Lagos in a Day: Ultimate City Guide
1. Take in the best of Nigerian art at Nike Art Gallery
Founded by textile artist Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, Nike Art Gallery is a 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.
Visit at any time to admire the rotating displays of artworks. Time your visit to a special event for a captivating cultural experience involving songs, dances, and traditional Yoruba outfits. Chief Nike often oversees the proceedings herself, enthusiastically bringing visitors into the experience. Interacting with her is a highlight of any visit.
2. Go shopping for fabrics at Balogun Market
If you don’t mind crowds, a visit to Balogun Market might be the most memorable experience you can have in Lagos. Occupying multiple streets on Lagos Island, the market is a symphony of organized chaos. Here, you will find fabrics and other items in abundance - and, if you’re game to bargain, for a great price.
For more-relaxed shopping, try Lekki Arts and Crafts Market, which has a maze of stalls that brim with unique works of art and handmade accessories. The atmosphere here is much quieter than at Balogun - meaning you can stroll around at your own pace, striking up conversations with vendors.
3. Tackle the Lekki Conservation Centre canopy walkway
A serene and centrally located nature park, the Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) provides a welcome respite from the surrounding clamor. The LCC, which was founded in 1990, aims to preserve the biodiversity of Lagos’ native flora and fauna.
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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. Your reward? Bird’s-eye views of the park and city beyond.
4. Soak up the sun at Landmark Beach
Located on Africa’s west coast, Lagos is home to a number of beachside resorts. 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.
During the day, you’ll encounter a family-friendly vibe, with an inflatable water park and a children’s play area. After the sun sets, the beach caters more to partygoers. Landmark Beach gives visitors the opportunity to experience Lagos’ sizzling nightlife, from concerts and comedy shows to silent disco parties and game nights.
5. Let the local cuisine delight your taste buds
No trip to Lagos is complete without trying the local food. Nigerians take great pride in their cuisine, and often spend a considerable amount of time preparing meals. This translates to delicious, deeply spice-infused meals that will tingle your taste buds.
An essential dish to try is jollof rice, cooked in tomato sauce and spices. Another local favorite is suya, a street delicacy consisting of thin strips of skewered grilled meat. If you want to eat like a Nigerian, try out one of the staple foods known as “swallow” - so called because chunks of each are meant to be swallowed whole rather than chewed, then washed down with soup. Pounded yam and amala - both made from yam flour and served with such leafy vegetable soups as efo riro and ewedu - are delicious swallow meals to sample.
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6. Catch a show at 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.
Look out for local favorites such as Saro, the Musical, Wakaa! The Musical, Fela’s Republic and the Kalakuta Queens and Wole Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman. Such critically acclaimed shows are excellent examples of Nigerian theater: educating, entertaining and even electrifying. The center puts on performances most weekends, with many of the Broadway-type plays and musicals produced during public holidays.
7. Tour the 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.
Inside the museum, visitors can view historical photographs that follow Fela’s life from childhood to adulthood, as well as his musical career and activism. During his lifetime, Fela was a vocal critic of the mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and corruption within the government. Often penalized for his views, he remained outspoken in his message of social justice, continually speaking truth to power.
His political views were often expressed in his music, at nightclub sessions and in newspapers, snapshots of which can also be found hanging on the museum walls. 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.
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8. Let your hair down at an Owambe
No activity captures the spirit of Lagos more than attending an Owambe. These extravagant parties take place every weekend in Lagos, and are designed for those who love to have a good time. Expect well-dressed guests in Aso-Ebi (matching attire), lots of food and drink, and - of course - lively music and dancing. In other words, the best of Nigerian culture.
While visiting Lagos, chances are you’ll meet someone who is organizing or attending an Owambe. Most Owambe do not enforce a strict invitation-only policy: for, traditionally, the higher the guest count, the more successful the party. So if you do get invited or asked to tag along to one, do not pass up the opportunity to attend.
9. Drift through the Epe Mangroves in a canoe
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). After your taste of rural Nigerian life, head to the Epe Fish Market, the largest in Lagos State, to see vendors hawking freshly caught prawns, crayfish, crabs and huge fish - as well as bushmeat and even crocodiles.
10. Explore Other Exciting Activities and Attractions
Lagos offers a plethora of other exciting activities and attractions for tourists. Here are some additional options to consider:
- Visit West Africa’s Biggest Art Gallery, Nike Art Centre: Explore a collection of about 8,000 stunning artworks.
- Explore Yoruba History and Culture At John Randle Centre: Discover the rich traditions of the Yoruba people.
- Sip and Cook With Friends: Enjoy an interactive culinary experience with wine pairings.
- Try Your Hand at Golfing at Lakowe Lakes: Play golf at an exclusive 308-hectare residential golf estate.
- Go shopping at Lekki Arts and Crafts Market: Shop for authentic art, handmade bags, and sculptures.
- Experience Live Music At Bogobiri House: Enjoy open mic nights with talented musicians and artists.
- Walk The Longest Canopy Walkway in Africa: Brave the canopy walk at the Lekki Conservation Centre.
- Take a Day Trip To Badagry To Learn The Important Black Slave History: Discover the history of black heritage.
- Take a Stroll in The Freedom Park: Relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Day trip to Abeokuta and Climb Olumo Rock: Get panoramic views of Abeokuta.
- Go Restaurant Hopping: Try local foods at various restaurants.
- Relax At The Beach: Visit beaches like La Campagne Tropicana and Wave Beach.
- Attend a Nigerian Wedding or Owambe Event: Experience the best of Nigerian culture.
- Enjoy Nightlife in Lagos’s Many Nightclubs, Bars and Lounges: Experience Lagos's vibrant nightlife.
- Watch a Live Play at The Terra Kulture: See well-produced Nigerian stage plays and musicals.
- Visit The Kalakuta Republic Museum: Explore the home of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
- Shop Local at Lagos’s Biggest Open-air Market: Experience the organized chaos of Lagos markets.
With so much to see and do, Lagos promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler. Whether you're interested in art, culture, nature, or nightlife, this vibrant city has something to offer everyone.
Here’s a list of some of the best beaches to visit in Lagos:
- La Campagne Tropicana
- Wave Beach
- Ziba Beach Resorts
- Koko Beach Hotel & Resorts
La Campagne Tropicana
Entrance Fees and Opening Hours:
Here is a table summarizing the entrance fees and opening hours for some of the attractions mentioned:
| Attraction | Entrance Fees | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Nike Art Centre | Free | Monday to Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM, Sunday: 1 PM - 6 PM |
| J. Randle Centre | 3,000 Naira | Daily: 10 AM - 6 PM |
| Lekki Conservation Centre | Adults: N1500, Children: N500, Walkway Trek: N1500, Canopy Walk: N1500 per person | Varies |
| La Campagne Tropicana | NGN 2,000-NGN 6,000 per person | Varies |
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tags: #Nigeria
