What are the best things to do in Kano?
Top picks in Kano include Kurmi market, Gidan Makama Museum, Gidan Dan Hausa Museum and Kano State Cultural Centre, Great Mosque of Kano. See the full list and itinerary on this Kano travel guide.
.jpg?width=1920)
Photo: Ummigarba · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Kano
Travel guide for Kano, Nigeria — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Kano is a stop in Nigeria, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Kurmi market, Gidan Makama Museum, Gidan Dan Hausa Museum and Kano State Cultural Centre instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 35–95 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season for the most comfortable travel. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season for the most comfortable travel
Weather
Largely warm year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons
Experiences
Things to do in Kano
1
Kurmi market
2
Gidan Makama Museum
3
Gidan Dan Hausa Museum and Kano State Cultural Centre
4
Great Mosque of Kano
5
Kano Zoo
6
Emir's Palace
7
Roxy Amusement Park
Budget travel
Free things to do in Kano
Kurmi market
Great Mosque of Kano
Roxy Amusement Park
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Kano itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Kurmi market
- Visit Gidan Makama Museum
- Visit Gidan Dan Hausa Museum and Kano State Cultural Centre
- Eat at Falamanki
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Great Mosque of Kano
- Visit Kano Zoo
- Visit Emir's Palace
- Eat at Palace Restaurant
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Roxy Amusement Park
- Eat at Lebanon Club
Budget
Kano trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 35–95
per person / day
Luxury
USD 110–180+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Kano, Nigeria. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Kano
Estimated total (USD)
$1,935
≈ $968 per person · $276 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $70/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Kano mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 35–95 · luxury 110–180+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Falamanki
A nice place where you can spend time alone or with your loved ones. Their food is amazing and they serve the best Chapman in the whole of K
Palace Restaurant
Surprisingly good Chinese food. Not too expensive and serves beer. No pork, so only try the dumplings if you like the idea of beef in your d
Lebanon Club
Lebanese fare (hummus, kebabs, falafel, etc). Serves beer. Members only, but visitors can pay ₦200 to get in, negotiate if you are just visi
Gusto Restaurant
Dine-in. Takeaway. No contact delivery.
Cilantro Restaurant & Lounge
Dine-in.Takeaway.Delivery.
Meenas Restaurant
Dine-in.Takeaway.Delivery.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Chilla Luxury and Suites
Each room has an air conditioner, a study desk, wireless internet, flat screen TV, and a refrigerator. Also available at the hotel are a bus
- $
Prince Hotel
Prince Hotel is a well-run hotel in a quiet district and is a favourite with expatriates and NGOs. Security is good, and you will find all c
- $
Tahir Guest Palace
Tahir Guest Palace is a sprawling complex of buildings containing probably the largest number of rooms in Kano. Security is OK. Rooms are al
- $
Royal Tropicana Hotel
Tropicana is a large hotel similar to the Tahir. The standard rooms are cozy but well kept with a/c, tv, fridge, etc. Internet is excellent
Shopping
- Ado Bayero Mall
- Jifatu supermarket
- Kano City Supermarket
- Zango supermarket
- Abu sabir-Store
- Sahad store
Nightlife
- FAAN club Kano
- Mama Oghale Tavern
- Eddie King Burger
Museums & culture
- Gidan Makama Museum
- Gidan Dan Hausa Museum and Kano State Cultural Centre
- Great Mosque of Kano
- Emir's Palace
In pictures
Kano gallery
Good to know
Kano travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Kano?
The dry season for the most comfortable travel.
How many days do I need in Kano?
Plan at least 3 days in Kano for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Kano?
Popular stays in Kano include Chilla Luxury and Suites, Prince Hotel, Tahir Guest Palace. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Kano cost?
On the ground in Kano (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 35–95, and luxury about 110–180+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Kano, Nigeria. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
