Attraction
Lekki Conservation Centre
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…
There are more things to do in Lagos than its reputation for traffic suggests. Nigeria's largest city spreads across a lagoon, islands and the mainland, and each area has its own character. Lagos Island holds the old colonial and Afro-Brazilian quarter, with Freedom Park, the Cathedral Church of Christ, Tafawa Balewa Square and the museums of Onikan. Ikoyi and Victoria Island are the leafy, upmarket heart of hotels, restaurants and galleries, while Lekki stretches east along the coast with the Lekki Conservation Centre, craft markets and beaches. Ikeja on the mainland is home to the airport and to Fela Kuti's Kalakuta Museum and the New Afrika Shrine.
Lagos is also one of the best places in West Africa to eat and go out. You can try amala at a local buka, pounded yam in Lekki or modern African tasting menus on Victoria Island, then catch Afrobeat, theatre or a rooftop DJ set late into the night. Allow three to four days to cover the islands, Lekki and the mainland, and add a day for a trip to Badagry.
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…
Attraction
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…
Attraction
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…
Attraction
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.
Attraction
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…
Attraction
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…
Café
On the third floor of Mega Plaza in Victoria Island, Craft Gourmet by Lou Baker is an artisan bakery and cafe known for three-day croissants and…
Café
Hans & René is a Lagos gelateria, bakery and cafe known for local-flavoured sorbets such as zobo and agbalumo, with branches including the Radisson Blu and…
Café
Run by the twins behind The Smiths, Maple in Lekki Phase 1 is a popular brunch cafe serving avocado toast, buttermilk biscuits with crispy chicken and…
Café
Tucked behind Slashpoint Supermarket on Glover Road in Ikoyi, Dulce is a brunch cafe known for croissant eggs Benedict, spicy peanut rice bowls and French toast.
Café
Inside The Palms Shopping Mall in Lekki, Pause Cafe & Espresso Bar serves coffee, toasts, pizza and lemonades from morning until late evening every day.
Café
Inside BlueRock Residences on Kofo Abayomi Street, Cafe Blu is a Victoria Island cafe opening early for full English breakfasts, sourdough eggs Benedict and brioche French…
Hotel
Opened in 1977 and owned by the Chagoury Group, Eko Hotels & Suites is Lagos's largest hotel complex, with 825 rooms, several restaurants and Nigeria's biggest…
Hotel
The Wheatbaker is an art-filled luxury boutique hotel on a quiet Ikoyi street, with its own spa, the GrillRoom restaurant and the Kofi coffee shop.
Hotel
In leafy Ikeja GRA, about 8 kilometres from the airport, the Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja offers an outdoor pool, the Isade Spa and several restaurants and…
Hotel
On the edge of the Lagos Lagoon in Victoria Island, the Radisson Blu Anchorage has 170 rooms, an infinity pool and a terrace bar and grill…
Hotel
The four-star Mövenpick Hotel Ikoyi Lagos has 182 rooms and suites on Alfred Rewane Road, with a pool terrace cafe, all-day dining and a fitness centre.
Hotel
Four Points by Sheraton Lagos in the Oniru estate has 235 rooms, two restaurants, an indoor pool and the Palm Terrace rooftop bar with live music…
Bar
Built by Fela Kuti's family in 2000, the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja is Lagos's home of Afrobeat, with regular performances by Femi Kuti and Seun…
Bar
Founded in 2017, Bature Brewery is a Nigerian craft brewery whose Victoria Island taproom pours beers such as Lagos Lager, Black Gold Stout and the hibiscus-brewed…
Bar
Opened in 2023 above The Lennox Mall in Lekki, Mood Lagos is a rooftop restaurant and lounge with live music, resident DJs and dishes such as…
Bar
Opened in 2023 by twins Kehinde and Taiwo Smith, The Smiths in Victoria Island is a reservations-only cocktail room and restaurant with a globally inspired menu.
