LAGOS:A COSMOPOLITAN CITY
Lagos is a city with a wide range of original leisure options that encourage you to visit time and time again.
Overlooking the Atlantic Sea, and famous for Cathedral Church of Christ architecture, Lagos is Nigeria’s trendiest cities.
It’s a hub of new trends in the world of culture, fashion and cuisine. It combines the creativity of its artists and designers with respect and care for local traditions. The charm and slower pace of the old town, the avant-garde vibe of more modern neighbourhoods, and the fast pace of one of the world’s most visited cities.
Let your destination be in Lagos this time round; this is the best place to relax with your loved ones enjoying natural and unique establishments. Without further ado, consider the below-detailed list of top tourist attractions in Lagos.
1. The Nike center for Art and Culture
Nike art Galley was founded by a legend known as Oyenike Monica Okundaye. This is the place of a unique art gallery, workshop, and artist retreat. When you visit the place inside, you will find Nigerian sculptors, craftsmen, and artist honing their skills.
Further, you will love the different levels filled into the brim and with one of the biggest collections in African art or preferably the Nike herself. Admirably, you will be charged nothing to enter inside, and this makes it among the fun and memorable activities to do here in Lagos. Additionally, you can purchase some nice-looking things that you will like.
2. Lekki Conservation Center
This place is very amazing and cool. It was built in 78-hectare in Lagos state. Once you visit lekki, you will immerse yourself in all beauties of nature on an amazing trip. You can even climb the canopy trees, located in the longest canopy Walk Bridge in Africa.
This canopy wall is approximately 401-meter long. You will love the bridge swings while walking on it; it is the top engineering feat bridge. Further, you find a family park, the best world-class picnic that provides sporting facilities, nature walks, and a picnic.
3. National museum
The national museum is in Onikan Lagos and was established back in 1957 before Nigeria gained independence. Essentially, this national museum is among the top-rated tourist attraction in Lagos. The place has great and attractive collections in ethnography, archaeology, and traditional art.
It also has the best galleries which are dedicated to brasses from Benin City and others related. Further, this museum houses an amazing bullet-ridden car that belonged to the country’s former Head of State, who got assassinated in 1976.
Additionally, the museum has a small, decent crafts village with handicrafts and woodcarvings for sale at affordable prices. Besides, if you love history, you need to visit this place for amazing history ever.
4. Freedom park, Lagos
This park is a leisure and memorial park here in Lagos Island. The park was formerly broad street prison to her Majesty. It was constructed to preserve the cultural heritage and history of Nigerians purposely. The monument in this park reveals Lagos colonials heritage and also the fact history of Her Majesty’s. However, the park also serves as national memorials, cultural sites, recreation Centres, historical landmarks, and arts.
5. Tarkwa Bay Beach
This is a sheltered beach near Lagos Harbor. Tarkwa is a popular place with water –sports and swimmers enthusiasts. And also, it is the main home of welcoming the resident community. Unlike most public beaches here in Lagos, Tarkwa is not overcrowded or noisy.
Further, you will enjoy this beautiful and amazing island far removed from Lagos’ bustle and hustle. Besides, this is the place to visit in some lonely moments or a preferably fun day with your loved ones.
6. National theatre
A cultural landmark and architectural masterpiece, the tower is among the best properties in Nigeria, which have stood the test of duration. National Theatre offers an avenue for the tourist to learn more about the history and arts while also having fun in its cool and lush environment.
This place was constructed back in 1976 by General Yakubu Gowon’s military regime and later completed by General Olusegun Obasanjo. National Theatre is a unique house of ancient art, and also it is progressing by inviting the new modern artist. You will love how this place fascinates both exterior and interior designs.
7. Visit the new Afrika Shrine
Don’t worry about your nightlife escapades while in Lagos; I got you fully covered. Fela shrine will make your nightlife most enjoyable and memorable. In the new Afrika shrine, you will enjoy the inspiring story-telling lyrics, political education, sacrosanct palm-wine, and a good lesson in “shaking-it.”
