Besides being one of the largest cities and metropolitan areas in Africa, this sunny port city in Nigeria, Africa, has something for everyone, from its breathtaking natural wonders to the whole slew of exciting activities you can do there. Taking into consideration its rich cultural and historical heritage, as well as its thriving arts scene, it’s no wonder everyone is so drawn to Lagos! There’s simply too much to experience and too little time, a travesty for anyone who wants to really experience a new place. Fortunately, here are some of the best things to do in Lagos, Nigeria, in a limited time frame without having to feel like you’re missing out on anything.
Tip from tour guide
While you enjoy your trip to Lagos's beautiful attractions, remember that the city is notorious for its traffic, especially during rush hours. To navigate the city efficiently, consider using ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt, or take advantage of the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system. Additionally, planning your trips outside peak traffic hours can save you time and stress. Along with all these things to do, don't forget that Lagos is a haven for food enthusiasts, offering a diverse culinary scene. From street food like suya (spicy grilled meat) and puff-puff (fried dough balls) to upscale dining experiences in restaurants across Victoria Island and Lekki, there’s something for every palate. Don’t miss the chance to try local delicacies like jollof rice, amala, and pepper soup.
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1. Enjoy an art exhibition at the Thought Pyramid Art Centre
In a bid to make the public more aware of the modern art of Africa, this non-profit art gallery was established. What makes the artwork unique is the fact that they are exhibited from a variety of perspectives in the relevant context of a global art movement.
Apart from interesting art exhibitions, visitors can also enjoy musical events, lectures, and poetry workshops. Not only do tourists from all over the globe flock to the gallery, but delegates and diplomats such as the former president of Germany, Joachim Gauck, and the Duchess of Cornwall, Her Royal Highness Camilla, have also graced it with their honourable presence.
Thought Pyramid Art Centre
Address: 18 Libreville Cres, Wuse 904101, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
Website: Thought Pyramid Art Centre
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 7pm; Sun: 1pm - 6pm
Price: Free
2. Learn about Nigeria's history through the artifacts in the National Museum Lagos
This is one of the oldest museums in Nigeria and is located at Onikan, Lagos. The museum was founded in 1957 by Kenneth Murray, an English archaeologist, who was very intrigued by Nigerian culture and values. It is housed opposite the J. K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History and stands adjacent to the City Mall and Tafawa Balewa Square.
The museum boasts an impressive collection of ancient sculptures and antiques of carved ivory and brass from the Benin Kingdom. Visitors can explore the history of the land through the artifacts at their own pace and gain a deep insight into Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
National Museum Lagos
Address: Onikan Rd, Ikoyi 102273, Lagos, Nigeria
Website: National Museum Lagos
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 3:30pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 200 NGN
3. Take a tour of Lekki Conservation Centre
The diverse and rich biodiversity of Lekki Conservation Centre has made it one of Africa’s most prominent nature reserves, and a definite must-see for ecotourists. Located far from the hustle and bustle of the big city, it is the perfect place for a soothing nature getaway. You can explore Canopy Walkway, a 401 metres (1315.6 feet) long swinging bridge that offers a panoramic view of the breathtaking sights and various wildlife that call the centre their home. At 22.5 metres (73.8 feet), this walkway is not for the faint-hearted. Prefer an activity with your feet on the ground? Then head over to Family Park for a leisurely picnic and entertain yourselves with the diverse floor games, fish ponds and jungle gym facilities (including a bouncy castle!), all located in the park.
Book Tours : Private Guided Tour of the Lekki Conservation Centre
4. Marvel at the exhibits at Nike Art Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
What’s a better way to immerse yourself in the local art scene than to visit Nike Art Centre? Founded by artist and designer Nike Davies Okundaye, the centre is an art gallery, textile museum, artist workshop and home, rolled in one, and features over 7,000 pieces by various local artists in the traditional Nigerian art styles. It gives you a peek into all of Nigeria’s myriads of cultures through an artist’s perspective. Take the time to join an art course run by Nike or even one of her tours, in which you can travel through Nigeria (transportation provided) visiting museums, galleries, and traditional markets, or studying the techniques used by Yoruba craftsmen and artists. You will even get the opportunity to stay in her homes in Lagos, Oshogbo and Ogidi, and join her family and the artist herself to sample delicious Nigerian grub.
Nike Art Centre
Address: 2 Oba Yekini Elegushi Rd, Lekki Phase I, Lekki, Nigeria
Website: Nike Art Centre
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 1pm - 6pm
Price: Free entry
Lagos Tour Guide
Clara Okoro
Clara Chinwe Okoro: Founder & COO of My Beautiful Africa As the Founder and COO of My Beautiful Africa, and a visionary leader in the travel and tourism industry in Africa, I am dedicated to showcasing the diverse and rich cultural heritage of Africa. My passion for being a tour guide stems from a deep love for the continent and a commitment to creating unforgettable travel experiences tha... Read more
5. Take a stroll at Freedom Park Lagos
What was once Her Majesty’s Broad Street Prisons, is now a park, national memorial, historical landmark and cultural site founded to preserve the cultural heritage of Nigeria. For anyone looking to spend a quiet afternoon while enriching their trip, Freedom Park is the perfect place to go. There, you can wander around the gardens or have a picnic. You can also take the time to see some of the memorials in the area. Besides its historical and cultural significance, it also plays host to a variety of arts- and culture-versed festivals, including performances, visual art exhibitions and live music performances on a regular basis.
