Lagos

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Lagos's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Arrival and Cultural Introduction
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Island Exploration and Historic Landmarks
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 3
Beach and Leisure Day
morning
:

Head to Elegushi Beach to feel the sand between your toes and ride the gentle Atlantic waves. Join a beach workout session or unwind under an umbrella with fresh coconut water. Take time to watch local fishermen cast their nets from colorful canoes.

afternoon
:

Indulge in a seafood feast at a beachfront grill, savoring peppered prawns and grilled tilapia. Try your hand at beach volleyball or jet ski along the shoreline for an adrenaline rush. Chat with locals to discover hidden beach coves and secret viewpoints.

evening
:

Stay for an open-air sunset picnic by tiki torches as the sky turns pink and orange. Enjoy chilled palm wine and spicy dodo chips while local musicians serenade you with drums. Return to your hotel rejuvenated by sea air and tunes.

day 4
Historic Badagry and Slave Trade Route
morning
:

Depart early for Badagry, a historic town on the Atlantic coast with deep roots in West African history. Visit the First Storey Building in Nigeria and learn about colonial administration. Stand at the old point of no return, reflecting on the transatlantic slave trade.

afternoon
:

Tour the Badagry Heritage Museum to view old shackles, maps, and archival photos. Enjoy a riverside lunch of pepper soup and ewa agoyin while overlooking the lagoon. Take a guided walk through historic churches and the iconic talking drum monument.

evening
:

Return to Lagos city and freshen up for dinner at a vibrant local eatery in Victoria Island. Try signature dishes like egusi soup with pounded yam and garri with fried fish. Explore a nearby rooftop bar for cocktails and panoramic night views of Lagos.

day 5
Art and Market Discovery
morning
:

Explore Lekki Arts and Crafts Market to browse handmade beads, textiles, and painted masks. Interact with artisans who demonstrate bead stringing and pottery techniques. Negotiate for one-of-a-kind souvenirs to take home.

afternoon
:

Attend a workshop at the Yinka Shonibare Foundation to learn about contemporary Nigerian art. Participate in a batik fabric dying session, choosing vibrant colors to craft your own cloth. Enjoy lunch in a nearby café serving farm-to-table Nigerian fusion dishes.

evening
:

Visit Terra Kulture to watch a live theater performance showcasing local playwrights. Sample light bites like mini meat pies during the intermission. Conclude the night with creative cocktails inspired by African fruits.

day 6
Lekki Conservation Centre and Coastal Wildlife
morning
:

Journey to Lekki Conservation Centre to walk the world’s longest canopy walkway above lush rainforest. Spot monkeys, birds, and monitor lizards in their natural habitat. Learn about conservation efforts from park rangers passionate about preserving biodiversity.

afternoon
:

Picnic under towering mangrove trees with a basket of fresh fruits and pastries. Follow guided nature trails to hidden lagoons and observe crocodiles basking on muddy banks. Discuss ongoing environmental projects that protect Nigeria’s coastal ecosystems.

evening
:

Return to Victoria Island to dine at a waterfront restaurant bathed in the golden glow of lanterns. Savor seafood tapas while breezes drift off the lagoon. End the day with a lullaby of chirping crickets as you unwind in your hotel room.

day 7
Culinary Immersion and Cooking Class
morning
:

Shop for fresh produce at Mile 12 Market, selecting peppers, tomatoes, yams, and spices with a local chef. Experience the hustle of vendors calling out prices and negotiate like a pro. Return to a teaching kitchen ready to start your culinary lesson.

afternoon
:

Learn to prepare classic Nigerian dishes such as egusi stew, jollof rice, and moi-moi under expert guidance. Taste each step and refine seasoning to your preference. Share stories over your homemade meal, bonding with fellow food enthusiasts.

evening
:

Join a food tour through Lekki Phase 1, sampling street food like roasted plantains, chin chin, and nkwobi at popular hotspots. Sip on freshly blended sobolo and zobo drinks for a refreshing finish. Watch the city lights flicker as Lagos hums with evening energy.

day 8
Cultural Villages and Traditional Crafts
morning
:

Drive to the outskirts of Lagos to visit a Yoruba cultural village where customs thrive undisturbed by city life. Don traditional attire offered by the hosts and learn about local proverbs and etiquette. Participate in drumming and dance rituals led by village elders.

afternoon
:

Marvel at wood carvers shaping intricate figures and blacksmiths forging ceremonial implements. Try your hand at carving a small piece with guidance, creating a personal keepsake. Enjoy a communal lunch of amala and ewedu served in banana leaves.

evening
:

Return to Lagos and freshen up for a storytelling session at a cultural center, where folktales come alive under thatched-roof huts. Sip palm wine as the storyteller uses singing and call-and-response to engage the audience. Head back to your accommodation inspired by ancient wisdom.

day 9
Sunset Cruise and Nightlife Extravaganza
morning
:

Sleep in after an energetic week and enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the lagoon. Dip your toes in the hotel pool or stroll along the landscaped gardens. Plan the evening’s adventure with your concierge.

afternoon
:

Relax in a spa with traditional massages and scrubs using locally sourced shea butter. Savor a light lunch of gluten-free snacks and fresh juices in the outdoor pavilion. Prepare for a night out by donning chic evening attire.

evening
:

Embark on a sunset cruise along the Lagos coastline, where city lights begin to sparkle on the water. Enjoy a buffet of Nigerian and continental dishes accompanied by lively Afrobeat tunes from a live DJ. Disembark to explore Victoria Island’s club scene, dancing to the latest hits until dawn.

day 10
Reflection, Shopping, and Departure
morning
:

Gather for a final breakfast at your hotel’s terrace, enjoying panoramic city views one last time. Share highlights from the trip with newfound friends and exchange contact information. Pack souvenirs carefully and double-check travel documents.

afternoon
:

Make a stop at the Palms Shopping Mall for any last-minute gifts or fashions from Nigerian designers. Relish an Afro-Latin fusion lunch at a trendy café in like-minded company. Return to your hotel to collect your luggage and check out.

evening
:

Head to the airport with ample time to navigate Lagos traffic and security. Indulge in a final serving of local snacks like caramelized plantain chips and spicy groundnut mix in the lounge. Reflect on your immersive Lagos experience as you board your flight home.

Discover Lagos

Read more in our Lagos 2025 Travel Guide.

Lagos Travel Guide