Lagos, Nigeria Destination and Travel Guide

Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city and economic powerhouse, is a vibrant metropolis known as the “City of Water” due to its island geography, including Victoria Island and Lagos Island.

With a population exceeding 20 million, Lagos blends rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, a thriving arts scene, and a dynamic nightlife, making it a compelling destination for travelers seeking an authentic African experience.

Despite challenges like traffic congestion and safety concerns, Lagos offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Things to Do in Lagos

Lagos offers a diverse range of activities, from cultural immersion to outdoor adventures. Here are the top experiences to consider:

• Nike Art Gallery: One of Nigeria’s most significant art galleries, showcasing approximately 8,000 contemporary and traditional Nigerian artworks. Visitors can participate in cultural experiences, including traditional Yoruba dance, music, and attire.
  Location: 24 Ademola Tokunbo Street, Victoria Island.
  Why Visit: A must for art enthusiasts and those interested in Nigerian culture.
• Lekki Conservation Centre: A 78-hectare nature reserve featuring mangroves, wildlife like monkeys and crocodiles, and a 401m-long, 22.5m-high canopy walkway offering stunning city views.
  Location: Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki.
  Why Visit: Ideal for nature lovers and photographers seeking a serene escape.
• Landmark Beach: A family-friendly beach by day with a water park, transforming into a lively nightlife hub with concerts and parties after dark.
  Location: Plot 10B, Water Corporation Drive, Victoria Island.
  Why Visit: Perfect for relaxation and experiencing Lagos’ vibrant nightlife.
• Terra Kulture: A cultural center hosting Nigerian stage plays and musicals, such as Saro and Fela’s Republic, primarily on weekends. It also features a restaurant serving traditional dishes.
  Location: Plot 1376 Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island.
  Why Visit: A hub for theater and music lovers.
• Balogun Market / Lekki Arts and Crafts Market: Balogun Market, the largest in Lagos, is ideal for fabrics and bustling commerce, while Lekki Market offers a relaxed setting for art and accessories.
  Location: Balogun Market – Balogun Street, Lagos Island; Lekki Arts and Crafts Market – Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1.
  Why Visit: Great for souvenirs and experiencing local markets.
• Kalakuta Republic Museum: Dedicated to Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, this museum features his instruments, photos, and memorabilia, with guided tours available. The nearby New Afrika Shrine hosts live performances.
  Location: 14A Agege Motor Road, Ikeja.
  Why Visit: Essential for music and history enthusiasts.
• Epe Mangroves: Take a canoe ride through mangroves and visit the Epe Fish Market or a palm wine factory for an authentic local experience.
  Location: Epe, Lagos State.
  Why Visit: A unique way to explore Lagos’ natural beauty.
• Badagry: A historical coastal town with museums on the slave trade, the first Nigerian primary school, and beautiful beaches.
  Location: Badagry, Lagos State.
  Why Visit: Ideal for history buffs and those interested in Nigeria’s colonial past.
• Attend an Owambe: Extravagant weekend parties featuring traditional Aso-ebi attire, music, dancing, and food, often open to guests.
  Why Visit: A quintessential Lagos social experience.
• Local Cuisine: Sample iconic Nigerian dishes like jollof rice, suya (barbecued meat), and swallows (pounded yam, amala, or eba) with soups like efo riro or egusi.
  Where to Try: Street food stalls or restaurants like Bukka Hut.

Places to Stay in Lagos

Lagos offers accommodations for all budgets, from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses, primarily in neighborhoods like Victoria Island, Ikeja, and Lekki. Below is a selection across different price ranges:

Category	Hotel	Location	Price Range	Why Choose
Luxury	Lagos Continental Hotel	Victoria Island	$$$$	Historic hotel with modern amenities, central location, and excellent service.
Luxury	The Wheatbaker	Ikoyi	$$$$	Chic boutique hotel with a rooftop bar, ideal for romantic getaways.
Luxury	Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel	Victoria Island	$$$$	Luxurious rooms near the business district, perfect for business travelers.
Mid-Range	Citilodge Hotel	Lekki	$$$	Comfortable with modern facilities, near Nike Art Gallery.
Mid-Range	Sparklyn Hotels & Suites	Lekki	$$$	Spacious rooms and excellent service, great for families.
Mid-Range	Peninsula Hotel & Towers	Lekki	$$$	Well-maintained with friendly staff, good value for money.
Budget	Treasureland Cottage	Ikeja	$$	Cozy guesthouse, perfect for budget travelers.
Budget	Presken Hotel	Ikeja	$$	Simple, comfortable rooms in a quiet neighborhood.
Budget	Watercress Hotels	Ikeja	$$	Affordable with basic amenities, ideal for backpackers.

Food and Drink in Lagos

Lagos’ culinary scene is vibrant, offering a mix of spicy Nigerian dishes, street food, and international cuisines. Many restaurants are run by people of Lebanese origin, adding to the diversity.

