Fun places in Lagos: Eat, See, Do

Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria with nearly 16 million residents. Just like any other major hub in the world, people come from far and wide to make their dreams come true here. Lagos is considered the city that never sleeps, so one can’t have a boring moment in this bustling Nigerian city. Although not a popular travel destination, Lagos has so much to offer that once you visit you’d wish that you had included it in your bucket list earlier. Here are some fun places in Lagos you wouldn’t want to miss:

Fun Places in Lagos: Eat Nigerian Snacks

There is no better place to try the best Nigerian snacks than on the streets of Lagos. 

Asun

 

 

Asun is spicy barbecued goat meat. Bottom line, it’s amazing! It goes with pretty much everything. They are usually sold in aluminum packs and cost between N500  ($1.59) and N600 ($1.90). Although they are mostly sold at night, a few places sell them during the day. 

Suya

This is one of the popular street Nigerian snacks or delicacies you must try before you leave the country. Suya is roasted beef or chicken parts with a secret suya spice ingredient marinated on the meat. It is scrumptious and most often spicy.  Be cautious where you get it from for hygienic reasons. The best suya spots are in front of NTA (on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island), 1004 flats (right outside the mosque) and the Ikoyi Club.

P.s: Most of the Suya vendors are from the northern part of Nigeria which consists of a majority Muslim population. Therefore the meat used is halal.

 

Boli

Roasted plantain, popularly known as Boli is pretty common in Southern Nigeria and can also be found in Lagos. The best combination of Boli is with spicy sauce and fish. 

 

Other notable Nigerian delicacies  jollof rice, fried rice, fried plantain, amala, and egusi… the list could go on

 

 

Fun Places in Lagos: See

 Lekki Ikoyi Link Bridge

 

This suspension bridge links Ikoyi and Lekki phase 1. Apart from vehicular traffic, the bridge also serves as a recreational facility. Fitness inclined residents of Lekki phase 1 and Ikoyi use the wide curbs of the bridge for jogging, running and power walking, usually in the early mornings and evenings. A lot of Nollywood (Nigerian Hollywood) movies have been featured on this bridge.

 

 

Third Mainland Bridge

 

The longest bridge in Africa and the third bridge built to link the Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island. This bridge, as they say, divides the poor and rich Lagos. On the mainland side, you see the beauty of Ikoyi and Marina with its tall building and on the island side, you see Makoko and environs. The difference is better experienced at night.

The water running beneath it is the Lagos lagoon and you can see fishermen doing their thing early in the morning and the evenings. Every once in a while, flashy speedboats jet across the lagoon.

 

 

Civic Centre and Civic Towers

Address: Ozumba Mbadiwe Rd, Lagos,  Nigeria 

The civic properties are grand architectures with a sight to behold. The civic center is used for events and the tower is used for office space.

 

Fun Places in Lagos: Do

There is never short of things to do in Lagos, Nigeria

Nike Art Gallery

 

 

Address: Lekki Expressway, Lagos  Nigeria

This 4-story gallery is owned by Batik and Textile designer, Nike Davies Okundaye. The art collections are by local Nigerians and breath-taking, to say the least. Exhibitions change every week.

 

Afropolitan Vibes

 

Every third Friday of the month, Freedom Park in Lagos Island hosts hip and young at heart Lagosians. The evening consists of slow, jazz music at first, then the tempo rises as the Bantu group open the stage and lead the way for three celebrity Nigerian musicians. Entry costs N1,500 ($4.76).

Aside from hosting Afropolitan Vibes, Freedom Park was a prison yard in the early 80’s. You can walk through the old cells and see where renowned leaders such as Ajose Adeogun, Obafemi Awolowo were held, prisoners. 

 

 

Bogobiri

Address: 9, 7 Maitama Sule Street, Lagos Nigeria

Bogobiri is an African themed boutique hotel. This hotel does nothing but fascinates one. The artworks are made from Nigerian resources. There is an Open Mic night event every Thursday with free admission. Also Reggae Night every Saturday is free.

 

Beaches

On the other side of the island is the Atlantic Ocean. There are several beaches along the coast. Some of the popular ones include Elegushi, Eleko, Santa Cruz, Oniru and Atican Beach. 

Eko Atlantic is an extension of Victoria Island. Built on reclaimed land from the ocean (construction is ongoing), it will be the new hub in West Africa for commercial and residential activities. The Lagos New Year countdown, concerts, beach soccer, and many exciting events are held here.  

For more fun events in Lagos see 10 Times

 

Lekki Conservation Center

 

Address: Lekki Conservation Centre Rd, Lekki Peninsula, Nigeria

The Lekki Conservation Center is home to the longest canopy walk in Africa. It is a popular tourist attraction in Lagos.  On a good day, you will see monkeys, birds of different species, peacocks, tortoise, fishes and sometimes alligators. 

This walk is not for the faint of heart. Once you get to the top though, you see most of Ikota, Lekki, and the Atlantic Beach. There is also a playground for children, an open field with games and thatched cabins for relaxation. 

Note: If you are on the boardwalk, do not eat or bring out food items as the monkeys feel very at home here and may follow you around in order to collect food from you. 

 

 

Terra Kulture

 

Want to see a play? Go to Terra Kulture on a Sunday. It costs N3,500 ($11.10). There is a restaurant that sells Nigerian delicacies. An average meal costs N3,000 ($9.52). There is a library where book readings occur. An art gallery is located above the restaurant. There is also a gift store where you can get souvenirs.

 

Lagos Island Market: Idumota, Balogun, Ebute Ero, Jankarra, Oke Arin

Looking for anything – I mean, anything? You will definitely find it in the Lagos Island markets and at the best deal (this solely depends on how you haggle). All you need to do is dedicate hours and be patient then you will find what you are looking for. For clothing, shoes, bags etc, Balogun market is where you need to be. Need utensils or materials? Idumota is where you should go. Oke Arin is where you will find foodstuff in wholesale.

Parking is not free in these markets. The standard parking rate is N500 ($1.59), but you can negotiate for less depending on your bargaining power.

 

This is a starters guide for visitors to the populous west African city, there is definitely more to discover in Lagos. Feel free to add any more tips.

Accommodation in Lagos, Nigeria

Most tourists reside in the Victoria Island and Ikeja area. Regardless of where you stay here are some resources to search from:

• Hotels in Ikeja
• Luxury hotels in Victoria Island Lagos

Transportation in Lagos, Nigeria

• How to get around in Lagos
• Uber in Lagos

 

I hope this post convinces you to visit Lagos, Nigeria. If you aren’t still convinced, this video would do the trick.

 

This is a guest post by Lagosian, Aminat. Aminat is a freelance business developer who loves to explore and go on adventures in her free time. On a budget.  She is an advocate and supporter of social change.

 

Like this post? Pin or save it for later!