Find hotels in Calabar from £9

Top reasons to visit Calabar

• Outdoor Adventures: Calabar boasts thrilling boat rides and encounters with diverse wildlife, perfect for adventure enthusiasts.
• Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in local history at the Calabar Museum and explore the rich traditions of the region.
• Family-Friendly Attractions: The city offers various activities suitable for families, ensuring everyone has a memorable time.
• Beautiful Beaches: Enjoy stunning beaches and lush landscapes, ideal for relaxation and exploration.
• Welcoming Hospitality: Known as Nigeria's home of hospitality, Calabar offers a warm and friendly atmosphere for visitors.

Find great hotels in and around Calabar

Calabar offers a delightful selection of lodging options, ranging from charming guesthouses to well-appointed hotels. Whether you're seeking a business-friendly environment, a rejuvenating spa retreat, or a romantic getaway, you'll discover accommodations that cater to your needs. Renowned establishments like the Metropolitan Hotel and Adsuit Hotel ensure a memorable stay in this vibrant city, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and business travellers alike.

• Monty Suites & Golf: Nestled 16.2km from Calabar, Monty Suites & Golf is a luxurious 4-star hotel that caters to both business and relaxation seekers. The distinctive theme of this property revolves around a harmonious blend of corporate sophistication and spa indulgence. With a full-service spa offering treatments such as Deep Tissue Massage and Couples Treatment Rooms, guests can unwind after a busy day. Business travellers will appreciate amenities like a 24-hour business centre, meeting rooms, and a conference space, ensuring productivity is always at hand. The pool area, equipped with sun loungers, provides an ideal setting to relax and rejuvenate.
• Axari Hotel & Suites: Located in the heart of Calabar, Axari Hotel & Suites is a well-appointed 3.5-star accommodation perfect for business-minded travellers. The hotel’s atmosphere is tailored to provide a professional yet welcoming environment, featuring multiple meeting rooms and a dedicated conference centre. Guests can enjoy modern amenities alongside personalised service, making it an excellent choice for business events or corporate stays. The convenient location means you're never far from Calabar's vibrant attractions, adding an extra layer of appeal to your visit.
• The Metropolitan Hotel Calabar: Situated in Calabar, The Metropolitan Hotel is a refined 4-star establishment designed with the business traveller in mind. The hotel's distinctive theme centres on providing a seamless blend of comfort and functionality, with accessible business facilities including a conference centre and diverse meeting spaces. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities while being close to the local attractions. The attentive staff are committed to ensuring that every guest's needs are met, making it an ideal choice for those seeking both professionalism and comfort during their stay.

Where to stay near Calabar

Calabar, often referred to as Nigeria's true home of hospitality, offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and family-friendly experiences. Explore the vibrant atmosphere of the city and its surrounding areas, featuring stunning beaches and welcoming neighbourhoods. Discover the rich culture, friendly locals, and lush landscapes that make Calabar and its vicinity a perfect getaway for relaxation and exploration.

• Uyo: Situated approximately 18.0km from Calabar, Uyo is a vibrant city known for its diverse offerings. Visitors are drawn to Uyo year-round for sports, business-themed events, and outdoor experiences. The peak months for tourism are April, July, and September, making it a lively destination during these times. Uyo boasts several attractions, including a well-equipped stadium, the town hall, and a local library, which are perfect for exploring the city's cultural and recreational landscape. The golf courses and entertainment venues add to the outdoor allure, making it a fantastic spot for both leisure and business travellers.
• Oron: Located around 8.1km from Calabar, Oron is a bustling city that attracts visitors primarily for business-themed experiences. The peak travel months are January to February and July, while May and September to October see a slight dip in arrivals. Although smaller than Uyo, Oron offers its own charm with the town hall as a notable landmark. The city's strategic location makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas, providing a unique blend of local culture and business opportunities.
• Ikot Omin: Just 3.1km from Calabar, Ikot Omin is a lively city that experiences seasonal visitor fluctuations. The peak months are March and November to December, while April to June sees fewer tourists. This close proximity to Calabar allows for easy access to its attractions while offering a more intimate local experience. Ikot Omin is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture and community, making it a noteworthy stop on your journey.

