What it is
A capital built from scratch in the centre of the country and made the seat of government in 1991. Wide roads, low density, and a plan organised around Aso Rock, the granite outcrop behind the presidential villa. The National Mosque and the National Christian Centre face each other across the same avenue.
Why go
Chiefly as a base and a break. The city is calmer than Lagos and a useful transit point for the middle belt. Zuma Rock, a monolith of about 725 metres, stands beside the road north towards Kaduna. Jabi Lake and Millennium Park are where the city spends its weekends. Gurara Falls is a day trip and is worth it only at the end of the rains.
When to go
November to March. Abuja is higher and drier than Lagos and the nights in the harmattan months are properly cool. Check current advice on road travel outside the Federal Capital Territory before planning any overland excursion from here.
Most people stay 2 nights.