Lagos City Travel Guide

Discover the vibrant city of Lagos in Nigeria with our comprehensive travel guide! We cover everything from top attractions to local customs and safety tips.


Introduction to Lagos City

Located in the heart of South West Nigeria, Lagos City is a bustling metropolis that serves as the economic and cultural hub of the country. With a population of over 21 million people, Lagos is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa, and a magnet for visitors from around the world.

From its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife to its rich history and cultural landmarks, Lagos is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Nigeria. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you on a tour of the city’s top attractions, recommend the best places to eat, stay and shop, and provide tips for staying safe and healthy during your visit.

List of Places to Visit in Lagos City

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Museum Lagos: This museum showcases Nigeria’s rich history and cultural heritage through a mix of artifacts, art, and traditional costumes.

  • Freedom Park Lagos: A historical landmark that once served as a British colonial prison, the Freedom Park is now a public space for cultural events and exhibits.

  • Nigerian National Theatre: This impressive building is the center of Nigeria’s performing arts scene, with regular shows and events held throughout the year.

  • The Slave Trade Museum: This museum provides insight into Nigeria’s dark history of slavery and the global slave trade, with exhibits and displays that are both informative and moving.

Natural Attractions of Lagos City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lekki Conservation Centre: This nature reserve is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including monkeys, crocodiles, and exotic birds. Visitors can take a nature walk, climb the canopy walkway, and even spot some wildlife along the way.

  • Tarkwa Bay Beach: This secluded beach offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in a peaceful setting. There are also opportunities for water sports such as surfing, kayaking, and jet-skiing.

  • Nike Art Gallery: This artistic haven is home to a vast collection of African art, including traditional masks, sculptures, and textiles. Visitors can participate in art workshops or simply browse the impressive collection.

  • Lagos Boat Tours: Take a boat tour of Lagos’ coastline and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline, while also getting a unique perspective on the city’s history and culture.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lagos City

  • Ikeja Forest Reserve: This nature reserve is a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking, with trails that wind through lush forests and scenic landscapes.

  • Lagos Cycling Tours: Experience the city on two wheels with a guided cycling tour that takes you through some of Lagos’ most scenic areas, parks, and landmarks.

Best Things to Do in Lagos City: Activities and Tours

  • Lagos Nightlife: Lagos has a vibrant nightlife scene, with concerts, bars, and clubs that cater to all tastes and interests. Some popular nightlife spots include The Shrine, Terra Kulture, and Quilox Nightclub.

  • Art and Culture Tours: Lagos is known for its rich art and cultural scene, with a variety of museums, theaters, and galleries showcasing traditional and contemporary Nigerian art.

  • Food Tasting Tours: Lagos is known for its delicious cuisine, and there are tours available that will take you on a culinary journey through the city’s best restaurants and food stalls.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lagos City

Day 1: Visit the National Museum Lagos and Freedom Park Lagos.

Day 2: Take a Lagos Boat Tour and explore the city from a unique perspective. In the evening, experience the city’s nightlife scene.

Day 3: Visit the Lekki Conservation Centre in the morning and Tarkwa Bay Beach in the afternoon.

Day 4: Take a Lagos Cycling Tour and explore the city on two wheels, stopping at some of the city’s top landmarks and parks along the way.

Day 5: Visit the Slave Trade Museum and the Nigerian National Theatre.

Day 6: Go on an Art and Culture Tour of Lagos, visiting galleries, museums, and theaters showcasing Nigerian art.

Day 7: Spend the day exploring the city’s food scene with a Food Tasting Tour of Lagos.

Food and Drink Scene of Lagos City

Must-Try Dishes

  • Jollof Rice: A spicy and flavorful rice dish that’s a staple of Nigerian cuisine.

  • Suya: A popular street food made with seasoned grilled meat, usually chicken or beef.

  • Eba and Egusi Soup: A traditional Nigerian dish made with cassava flour and a ground melon seed soup.

  • Pounded Yam and Egusi Soup: Another classic Nigerian dish that’s made with yams that have been pounded until they form a dough-like consistency, served with a ground melon seed soup.

Local Beverages

  • Palm Wine: This alcoholic beverage is made from the sap of palm trees and is a popular traditional drink in Nigeria.

