Kaduna is the capital of Kaduna State and one of the largest cities in northern Nigeria. It was built by the British in the early twentieth century and became the capital of the Northern Region, giving it a long role in national politics and military life.
The city lies on the Kaduna River, whose name comes from the Hausa word for crocodiles. Kaduna was once a major textile manufacturing centre, and today it is a busy commercial, educational and administrative city with a mix of peoples from across Nigeria.
Top things to do in Kaduna
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Visit the National Museum
The National Museum in Kaduna has collections of archaeology, traditional crafts, musical instruments and ethnography from northern Nigeria, along with a craft village where artisans work.
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Ride the Abuja-Kaduna train
The standard-gauge railway between Abuja and Kaduna, opened in 2016, is a popular way to travel between the two cities, with views of the savannah along the route.
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Discover Nok heritage
The village of Nok, in southern Kaduna State, gave its name to the Nok culture, known for terracotta sculptures made more than two thousand years ago. It is one of the most important archaeological areas in West Africa.
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See Matsirga Falls
Matsirga Falls, near Kafanchan in southern Kaduna State, pours over a rocky cliff into a pool. It is fullest during the rainy season.
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Explore the city
Kaduna's central market, its colonial-era buildings and the Kaduna River give a sense of the city's history. Restaurants, hotels and event centres host weddings, concerts and conferences.
Upcoming events in Kaduna
See more events in Kaduna
Festivals and culture
The Afan festival, held in Kagoro in southern Kaduna State around New Year's Day, celebrates the harvest with dances, music and cultural displays. Durbars mark Eid in emirate towns such as Zaria, and Christmas is widely celebrated in southern Kaduna.
Food to try
Try tuwo shinkafa with miyan kuka or miyan taushe, masa, danwake (bean flour dumplings), kilishi, suya, kosai, and fura da nono.
Best time to visit
November to February is dry and cooler, with harmattan haze. March to May is hot. The rainy season runs from about May to September, when waterfalls are fullest.
Getting around
Taxis, tricycles and ride-hailing apps cover the city. Kaduna has an international airport and a train link to Abuja. Check local advice before travelling outside the city.
Questions about Kaduna
Is there a train from Abuja to Kaduna?
Yes. A standard-gauge passenger train runs between Abuja and Kaduna, with several departures a day.
What is the Nok culture?
Nok was an ancient culture in central Nigeria known for terracotta sculptures made more than two thousand years ago, named after the village of Nok in Kaduna State.
How do I find events in Kaduna?
Browse upcoming concerts, conferences, parties and free events in Kaduna on Shows.ng, and filter by today, this weekend or this month.