Things to do in Calabar

Calabar, a vibrant destination in Nigeria, offers a delightful blend of outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, and business opportunities. Visitors can embark on engaging walking tours, explore wildlife, and partake in educational experiences. Notable activities include Remlords tours and various city explorations, ensuring a memorable holiday filled with adventure and cultural immersion.

Shopping

In Calabar, visit the Calabar Mall for a range of international brands and dining options. If you're up for a drive, head to the Tinapa Resort, where you’ll find a vibrant shopping complex with unique local crafts and souvenirs.

Recreation

At U. J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, immerse yourself in a vibrant sports atmosphere while engaging in fitness activities. The stadium offers a variety of recreational options, from jogging tracks to group exercises, perfect for rejuvenating your body and spirit amidst lively surroundings.

Adventure

Explore the Calabar Carnival, a vibrant celebration of culture and music, featuring colourful parades and lively performances. Experience the lush nature at the Cross River National Park, where you can hike scenic trails and encounter diverse wildlife in a breathtaking rainforest setting.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Calabar Carnival, where you can enjoy lively parades and music. For a more relaxed evening, visit The Jazz Cafe for smooth tunes and cocktails. Don’t miss out on the local bars along Mary Slessor Avenue for a taste of the city's energy.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Calabar

When planning your trip to Calabar, consider visiting during February, May, or October for lower accommodation prices. Thursdays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to compare prices, find great hotel deals, and book eco-friendly options. Additionally, bundling your hotel with flights and activities can lead to significant savings. Explore the city’s free attractions, such as local markets and parks, and utilise affordable public transport to keep costs down while enjoying all that Calabar has to offer.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Calabar are February, May and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Calabar is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay in Calabar is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can organise your search results to display hotels from the most affordable to the more expensive, ensuring you see the cheapest options first. Furthermore, you have the ability to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Calabar hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around Calabar

Calabar offers a delightful blend of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and family-friendly attractions, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Key points of interest include the town hall, urban park, and the Calabar Museum, where visitors can immerse themselves in local history and culture. Whether you're on a business trip or a family vacation, Calabar has something to cater to every traveller's interests.

• Millenium Park: This urban park offers a serene escape in the heart of Calabar, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Stroll through its lush gardens, enjoy picnics, or engage in recreational activities while soaking up the vibrant city atmosphere.
• National Archives of Nigeria: Delve into Nigeria’s rich historical tapestry at this civic institution. It houses extensive collections that provide insight into the country’s past, making it a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in cultural heritage.
• Ibibio Museum: Located 17.4km from Calabar, this museum immerses visitors in the rich culture of the Ibibio people. Explore fascinating exhibits showcasing traditional artefacts, art, and stories that celebrate the region's heritage.

Best time to go to Calabar

The best time to visit Calabar can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Calabar falls in February, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Calabar falls in August, visitor numbers are average and weather is very cloudy with frequent rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	82.2°F (27.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
February	82.8°F (28.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
March	82.2°F (27.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	81.3°F (27.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
May	80.1°F (26.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	77.5°F (25.3°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	76.3°F (24.6°C)	Frequent Rain	Very Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
August	76.1°F (24.5°C)	Frequent Rain	Very Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
September	76.6°F (24.8°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
October	77.9°F (25.5°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	79.7°F (26.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
December	81.9°F (27.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Calabar

For a visit to Calabar, Nigeria, you can fly into Uyo (QUO-Akwa Ibom), located 11.8km from Calabar. Notable hotels nearby include Emrosy Hotels, a 3.5-star establishment situated 7.5km from the airport, and Green Park Hotel and Suites, a 3-star option just 6.8km away. Both hotels provide transportation services to Uyo Airport for a fee, making your journey more convenient. While Uyo Airport is the primary entry point, you can easily access Calabar's attractions from these nearby accommodations.