Lagos State in Nigeria is home to several notable tourist sites. Tourism in the state first received government attention by the Military Administration around 1995. The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is charged with responsibility for the state.
Beaches and Beach Resorts
Lagos state has over 700km of Atlantic sandy beaches with about 20 between the West of Badagry and East of Lekki. One of the great things about Lagos is its proximity to the ocean and that brings with it several stretches of beach land and getaway opportunities.
However, Lagos beaches aren’t like most you’d find anywhere else. In the sense that you cannot simply drive up to a beach, pull up an umbrella, sit back and relax, especially as a foreigner. Most of the ordinary beaches you would find as you drive away from Victoria Island do not have good structures for tourists and there are “gatekeepers”. You will be required to pay a fee - usually, a small amount, to enjoy the oceanfront. However, there are a few areas that are more tailored to tourists.
Here are some of the top beach resorts and beaches in Lagos:
- Jara Beach Resort
- Sencillo Lagos
- La Campagne Tropicana
- Hov Beach Resort
- Tarkwa Bay
- Moist Beach Club (Temporarily Closed as of 2024)
- Kamp Ikare
- Laguna Beach
- Inagbe Grand Resort
- Landmark Beach (Closed as of 2024)
Jara Beach Resort is arguably the best beach resort in Lagos. The resort stands out with its offering of an all-inclusive stay at the beachfront property. Sencillo Lagos is an exclusive 3-bedroom beachfront property in Ilashe, Lagos.
10 Best Things to do in LAGOS, NIGERIA 🇳🇬
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Tarkwa Bay is another beach that I can recommend a visit to. While I didn’t particularly enjoy being in this beach area (don’t take my experience as a blueprint, many people love the beach here), I loved spending time in the cabin and surrounding areas. Landmark Beach on Victoria Island is located within the city limits, making it one of the most accessible spots for visitors. Its strip of beach is pristine and perfect for sunbathing, while the surrounding area is lined with a few upscale cafes and restaurants.
Parks and Nature Reserves
Lekki Conservation Centre
If you google ‘fun places to visit in Lagos’, Lekki Conservation Centre is likely to top the list. The truth is that there aren’t that many places like this in Lagos - and there should be. The Lekki Conservation Centre is located in the centre of Lekki. The tourist area, which covers a land area of 78 hectares, is located on the Lekki Peninsula, next to the Lekki Lagoon, and near the Lagos Lagoon.
The LCC, which was founded in 1990, aims to preserve the biodiversity of Lagos’ native flora and fauna. Get here early or visit during off-peak hours to enjoy a quiet and pleasant stroll on the boardwalk across the mangroves. You will likely run into several monkeys during your walk, and might even spot a reptile or two. If you’re feeling adventurous, head up to the 401m-long, 22.5m-high canopy walkway that takes you through the treetops. The LCC’s 401-metre long canopy walkway is the longest canopy walkway in Africa.
Freedom Park
Freedom Park is a memorial and leisure park area in the middle of downtown Lagos in Lagos Island, Nigeria; the park symbolizes the transformation of colonial prison to a symbol of freedom.
Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park
Because there aren’t many public parks in Lagos (and also because Lagos is overpopulated), this park can get very crowded. Nevertheless, it is a great spot for a picnic if you visit on a good day. Be aware that part of the park adjoins a major road.
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Epe Mangroves
The Epe Mangroves and Fish Market are quite unconventional but if you find yourself in Lagos looking for an unconventional attraction, this is a place to consider visiting. A 70km drive from the center of Lagos, the Epe Mangroves are a lovely respite from the city, and a visit here makes an excellent day trip. Hop in a canoe and drift down the still channel past grasses and mangrove trees, as an expert oarsman propels the vessel in near silence. You might stop in to the small settlement of Iba Oloja to observe the process of making garri (fried cassava flakes).
