Lagos has this vibrant and contagious energy that you can feel! Maybe it’s the cars whizzing past you, blasting the latest Afrobeat hits, or the excitement of merchants opening their shops for the day.
Or the sun beaming furiously down on you, and you’re just happy to be alive! Lagos is such a special city, and you never know where your day will lead you. Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, I am sharing 11 amazing things to do in Lagos, so have an unforgettable visit! I will tell you one thing; there’s just so much to do in the city that it’s hard to decide what should be at the top of your list.
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This is the eighth post in the Nigeria travel series. Here’s the complete 10-part series:
Nigeria Travel Series
Bucket List: 7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Nigeria At Least Once
Travel Guide: The Ultimate Lagos, Nigeria Travel Guide: For First-Time Visitors
Food: 9 Popular Foods To Eat In Nigeria
Packing Guide: The Complete Packing List for Your Trip to Nigeria
Travel Tips: 13 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Lagos, Nigeria
Inspiration: 15 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Nigeria
Tourist Visa: 5 Tips for U.S. Citizens Applying for a Nigerian Tourist Visa
Lagos: 11 Best Things To do in Lagos
My Story: Homegoing: Reuniting with My Biological Family
Travel Itinerary: How to spend 5-day in Lagos, Nigeria
11 Best Things To do in Lagos, Nigeria
1. Go to the Lekki Conservation Centre
Founded by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, this incredible coastal ecosystem sanctuary is nestled on the Lekki Penisula, next to the Lekki Lagoon. The wetland reserve is home to the longest suspended canopy walkway in Africa!
While there, you might get lucky and see wildlife, including monkeys, tortoises, crocodiles, and rare birds.
As we walked into the conversation center, we were greeted by playful but not-so-friendly monkeys hanging out in the trees.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take a guided tour, walk across the planks, and catch the impressive 360-degree views above the treetops of the city. Walking across the planks was both exhilarating and scary at the same time, but I loved every minute of it!
Before heading out, check out the conversation center and library. Admittedly I skipped both locations and went straight to the gift shop. I picked up three beautiful gifts for myself and my friends.
Cost: N1000
2. Visit Nike Art Centre
Put aside at least two hours and check out this free fantastic art gallery! Founded by the illustrious artist and designer Oyenike Monica Okundaye, the Nike Art Centre is a 4-floor gallery filled with the most stunning and eye-catching paintings, sculptures, textiles, and the largest collections of African arts and crafts.
Every floor offers something totally different, and I fell in love with every piece of artwork. As a canvas painting collector, I wanted to take home every painting I saw! What’s cool about the gallery is it’s an artist retreat, workshop, and home.
The property is beautiful, and I highly recommend walking around and exploring the intricate details of the works of art.
Insider Tip: One important thing to note is taking pictures of the artwork is strictly prohibited. However, you can take a picture as long as you’re standing with the sculpture or painting.
3. Dine at Shiro
This super cute Pan-Asian restaurant and bar located at Landmark Centre is the ideal place for a special dinner or hot date. From the moment you walk into the restaurant, you’re surrounded by an inviting and captivating ambiance that makes you want to walk around before sitting down to dinner!
The menu offers a variety of appetizing cuisines, including Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Mediterranean. If you visit Shiro on a cooler night, I highly recommend enjoying your meal overlooking the ocean on the patio!
4. Stop By the Lekki Arts & Crafts Market
Open-air markets in Lagos are the best places to find a variety of one-of-a-kind wooden sculptures, masks, jewelry, Ankara fabrics and clothing, and more from different parts of Nigeria! The Lekki Arts and Crafts market (Jakande Air Market) is located off the corner of the Lekki-Epe expressway.
If you are looking to visit the market, arrive early to avoid the chaotic city traffic and the crowds. For more details on how to shop at the Lekki Arts and Crafts Market like a pro, check out the Culture Trip’s Essential Guide to Lekki’s Market.
Insider Tip: If you purchase Ankara fabric, tailors are on-site to make your clothing on the spot! Be sure to bargain, and never accept the first offer you receive. If you aren’t satisfied with the price, don’t be afraid to walk away.
