Itire Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat, stay, and buy souvenirs in Itire, Lagos State, Nigeria. Learn about the local culture, customs, safety tips, health concerns, transportation options, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Itire

Itire is a bustling suburb located in Lagos Mainland, Lagos State, Nigeria. The community is known for its vibrant culture, friendly people, and tourist attractions. Itire is strategically located, making it a gateway to many other tourist destinations in Lagos State.

List of Places to Visit in Itire

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Itire Heritage House: This museum showcases the history, culture, and artifacts of the Itire community.
  • Afro Brazilian Museum: This museum displays the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people and their Afro-Brazilian descendants.
  • Lekki Conservation Centre: This is a nature reserve located 26km from Itire. It boasts of a canopy walkway and a birdwatching tower.

Natural Attractions of Itire: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • National Art Theatre: This is a cultural center built in 1976 for the promotion of arts in Nigeria. It has a large auditorium and a cinema.
  • National Museum Lagos: This museum hosts a collection of Nigerian art and culture, including works by Nok, Igbo Ukwa, and Ife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Itire

For those who want to explore the town, it is recommended to take a guided tour of Itire. A guide will show you around and explain the history and culture of the town. Alternatively, you can take a bike ride around the town as it is relatively small.

Best Things to Do in Itire: Activities and Tours

  • Art and Cultural Tour: You can learn about the history and culture of Itire by taking an art and cultural tour of the town.
  • Beach Trip: Lagos has many beaches, and you can take a trip to one of these beaches from Itire.
  • Shopping: Itire has many shopping malls that offer a wide range of products, including art and craft, clothes, shoes, and electronics.

Week-Long Itinerary for Itire

Day Activity
1 Visit the Itire Heritage House and learn about the history of the town.
2 Take a guided tour of the Afro Brazilian Museum and learn about the Yoruba people’s cultural heritage.
3 Explore the National Museum Lagos and see the works of art and culture from various Nigerian tribes.
4 Take a boat ride around Lagos Lagoon and see the fishing villages and the city skyline.
5 Go on a beach trip to one of the nearby Lagos beaches like Tarkwa Bay or Eleko Beach.
6 Visit the Lekki Conservation Centre and walk on the canopy walkway and watch birds.
7 Go shopping at one of the shopping malls in Itire and buy souvenirs.

Food and Drink Scene of Itire

Must-Try Dishes

  • Amala and Ewedu Soup: This is a Yoruba delicacy made from yam flour and Ewedu leaves.
  • Jollof Rice: A famous Nigerian dish made from rice, tomato sauce, and spices.
  • Suya: A spicy meat skewer made with beef, chicken, or goat meat.

Local Beverages

  • Palm Wine: This is an alcoholic beverage made from the sap of palm trees.
  • Gin: This is a popular spirit in Nigeria, commonly mixed with tonic or soda.

Where to Stay in Itire: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Itire has many options for accommodation, from budget to luxury. Some of the popular options include:

  • Studio apartment Ikate Lekki: It is a budget-friendly apartment that comes equipped with all modern amenities.
  • The George Lagos: It is a luxury hotel situated in the heart of Lagos Island, approximately 20km from Itire.
  • Labule Guest House: This guesthouse is located close to the afro-Brazilian museum and is affordable.

What to Buy in Itire: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Adire: This is a Nigerian textile material that is hand-dyed with indigo.
  • Wood Carvings: Itire is known for its wood carvings, which include animal figurines and other sculptures.
  • Beadwork: The Yoruba people of Nigeria are well known for their beadwork, including necklaces, bracelets, and waist beads.

Local Culture and Customs of Itire

The people of Itire are warm and hospitable. They maintain their cultural values and customs, and visitors should respect and embrace them. Some of the customs include:

  • Greeting: Visitors are expected to greet the elders and people they meet on the street.
  • Dress Code: The dress code in Itire is conservative, and visitors should avoid clothes that are revealing or show too much skin.
  • Language: The official language of Nigeria is English, but Yoruba is widely spoken in Itire.

Best Time to Visit Itire

The best time to visit Itire is between December and April, which is the dry season. During this period, the weather is relatively mild and perfect for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Itire

Do:

  • Be respectful to the people of Itire.
  • Mind your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.
  • Try the local delicacies and immerse yourself in the culture.

Don’t:

  • Display excessive wealth or flash cash.
  • Photograph people without their consent.
  • Wear revealing clothing in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Itire

Itire is a relatively safe community. Visitors should be mindful of their surroundings and avoid walking alone at night. It is recommended to take a taxi or an Uber rather than public transportation at night.

Health in Itire

Visitors to Itire should ensure they have had all necessary vaccinations and seek medical attention immediately in case of illness. Malaria and typhoid fever are prevalent in Nigeria, and visitors should take necessary precautions, including using mosquito nets and using insect repellent.

Getting to Itire: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Itire

Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja is the closest airport to Itire, approximately 14km away.

Bus Stations Near Itire

The Jibowu Bus Station in Yaba, approximately 6km from Itire, offers both local and interstate bus services.

Other Options

Taxis and Uber are also readily available in Itire.

How to Get Around in Itire

The best way to get around Itire is by taxi, Uber or bike. Visitors can also walk around the town as it is relatively small.

Where to Go Next from Itire: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Itire is strategically located, making it a gateway to many other tourist destinations in Lagos State. Some of the nearby destinations and excursions are:

  • Lekki Conservation Centre: A nature reserve located 26km from Itire. It boasts of a canopy walkway and a birdwatching tower.
  • Tarkwa Bay Beach Resort: A resort located on a natural island, only accessible by boat, with crystal clear waters and white sand beaches.
  • Ikeja City Mall: A shopping mall located in Lagos.

Conclusion

Itire is a great place to visit and explore. Its rich culture, friendly people, and tourist attractions make it an excellent destination for travelers. Visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures, scenic views, and learn about the history and customs of the town. It is also a gateway to many other nearby tourist destinations in Lagos State.