Have you ever wondered what it’s like to explore Africa’s most dynamic city on a budget or in style? This article is a Lagos travel guide to bring you closer to fulfilling your ever-present New Year’s resolution of going out more or just helping you experience the best of Lagos.
When you hear that Lagos doesn’t sleep, it’s not just a clichéd quote but a reality rooted in the city’s economic power and dynamism.
This guide is for first-timers, yes, the “Johnny just come” (JJCs), expats, and curious travellers. It will take you through Lagos’s ever-bobbling and ever-vibrant culture.
Lagos Travel Guide for First-Timers
I am sure many of us still remember the not-so-old tale of not counting bridges in Lagos as a newcomer, not crossing the highway, and also how to enter buses with speed like lightning. These stories are always funny and sound bizarre but somewhat true.
As a JJC in Lagos, you must first get acquainted with the transport options, how to move around from one place to another, and how to navigate the roads.
If you enter Lagos by air, you will arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja. This airport serves as the primary airport for Lagos and connects it to other states.
If it’s through the road, you must be familiar with various transport options, including e-hailing taxi platforms (Bolt and Uber), Danfo (Local Buses), Okada (Motorbikes), and Keke Napep or Keke Maruwa (Tricycles).
If you are driving, you must follow all road signs, be attentive to traffic, parking, and road signs, and know the speed limit on built-up and highway roads to avoid fines.
Moreover, you must also ensure that you secure a place to stay, such as a guest house or a hotel. You must be close to the area of your visit that you have initially mapped out to ensure easy mobility if you plan to stay for days.
The last things to check are feeding and what to shop for. Lagos offers diverse restaurants, from local eateries to fine dining, markets, and shops where you can purchase souvenirs to take back home.
Where to Stay in Lagos: Best Areas for Tourists & Expats
Generally, choosing the best part of Lagos to stay in depends on various factors, such as the duration of the stay, the reason for the visit, the areas to visit, and the kind of vibe you want the place to have, including vibrant, luxurious, private, suburban, quiet, lush, etc.
However, for tourists and expats who are around to visit the Lagos tourist attractions, these are the best areas to stay:
Victoria Island
This Island part of Lagos is perfect for business travellers, first-time tourists, nightlife lovers, and city explorers. It also addresses where wealthy individuals reside as tourists in Nigeria.
It is home to some of the best hotels in Lagos, including Eko Hotel & Suites, Radisson Blu, and Federal Palace Hotels and Casino. It is also conveniently located near bars, international restaurants, banks, embassies, cinemas, and shopping malls.
Lekki Phase 1
Lekki is informally known as the area for “new money”, which means it is a usual spot for Gen-Z, digital nomads, and creatives. It enjoys proximity to places like Nike Art Gallery, ensuring you enjoy premium Lagos cultural experiences. And when you need a place to stay in lekki, you can book your accommodation at one of the best hotels in Lekki, offering comfort, style, and convenience right in the heart of the city’s vibrant scene.
Ikoyi
This has vibes similar to Victoria Island, an affluent area with luxury apartments, exclusive social clubs, and private hospitals. It is a calm environment that offers serenity and security. It is ideal for families and professionals who want a paced environment with access to the city’s core.
Ikeja
Ikeja, the capital city, is the closest area to the Murtala Mohammed Airport. Given its proximity to the airport, travellers and visitors are prone to stay there. It also houses big malls, a cinema, and nice restaurants where you can experience the local food of Lagos.
Other areas within the best places to stay category include Yaba, Ajah, Lakowe, and Songotedo, further from the Ajah Axis.
How to Get Around Lagos Without Losing Your Mind
Lagos is the commercial capital of Nigeria and the hub of nightlife. Millions of people visit each year, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the world.
This profile makes Lagos one of the busiest cities, which can be exciting and frustrating. Navigating the daily Lagos traffic and hypermovement as a newcomer without losing your mind requires calculation and street smarts.
Here are tips to be able to get around Lagos without losing your mind:
Understand the Traffic Culture
Because Lagos’s traffic inexplicably turns a 30-minute ride into 2 hours, it was nicknamed Go-slow. As a first-time visitor, one must be familiar with the Lagos division of the Island and the Mainland and how the bridges connect them.
Use hailing apps
Uber, Bolt, and Lagride are Lagos things. It is convenient and safe, especially for tourists who don’t want to find their way through the city or for night travellers. It is advisable to exercise caution when using the app, including sharing ride details with a close friend, confirming plate numbers before entering, and not accepting rides from drivers who attempt to negotiate outside the app.
Use other transportation options like Danfo and Keke Napep
This might not be a go-to option for a first-time visitor, but it offers an immersive experience of Lagos. They are always available without a schedule, and for the Keke, they can also be chartered for personal reasons, especially to access unknown inner roads.
Maintain a Low Profile
As a tourist or first-time visitor in Lagos, avoid nighttime movement in unfamiliar or isolated areas prone to smuggling and pickpocketing, and dress simply.
Must-See Attractions and Unique Experiences in Lagos
Lagos offers a multitude of attractions and experiences, and last December, it seems the whole world came for a Lagos sightseeing experience.
For a first-timer tourist who wants to experience the whole of Lagos, these are some good must-see and must-visit attractions.
- Lekki Conservation Centre: The Nigerian Conservation Foundation established this 72-hectare natural habitat and wildlife sanctuary in Lagos. It also has the longest canopy walk in Africa. It is a great place to relax and enjoy fresh air.
- Nike Art Gallery: Located in Lekki, this is one of the most extensive art galleries in West Africa, featuring thousands of artworks by emerging and established artists. Visiting this gallery takes you through the history of Nigeria in art and culture and also opens you to learn an integral part of the locals’ way of life.
- Tarkwa Bay Beach is perfect for tourists and visitors seeking a beach experience. It is ideal for swimming, surfing, beach watching, and boat cruises.
- National Museum: Located in Onikan, the National Museum is rich in Nigeria’s history through artefacts, ancient relics, and art exhibitions.
- Terra Kulture is a powerhouse of amazing experiences located on Victoria Island. It offers excellent cuisine, live theatre performances, and art exhibitions that showcase the future of Nigerian arts.
- Freedom Park: Located at the heart of Lagos Island. This former colonial prison has been converted into a public space, hosting music festivals, poetry nights, and cultural events.
- The New Afrika Shrine: This spot holds a significant place in the hearts of music lovers in Nigeria and abroad; it is where the spirit of the Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo, resides.
Where to Eat, Drink & Enjoy Lagos Nightlife
There’s no complete city experience without its food, drink, and nightlife.
As a tourist or visitor in Lagos, these are your spots for good food, local or global cuisine, drinks, and nightlife.
- Bukky Hut: This establishment has several locations on the Island and the mainland. It offers authentic Nigerian food experiences with a clean aesthetic. You can walk in or order a meal delivered to your doorstep.
- Yellow Chilli is an African restaurant and bar in Ikeja and Victoria Island. It serves fresh, hot, gourmet meals, spicy local dishes, and pan-African delicacies.
- Iya Eba: Located in the heart of Lagos Island, this restaurant offers budget-friendly local food. It is the perfect place to visit and experience the iconic Amala and Avila combo.
- RSVP Lagos: This is an American restaurant with an international menu:
- La Taverna: Also located on Victoria Island, this establishment combines Latin-Italian cuisine with live music.
- Shiro: Located at the VI extension on a beachfront, it is the perfect spot for Asian food and delicacies.
If you’re looking for a drink spot, consider places like The House, South Social, Bar Enclave, and Z Kitchen Lounge. And when it comes to strict nightlife, you would want to miss spots like Quilox, Club 57, Silverfox, Hard Rock Cafe, Moist Beach Club, and The Library Lagos.
Lagos Travel Safety & Budget Tips
Due to Lagos’ buzz and electric atmosphere, two of the most important things to consider are safe travel through different locations and budget-friendly transportation.
Use these tips to achieve this in your exploration:
- Blend In and Be Alerted: You don’t have to look clueless and out of place in Lagos, even if it’s your first time. Ensure you dress appropriately for where you are going, avoid anything flashy, and walk and talk confidently. If you need directions, ask your tour guide, hotel staff, residents, or cab driver before heading into unfamiliar areas.
- Protect your Valuables: Avoid carrying backpacks in crowded places and exposing your phone in busy areas. Ensure you have only enough cash and use transfers when necessary.
- Use Trusted Transport Options: As a first-timer in Lagos, you can avoid street transport and opt for cab-hailing services on Uber, Bolt, or LagRide. And if you plan to use a street cab or bus, avoid late-night trips.
- Food & Health Safety: Despite the urge to try local food, ensure you ask questions to avoid allergies and ask for a price list to determine whether your order is within your budget.
- Affordable Accommodation: You must secure an affordable place near your already mapped-out area of exploration for an easy commute. Also, avoid extremely cheap hotels, as they may lack basic comfort.
- Free Attractions: You can avoid attractions that are paid for if they are not within budget and opt for free or low-priced ones.
Best Day Trips & Beaches Around Lagos
Lagos’ atmosphere might be a lot, but you can still enjoy some of the best day trips and beaches for a calm experience.
These are the top beaches in Lagos that are key to such experiences.
- Badagry Slave Route Tour: Located in Badagry, Lagos, tourists connect with Nigerian history, how Lagos was a centre of the slave trade, and how enslaved people were exported to foreign countries with the help of the tour.
- Timeless Beach is located at Okun-Ajah, Eti-Osa, Lagos. It offers smooth comfort and luxury relaxation. The beach also has hotel facilities for tourists who want to experience its beauty.
- Omu Resort is situated in Ikeja, Lekki, Lagos. It is set in a rainforest environment and combines a zoo, amusement park, aquarium, and water sports, creating an all-around tourist experience.
- Ilashe Beach: Located on Ilashe Island at the border of Barbary, this private beach offers day rentals for visitors. It also has a luxury accommodation facility and other amenities, like in-house music, a bar, and a BBQ.
- Whispering Palms Resort: This beach resort in Badagry has paddle boats, swimming, and mini zoo visits. Tourists and visitors can paddle boats, swim, and go to the mini zoo.
Others include Zina Beach Resort, Epe Fish Market & Mangrove Tour, and Eleko Beach.
Final Tips for Navigating Lagos Like a Local
All Lagos travel tips are helpful when it comes to navigating Lagos, but here are a few that might also help, apart from what has been shared:
- Eat like a local: To experience the core of Lagos, you must follow the local trails. They know the good, reasonably priced spots that will still deliver quality, be it food or experience.
- Use the Map: Just like ancient navigation, you also need a Lagos travel map to help you navigate the inner roads and spot other exciting spots you might not have planned. You can easily get one on Google Maps that summarises where you are and where you are going, but you also need locals to work them out best.
- Negotiate Almost Everything: Lagosians are business-oriented and bargain in part of their lives. As a tourist, try to negotiate prices when asked politely, and you’ll be surprised how much you can save by just a minute’s back-and-forth.
- Stay Connected: If you don’t have a physical map, the online one will be your navigator. You wouldn’t want to go around Lagos without being connected to the internet, and you will also need the connection to pay the bill.
- Learn Basic Pidgin: Language connects like magic. Just two words of pidgin can lead to making friends, getting a fair deal, and smoothing conversation.
- Ensure you don’t walk carelessly around. It might be risky to know how walkable Lagos is. If you want to walk, ensure you walk in a group or with a local tour guide.
Conclusion
Lagos is not for the faint-hearted; its busyness and fun create a wholesome experience. This experience is why the city is worth a visit. It is buzzing with commercial development, art and culture, leisure and tourism, entertainment, nightlife, learning and education, and more.
However, with the right Lagos travel guide, it will be easy and fluent to navigate and have the best Lagos experience.
As an explorer, have you had a lasting experience of Lagos you won’t ever forget? If so, could you share it with us in the comments below? We would love to hear about it.
