to year.