Cultural and Art Centers
Nike Art Gallery
Founded by textile artist and impresario Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, Nike Art Gallery is a Lagos must-visit. Exhibiting thousands of eye-catching pieces from artists across the country, the gallery provides a rich look into Nigerian culture and traditions as expressed through art. This art gallery is also a visitor’s favourite in Lagos. It is a three-story building filled with artworks from all over the country, all of which, are available for purchase.
Terra Kulture
Terra Kulture brings together the best of Nigerian culture and art under one roof, hosting well-produced Nigerian stage plays and musicals that are guaranteed to thrill. A live theatrical performance here is a great way to understand Nigerian culture more deeply.
The Terra Kulture space holds a restaurant, a bookstore and a nice little art gallery. But what you should try to see is a stage play here. If it is a play by Bolanle Austin-Peters, then I can guarantee that you’ll enjoy it.
Kalakuta Republic Museum
An homage to the famous Afrobeats musician and activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the three-story Kalakuta Republic Museum is where the legend called home until his passing in 1997. Inside, visitors will find many of the artist’s musical instruments and personal belongings, showcasing his atypical lifestyle. During his lifetime, Fela was a vocal critic of the mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and corruption within the government.
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The museum offers guided tours to visitors who wish to learn about Fela’s work. In addition, at the nearby New Afrika Shrine guests can enjoy live performances by Fela’s descendants, providing a hint of what it must have felt like to see the legend himself live.
The J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History
The J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History is a new museum in Lagos, Nigeria, dedicated to celebrating and preserving Yoruba culture and history. It's located in the Onikan area, the cultural heart of Lagos Island.
Lagos National Museum
One of the 65 museums and historical sites managed by Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments. The Lagos National Museum houses a treasure trove of archaeological and ethnographic exhibits ranging from elegant statuary to intricate carvings and more, including the Jemaa Head which is a striking example of terra-cotta craft from the Nok culture and one of the museum's crown jewels.
Other Attractions
- Upbeat: Upbeat is a recreational centre in Lekki geared towards fitness and exercise. Here you will find facilities such as a football field, basketball court and a park with trampolines and other indoor activities.
- Omu Resort: Omu Resort is also a recreational centre located in Lagos. This park has several fun activities for visitors to engage in. Also, Omu Resort has a zoo on-premises.
- Rufus and Bee: Rufus and Bee is a game arcade and bowling centre located in Victoria Island, Lagos.
- Jaekel House: This old railroad house, located in Ebute Metta, is great for picnics and a trip back in time. The building, constructed in the late 1800s, houses relics of the old railway corporation, among other things.
- Badagry: Badagry does have a few beautiful places to check out.
Practical Information for Visitors
Plan your movements around Lagos very carefully because Lagos and Traffic are synonymous. Lagos establishments can be very weird (and sometimes hostile) about taking pictures, especially if you do so with a digital camera. I think visitors enjoy Lagos best when they have someone to show them around. Uber and Bolt work well in Lagos.
Top 10 Things to Do in Lagos
These are the top 10 things to do in Lagos:
- Take in the best of Nigerian art at Nike Art Gallery
- Go shopping for fabrics at Balogun Market
- Tackle the Lekki Conservation Centre canopy walkway
- Soak up the sun at Landmark Beach
- Let the local cuisine delight your taste buds
- Catch a show at Terra Kulture
- Tour the Kalakuta Republic Museum
- Let your hair down at an Owambe
- Drift through the Epe Mangroves in a canoe
| Attraction | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lekki Conservation Centre | Nature Reserve | A serene nature park with a canopy walkway, aiming to preserve Lagos’ biodiversity. |
| Nike Art Gallery | Art Gallery | Exhibits thousands of pieces from artists across Nigeria, showcasing Nigerian culture through art. |
| Terra Kulture | Cultural Center | Hosts Nigerian stage plays and musicals, offering a deep understanding of Nigerian culture. |
| Kalakuta Republic Museum | Museum | The former home of Fela Kuti, showcasing his musical instruments, personal belongings, and activism. |
| Landmark Beach | Beach Resort | A pristine beach perfect for sunbathing, with cafes and restaurants, and lively nightlife. |
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