How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria

Zaria, Nigeria, Zaria, Travel Planning & Tips Pages, How to Avoid Tourist Traps

How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria

1. Local Markets of Zaria

Avoid the touristy shops selling overpriced souvenirs. Visit local markets for authentic goods at reasonable prices.
  • Authentic Goods: Locally made, unique Nigerian crafts and textiles
  • Local Prices: Avoid overpriced tourist traps; haggle for the best price
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of Zaria's local markets

2. Emir's Palace (Palace of the Sarkin Kudaru)

Avoid guides offering overpriced tours. Learn about the palace history from the local guards.
  • Historical Knowledge: Learn about the rich history and culture of the Sarkin Kudaru
  • Cost-effective: Avoid the additional costs of hiring a guide; speak with local guards instead
  • Respectful Engagement: Engage in respectful dialogue with local guards, showing interest in their traditions and customs

3. Dahomey Barracks Museum

Avoid the guided tour; explore at your own pace to discover hidden stories.
  • Self-guided Experience: Explore artifacts and exhibits at your own pace, immersing yourself in the museum's history
  • Hidden Stories: Uncover stories beyond what is highlighted on guided tours
  • Cost-effective: Avoid the extra costs of a guided tour; explore freely while still learning about the museum's history

4. Zaria Mall

Avoid overpriced restaurants and shops. Find local eateries and stores inside.
  • Local Eateries: Discover authentic Nigerian cuisine at affordable prices
  • Cost-effective: Avoid the tourist trap prices; find local stores and eateries inside
  • Modern Atmosphere: Experience a modern shopping center with a mix of Nigerian and global retail options

5. Kofar Wambai Market

Avoid the touristy shops selling overpriced textiles. Find affordable, high-quality fabrics at this market.
  • Affordable Prices: Find quality Nigerian textiles at reasonable prices
  • Wide Selection: Discover a vast array of fabrics, dyes, and patterns to choose from
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience the lively atmosphere of Zaria's textile market

6. Zuma Rock

Avoid tour companies offering overpriced packages. Hire a local driver or use public transportation to reach this iconic landmark.
  • Affordable Transportation: Reach Zuma Rock using budget-friendly transportation options
  • Authentic Experience: Experience the natural beauty of Zuma Rock without a tour company's markup
  • Photography Opportunities: Capture breathtaking photos of this iconic, towering formation

7. Murtala Square

Avoid crowded, overpriced restaurants. Discover local eateries serving delicious street food.
  • Delicious Street Food: Indulge in authentic Nigerian cuisine at affordable prices
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of Murtala Square
  • Cost-effective: Avoid tourist trap prices; find affordable street food options at Murtala Square

8. Zaria Arts Society

Avoid overpriced art galleries. Visit the Zaria Arts Society for affordable and authentic works.
  • Affordable Artwork: Purchase authentic Nigerian artwork at reasonable prices
  • Cultural Immersion: Learn about Zaria's vibrant art scene and connect with local artists
  • Unique Artworks: Discover unique, traditional, and contemporary Nigerian artworks

9. Nigerian Air Force Museum

Avoid guided tours; explore at your own pace to discover the lesser-known exhibits.
  • Self-guided Experience: Explore artifacts and exhibits at your own pace, immersing yourself in the museum's history
  • Hidden Stories: Uncover stories beyond what is highlighted on guided tours
  • Cost-effective: Avoid the extra costs of a guided tour; explore freely while still learning about the museum's history

10. Funtua Road

Avoid crowded restaurants and shops. Find local eateries and stores along this bustling road.
  • Local Eateries: Discover authentic Nigerian cuisine at affordable prices
  • Cost-effective: Avoid tourist trap prices; find local stores and eateries along Funtua Road
  • Bustling Atmosphere: Experience the lively, energetic atmosphere of Zaria's bustling Funtua Road

11. Emir of Zazzau's Farm

Avoid touristy farms selling overpriced experiences. Visit the Emir of Zazzau's farm for a more authentic experience.
  • Authentic Experience: Experience farming in Zaria under the guidance of local farmers
  • Cultural Immersion: Learn about traditional farming practices and connect with local farmers
  • Cost-effective: Avoid tourist trap prices; visit the Emir of Zazzau's farm for an authentic, affordable experience

12. Zaria Cathedral

Avoid guided tours with overpriced packages. Visit the church on your own and take a self-guided tour.
  • Self-guided Experience: Explore the beautiful architecture and learn about the church's history at your own pace
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience Christian culture in Zaria and connect with local parishioners
  • Cost-effective: Avoid the extra costs of a guided tour; visit the cathedral on your own for a cost-effective experience

13. Gidan Makama Museum

Avoid overpriced exhibits. Explore the museum at your own pace to discover hidden stories.
  • Self-guided Experience: Explore artifacts and exhibits at your own pace, immersing yourself in the museum's history
  • Hidden Stories: Uncover stories beyond what is highlighted on guided tours
  • Cost-effective: Avoid the extra costs of a guided tour; explore freely while still learning about the museum's history

14. Kofar Gayan Market

Avoid touristy shops selling overpriced textiles. Find affordable, high-quality fabrics at this market.
  • Affordable Prices: Find quality Nigerian textiles at reasonable prices
  • Wide Selection: Discover a vast array of fabrics, dyes, and patterns to choose from
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience the lively atmosphere of Zaria's textile market

15. Sabon Gari Market

Avoid overpriced restaurants and shops. Find local eateries and stores inside.
  • Local Eateries: Discover authentic Nigerian cuisine at affordable prices
  • Cost-effective: Avoid tourist trap prices; find local stores and eateries inside
  • Modern Atmosphere: Experience a modern shopping center with a mix of Nigerian and global retail options