• Must-Try Local Dishes:
  • Jollof Rice: A spicy rice dish with tomatoes, peppers, and proteins, a Nigerian staple.
  • Suya: Barbecued skewered meat (beef or chicken) with a spicy peanut-based rub.
  • Swallows and Soups: Pounded yam, amala, or eba served with soups like egusi (melon seed), afang, or efo riro (spinach and tomato).
  • Pepper Soup: A spicy soup with fish, goat, or chicken, often enjoyed as a snack.
  • Puff Puffs: Light, fluffy street snacks available at places like Lagos Marina.
• Top Restaurants:
  • Seven Eagles Spur: A South African family restaurant known for milkshakes and signature burgers.
    Cuisine: South African/International
    Price Range: $$
  • University of Suya: Famous for its northern-style suya, best enjoyed after dark on Allen Avenue.
    Cuisine: Nigerian Street Food
    Price Range: $$
  • Ocean Basket: Offers Lagos’ best seafood platter with rooftop dining.
    Cuisine: Seafood
    Price Range: $$$$
  • Madam Tique’s: Family-owned, serving fish pepper soup and mixed platters with jollof and fried rice.
    Cuisine: Nigerian
    Price Range: $$ – $$$
  • Kaldi House: Specializes in East African cuisine, offering injera with vegetable sauces and Ethiopian coffee.
    Cuisine: Ethiopian
    Price Range: $$ – $$$
  • Gypsy’s: Known for Chinese and Indian dishes like chicken tikka masala and tandoori prawns.
    Cuisine: Chinese/Indian
    Price Range: $$ – $$$
  • Bukka Hut: Serves Nigerian street food like ofada rice with fermented locust bean sauce.
    Cuisine: Nigerian
    Price Range: $$ – $$$
  • NOK Garden by Alara: High-end African cuisine with luxurious takes on amala and Senegalese thiebou jenn.
    Cuisine: African Fusion
    Price Range: $$$ – $$$$

Tours in Lagos

Guided tours provide a safe and immersive way to explore Lagos’ cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Here are some popular options:

• Cultural Tours: Visit art galleries like Nike Art Gallery, cultural centers like Terra Kulture, or markets like Balogun for a taste of local life.
  Example: A tour with Away To Africa includes Nike Art Gallery and a cultural dance class.
• Historical Tours: Explore Nigeria’s colonial and slave trade history in Badagry, visiting the Mobee Slave Relics Museum and Gberefu Island’s “Point of No Return.”
  Example: A Badagry tour with Viator covers key historical sites.
• Day Trips: Take a day trip to Abeokuta to see Olumo Rock or Epe for mangrove canoe rides and fish markets.
  Example: A guided tour to Olumo Rock with Away To Africa includes the Kuti Heritage Museum.
• Food Tours: Sample street food and local dishes like suya, jollof rice, and pepper soup at popular eateries and stalls.
  Example: A food tour visiting Bukka Hut or Lagos Marina for puff puffs.
• Nightlife Tours: Discover Lagos’ vibrant nightlife at clubs like Quilox or The Good Beach, often featuring live music and DJs.
  Example: A nightlife tour with ToursByLocals explores popular venues.

Travel Advice for Lagos

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, consider the following tips:

• Best Time to Visit: The dry season (November–April) offers pleasant weather with temperatures around 32°C (90°F) and fewer mosquitoes. The rainy season (May–October) brings lush scenery but daily showers.
• Entry Requirements: Arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos (LOS). Most visitors require a visa, obtainable from Nigerian embassies or, you can easily obtain an e-Visa for Nigeria via Destinali.
• Transportation: Use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt for safe and convenient travel. Public options include BRT buses (use a Cowry card, available at terminals like Ikeja or Oshodi), keke marwa (tricycles), and okada (motorbikes, banned on major highways). Traffic congestion is common, so plan extra time.
• Safety: Stay alert in crowded areas like markets to avoid petty theft. Avoid walking alone at night and use reputable transportation. Lagos is generally welcoming, but caution is advised.
• Health: Consult a doctor for malaria prevention and carry medications and mosquito repellents. Drink bottled water, as tap water is unsafe. Avoid ice in drinks.
• Currency and Payments: The Nigerian Naira (NGN) is the local currency (e.g., N50 ≈ $0.12, N500 ≈ $1.20). Credit cards are accepted in tourist areas, but carry cash for markets and small vendors. Use your right hand for transactions, as the left is considered disrespectful.
• Clothing: Pack light summer clothing (T-shirts, shorts, cotton pants) and rain gear for the rainy season. Modest attire is required for religious sites or cultural events like owambes.
• Cultural Etiquette: Learn basic pidgin English phrases like “How you dey?” (How are you?) or “Abeg” (Please). Use your right hand for eating and passing objects. Respect local customs, especially at religious sites, by removing shoes and dressing modestly.
• Festivals and Events: Lagos hosts vibrant festivals, particularly in the second half of the year, including Lagos Fashion Week, LagosPhoto, and Felabration honoring Fela Kuti. The Christmas period features a weeklong fiesta, “Èkó for Show.”

FAQs for Lagos

Here are answers to common questions about traveling to Lagos: