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About this guide

As West Africa’s entertainment, financial, and economic hub, Lagos, Nigeria, celebrates African history, culture, and modernity through community-forward attractions. The popular city is full of opportunities to explore local artisan markets, beautiful beaches, and a thriving African art scene. From a trip to the National Museum or a foodie tour to indulge in local cuisine at street food stalls, Lagos offers a unique experience welcoming travelers to seek authentic cultural immersion and unforgettable adventures.

  • Best time to travel: December to February (peak season), June to September (off-season), March to May (shoulder season) 
  • Time zone: West Africa Time Zone (WAT)
  • Currency: Nigerian Naira (NGN)
  • Language(s): Yoruba, Pidgin (Creole) English, English
  • Noteworthy: GTBank Food and Drink Festival (May), Felabration (October), Lagos Fashion Week (October), ART X Lagos (November), Detty December (December)
  • Best for: Nigerian Culture Enthusiasts, West African Cuisine, Outdoor Adventures, Artisan Markets

Get Away: Getting To And Around Lagos, Nigeria

By Air 

The easiest way to reach Lagos, Nigeria, is flying into Murtala Muhammed International Airport, the main international airport less than 10 miles from the city. Many major airlines, including Delta, British Airways, and Emirates, offer direct and connecting flights to Lagos from various global hubs.

By Car

Getting around Lagos by car can be convenient, though traffic is often heavy. Ride-sharing apps, like Uber and Bolt are reliable, popular, safe, and widely available. For a more local experience, visitors can also hire private drivers, which are often available through hotels or local car rental companies. These can provide valuable knowledge of Lagos’s roads and neighborhoods.

By Public Transit

The affordable public transit in Lagos provides a range of options, including the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system, which offers designated lanes for quicker travel across the city. Minibuses, locally known as "danfos," are another common way to get around, though they can be crowded and may not follow strict schedules. For short trips, motorbike taxis (okadas) are popular, though it’s essential to use them with caution due to safety considerations.

Explore Lagos, Nigeria On Foot

Travelers should sightsee Lagos on foot, especially in areas like Victoria Island, Lekki, and the popular markets of Lagos Island. While walking, it's essential to stay aware of the surroundings, as sidewalks can be crowded and roads busy. Guided walking tours are also available and provide a safe and informative way to discover local landmarks, art, and history with an expert’s insights.

Quick facts

West Africa Time Zone (WAT)

Nigerian Naira (NGN)

Yoruba, Pidgin (Creole) English, English

Good For

Nigerian Culture Enthusiast

West African Cuisine

Outdoor Adventures

Artisan Markets

Keep in mind

  • GTBank Food and Drink Festival (May)
  • Felabration (October)
  • Lagos Fashion Week (October)
  • ART X Lagos (November)
  • Detty December (December)

Gourmet

Gourmet: Places To Eat In Lagos, Nigeria

Wakame Lagos

Wakame Lagos invites diners to savor bold Asian street food with a modern twist, served on shareable plates crafted by talented chefs in an open kitchen. Located in Ikeja, this stylish venue is perfect for social gatherings, with indoor and outdoor seating for any occasion.

Shiro Lagos

The Japanese and Asian-inspired dishes at Shiro Lagos features sushi, dim sum, and teppanyaki, along with vegan and vegetarian options. With fresh seafood and flavorful curries, it’s an ideal spot for travelers seeking a contemporary dining experience in Lagos.

Lala's Bistro

For a cozy, inviting atmosphere within Lala's Lagos boutique hotel, Lala's Bistro makes for a relaxing dining spot. The diverse menu includes buffalo wings, surf and turf, and signature desserts such as coconut scones and cinnamon rolls.

Cactus Restaurant  

Cactus Restaurant offers a delightful menu of hearty breakfast and lunch options like English and Nigerian breakfast platters, salmon avocado toast, and Cobb salad. With a charming atmosphere, live music, and a playground for kids, it’s an ideal spot for families to enjoy a leisurely meal.

ONA Lagos

ONA Lagos has an earthy-toned interior, locally-sourced furniture, and reinvented traditional dishes like the melt-in-your-mouth tozo beef bao. Signature cocktails, like the CBD-infused Monkeytail Agbalumo Sour, are a must-try at this upscale eatery.

The House

The House serves an all-day menu with options like classic Nigerian breakfast, English breakfast, Jamaican jerk chicken, and Thai curry. With its immaculate upscale vibe and cultural atmosphere, it’s the ideal spot for a classy dining experience in Lagos.

Play

Play: Things To Do In Lagos, Nigeria

Lekki Conservation Centre

The Lekki Conservation Centre offers a unique chance to experience Lagos’s natural beauty with lush plant life, rare birds, and wildlife. Visitors can take a guided tour or book a private excursion to see the scenic boardwalk, natural habitats, and take on Africa’s longest treetop canopy walkway.

Nike Centre For Art And Culture

For the art lovers, Nike Centre For Art And Culture has over 7,000 diverse pieces celebrating Nigerian talent and culture. Spend the day exploring Lekki’s impressive workshops and exhibitions to learn traditional African crafts like beadwork, batik, and painting.

Lekki Market

Lekki Market is the destination for handmade African crafts, from woven baskets and wood carvings to colorful paintings and jewelry. It’s the perfect spot to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs, leather goods, and clothing that showcase Nigeria’s rich artisanal heritage.

Sip And Paint At The Metaphor

For a fun outing with friends, the guided Sip and Paint at The Metaphor includes paints and protective gear. Guests also enjoy a choice of wine or mocktails as a way to unwind while creating a memorable keepsake.

Lagos City Tours 

Lagos City Tours offer visitors a fantastic and comprehensive way to discover the city with options to visit Omu Resort and relax on a beautiful beach. This includes the historic collections at the National Museum, diverse artworks at Nike Art Gallery, and lush scenery at Lekki Conservation Centre. 

Lagos Music, Art, Culture, And Beach Adventures 

With Lagos Music, Art, Culture, And Beach Adventures, a knowledgeable guide creates a stress-free day to the city's best beaches. Relax under palm trees, swim, and sunbathe while traveling between beaches in a private air-conditioned vehicle for convenience and comfort.

Freedom Park Lagos

Freedom Park Lagos, a former colonial prison turned memorial, is a peaceful spot for reflection and celebration of Nigerian history. With events featuring live music, games, and delicious food, it’s a perfect destination to honor the country’s heroes.

The Black Heritage Badagry Tour

The Black Heritage Badagry Tour is a moving journey through history, tracing the path of ancestors taken from the homeland during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Through a guided boat ride and historical sites, visitors can connect deeply with Africa’s heritage and reflect on personal narratives tied to this impactful history.