This place is an entertaining open-air center located in Ikeja Lagos. Further, this beautiful place serves as the main host location of all annual celebration music festivals. The new Afrika shrine best showcases image galleries of musical performances and Fela by Seun Kuti and Femi Kuti makes it among the best tourist attractions.
9. Hi-impact planet
The hi-impact planets provide world-class fun for both old and young tourists. Here you will enjoy the unique rides, games, and other types of entertaining attractions. You and your loved ones will have a good time and also form magical memories here. Besides, while in Hi-impact planet, grab a pastry or snack of fun, enjoy the full-brown intercontinental local foods at park three food courts.
10. Ikeja city mall
Every day you will find many visitors and Lagosians walk down this mall. This mall was developed by best Broll property services back in 2011 and comprised more than 100 new stores. Ikeja mall is the home of all classy banks, departmental stores, jewelers, hairdressing, cafes, restaurants, bars, ice-skating arena, beauty salon, and many other’s related.
The mall also features large car parking and houses of enormous whole foods. You will love to visit different silver bird cinemas, ShopRite supermarkets, and many other beautiful places inside this Ikeja mall. Admirable stuff in Ikeja is affordable not to break someone’s bank account.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
The city center is about 22 km from the airport and there are no public transport options.
Distance from airport: 22 km
TAXI:
You can reach Lagos city center from the airport using the city’s most The average cost of a taxi from the airport to the city center is 5,000 Nigerian naira and the journey takes about 30–60 minutes.
Average taxi price: 5,000 Nigerian naira
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
Lagos has a Bus Rapid Transit system, known publicly as ‘BRT,’ regulated by the Lagos State Government. The buses have their own ‘corridors’ in several major parts of the state, which means they are not usually delayed by general traffic. The BRT buses are also more comfortable and cheaper than public buses; they are also of two types, Blue and Red. The Red Buses ply major roads in Ajah, Ikeja, Iyana-Ipaja, Alagbado, which are majorly residential areas. The Blue Buses (which are air conditioned and better kept) travel from Ikorodu (a Lagos surburb) through Mile 12, the site of the largest food market in Lagos, through Fadeyi, Stadium (the location of the National Stadium in Surulere) to CMS (the location of the oldest church in Nigeria) and Tafawa Balewa Square (the arcade where Nigeria’s independence celebrations were held in 1960), which is the bus terminus. The major downside to taking BRT buses is standing in a queue to wait for them.
Local tip: Tickets need to be purchased at BRT terminals before you start your journey. Be sure of the bus stop in which you want to alight, as the BRT buses have designated bus stops. BRT buses have speakers that announce bus stops and you can press the bell when your stop is announced.
Public bus (yellow bus)
Public buses in Lagos, generally known as ‘Danfo’ or ‘Yellow bus,’ are ubiquitous and travel to every part of Lagos, even to the suburbs where BRT buses and taxis do not go. They usually have destinations written on them and conductors are always available to announce destinations to passengers. Public buses do not require tickets, just cash. They are not very safe as most of the buses are old and rickety. They are also the targets of pick-pockets and petty thieves as they are usually very crowded. Prices are also irregular and depend on the distance, traffic, the state of the road, the weather and the bus owner himself.
Local tip: It is the least advisable form of transportation, but if you do travel in them, keep your money and valuables close.
Keke napep (tricycle)
Another form of transportation are tricycles, which are known as ‘keke napep.’ These tricycles are used a lot in Lagos, but only around residential areas, suburbs, and roads that are not too busy. They are also popular in large markets to move customers’ goods in and out of the market. They are presumably safe as they are not allowed on highways and cannot go at too much speed.
Local tip: It is best to avoid sitting in front with the driver as this will be uncomfortable and much more so if the journey is long or the road is bad.
AMALA AND EWEDU
Àmàlà is a local indigenous Nigerian food, native to the Yoruba ethnic group in the western states of the country. It is made out of yam and/or cassava flour, or unripe plantain flour, Àmàlà is from Western Africa and eaten mostly by the Yoruba people in Nigeria. Amala does go well when served with ewedu soup. Amala with ewedu soup is a staple food of Yoruba origin and one of the favourite dishes being enjoyed in Africa. Amala and Ewedu soup will always stay one of the most popular Nigerian soups, not only among the Yoruba people. A combination of Ewedu leaves and Amala gives a unique taste to this dish.