Freedom Park Lagos
Address: Old Prison Ground, Broad St, Lagos Island, Lagos
Website: Freedom Park Lagos
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
6. Spend a day at Tarkwa Bay Beach
This artificially constructed beach is accessible only by boats or water taxis, so just the journey there would be a thrilling experience. With beautiful sandy shores and clear ocean waters coupled with gorgeous views, it’s no wonder this place is a swimmers and water sport enthusiasts’ haven. There, you can engage in a variety of water sports such as surfing. Prefer to stay on dry land? You can always choose to hire quad bikes and take a scenic ride around the island.
Tarkwa Bay Beach
Address: Onisiwo Island, Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Tip from tour guide
The city also boasts some beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation and recreation. Popular spots like Tarkwa Bay, Elegushi Beach, and Oniru Beach offer a mix of leisure activities, including beach sports, live music, and food stalls. For a more serene experience, you can visit less crowded beaches like Ilashe or Lekki Beach.
7. Grab a brunch at Yellow Chilli
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A trip isn’t complete without getting a taste of the local cuisine. So while you’re in Lagos, consider taking a trip to Yellow Chilli. Located on the famed Victoria Island, the restaurant cum bar serves a variety of traditional Nigerian and Continental dishes. It is a great way for first-time visitors to Lagos to familiarise themselves with the local cuisine. Try the Fisherman’s Peppersoup or the recent goat meat. Be warned though! As the name suggests, they serve a lot of spicy dishes.
Yellow Chilli
Address: 35, Joel Ogunike Street, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
Website: Yellow Chilli
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 10pm; Sat: 9am - 8pm; Sun: 11am - 10pm
8. Lounge at Moist Beach Club
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located in a secluded private beach with breathtaking views of the ocean, Moist Beach Club is a great place to visit when you’re in Lagos. The club offers great food and a variety of amenities, from a lounge to a nightclub, you have a long list of choices for entertainment. If you prefer the tranquillity of the beach, you could head there in the afternoon to sunbathe whilst enjoying the peace and quiet. But if you like something more upbeat, come in the evening for an unforgettable beach party that lasts all night. Either way, Moist Beach Club has something for everyone.
Moist Beach Club
Address: Oniru Private Beach, Ligali Ayorinde Street, V.I Lagos
Website: Moist Beach Club
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri - Sun: 11am - 3pm (closed on Mon)
9. Step into Kalakuta Museum to travel back in time
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Kalakuta Museum on Saturday, May 5, 2018
All those history buffs and music lovers out there should definitely head over to Kalakuta Museum. Housed in the former residence of the famed musician and political activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the museum gives visitors a glimpse into his life, with many of his personal artefacts being displayed, such as his outfits, album covers and photographs. Music that he composed is also played throughout the museum, exposing you to some of his well-known melodies. Clearly, there is no better way to immerse yourself in Lagos’ history and culture than visiting the museum that features the life of a prominent member of the country.
Kalakuta Museum
Address: 7 Gbemisola St, Allen, Ikeja, Nigeria
Website: Kalakuta Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
10. Plan a day at National Theatre Nigeria
Those who love the arts and fine arts can’t give this place a miss. The National Theatre Nigeria is Nigeria’s primary performing centre and also hosts National Gallery of Modern Nigerian Art. The theatre is widely regarded as a historical national monument, finished in 1967 in time to host the 1977 Festival of Arts and Culture. It has hosted countless stage performances, film shows, art exhibitions, cultural shows, musical performances and even some indoor sports activities in its myriad of facilities and halls. Perhaps you could catch a show there and immerse yourself in Nigeria’s culture and get a taste of its local art scene.
National Theatre Nigeria
Address: Iganmu, Lagos Apapa Local Government, Lagos, Nigeria
Website: National Theatre Nigeria
11. Go shopping at Idumota Market
Idumota Market holds the title of one of West Africa’s oldest and largest markets, with thousands of shops scattered throughout the various buildings in the marketplace. The market is therefore ideal for shopaholics, with the wide variety of products that it sells, from wristwatches to food. You never know what hidden treasure you’ll find there!
Idumota Market
Address: Bankole St, Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Website: Idumota Market
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 8:30pm (closed on Sun)
12. Bring your kids to Apapa Amusement Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Apapa Amusement Park on Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Looking for something more family oriented? Then look no further than Apapa Amusement Park. This expansive recreational facility has dozens of adrenaline-fueled rides perfect for thrillseekers such as kart racing. Plus affordably priced rides, your experience is sure to be fun-filled and action packed. A great place for family bonding.
(Tip: The best time to visit the park is from late July to September, which allows you to avoid the heavy downpours common from late April to early July, but still enjoy the dip in temperatures and cool breezes)
Apapa Amusement Park
Address: 34 Randle Rd, Apapa Quays, Lagos, Nigeria
Website: Apapa Amusement Park
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 10am - 8pm
Price: 2.42 USD
13. Explore the culture of Lagos
Contributed by Tour Guide, Clara Okoro
Lagos is the cultural heartbeat of Nigeria, home to Nollywood (the Nigerian film industry) and a thriving music scene. The city is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities, with vibrant festivals, art galleries, and theaters like Terra Kulture, which showcases Nigerian art and performances, a fantastic destination to include in your itinerary.
Make Lagos your own
A new country or city might feel overwhelming in the initial few days. Take a deep breath and dive into the wonders and explore the peculiarities of the place. Lagos is not showy, it is humble yet exciting, simple yet rocking. Go around the city and call it home as long as you stay here.
History
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