If you’re looking for the best things to do in Lagos, Nigeria, then you’re in the right place. With over 20 million residents, Lagos is Nigeria’s largest and most vibrant city. As the economic and financial capital, Lagos buzzes with energy and activity. From sprawling markets to lively nightlife, Lagos has something for everyone.
For visitors and locals alike, the city offers an endless array of attractions and things to see and do.
This guide will highlight some of the top activities and attractions to check out during your time in Lagos. From museums and cultural sites that showcase Nigeria’s history to beaches, parks, and markets where you can immerse yourself in local life, Lagos has it all. The city is known for its bustling commercial districts, especially on Lagos Island where you can browse through stalls and boutiques. Just across the water on Victoria Island, stop by the upscale cafes and restaurants popular with tourists and locals.
Whether you’re looking for culture and history, entertainment, nature, or simply wanting to experience everyday Nigerian life, Lagos has something for you. Keep reading for an overview of the top attractions and activities to add to your Lagos trip.
10 Best Things To Do in Lagos, Nigeria
1. Relax on the Beach at Elegushi or Lekki Beach
With its location along the Atlantic Ocean, Lagos offers some beautiful stretches of sandy beaches. Two of the most popular are Elegushi and Lekki Beach. Elegushi Beach is located on the Lekki Peninsula, a short drive from Victoria Island.
Backed by palm trees, this long sandy beach provides the perfect spot to swim, sunbathe, or just relax and take in views of the ocean. Nearby, you’ll find local bars and restaurants. Lekki Beach offers more expansive white-sand beaches, ideal for picnicking, beach games, or an evening bonfire.
Both beaches provide a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Spend a day soaking up the sun, building sandcastles, and enjoying the cool ocean breeze along the Lagos shoreline.
2. Shop at the Lekki Market
For a true Nigerian market experience, head to the Lekki Market. Here, you’ll find row upon row of stalls selling a diverse range of goods. From fresh fruits and vegetables to household items and traditional fabrics, you can find almost anything at the Lekki Market.
Try your bargaining skills as you shop for souvenirs like woodcarvings, leather goods, and colorful textiles. Don’t miss the food section, where you can sample local delicacies like suya (spicy skewers), moin moin (bean cakes), and fried plantains.
With its loud environment, intriguing smells, and crowds of shoppers, immersing yourself in the organized chaos of the Lekki Market is an essential Lagos experience.
3. Learn about Nigerian History at the National Museum
To learn more about the history and culture of Nigeria, visit the National Museum in Lagos. Founded in 1957, the museum houses important artifacts dating back to prehistoric times. Permanent exhibits highlight Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups and artistic traditions across the centuries.
You can see traditional musical instruments, sculptures, masks, and textiles showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. The museum also displays archaeological finds like terracotta sculptures from the ancient Nok civilization. For insight into more recent history, don’t miss the exhibits on the colonial period, Nigeria’s fight for independence, and the Nigerian Civil War.
With so many fascinating artifacts from across the centuries, the National Museum provides an illuminating overview of Nigeria’s complex past.
4. Explore the Canopy Walkway at the Lekki Conservation Centre
For a unique nature experience within the city, visit the Lekki Conservation Centre. This 78-hectare nature reserve contains wetlands, savannahs, and woodlands just a short drive from Victoria Island. Walk along the canopy walkway to view birds, monkeys, and other wildlife up in the trees.
Keep your eyes open for native species like parrots, eagles, antelope, monitor lizards, and butterflies. After your treetop stroll, wander through the rest of the reserve along well-maintained trails showcasing indigenous flora and fauna.
The center also features an interpretive center with more information on the native ecosystem. The Lekki Conservation Center provides a welcome reprieve from the bustling metropolis and insight into the natural beauty found just outside the city.
5. See a Show at Freedom Park
Freedom Park is one of Lagos’s cultural hubs, home to an outdoor amphitheater, gallery space, and gardens. Built on the site of a former colonial prison, Freedom Park now hosts concerts, art exhibitions, festivals, and other events throughout the year.
Stop by to see a music or theater performance in the outdoor amphitheater surrounded by colorful murals. Pop into the gallery to see works by both local and international artists. On Sundays, join Lagosians in relaxing and socializing at the park’s open-air restaurants and bars.
Freedom Park also contains memorials and replicas of colonial-era buildings, providing insight into Nigeria’s struggle for independence. With its blend of nature, culture, and history, Freedom Park is a beloved community gathering space celebrating creativity and freedom.
