Lagos
Save32 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓Show on the map
Tips
10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Nature reserve with a long canopy walkway over the forest.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Wear sturdy shoes
- Bring water
📷 Photos
- 2
Four-floor gallery of Nigerian art and textiles.
3 tips
- Bargain politely for art
- Allow an hour or two
- Take a ride-hail from Lekki
📷 Photos
- 3
Cultural park on the site of the colonial Broad Street Prison.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Check event schedules
- Good evening spot for music
- Entry is inexpensive
📷 Photos
- 4
Nigeria's main national museum with Benin bronzes and Nok terracottas.
- Tip: Weekdays
2 tips
- Photography may cost extra
- Near Tafawa Balewa Square
📷 Photos
- 5
Music venue founded by the Kuti family, home of Afrobeat nights.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Evening events run late
- Use a trusted driver
- Keep valuables hidden
📷 Photos
- 6
Huge fabric and clothing market on Lagos Island.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Hold bags in front
- Bargain hard
📷 Photos
- 7
Stilt-house fishing community on the lagoon.
3 tips
- Visit with a local guide
- Ask before photographing people
- Boat tour can be arranged
📷 Photos
- 8
Sheltered beach reachable only by boat from Lagos.
- Tip: Weekdays
2 tips
- Boats leave from Lagos Island piers
- Bring cash
📷 Photos
- 9
Cable-stayed bridge that lights up at night.
3 tips
- Best view from the waterfront
- Traffic can be heavy
- Visit around dusk
📷 Photos
- 10
New waterfront district on land reclaimed from the Atlantic.
3 tips
- Access may need prior permission
- Great skyline views
- Windy near the sea wall
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Lagos tips
Transportation
- Use Uber or Bolt: Ride-hailing apps are the safest and simplest way for visitors to get around Lagos, with tracked trips and set fares.
- Plan around traffic: Lagos go-slow traffic can be extreme; avoid rush hours and allow lots of time for trips to the airport or across bridges.
- Try the BRT and rail: BRT buses and the Blue and Red Line trains use a Cowry card and can beat traffic on their routes.
Security
- Keep phones out of sight: Phone snatching happens in traffic and crowds, so keep windows up in slow traffic and phones hidden on the street.
- Avoid travelling late: Plan to be at your destination before late night, and use trusted drivers rather than unknown vehicles after dark.
- Stay calm at checkpoints: Carry ID or a passport copy, be polite at police checkpoints and let your driver handle the conversation.
Saving
- Eat at bukas: Local canteens called bukas serve jollof rice, amala, pounded yam and soups for much less than upscale restaurants.
- Bargain in markets: At Balogun Market and Lekki Arts and Crafts Market, haggling is expected, so start low and negotiate with a smile.
- Pay by bank transfer: Many vendors accept transfers or POS card payments, useful because finding enough naira cash can be tricky.
Weather/Clothing
- Expect heavy rains: The main rainy season runs roughly April to July with another wet spell around September and October; flooding is common.
- Prepare for harmattan: From around December to February, dry dusty winds can bring haze; bring lip balm, moisturiser and eye drops.
- Dress light but smart: Lagos is hot and humid year-round; wear breathable fabrics, but Lagosians dress stylishly, especially for events.
Cultural
- Greet elders respectfully: Greetings matter in Nigeria; greet people before getting to business and show respect to older people.
- Try suya at night: Spicy grilled beef suya from evening street grills is a Lagos favourite, often eaten with onions and pepper.
- Join the party culture: Lagos loves celebrations; if invited to an owambe party, expect music, colourful attire and plenty of food.
Local Hacks
- Escape to Tarkwa Bay: Boats from the Lagos Island side take you to Tarkwa Bay, a calmer beach than the busy city shores.
- Walk the canopy at Lekki: The Lekki Conservation Centre has a long canopy walkway, a green break from city noise; go early before the heat.
- Keep a power bank: Power cuts are frequent, so carry a charged power bank and choose accommodation with a generator or backup supply.
1-day itineraries in Lagos
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 2
Balogun Market and around
🕘 9:30–17:00📍 7 stops
- 1Balogun Market
- 2Lagos Central Mosque
- 3Brazilian Quarters (Water House)
- 4Tinubu Square
- 5Cathedral Church of Christ
- and 2 more
Day 2 of 2
Nike Art Gallery and around
🕘 9:30–12:15📍 3 stops
- 1Nike Art Gallery
- 2Elegushi Beach
- 3Lekki Arts and Crafts Market