Bar
On Admiralty Road in Lekki Phase 1, Sailor's Lounge is a waterside bar and lounge with a floating deck, a seafood-heavy menu and a Sunday night…
Bar
WBar Lounge is an upscale waterfront restaurant, bar and club at Falomo in Ikoyi, with DJs, light shows, signature cocktails and views over the water.
Restaurant
Opened in 2015 in the garden of Reni Folawiyo's Alara concept store, NOK serves contemporary dishes from across Africa and its diaspora in an art-filled setting.
Restaurant
Opened in 2018 in the former Westafco building, Z Kitchen is a Victoria Island restaurant with a courtyard garden, wine room and menu of grills and…
Restaurant
Opened in 2014, RSVP is a Victoria Island restaurant with American-inspired food made in house, a strong cocktail list and a poolside bar and lounge for…
Restaurant
Opened in 2017 in the Oniru estate, Shiro is a large pan-Asian restaurant and bar serving sushi, dim sum and teppanyaki, with cabanas and views of…
Restaurant
The Ona is a modern Victoria Island restaurant where chef Obehi Ekhomu reinterprets Nigerian and global flavours in dishes such as spiced goat bao buns.
Restaurant
Yellow Chilli is a long-running restaurant and bar serving Nigerian and pan-African dishes such as seafood okra and jollof, with branches on Victoria Island and in…
Thing to do
Tarkwa Bay is a sheltered, artificial beach beside the entrance to Lagos Harbour, reached only by boat and popular for swimming, water sports and lazy weekend…
Thing to do
Also called the Jakande or Oba Elegushi market, the Lekki Arts and Crafts Market is a large market of carvings, paintings, fabrics, beadwork and leather goods.
Thing to do
A day trip to Badagry, 69 kilometres west of Lagos, centres on its Heritage Museum and slave-trade sites such as the Point of No Return on…
Thing to do
Founded in 2003, Terra Kulture is a Victoria Island arts centre whose 450-seat Arena stages Nigerian musicals and plays, alongside a gallery, bookshop and restaurant.
Thing to do
Home of the Musical Society of Nigeria since 1995, the MUSON Centre in Onikan hosts classical concerts, an annual festival and Nigeria's leading music school.
Tour operator
Lagos heritage charity Legacy 1995 leads guided morning walks from Freedom Park through the colonial quarter of Lagos Island, with a talk, map and light breakfast.
Tour operator
Lagos Greeters are local volunteers who offer free, personal two-hour walks around their city for up to six visitors, as part of the International Greeter Association.
Tour operator
LagFerry is the Lagos State ferry service, running boats on the lagoon between jetties such as Five Cowries, CMS and Ikorodu, a cheap way to see…
Tour operator
Founded by guide Confidence Aguiyi, ucomeafrik Tours runs private Lagos city, nightlife and multi-day cultural tours, with hotel pick-up and custom itineraries.
Tour operator
Samap Travels & Tours is a licensed Lagos travel agency whose tours include a canoe visit to the Makoko floating community led by guides who live…
Three to four days covers Lagos Island, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki and the mainland sights in Ikeja. Add a day for a trip to Badagry or a beach.
Ikoyi and Victoria Island are the most popular areas for visitors, with the best choice of hotels and restaurants. Lekki suits longer stays and beach access, and Ikeja is practical for short stays near the airport.
Murtala Muhammed International Airport is in Ikeja on the mainland. Most visitors use a hotel transfer, a pre-booked driver or a ride-hailing app. Allow at least an hour to Ikoyi or Victoria Island, and longer at rush hour.
Upmarket hotels and restaurants in Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki can be expensive, but local food, transport and many sights are cheap. Costs depend mostly on where you stay and eat.
Most visits are trouble-free if you take sensible precautions. Use ride-hailing apps or trusted drivers, avoid carrying valuables openly, take care in crowded markets and check your government's travel advice before you go.