Fun Things to Do in Akure (2025 Guide) — Top Places to Visit & Explore

666

Akure isn’t a city that tries too hard to impress you; it grows on you. It’s lively without being loud, and its mix of old traditions and modern rhythm gives it a personality that’s impossible to miss. 

Between its rich royal history, bustling markets, and serene escapes, there are plenty of fun things to do in Akure that reveal a side of the city beyond government offices and student life.

This article takes you through some of the best experiences Akure has to offer, from its rich cultural heritage to its diverse food, outdoor adventures, and local charm.

 

Culture, History, And Local Life In Akure

Akure’s story starts with its history, rooted in centuries of traditional leadership. The Deji of Akure Palace embodies this heritage, with artefacts, historic furniture, and architecture that reflect the city’s royal past. 

Visiting the palace offers insight into Akure’s role in shaping the region. The city’s culture comes alive in its festivals, traditional music, and craftsmanship. 

These elements of cultural heritage in Akure are preserved alongside modern life, giving the city a unique identity that seamlessly blends the old and the new.

Every day, the best way to experience local life in Akure is at Oja Oba Market, the bustling heart of the city. 

Stalls overflow with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and street snacks. Walking through the market gives a real sense of the city’s rhythm and vibrancy.

 

Fun Things To Do In Akure For Nature And Outdoor Lovers

If you enjoy open spaces and a touch of adventure, Akure and its surroundings have plenty to offer. From rocky climbs to quiet gardens, these fun activities in Akure offer travellers a mix of nature, culture, and discovery, all within a short distance of the city.

• Idanre Hills

A 30-minute drive from Akure, this UNESCO-listed site is easily the highlight of adventure activities in Akure. The climb leads past ancient steps, shrines, and breathtaking views that reveal how history and nature blend perfectly in Ondo State.

• Igbo Olodumare Forest

One of the most unique natural attractions near Akure, tied deeply to the Yoruba legend. The forest’s dense greenery and calm setting make it ideal for visitors seeking both reflection and a bit of mystery.

• FUTA Botanical Garden

Located within the Federal University of Technology, Akure, this garden offers one of the most serene and relaxing green spaces in Akure, ideal for picnics or a quiet afternoon walk.

• Owo Museum of Antiquities

Though it leans more historical, it’s worth adding to your list of fun things to do around Akure. In one visit, the museum’s artefacts and peaceful surroundings connect nature, history, and art.

• Ebomi Lake

If you’re looking for peaceful outdoor experiences in Akure, this lake is a wonderful escape. Its still waters and green surroundings make it perfect for slow moments, reflection, or photography away from the city noise.

• Oyemekun Rocks

One of Akure’s most overlooked spots for light adventure activities, these natural rock formations offer hiking trails, panoramic views, and a raw taste of the city’s untapped beauty.

 

Fun Things To Do In Akure: Local Favourites You Shouldn’t Miss

When it comes to fun things to do in Akure, the most memorable moments often come from everyday spots locals already love. These are the places that don’t always make travel lists but reveal the city’s real character, from buzzing markets to simple evening food streets where people gather after work.

Here are some of the top local favourites in Akure that blend food and culture with the city’s relaxed rhythm.

1. Oja Oba Market

No trip is complete without visiting Oja Oba, the largest and most active market in Akure. It’s a whole sensory experience, with traders calling out prices, piles of peppers and yams, and the scent of local spices in the air. Beyond shopping, it offers visitors a firsthand look at Akure’s culture and local life, where food, tradition, and trade continue to connect daily.

2. Alagbaka Food Street

If you’re seeking fun places to visit in Akure at night, Alagbaka Food Street delivers. It’s the city’s unofficial nightlife strip, filled with vendors grilling suya, roasting plantain, and serving fish pepper soup. The area showcases how Akure seamlessly blends relaxation with energy. Locals and visitors gather here for food, music, and casual evening fun.

3. Local Bukkas And Traditional Eateries

For authentic Nigerian food, skip the big restaurants and head to Akure’s local bukkas. Many serve classics like amala, ewedu, and pounded yams with egusi or okra soup. It’s one of the most rewarding things to do in Akure if you enjoy discovering how everyday people eat and unwind.

4. Modern Dining And Café Culture

Akure’s food scene is growing rapidly, and cafés around the Fiwasaye and Alagbaka areas reflect this shift. Places offering shawarma, pastries, and continental dishes now coexist alongside local spots. This blend of old and new gives Akure’s lifestyle a dynamic edge, a mix that’s both traditional and quietly modern.

Read More 

• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Akure with Outdoor Play Areas [2025 Guide]
• Top 10 Most Underrated Cities in Nigeria in 2025: A Traveller’s Guide
• What Makes Idanre Town More Than Just Its Hills
• All You Need to Know About KAP Film Village and Resort in Oyo State, Nigeria

 

Why Akure Is Worth Visiting

Akure may not appear on every traveller’s list, but its quiet confidence sets it apart. The city is organised, relatively calm, and easier to navigate than Nigeria’s bigger cities. 

Visitors often describe it as safe, welcoming, and steady in pace. For anyone searching for fun things to do in Akure, the city seamlessly blends culture, nature, and food in a way that feels genuinely authentic. 

You can explore Deji’s Palace, shop at Oja Oba Market, or spend time outdoors at Ebomi Lake and Oyemekun Rocks, each showing a different side of Akure’s local life.

What makes Akure worth visiting is its balance between tradition and growth. Modern cafés and hotels sit alongside age-old festivals and crafts, reflecting a city that’s developing while staying true to its roots.

If you prefer connection over crowds, Akure naturally delivers that.

 

Conclusion 

Akure’s lack of Lagos’s noise and Ibadan’s rush makes it unique. Life here moves at a steady pace, shaped by tradition yet open to modern influences.

From Ebomi Lake to the Deji’s Palace, every landmark reflects a piece of its identity, rooted in heritage, nature, and community. For tourists searching for things to do in Akure, the city offers more than just sights; it also provides a sense of place.

Akure reminds you that not every memorable trip needs grandeur; sometimes, it’s the quiet cities that stay with you the longest.

Explore Nigeria like never before — dive into our ‘Travel & Tourism’ stories on Rex Clarke Adventures and let the journey begin.

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What Are The Top Fun Things To Do In Akure?

Some of the best fun things to do in Akure include visiting Deji’s Palace, hiking at Idanre Hills (located just outside the city), relaxing by Ebomi Lake, and exploring local markets like Oja Oba for food and crafts.

2. Is Akure Safe For Tourists?

Yes, Akure is generally a safe and welcoming place. Like any Nigerian city, it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and move around with locals when possible.

3. When Is The Best Time To Visit Akure?

The best time to visit Akure is during the dry season (November to March) when the weather is clearer for outdoor activities and cultural events.

4. What Local Foods Should I Try in Akure?

Don’t miss local favourites like pounded yams with egusi soup, plantain porridge, and Akure’s spicy street snacks. You’ll find them around the Oja Oba and Alagbaka areas.

5. Is Akure Good For Family Trips?

Yes. Akure’s calm environment and community atmosphere make it an ideal place for families. Kids can enjoy green parks, while adults can explore historical and cultural sites.