10 Unique Things To Do Year-Round in Bida Nigeria

Key Takeaways:

• Bida is a cultural powerhouse with a rich royal legacy and one of Nigeria’s most vibrant artisan traditions.

• From brass workshops and colorful festivals to ancient palaces and peaceful riverside escapes, the city offers year-round discoveries.

• It’s the perfect destination for travelers looking to connect with Nigeria’s heritage away from the urban bustle.

Located in central Nigeria’s Niger State, Bida is a historic city deeply rooted in culture, craftsmanship, and tradition. Known as the home of the Nupe people, Bida is famous for its ancient royal lineage, intricate brass works, and colorful festivals like the famous Durbar. Its unique identity is shaped by centuries of Islamic influence, trade, and artistry, preserved through local markets and traditional ceremonies still practiced today. People love Bida for its warm community, slower pace of life, and the way tradition remains woven into everyday experience. Whether you’re visiting for the art, the stories, or the serene natural beauty nearby, Bida offers a deeply rewarding journey through Nigeria’s cultural heart.

Table of Contents

1. Explore the Bida Brass Market

2. Visit the Etsu Nupe Palace

3. Experience the Sallah Durbar Festival

4. Relax by the River Landzun

5. Discover Handcrafted Glass and Beadwork in Local Workshops

6. Hike the Rolling Hills Near Bida

7. Tour the Federal Polytechnic Campus Art Exhibits

8. Attend the Nupe Day Celebration

9. Explore the Bida Emirate Historical Museum

10. Try Nupe Cuisine at a Traditional Spot

1. Explore the Bida Brass Market

Bida is world-famous for its brass and bronze craftsmanship, and no trip is complete without a visit to the city’s brass market. Here, you’ll find artisans who’ve perfected their techniques over generations—casting intricate trays, vessels, jewelry, and decorative items by hand using traditional methods. The market is lively, colorful, and filled with the rhythmic sounds of hammers striking metal.

Visiting the brass market isn’t just about shopping—it’s about witnessing a living tradition. You can watch the artisans at work, speak with them about their craft, and even commission a personalized piece. Whether you’re buying or browsing, the artistry on display is unmatched in West Africa. It’s a cultural experience that connects you directly to Bida’s creative soul.

2. Visit the Etsu Nupe Palace

The Etsu Nupe Palace is the spiritual and political seat of the Nupe Kingdom and one of the most revered institutions in Niger State. Though access to the interior is limited without invitation, visitors can admire the architecture, stroll the palace grounds, and learn about the Nupe royal lineage through local guides or elders.

The palace represents centuries of leadership, culture, and diplomacy, and is an important hub during festivals and state visits. If you visit during a royal event or national celebration, you may even catch a glimpse of traditional attire, equestrian parades, and ceremonial music. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder of Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage and living monarchies.

3. Experience the Sallah Durbar Festival

Held during Eid celebrations, the Sallah Durbar in Bida is one of the most visually stunning festivals in Nigeria. Hundreds of horsemen dressed in colorful traditional attire line the streets in ceremonial parades that blend Islamic celebration with pre-colonial pageantry. The event brings together royal guards, musicians, dancers, and tribal leaders in a dazzling public display of Nupe pride.

Sallah Durbar is open to the public and creates a festive atmosphere that takes over the entire city. If you time your visit to coincide with it, you’ll witness unforgettable moments—from synchronized horseback acrobatics to the reverent presence of the Etsu Nupe himself. It’s a photographer’s dream and a cultural memory you’ll carry forever.

4. Relax by the River Landzun

A peaceful counterpart to the city’s energetic markets and festivals, River Landzun provides a calm retreat just a short drive from the city center. The riverside is a popular local spot for picnicking, reflection, and fishing, with shaded banks and a cool breeze nearly all year round.

Visiting during dry season makes the area more accessible, while the wet season adds a lush green backdrop perfect for nature lovers. It’s a great spot to enjoy local snacks, read a book under a tree, or watch birds glide over the water. For travelers looking to slow down and connect with nature, River Landzun is an essential stop.

5. Discover Handcrafted Glass and Beadwork in Local Workshops

Beyond brass, Bida is also known for its unique bead and glass artistry, rooted in Nupe tradition. Local workshops offer insight into how colorful beads and blown glass items are created using time-honored methods. Artisans work in small studios or even open-air compounds, melting, shaping, and assembling pieces with incredible precision.

You can visit these spots with a guide or ask around in the market for directions—locals are usually eager to share their crafts. It’s a perfect activity for creative travelers and those interested in learning the deeper stories behind what they see in local shops. Watching glass come to life over a flame is mesmerizing, and taking home a handmade piece feels like carrying part of Bida with you.