6. See a Show at Terra Kulture
For a uniquely Nigerian cultural experience, see a live performance at Terra Kulture. This popular Lagos venue hosts plays, musicals, dance performances, and art exhibitions celebrating Nigeria’s vibrant arts scene. Watch a professional production or an experimental show by up-and-coming playwrights.
You can also view traditional Nigerian musical and dance styles like the high-energy Bata dance. To learn more about the country’s heritage, don’t miss the one-hour cultural immersion shows at Terra Kulture. Storytellers using songs, artifacts, and audience participation will introduce you to Nigeria’s history from independence to the present day.
Top off your evening by dining at their restaurant serving locally inspired dishes. With its diverse mix of arts, theater, music, and dining, an evening at Terra Kulture promises a lively immersion into contemporary Nigerian culture.
7. Browse the Stalls at Ikoyi Handicraft Market
The Ikoyi Handicraft Market features over 200 stalls selling traditional Nigerian crafts and souvenirs. Here you’ll find handmade leather goods, woodcarvings, baskets, beads, textiles, and more. Watch artists carve intricate designs into calabash gourds or weave colorful agbada robes on traditional looms.
Shop for items like Batik fabrics, Yoruba-style jewelry, mosaic tables, and glass bead paintings. Don’t be afraid to negotiate; bargaining is expected when shopping at the market. While honing your haggling skills, soak up the convivial atmosphere. Stall owners are friendly and eager to share their cultural traditions.
You can also sample delicious street food like suya, fried yams, and coconut rice. With its diverse selection of handicrafts and festive spirit, shopping at the Ikoyi market is a highlight for many visitors to Lagos.
8. Take a Studio Tour of the Nike Art Gallery
Founded by renowned artist Nike Okundaye, Nike Art Gallery is a pioneering gallery space in Nigeria. Take a guided tour of the studios and gallery to learn about textile design, traditional weaving and dyeing, and contemporary Nigerian art. You’ll meet local artisans and view demonstrations of admire fabric dyeing and indigo cloth weaving.
See the striking abstract paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works by contemporary Nigerian artists on display in the gallery. Don’t miss the museum section containing Okundaye’s own intricate textile art and handwoven cloths, along with antique artifacts and traditional crafts she has collected from around Nigeria.
From traditional techniques to contemporary creation, a tour of Nike Art Gallery provides an inspiring look at the world of Nigerian artistry.
Also, Read 10 Fun Places in Lagos for Couples
9. Take a Walking Tour of Historic Lagos Island
For a taste of old Lagos, take a walking tour around Lagos Island. This historic district was once the center of the city, home to its main Portuguese, Brazilian, and British settlements. Stroll past landmarks like the old Supreme Court building from the late 1800s and the sprawling Brazilian Quarter.
Check out Christ Church, the oldest Anglican cathedral in Nigeria, constructed in 1869. Visit Tafawa Balewa Square to see its towering Independence Arch and view historic colonial buildings nearby. Stop by the bustling Kuramo Market to see colorful textiles and playful banter between traders and customers.
At the waterfront, you can board a boat for a short ride on the lagoon. With its winding streets and restored colonial architecture, a walking tour through Lagos Island provides a glimpse into the origins of this thriving modern megacity.
10. Listen to Live Music at Shitta Bey Mosque
Close out your time in Lagos by experiencing the city’s vibrant music scene. Built in 1894, the two-story Shitta Bey Mosque is now a beloved cultural center that hosts live concerts every Sunday evening. Join Lagosians lounging on mats and listening to traditional Yoruba talking drum performances.
You’ll also get to hear popular genres like Afrobeat, Fuji, and Juju spotlight Nigeria’s many talented musicians. Sing along and dance with the crowd during this lively communal concert experience. Vendors sell grilled meat, snacks, and chilled drinks, adding to the relaxed, celebratory vibe.
With infectious rhythms and energized crowds, Sunday nights at the Shitta Bey Mosque offer an unforgettable showcase of Lagos’s captivating music culture under the stars.
Conclusion
From sun-soaked beaches to bustling markets to historic sites, Lagos offers visitors many ways to experience the city’s dynamic culture. Immerse yourself in the crowds at Lekki Market, see Nigeria’s complex history at the National Museum, or relax at an outdoor concert at Freedom Park. Shop for traditional handicrafts, take in contemporary art, and sample local cuisine as you explore this megacity’s sights. With its rich cultural traditions, booming arts scene, and youthful energy, Lagos rewards visitors with a lively infusion of experiences.
Whether you want to people-watch at a bustling market, dance at an open-air music show, or simply unwind on a peaceful beach, you’ll find endless ways to connect with the rhythms of Nigeria’s largest and most vibrant city. With an open mind and a sense of adventure, Lagos promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of this African metropolis.
