Warri Things to do, history and what's on
Delta's busiest city, seat of the Olu of Warri and the gateway to the creeks.
About Warri
Warri is Delta State's commercial heart: an oil and port city on the Warri River, home to Itsekiri, Urhobo and Ijaw communities, where Pidgin is the language everyone shares. Next door, Effurun is home to the Petroleum Training Institute and the Federal University of Petroleum Resources.
The Warri Kingdom's royal capital, Ode-Itsekiri, sits on an island a boat ride from the city, and the creeks reach north to Koko, where the palace of the 19th-century trader Nana Olomu is now a museum.
The city has its own airport at Osubi and sits on the East-West Road, which makes it the easiest base for exploring the western Delta. Most visitors come for work. The ones who stay a little longer find the markets, the food and the humour Warri is known for across Nigeria.
- Local government areas
- Warri South, Warri North, Warri South-West and Uvwie (Effurun)
- Getting there
- Fly into Warri Airport at Osubi, or drive in on the East-West Road
- Best time to visit
- November to March, the dry season
- Languages
- Itsekiri, Urhobo, Ijaw, and Pidgin everywhere
Places to visit in Warri
-
Culture and heritage
Nana's Palace, Koko
The 19th-century palace of Nana Olomu, Itsekiri trader and Governor of the Benin River, now a museum.
Koko, Warri North -
Culture and heritage
Photo coming soon
Ode-Itsekiri
The island capital of the Warri Kingdom and home of the Olu's palace, part of which is open to visitors.
Warri South -
Food and nightlife
Warri's markets
Fruit, fabric, fish and everything else, sold in and around the city's markets.
Warri and Effurun -
Nature and waterways
Photo coming soon
Warri to Koko by boat
A trip through the creeks north to Koko, run by local boat operators and tour companies.
Warri River to Koko
No places in this category yet. Know one we should add?
The story of Warri
Five centuries of the Warri Kingdom, from its founding prince Iginuwa to the Olu on the throne today.
Read the story of the Warri KingdomWarri's history is told differently by its Itsekiri, Urhobo and Ijaw communities. Where accounts differ, we say so and link to each.
What's on in Warri
-
Delta Creators Meetup
Effurun -
Warri food walk
Warri -
Warri International Film Festival 2026
Warri8 to 12 December
Organising something in Warri? List your event
Invest in Warri
Warri runs on energy and water: the oil and gas industry, the port, and the training institutes in Effurun that supply both.
Talk to people who know Warri.
Ask questions, find out what's on and buy and sell in the Discover Delta community on WhatsApp.
Been to Warri? Share your photos.
Photos from visitors will appear here and on the places they show.
Share your storyGood to know
How do I get to Warri?
Fly into Warri Airport at Osubi, just outside the city, or come by road. The East-West Road links Warri with Port Harcourt, and most drivers from Lagos come through Benin City.
When is the best time to visit Warri?
November to March, the dry season. Roads and boat trips are easier, and December has the busiest calendar of events and weddings.
What is Warri known for?
Oil and gas, its port, the Warri Kingdom and the Olu of Warri, Pidgin, and a reputation for comedy that reaches across Nigeria.