6. Hike the Rolling Hills Near Bida

Bida may be best known for its cultural heritage, but it’s also surrounded by gentle hills and open countryside perfect for hiking or casual trekking. These rolling landscapes offer scenic views, peaceful solitude, and a chance to witness rural life outside the city. As you walk, you’ll pass by farms, clusters of baobab trees, and perhaps even herds of goats or cows moving with their shepherds.

The best time to explore these trails is early in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is softer and the sky glows gold. Whether you’re hiking for exercise, photography, or quiet reflection, the hills offer a peaceful escape from the bustle of town. Bring water, a hat, and a camera—you’ll likely come across moments worth remembering.

7. Tour the Federal Polytechnic Campus Art Exhibits

Bida is home to one of Nigeria’s most respected polytechnic institutions, and its campus is a surprising hotspot for local art and student exhibitions. The school’s Fine Arts department frequently hosts public viewings of paintings, sculptures, photography, and mixed media that reflect both traditional and contemporary themes.

If you’re lucky, your visit may coincide with a graduation showcase or cultural event hosted on campus. The students’ work often draws on Nupe symbolism, Nigerian identity, and global influences, making for an inspiring experience. It’s a great opportunity to support young talent and connect with the next generation of Nigerian artists.

8. Attend the Nupe Day Celebration

Nupe Day, typically celebrated in June, is a major event honoring the rich history and contributions of the Nupe people. The city comes alive with parades, cultural performances, lectures, and storytelling sessions that highlight Nupe traditions, achievements, and pride. It’s also a time when traditional rulers and dignitaries from around Nigeria gather in Bida to commemorate their shared heritage.

If you’re in town during Nupe Day, expect to see elaborate costumes, drumming, and dances that date back centuries. It’s not just a spectacle—it’s an immersive lesson in identity and resilience. As a visitor, you’ll be welcomed warmly and likely invited to share in the festivities, food, and fun.

9. Explore the Bida Emirate Historical Museum

Located within the city, the Bida Emirate Historical Museum offers a curated glimpse into the kingdom’s past through artifacts, photographs, manuscripts, and royal regalia. The museum isn’t large, but it’s packed with fascinating detail—from war drums to ceremonial garments to antique trade tools.

Local guides often double as historians and storytellers, offering engaging narratives about the Nupe people’s social structure, economy, and artistic legacy. The museum is a perfect complement to other cultural stops like the Etsu Nupe Palace or brass market, offering deeper insight into what makes Bida such a unique destination.

10. Try Nupe Cuisine at a Traditional Spot

No visit to Bida is complete without sitting down to a hearty traditional Nupe meal. Dishes like miyan kuka (baobab leaf soup), tuwo masara (cornmeal swallow), pepa soup, and spicy kilishi (dried meat) offer bold, unforgettable flavors unique to the region. Many of these meals are served with local vegetables and handmade sauces passed down through generations.

Ask locals to recommend a trusted roadside buka or eatery—they’re often where the most authentic food is found. The hospitality is generous, and the portions often reflect the warmth of the host. Sharing a traditional meal here is as much a social experience as it is a culinary one.

What to do if you have kids?

Bida is a relaxed, family-friendly city that makes traveling with children easy and engaging. Outdoor spots like River Landzun and local parks offer space to run, picnic, or watch nature. The brass and bead markets are also surprisingly fun for kids, who enjoy watching the artisans create shiny objects by hand. During festivals like Durbar or Nupe Day, children are often given front-row views and special attention from performers and elders. Restaurants are typically welcoming to families, and the slower pace of life in Bida gives you time to explore without stress.

Where to Discover Free Events in Bida Nigeria This Week

If you’re looking to experience local life without spending much, check out https://planmyweekend.ai for real-time listings of free and fun events in Bida. From cultural talks and traditional ceremonies to community fairs and pop-up art shows, our platform helps you uncover what’s happening right now. Just enter your location and travel dates to explore curated activities designed to bring you closer to the heart of the city. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, you’ll find events that help you experience Bida like a local—without spending a dime.

Final Thoughts on Planning a Trip Here

Bida is one of those cities that quietly surprises and deeply satisfies. With its living traditions, warm hospitality, and stunning craftsmanship, it offers a truly unique travel experience off the beaten path. Whether you come for the Durbar, the art, or simply the rhythm of local life, you’ll leave with a richer understanding of Nigeria’s cultural heart. Slow down, look closer, and let Bida show you its story—one handcrafted piece, riverside breeze, and royal procession at a time.