OFADA RICE
Ofada Rice and sauce is a Nigerian favourite. The combination of meats and peppers adds complex flavours that keeps everyone wanting more. The best part about this ofada rice recipe is that is easy to prepare and will have you enjoying the meal in no time at all. In Lagos, your party is not complete without Ofada rice.
EWA AGAYIN
Ewa Agoyin (Ewa Aganyin) is a very popular street food, especially on Lagos streets in Nigeria and it is very easy to prepare at home. It is made by boiling Beans until it’s really tender then mashing it. This delicious meal is usually accompanied by a spicy stew which is usually referred to as Ewa Agoyin (Ewa Agayin) Stew. Ewa Aganyin sauce is a spicy sauce made with dried tatashe, chili pepper, and lot of onions.
AGEGE BREAD
The bread is called Agege Bread because it originated from a place in Lagos called Agege. Everyday in Lagos you can readily find them in the stalls of food vendors, or people hawking them from street to street. Lagosians generally prefer this bread to oter kinds of bread as it is affordable and very fluffy. it has a unique taste of its own which make is the most prefered bread in the streets of lagos.
BEST HOTELS IN LAGOS
EKO HOTELS AND SUITES
Eko Hotels & Suites is one of the most preferred hotels in West Africa and it’s all about the right mix! Located in the heart of Victoria Island and shielded from the hustle and bustle of the Lagos metropolis, it offers corporate clients and walk-in guests a perfect blend of relaxation, activities, and African tradition delicately infused to meet the highest international standards. Overlooking the Eko Atlantic City and Ocean, it is just a 10-minute drive to the City Centre and only 45minutes away from the Airport. With the best conference and banqueting facilities, tastefully furnished to a 7000-seater capacity, a world-class swimming pool, 824 excellently furnished rooms spread across 4 hotels: EKO SIGNATURE, EKO SUITES, EKO HOTEL AND EKO GARDENS, mostly with a choice of city and sea views with 8 restaurants and 7 bars serving a range of international cuisines amongst other facilities.
RADISSON BLU ANCHORAGE
Situated in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria, Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, is a stunning masterpiece styled by famous Swedish hospitality designer, Christian Lundwall. The Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria is nestled along the Lagos Lagoon on Victoria Island in the midst of the business district and banking area. This Lagos hotel has 170 air-conditioned rooms, including 8 unique and opulently furnished suites, offering both stunning city and lagoon views. The Voyage buffet-style restaurant serves a range of eclectic, international cuisine and local dishes, while overlooking the Lagos Lagoon.
LAGOS CONTINENTAL HOTEL
Looking for a place to stay in Lagos? Then look no further than Lagos Continental Hotel, a luxury hotel that brings the best of Lagos to your doorstep. During your stay, take advantage of some of the amenities offered, including a rooftop terrace, a concierge, and room service. Guests of Lagos Continental Hotel are also welcome to enjoy a pool and free breakfast, located on site. For travelers arriving by car, free parking is available. Close to some of Lagos’ most popular landmarks, such as The Cathedral Church of Christ (2.3 mi) and Central Mosque of Lagos (2.9 mi), Lagos Continental Hotel is a great destination for tourists.
IBIS HOTEL
Located 12 minutes away from the International Airport in the vibrant area of Ikeja. All the rooms and Public areas are equipped with WIFI. The buffet breakfast is served daily from 4.00 am to 10.30 am. The hotel also serve exquisite international and local cuisine delicacies. The 24 hrs menu will accommodate all sorts of customers round the clock at the bar. The hotel is located near the 3 airports, close to the government office, beside the main industrial area, walking distance to supermarket, Local market, restaurants, bars and Banks. Enjoy our Free airport shuttle in and out.
