Things To Do
in Lagos
Lagos is Nigeria’s largest city and a bustling economic hub on the Atlantic coast. It blends rich Yoruba traditions with a vibrant mix of cultures from across Nigeria and beyond. The city is known for its energetic markets, lively music scene, and scenic beaches.
Despite its rapid growth and traffic challenges, Lagos offers a unique fusion of history, art, and modern urban life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Ikoyi. Settle in and meet your local guide for a briefing on Lagos’s dynamic history. Take in the city skyline and the warm coastal breeze as you adjust to local time.
Enjoy your first Nigerian meal at a popular Buka restaurant, savoring jollof rice, plantains, and suya. Head to the Nike Art Gallery to admire vibrant Yoruba paintings, sculptures, and textiles. Chat with resident artists to learn about traditional techniques and inspirations.
Relax at Tarkwa Bay Beach as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean. Dine at a stylish rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of Third Mainland Bridge. Experience the rhythmic energy of live Afrobeat music at a nearby lounge.
Start with a boat ride to Lagos Island, watching fishermen haul in their morning catch. Tour the Lagos Island market, sampling roasted corn and coconut water from local vendors. Admire colonial architecture at the Old Secretariat building before crowds gather.
Visit the National Museum to explore Nigeria’s archaeological treasures and royal regalia. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the lush surroundings of the museum grounds under towering palm trees. Learn about Benin bronze artifacts and Nok terracotta sculptures from knowledgeable curators.
Stroll through Idumota Market as dusk settles, observing the vibrant trade of fabrics and fresh produce. Taste local snacks like puff-puff and akara from street stalls. Watch a cultural performance at Freedom Park to immerse yourself in Lagos’s artistic spirit.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| 🎖Three-course meal for two | $30-40 |
| 🚕Taxi start (local) | $0.50 |
| 🚆Public bus fare | $0.15 |
| ☕Cappuccino | $2-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant music and arts scene
- Delicious and affordable street food
- Scenic beaches and outdoor attractions
- Warm and welcoming locals
- Severe traffic congestion
- Occasional safety concerns at night
- High humidity and heat
- Unreliable public infrastructure
- "Bawo ni?" - How are you?
- "E kaaro" - Good morning
- "E kaasan" - Good afternoon
- "E kaale" - Good evening
- "Ese gan" - Thank you very much
Places to Visit in Lagos
Visit one of these nice places.
A striking cable-stayed bridge perfect for sunset and cityscape shots.
Colorful art installations and sculptures that make vibrant backdrops.
Picturesque sandy shoreline framed by palm trees and calm waters.
Colonial-era architecture and statues in the courtyard provide classic photo ops.
Food in Lagos
Lagos Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Spiced tomato rice often served with fried plantain and grilled chicken; try it at Yellow Chilli in Victoria Island.
Must-Try!
Smooth yam dough paired with a rich melon-seed soup; available at local spots like Mama Cass.
Spicy grilled beef skewers with peanut seasoning; grab them from street vendors around Ikeja.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A sprawling market on Lagos Island where you can sample puff-puff, gala sausage rolls, and fresh fruit juices.
Weekends-only market with food stalls offering jollof, masa (rice pancakes), and vegetarian akara balls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet older people first and use formal titles.
A handshake with a slight bow is common; close friends may hug or exchange cheek kisses.
Avoid overly revealing clothing, especially in conservative neighborhoods and religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in Lagos
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated but not mandatory; tip hotel porters and guides small amounts.
Cash (naira) is king for markets and street food. Credit cards are accepted in higher-end hotels and restaurants; mobile payments (Paga, Opay) are growing.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect heavy afternoon downpours, high humidity, and occasional flooding in low areas.
Hot sunshine with lower humidity; Harmattan dust from the Sahara may cause hazy skies in December–February.
Lagos at Night
Hiking in Lagos
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A two-hour drive east; lush tropical forest with guided wildlife walks.
Boat ride from Lagos Harbor to see coastal mangroves and island scenery.
Airports
How to reach Lagos by plane.
Main international gateway with domestic and regional flights; 30–60 minutes from city center by car.
Handles internal flights; adjacent to the international terminal for easy transfers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The indigenous ethnic group dominating Lagos’s cultural and political life.
A significant community engaged in commerce and trade throughout the city.
Present as merchants and workers, especially in markets and transport sectors.
Foreign workers and entrepreneurs in finance, oil, tech, and NGOs.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Nigeria’s top sport; catch local league matches and the national team’s games.
Growing in popularity, with local leagues and outdoor courts in many neighborhoods.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lagos.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Focus on dishes like fried plantain, akara (bean cakes), and vegetable soups; vegetarian options are growing in mid-range restaurants.
Carry snacks; vegan restaurants are rare but you can request stews without meat or fish at local eateries.
Most staples like rice, yams, and corn-based dishes are naturally gluten-free; confirm ingredients in soups and sauces.