Kano is blessed with abundant tourism resources which include historical monuments and sites, as well as unique places of great interest, such as Kurmi market established in the 15th century is in the heart of Kano City, the centuries-old city wall with some of its gates still standing.

Other places of interest for relaxation and picnicking abound in the state. They include the Rock Castle, strategically located, over looking the famous Tiga Dam, Rurum Tourist Lodge, Kano Zoological Garden, Gidan Makama Museum, etc. Tourists to Kano should not miss witnessing the Durbar, unique in the world because it is the largest procession of colorful horses and also portrays the Emir’s Regalia which is one of the most impressive dating back to Emir of Kano Muhammadu Rumfa. This Durbar is held during both the Eid-el-fitr at the end of the holy month of Ramadan and Eid-el-Kabir which is an event marking the 10th day of Dhul Hajj (the 12th month of the Islamic Calendar).

The Kano State Tourist Camp, located just near the Central Hotel is an important transit point for European trams-Saharan visitors, a central venue for students and cultural groups. It offers excellent and affordable accommodation for tourists who prefer not to lodge in the many luxurious hotels in the city.

Package tours can also be arranged by the Tourism Board, ranging from 3-hour city tour to an all-inclusive tour to places of interest within the state such as Rurum, Tiga and Falgore Reserve, as well as outside the state to places such as Yankari Game Reserve the largest in West Africa. The Kano State Tourism Board has an advantage because of its experience in handling international travelers.

1. The EMIR’S PALACE

Nike art Galley was founded by a legend known as Oyenike Monica Okundaye. This is the place of a unique art gallery, workshop, and artist retreat. When you visit the place inside, you will find Nigerian sculptors, craftsmen, and artist honing their skills.

Further, you will love the different levels filled into the brim and with one of the biggest collections in African art or preferably the Nike herself. Admirably, you will be charged nothing to enter inside, and this makes it among the fun and memorable activities to do here in Lagos. Additionally, you can purchase some nice-looking things that you will like.

2. Dala Hill

 It is one where the first inhabitants of the city settled. Traces of this historical fact are evident as you meander through the area where many of the buildings still retain their rural appeal. Standing atop Dala hill affords one a bird eye’s view of the sprawling city.

It is a good location for picnic; relaxation and photo shoot with the condition greatly improved over the years to make it conducive place for tourists. At the bottom of the hill is a complex for shopping and other activities.

3. Kurmi Market

Kurmi market was established in the fifteenth century as a trading and warehousing center for the growing commercial activities in the city, a result of expanding regional and Trans-Saharan trade. It was built within the Jakara district of the city. At the time of its development, Kano had become a regional center of trade in agricultural produce with a functional industry in weaving, cloth dyeing, leather making and potter, this contributed to the attraction of the city to itinerant traders from Western Sudan, Tripoli and Ghadames who came to buy goods. Prior to the pre-colonial period, the market structure was organized in a quadrangle shape with bamboo stalls forming rows like an irregular street; within the market, particular quarters served distinct products and the cattle trade was located in the westernmost parts and outskirts of the market. The market was administered by individuals who supervise specific quarters or produce sections.

4. Gidan Makama Museum

Gidan Makama Museum Kano or Kano Museum is a museum in Kano, Nigeria. This building served as temporary palace of Kano before the current palace Gidan Rumfa was constructed in the 15th century^[1] The museum has a significant collections of arts, crafts and items of historic interest related to the Kano area.^[2] Located in a 15th-century historical building, which is recognised as a National Monument by the Government of Nigeria.^[3] The museum is divided into 11 galleries, each with their own centre of focus. Galleries include the Zaure or the main entrance hall with displays of traditional materials, city walls and maps of Kano, the history of statehood, Kano in the 19th century, the Civil War, economy, industry and music

5. The Great Kano Mosque

The great mosque was built for Muhammad Rumfa in the 15th century. It was made of mud, and was of the soro, or tower, variety.^[1] It was moved to a new site by Muhammad Zaki in 1582, and rebuilt in the mid 19th century by Abdullahi dan Dabo. It was destroyed in the 1950s, and rebuilt with British sponsorship

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EATING AND DRINKING IN KANO

The popular city of Kano , in the Northern region of Nigeria offers numerous attractions for tourists across the world. And besides visiting the tourist-worthy sites, travelers can also enjoy tasty traditional food of the north. Although, the food of the region is not considered as the primary reason for its popularity, but one cannot ignore the fact that the Northerners have contributed richly to Nigeria’s national food identity.

No matter the time you have chosen to visit Kano, you will get the chance to enjoy best traditional food in the area. The good thing is that most of the traditional foods have very rich and unique taste. It has a lot of unique spices like Thai or Indian food and most contain cereal including rice, millet, and corn as main ingredients, which are all healthy. They are also served across the area in dining outlets like food courts, hotels, restaurants, canteens and roadside dining shops.

KANO AND FOOD

TUWON SHINKAFA

This mouth-watering dish is possibly the most popular foods in the Kano. It is also very palatable and widely embraced by other cultures in the country. The meal consists of thick rice pudding and spicy sauce. If you are visiting the region, try this meal to broaden the spectrum of your taste. And once tried, you may find it hard to resist the temptation of re-ordering.

PATE

A dish usually prepared with ground corn or rice, cooked with vegetables, tomatoes, onions, pepper, garden egg, locust beans, groundnut, biscuit bone, meats minces and sometimes, assorted meat parts, Pate is largely consumed not just in kano, but also in Kaduna, Nassarawa, Plateau and other Northwestern states. This dish is primarily porridge and is an all-time favorite liked by almost all age groups.

MIYAN KUKA

Miyan Kuka is certainly the most famous northern Nigerian soup and translated as “Boaba leaf soup”. The green draw-soup is made from ground baobab leaf and special spices, preferably ‘yaji’ – a mixture of ground pepper, ginger, garlic and other seasonings/herbs.

BURABISCO

A traditionally made couscous meal commonly eaten by people in kano, Brabusco is loved and enjoyed by many. Usually paired with spicy stew of meat and vegetables, its rich ingredients categorize it among luxurious dishes in the region.

TUWON DAWA

This is a side dish made with ground guinea-corn made thick and cassava. It is best eaten with soups like Kuka and okra. This meal is unique majorly because it is best prepared with firewood.