15 Top Holiday Destinations Nigerians Should Visit in 2019

Welcome to 2019! This year is all about adventure; get your passport ready for lifetime experiences across Africa, UAE, and Europe. If you’re a travel enthusiast like us, you can choose city breaks that are undeniably romantic or picturesque islands with immaculate beaches. We’re sure that our list will inspire you to travel more this new year, and bring you beautiful experiences that you will never forget in a hurry.
Thus, to help you plan your travels this year, here are our top holiday destinations to visit in 2019.

1. Walvis Bay, Namibia

Blessed with bright sunshine, long sandy beaches with shimmering waters and blue skies, Walvis Bay offers everything from romantic getaways, wild fun on the dunes to relaxing beach escapes.  This destination has got it all! No wonder South Africans wanted to keep it as part of their country. However, Namibians claimed it back after and it has become their crowning glory. You’ll definitely love it here, because I did!

Interesting activities in Walvis Bay include

• Climbing the famous dune 7, which is the tallest dune in the coastal area
• Kayaking and canoeing
• Go for a walk at the lagoon to see the flamingos and big fat pelicans
• Dolphin and whale watching
• Eat at the classy Raft restaurant with a view

Getting a visa to Namibia is very easy too. Here’s a detailed information on how you can apply for Namibia Visa in Nigeria. Thank me later! 

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DON’T MISS THIS: 20 Things Nigerians Probably Didn’t Know About Namibia

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2. Barcelona, Spain

The Catalan capital of Barcelona is one of the most visited destinations in Europe. It’s no surprise though; the city is sprawled between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, offering a blend of natural attractions. Take a Barcelona city break and discover a wide range of arts and architectural attractions including the most famous landmark – Sagrada Família. Don’t forget to hit the beach for a relaxing holiday!

Some of the interesting fun activities to enjoy include: 

• Beach volleyball in practically any beach in the city
• Go sightseeing on a scooter
• Paella Cooking Classes for culinary lovers
• Say the word, and you’ll have a romantic picnic with a view
• Go on a classy party cruise on a Champagne Sunset Boats

The great thing about a vacation in Barcelona is how affordable it to experience most of the fun activities you’ll ever have on your to-do-list. You can apply for a Spanish visa at the Consulate Office in Lagos. 

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3. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town has been continuously voted the best city in the world and it has often polls as one of the top destinations for Nigerian travellers. The city is gracefully framed by the Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, featuring beautiful attractions – Instagram-worthy beaches, captivating museums, beautiful winelands and of course diverse restaurants. It’s a perfect place to be at any time of the year.

Some of the fun things you can do to unwind while in Cape Town are

• Hiking the city’s crowning glory – the Table Mountain
• Whale watching
• Wine tasting in Stellenboch 
• Go on a wild goose chase to explore the city
• Music tour and jazz safari
• Go surfing on the beach

The mountains and seas offer a lot more activities for tourist all year round. Getting a South African Visa is like taking candy from a baby!

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4. Seychelles

Imagine yourself lazing on a pristine white sandy beach with crystal-clear waters, lined with palm-trees, sipping Pina-colada! This isn’t fictional; it’s the reality in Seychelles. The destination features a dreamy setting, offering a wide range of attractions, a vibrant cultural scene and of course, a variety of beach escapes. Here, you’ll find some of the best luxury places to stay in the world with a perfect island ambiance that will make you forget all your troubles. This is an ideal place for a romantic retreat in 2019.

Here are some of the amazing things to do in Seychelles:

• Go for a helicopter ride
• Hang out and sunbathe on the beach
• Visit the coconut plantation house in La Digue
• Scuba dive and snorkelling
• Savour the view from petit amour

Nigerian passport holders can get Seychelles visa (visitor’s permit) on arrival –  valid for a stay up to 30 days).

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DON’T MISS THIS: Why Seychelles Should Be Your Honeymoon Destination

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5. Abu Dhabi, UAE

While it’s no lie that Dubai is an ultimate city to visit in the UAE, the underrated capital of the country, Abu Dhabi is a luxurious destination with a stunning skyline, swimmable seas, gleaming sandy beaches, and a selection of luxury hotels spread along the Corniche, a waterfront area in the city. The city is definitely in love with luxury, with authentic experiences that will make 2019 more memorable for you.

Here are just a few reasons to visit: 

• One of the most beautiful mosques on earth, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Impressive man-made islands
• Emirate palace
• Emirate parks and zoos for animal lovers
• Ferrari World theme park
• Yas world water park

Nigerian passport holders need a visa to visit Abu Dhabi. However, getting a UAE visa is easy and straightforward.

