The best attractions in Lagos are spread across the islands, the mainland and the Lekki Peninsula, so it pays to plan by area rather than trying to see everything in one day. Lagos Island holds most of the history: Freedom Park on the site of the colonial Broad Street Prison, the Cathedral Church of Christ on the Marina, Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos Central Mosque and, in Onikan, Tafawa Balewa Square and the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, which tells the story of Yoruba culture through interactive galleries. These sights sit close together and make a full day, ideally with a guide or on a heritage walk.
Further east, the Lekki Conservation Centre offers a canopy walkway through swamp forest, and the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge is a popular spot for an early morning walk with lagoon views. Art lovers should allow half a day for the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art at Pan-Atlantic University, far along the Lekki-Epe Expressway. On the mainland, Jaekel House in Ebute Metta preserves the story of Nigeria's railways. Start early, as heat and traffic build quickly, and use ride-hailing cars between sights. Check opening times before you travel, as some museums publish limited information, and carry cash for entry fees and tips.
10 places · Updated November 12, 2026
Our top 3 attractions in Lagos
Attraction
Run by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation since 1990, this 78-hectare wetland reserve on the Lekki Peninsula is known for its long canopy walkway, nature trail and monkeys.
View details — Lekki Conservation CentreAttraction
Freedom Park is a memorial and arts park on the site of the colonial Broad Street Prison on Lagos Island, opened in 2010 and used for concerts, plays and festivals.
View details — Freedom ParkAttraction
Opened to the public in 2024 on the site of Nigeria's first public swimming pool, the John Randle Centre tells the story of Yoruba culture through interactive galleries.
View details — John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and HistoryAttraction
Opened in 2019 at Pan-Atlantic University, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art holds Nigerian art from Nok terracottas and Benin bronzes to modern and contemporary work.
View details — Yemisi Shyllon Museum of ArtAttraction
Completed in 1946 on the Marina, the Cathedral Church of Christ is the oldest Anglican cathedral in Nigeria and holds a memorial to Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther.
View details — Cathedral Church of Christ, MarinaAttraction
Built over the old Lagos Race Course and opened in 1972, Tafawa Balewa Square is a 14.5-hectare parade ground on Lagos Island known for its giant horse sculptures.
View details — Tafawa Balewa SquareAttraction
Opened in 2013, the 1.36-kilometre Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge was Nigeria's first cable-stayed bridge and is a favourite spot for joggers, walkers and photographs over the lagoon.
View details — Lekki-Ikoyi Link BridgeAttraction
Jaekel House is an 1898 colonial railway mansion in Ebute Metta, restored as a small museum of Nigerian railway history and photographs, set in a large garden.
View details — Jaekel HouseAttraction
Opened in 1988 on Nnamdi Azikiwe Street, Lagos Central Mosque is a working mosque on Lagos Island known for its gold dome and four minarets.
View details — Lagos Central MosqueAttraction
Completed in 1939, Holy Cross Cathedral is the French Gothic seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos and a stop on heritage walks across Lagos Island.
View details — Holy Cross Cathedral