  • Zobo: A non-alcoholic drink made from hibiscus flowers, sugar, and other natural ingredients.

  • Kunu: Another non-alcoholic drink made from blended cereals, usually millet or sorghum, and is a popular street refreshment in Lagos.

Where to Stay in Lagos City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Lagos has a wide range of accommodations options to suit all budgets and tastes. Some popular options include:

  • Eko Hotels and Suites: A luxurious hotel with stunning views of the Lagos skyline and a wide array of amenities, including swimming pools, a spa, and multiple restaurants and bars.

  • The George Hotel: A boutique hotel with sleek and stylish rooms, gourmet dining options, and easy access to many of the city’s top attractions.

  • Lagos Backpackers: A budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of Lagos, with dormitory and private rooms available.

What to Buy in Lagos City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Nigerian Fabrics: Nigerian fabrics are known for their striking designs and vibrant colors, making them a popular souvenir for visitors to the country.

  • Nigerian Art: From traditional masks and sculptures to contemporary paintings and prints, Nigerian art is diverse, vibrant, and makes for an excellent gift or souvenir.

  • Local Spices: Lagos is home to many markets that sell a variety of local spices, including yaji (a spicy seasoning blend), uziza (a traditional seasoning), and suya spice.

Local Culture and Customs of Lagos City

  • Dress Code: Nigeria is a conservative country, with many people adhering to traditional Islamic or Christian values. As such, it is recommended that visitors dress modestly when traveling to Lagos, especially when visiting religious sites or cultural landmarks.

  • Greetings: It is customary to shake hands when meeting someone for the first time, and addressing them with their title, such as ‘Doctor’, ‘Professor’ or ‘Chief’.

  • Etiquette: Nigerians are generally very friendly and hospitable, and visitors are encouraged to reciprocate this by showing respect and courtesy to locals.

Best Time to Visit Lagos City

The best time to visit Lagos City is from November to February, during the dry season when temperatures are mild and rainfall is low. However, Lagos can be visited at any time of the year, but the humidity and rainfall are higher between March and October.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lagos City

Do:

  • Dress modestly when visiting cultural landmarks or religious sites.

  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.

  • Show respect and courtesy to locals.

Don’t:

  • Display public affection or indecent exposure as such acts are looked down upon in Nigerian society.

  • Disrespect cultural or traditional norms.

  • Engage in illegal activities such as drug use or trafficking.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lagos City

Lagos City can be a relatively safe place to visit if travelers take the usual precautions to avoid theft and violence, such as keeping valuables out of sight and avoiding overt displays of wealth. Additionally, it is essential to avoid traveling alone at night and using unmarked taxis to get around the city.

Health in Lagos City

Travelers to Lagos City should be up-to-date on their routine vaccinations and take additional precautions against infectious diseases such as malaria and yellow fever. It’s important to stay hydrated and avoid drinking tap water or eating raw or undercooked foods.

Getting to Lagos City: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Lagos City

  • Murtala Muhammed International Airport: This is the main airport serving Lagos City, with connections to many major cities around the world.

Bus Stations Near Lagos City

  • Lagos Jibowu Bus Terminal
  • Maza Maza Bus Terminal
  • Mile 12 Bus Terminal

Other Options

  • Boat: Lagos has a busy port with connections to many other coastal towns and cities in Nigeria and West Africa.

How to Get Around Lagos City

Lagos City has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Bolt. However, traffic can be extremely heavy in the city, so it’s important to plan ahead and take rush hour into account when traveling.

Where to Go Next from Lagos City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Ibadan: The third-largest city in Nigeria, Ibadan is known for its rich history, traditional culture, and proximity to several nature reserves and wildlife parks.

  • Abeokuta: This historic city is home to many important landmarks, including the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library and the Olumo Rock natural formation.

  • Badagry: Located on the coast, Badagry is a popular destination for those interested in Nigeria’s history of slavery, with several historical sites and museums dedicated to the subject.

Conclusion

Lagos City is a vibrant and exciting destination that has something for everyone, from its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant cultural landmarks to its rich history and delicious cuisine. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll be well-equipped to explore Lagos City and experience all that this thriving city has to offer.

Skyline of Lagos Island. Skyline of Lagos Island. Barbeach in Lagos Barbeach in Lagos


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