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DON’T MISS THIS: 8 Not To Miss Experiences in Abu Dhabi

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6. The Maldives

The Maldives should be on your bucket list this year! You have been ignoring it for a long time but this is your chance to visit your dream tropical island getaway. Turquoise waters, perfect weather, sandy beaches lined by swaying palm trees, private islands, and exciting water activities – this island destination has it all. There is so much to see and do, and there’s nothing as amazing as getting a taste of the local Maldivian beach life – so laid-back and quite exciting. You’ll love it! Don’t go here alone – make sure you bring your significant other along. You’re going to have so much fun!

Here are some of the amazing things to do in Maldives, even if you’re not sure you’ll love the sea, just give it a try and you’ll fall helplessly in love with the destination! 

• Scuba diving
• Dolphin spotting
• Whale and shark watching
• Island Hopping
• Snorkelling
• Surfing

Nigerian passport holders can get their visa on arrival in the Maldives.

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7. Marrakech, Morrocco

Marrakech is an ancient regal capital of Morocco, with an exotic appeal and a wide range of incredible attractions. The cosmopolitan North African city is like the soul of the country, its cultural and commercial centre. It’s steeped in history and culture, featuring a variety of historic monuments, labyrinthine streets, traversing passageways, a maze of souks and squares – many amazing things that will sweep you off your feet.

Don’t forget to:

• Check out the Maison de la Photographie for amazing photography and portrait that’ll take your breath away
• Get a full-on Marrakech experience at the Medina
• Explore Djemaa el Fna at night
• Enjoy a hot air balloon ride at sunrise or dawn
• Visit a hammam

Just don’t get lost while visiting this dream world! You can apply for a visa to Morrocco from the Embassy of The Kingdom of Morocco. 

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8. Hamburg, Germany

The second largest city of Germany, Hamburg should definitely be on your bucket list this New Year! It’s a metropolitan city with a distinct maritime character, fascinating historic past and a glittering present. It’s packed with a variety of cultural attractions, green spaces, cutting-edge architecture, and a vibrant atmosphere. The city has the second busiest harbour in Europe, as it attracts quite a large number of visitors from different parts of the world. It’s time for Nigerians to make their mark here too! The port city of Hamburg is a perfect city break for every family in 2019. With an array of fun activities to indulge in, you’ll certainly love it here!

Here are some reasons why you should visit Hamburg:

• The waterside quarter at Hafen city
• The recently (2017) unveiled Elbphilharmonie is the tallest inhabited building in the city. Quite breathtaking!
• The Planten un Blomen; a botanical garden with greenhouses, covering about 48 hectares of land
• International Maritime Museum

Nigerian passport holders can apply for a German visa at the Consulate office in Lagos.

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9. New York City, USA

Often referred to as “The Big Apple”, New York is the perfect city break destination for you in 2019. The city is a popular setting in a lot of movies and you would have seen most of its iconic sights in them. New York is a bustling city with many iconic attractions, world-class theatres and museums, high-end hotels and restaurants, and a wide range of fun activities to enjoy. The city has a vibrant entertainment scene that will keep you occupied all through your holiday. You can explore its five districts from Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, the Bronx to Manhattan. There is never a dull moment in NYC!

Check out some of the fun things you can do in New York:

• A visit to the grand central terminal, the world’s loveliest station
• A tour of the rockafella centre
• Shop at street avenue, one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world
• Get to see one of the oldest ridge on earth; the Brooklyn Bridge, built between 1869 and 1883
• Join approximately 40 million visitors at the times square to enjoy the bright lights and big city feel of NYC
• A visit to the central park

Many people believe getting a USA visa can be daunting. That’s not really true. You can apply for a USA visa and obtain it if you have all the required documents. Read more about how you can apply for a US Visa in Nigeria. 

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10. London, UK

It’s been said that when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life. We couldn’t agree more! London has some of the best attractions and sights in the world. Even though it’s one of the most visited destinations for Nigerians, it’s a place you can never get tired of! Featuring architectural magnificence of landmarks like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the House of Parliament and Big Ben, as well as the tallest building in Europe – The Shard, the city is an ideal destination for a city break in 2019. You’ll see a wide range of galleries and museums, department shops, world-class restaurants and a wide range of entertainment venues. London is always a place to be!

. Here are few of the activities they enjoy the most:

• Visit the famous Buckingham Palace and watch the changing of guards procedure
• The tower of London and tower bridge will particularly interest you. From prison, it was made into a palace, then a treasure vault, and finally a private zoo. Built in 1078.
• Watch the world’s greatest collections and antiques at the British Museum in London
• The Big Ben and parliament building housing the giant clock
• Visit the world class top ranking museum, the National Gallery
• The Victoria Albert Museum

Here’s a detailed information on how you can apply for a UK Visa in Nigeria. 