FEDERAL PALACE HOTEL
Situated in the commercial hub of Lagos, Nigeria’s Federal Palace Hotel is tailored to international corporate standards. Conduct a boardroom meeting within the walls that witnessed the signing of Nigeria’s Independence Declaration or manage your daily business affairs in the convenience of one of the eight boardrooms. The Federal Palace Hotel caters for corporate travellers who value consistency in excellence.
FESTIVALS IN LAGOS
EYO FESTIVAL
The Eyo Festival, otherwise known as the Adamu Orisha Play, is a Yoruba festival unique to Lagos, Nigeria. In modern times, it is presented by the people of Lagos as a tourist event and due to its history, is traditionally performed on Lagos Island. The word “Eyo” also refers to the costumed dancers, known as the masquerades that come out during the festival. The origins of this observance are found in the inner workings of the secret societies of Lagos. Back in the day, the Eyo festival was held to escort the soul of a departed Lagos King or Chief and to usher in a new king. It is widely believed that the play is one of the manifestations of the customary African revelry that serves as the forerunner of the modern carnival in Brazil.
On Eyo Day, the main highway in the heart of the city (from the end of Carter Bridge to Tinubu Square) is closed to traffic, allowing for procession from Idumota to the Iga Idunganran palace. The white-clad Eyo masquerades represent the spirits of the dead, and are referred to in Yoruba as “agogoro Eyo” (literally: “tall Eyo”).
The festival takes place whenever occasion and tradition demands, though it is usually held as part of the final burial rites of a highly regarded chief in the king’s court.
Among the Yorubas, the indigenous religions have largely lost the greater majority of their traditional followers to Christianity and Islam. Be that as it may, the old festivals are still almost universally observed as tourist attractions which generate a lot of revenue for government and small businesses around the Lagos Island venue of the Eyo festival. It is during these occasions that their traditional monarchs and nobles exercise the most of their residual power.
LAGOS CARNIVAL
The Lagos carnival also known as the Fanti or Caretta Carnival of Lagos, is the most prominent in West Africa. The carnival is usually held during the Lagos Black Heritage Festival, a colorful folk festival which holds annually in Lagos. The origins of the carnival dates back to the Lagos colonial period when the Brazilian former slave returnees came back to reside in Lagos in the 19th century.
The carnival was re-instated in 2010. The event is usually centered on Lagos Island, filled with troop displays of costumes and various forms of entertainment including music and dancing. The carnival portrays an eclectic mixture of Nigerian, Brazilian and Cuban heritage of the city. The Lagos Carnival is filled with amazing and memorable activities.This festival is one of the most colorful and celebrated cultural festivals in Nigeria and quite notable in Africa generally.
FELABRATION
Felabration is an annual music festival conceived in 1998 by Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti in memory and celebration of her father Fela Kuti, a Nigerian musician and human rights activist known for pioneering the afrobeat genre of music. The one-week-long event which is held annually at the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja, attracts visitors from different countries and has thus been considered as an official tourist destination by the Lagos State Government.
Felabration is held on the week of Fela Kuti’s birthday. The event features musical performances from top music acts from Nigeria and guest appearances from internationally acclaimed musicians and personalities. It also consists of street parades, symposia on social and topical issues, debates and photo exhibitions.
FESTAC 77
Festac ’77, also known as the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (the first was in Dakar, 1966), was a major international festival held in Lagos, Nigeria, from 15 January 1977 to 12 February 1977. The month-long event celebrated African culture and showcased to the world African music, fine art, literature, drama, dance and religion. About 16,000 participants, representing 56 African nations and countries of the African Diaspora, performed at the event. Artists who performed at the festival included Stevie Wonder from United States, Gilberto Gil from Brazil, Bembeya Jazz National from Guinea, Mighty Sparrow from Trinidad and Tobago, Les Ballets Africains, South African Miriam Makeba, and Franco Luambo Makiadi. At the time it was held, it was the largest pan-African gathering to ever take place.
The official emblem of the festival was a replica crafted by Erhabor Emokpae of the royal ivory mask of Benin. The hosting of the festival led to the establishment of the Nigerian National Council of Arts and Culture, Festac Village and the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. Most of the events were held in four main venues: the National Theatre, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos City Hall and Tafawa Balewa Square.