5. Party it up at Moist Beach Club
The nightlife vibes in Lagos are next level! Your trip won’t be complete without spending an evening at Moist Beach Club located on Oniru beach. This swanky beach club offers the most spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, delicious food, and an incredible ambiance. Don’t even get me started with the entertainment! The African artwork covering the beach club is just off this world.
Trust me, you won’t want to miss partying up at Moist beach, I guarantee you’ll have the time of your life! Open seven days a week, from Wednesday to Sunday, the beach club has themed parties that go until the sun comes up. Aside from partying with Nigeria’s biggest celebrities and tourists, this club is free to enter and 1,000 Naira (about $3) for parking.
6. Enjoy a Cocktail at Calabash Bar
Located poolside in the Eko Hotel & Suites, this bar is the best place to wind down from a long day or start your evening partying in VI (Victoria Islands). We initially came to Eko to enjoy drinks on the rooftop, but it was closed for a private party which is how we ended up at Calabash. The ambiance and vibes at the bar were so inviting, and the night breeze was just incredible.
If you’re looking for a bite to each outside the bar, check out Crossroads for the tastiest Tex-Mex restaurant and bar in Lagos. Yes, Lagos has all the cuisine anyone would want!
Insider Tip: After chowing down on delicious tex-mex, stay for a night of fun and dancing. The bar turns into Lagos’ hottest night clubs. Locals flock to this club for its contagious energy and great music. You’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable night!
7. Make New Friends
Meeting new friends is always a major highlight of my trip. In fact, my friends and family call me the mayor. I just can’t help myself. While at the Calabash Bar, we met the coolest and most exciting people from worldwide. One of the guys was home visiting family who lives in Boston, my hometown! We immediately clicked, and he and his friends were gracious enough to invite us to party it up Lagos style!
Tip: Be flexible and open-minded when it comes to meeting new people. You never know where a connection will take you!
8. Browse Artifacts at the Nigerian National Museum
Spend a morning wandering around the Nigerian National Museum, exploring the impressive art, monuments, archaeology collections, and ethnographic exhibits. Here you will experience Nigeria’s history and culture, which are not to be missed. Tour guides are available if you’re looking to get all the details about the museum. For international visitors, the cost of entry is 300 naira ($1). Should you decide not to take a tour, here are 8 must-see masterpieces you can’t miss!
Note: Pictures aren’t allowed to be taken inside.
9. Terra Kulture Arts and Studios
This Nigerian Cultural center is your one-stop shop to learn about the richness and diversity of Nigeria’s arts, culture, and linguistic heritage that makes up this magnificent country. The center also consists of a language and craft school, reading, and an art gallery. Performances, exhibits, plays, and book readings are hosted at the center regularly. Before heading out, try authentic Nigerian cuisine at the food lounge.
10. Attend a Traditional Wedding
If you’re lucky enough to be invited or crash a traditional wedding, you’re in for an experience you’ll never forget! Naija weddings are not like other weddings. They involve making it rain on the newlyweds, dressing like royalty, and eating the tastiest and possibly spiciest foods you’ll have during your visit.
The wedding ceremony is usually less than an hour, but the reception can last between four to six hours for enough time for outfit changes and a party! One of my favorite highlights was attending my first Igba Nkwu (The Wine Carrying Ceremony) in the village during my last visit.
11. Go To The Badagry Heritage Museum
The Badagry Heritage Museum is one of the oldest tourist attractions in Nigeria. The museum is divided into eight sections filled with artifacts, drawings, and sculptures covering over 300 years of the slave trade era. I recommend signing up for a tour to learn more about the history.
Conclusion – Lady Chin’s Two Cents
There you have it! 11 best things to do in Lagos. Every time I visit Lagos, it feels like the first time; there’s so much to do and see! While this isn’t an inclusive list of things to do in Lagos, it’s certainly a start!
Have you ever visited Lagos? What’s your favorite thing to do?
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