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11. Paris, France

There’s always something new to discover in Paris every time you visit. The City of Lights is simply stunning, elegant and romantic, packed with a wide range of attractions, historic monuments and Michelin-starred restaurants. Paris has a fascinating history and culture that will amaze you. You will also be captivated by its high-end glamour, fine dining and the retail therapy it offers. Paris is not a city to ignore in 2019, get your passport ready and book a flight now! It’ll be so worth it!

Here are some of the most interesting places you can visit in Paris:

• Visit the famous Eiffel Tower and get a heart-stopping view of Paris in its majesty
• Climb 284 steps to the top of Arc de Triomphe to get a view that sweeps in geometric splendour between the arc of La Defence and the Louvre
• Attend an event at the 2,000-seat Palais Garnier
• What about a crazy time at the Les Catacombes? You’re going to get the chill in this network of tunnels containing the bones of 6million people.

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12. Cairo, Egypt

In 2019, there is nothing as great as delving deeper into the Egyptian capital city. Well-known for its ancient wonders and sights, Cairo is an amazing place to visit this year for a family holiday. The city is steeped in history and culture; you’ll find a variety of artefacts from many years ago. You can experience the traditional Egyptian bazaars and market, and wander around the hidden squares in the city.

Some of the best fun things you can do while on vacation in Egypt are:

• Visit the pyramid of Giza, one of the ancient 7 wonders of the world.
• A visit to the Egyptian museum. Get a professional guide though!
• Get to see the Cairo Citadel sitting on the hills on the east side of the Nile.
• Visit Saqqara, the step pyramid, the massive cemetery of ancient Memphis.

There are so many top tourist attractions in Egypt that a lot of travellers miss out on a whole lot of them. You should check out one of our favourite blogs for some tips – Why Not Egypt. 

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13. Lamu Island, Kenya

Located off the coast of Kenya, Lamu is a tropical island with a rich history, laid-back character, and ancient architecture. The Swahili town of Lamu is a glorious reminder of an age gone by, but its traditional appearance is one of its greatest attractions. The island is a place for people looking for a true taste of the Swahili culture while enjoying the tropical lifestyle. With a wide range of attractions and activities, the island will reward you richly if you take time to get to know everything about it. Featuring long sandy beaches, secluded lagoons, mangrove forests, beautiful climate year-round and mouth-watering Swahili cuisine, Lamu Island offers the complete holiday package for 2019.

Here are some fun things to do in Lamu:

• Talk a walk along the deserted beaches
• You think you know what a beautiful sunset looks like. Watch the perfect sun as it set on the Manda Island.
• Visit the ruins and historic city of Takwa
• The pole-pole; a trip back in time
• Savour the special Swahili food
• Navigate the sand lined maze of the Shela village

Nigerian passport holders can apply for a Kenyan visa online or on arrival at the point of entry.

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14. Doha, Qatar

The charming city of Doha is really underrated, compared to its cosmopolitan neighbours in the Middle East. From luxury hotels, world-class restaurant to Bedouin treasures, there is so much to discover in the vibrant city. Even though the capital city is astoundingly elegant, it retains its old-world charm that captivates every visitor.

Here are some unique things to do while in the city:

• Visit the Museum of Islamic Art
• Go Dune bashing in the desert
• Get a sense of the old and original Doha with just one visit to the Souq Watif
• Visit the private collection in Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
• Visit Al Zubarah Fort and the abandoned village

Oh, and about the dune bashing, you may want to be extra cautious especially if you have a kid with you. Nigerian passport holders require visa to visit Qatar. The visa process is quite easy. You can either apply online with Qatar Airways or visit the Embassy of Qatar in Abuja.

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15. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa is certainly an exciting city to visit in 2019. The Ethiopian capital has truly exceptional attractions and boasts an authentic Ethiopian culture with a vibrant atmosphere unparalleled by most African cities. The city is indeed a foodies’ paradise – if you are looking to have a taste of the traditional Ethiopian food. You’ll also be amazed by the history, art, and culture on display all through the city. The weather in Addis Ababa is extremely pleasant and allows visitors as much outdoor time as possible.

Here are some amazing things to do in Addis Ababa:

• Climb mount Entoto to enjoy the panoramic view of Addis Ababa
• See the fossil remains of the oldest hominid (3.35 million years old)
• Visit the biggest Ethiopian Orthodox Christian church is east Africa
• Shop at the very animated Addis Mercato; the largest open-air market in Africa
• Discover the history of Addis Ababa, the major tribes, Ethiopian orthodox paintings, triptychs, and orthodox crosses at the Ethnological Museum
• Learn about the importance of coffee in the Ethiopian culture. 

Nigerian passport holders need a visa to visit Ethiopia. Recently, the country launched e-visa Service to all International visitors including Nigerians. This means you can apply for an Ethiopian visa online without any stress.

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These destinations are just starting points, your next step is taking action. Book your flight, book your hotel reservation and travel to your dream destination!

Where do you plan to go this year? Share your dream destination with us in the comment below: