Kano is northern Nigeria's largest city and a former Hausa city-state, known for its medieval walled old city, Emir's Palace, Kurmi Market and centuries-old indigo dye pits.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Greet before any request; the Hausa greeting is a ritual and rushing it is rude
Kano is a predominantly Muslim city governed under Sharia; dress modestly and plan around the five daily prayers
Use the right hand for eating, giving and receiving
Fridays are the main day of congregational prayer and many businesses close or slow around midday
During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours
Ask permission before photographing people, especially women, and avoid photographing officials or security posts
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Dress modestly: long sleeves and trousers or long skirts; women should carry a headscarf
- Remove shoes before entering mosques and homes
- Accept tea or kola if offered, with the right hand
- Use a local guide in the old city and at the dye pits
Don't
- Do not display or drink alcohol in public
- Do not show public affection
- Do not photograph worshippers or military and police sites
- Do not use the left hand to eat or pass items
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Handshakes between men are common and often prolonged; observe whether a woman offers her hand before extending one. Greetings in Hausa include 'Sannu' (hello) and 'Barka da zuwa' (welcome).
- Dining
- Food is eaten with the right hand from a shared bowl; wash hands first. Pork and alcohol are not served in most local venues.
- Dress
- Men often wear long kaftans (riga) and caps (hula); women wear loose clothing with a head covering. Visitors should cover shoulders and knees.
- Gifts
- Small gifts of fruit or sweets are welcome when visiting a home; give with the right hand.
- Business
- Relationships and courtesy precede business; avoid scheduling around Friday prayers.
- Tipping
- Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; small notes to guides, drivers and porters.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Sannu
Hello
Barka da zuwa
Welcome
Na gode
Thank you
Yaya kuke?
How are you?
Sai an jima
See you later
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Kano.
Main: Islam is the dominant religion in Kano, and Sharia law operates alongside the secular legal system in the state; a Christian minority lives mainly in the Sabon Gari district
Sites: The Kano Central Mosque and the Gidan Makama museum near the Emir's palace
Holy Days: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are the main holidays, and the Durbar horse procession is traditionally held around Eid
Conversations: Faith is openly discussed; respectful curiosity is welcome, while criticism of religion is not