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🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Calabar

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

⚠️ Caution💰 Budget: NGN 15000/day🚇 Good Transit☀️ Best: Jan, Feb, Dec

Our pick for backpackers

Stay in Calabar South

Offers the most affordable accommodation and food options, with easy access to local life and markets.

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Calabar

1

Calabar South

Mid-range

The bustling heart of the city, offering a mix of commercial activity and residential life.

first-timersfoodiesbudgetculture
  • +Central location with easy access to attractions
  • +Abundant local food options
  • +Vibrant local atmosphere
  • -Can be crowded and noisy
  • -Infrastructure can be basic in some areas
🏨 Eksons Hotel🏨 Hotel Metropolitan Calabar🏨 Calabar Tourist Centre Hostel
2

Creek Town

Budget

A historic area with colonial influences, offering a glimpse into the city's past.

culturehistory buffsphotography
  • +Rich historical significance
  • +Unique architectural sites
  • +Quieter and more contemplative atmosphere
  • -Limited dining and shopping options
  • -May require transport to reach other parts of the city
🏨 Calabar Old Town Inn🏨 Heritage Guesthouse
3

Big Tree Avenue

Luxury

A more upscale and residential area known for its greenery and quieter streets.

familiescouplesluxuryculture
  • +More peaceful and cleaner environment
  • +Better quality accommodation options
  • +Closer to some government and cultural institutions
  • -Fewer immediate local eateries
  • -Can feel less authentically 'local' than Calabar South
🏨 Channel View Hotel🏨 Aleshinloye Hotel🏨 Mitchell Hotels & Suites

Daily Budget (Budget)

NGN 15000/day

Dorm bed at a local guesthouse near the city centerNGN 3000
Street food lunch (suya, puff puff) and dinner at a local bukaNGN 2500
Local buses (danfo) and motorcycle taxis (okada) for short distancesNGN 2000
Visit the free Calabar Millennium Park and explore the waterfrontNGN 0
Explore the Slave History Museum (entry fee)NGN 1500
Enjoy a relaxed evening at a local bar with a bottle of Star beerNGN 1000
Souvenir shopping at the local marketNGN 5000
See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in Calabar

Lesser-known spots the locals love

🚶

Duke Town

FREE

Wander through the historic streets of Duke Town, where colonial architecture stands alongside vibrant local life. It's a great area to experience the authentic rhythm of the city and discover local markets.

streetDuke Town
⚠️

2 areas to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Calabar

More Calabar Guides

Full Calabar guideAreas to avoid👩 Solo Female Travellers💑 Couples👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families💻 Digital Nomads✨ Luxury Travellers🎉 Nightlife Seekers