Where can I go with my friends in Lagos?

Lagos is the largest and most vibrant city in Nigeria. With over 20 million residents, this bustling metropolis always has something exciting happening. Lagos has endless options for places to go with friends, from beaches to markets to nightlife.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the top spots in Lagos to visit with your closest companions. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, trendy cafes, or lively nightlife, Lagos has it all. We’ll cover everything from relaxing on the beach to dancing the night away to shopping at sprawling street markets.
Best Places To Visit In Lagos With Your Friends
Get ready for a thorough tour of the coolest hangouts in Lagos. Bring your friends and get ready for an unforgettable time navigating this energetic mega-city.
The best part? Many of the top attractions are affordable and accessible. You don’t need a big budget to enjoy what this city has to offer. So let’s dive into the top places to go in Lagos with your friends.

Where can I go with my friends in Lagos?

1. Lekki Conservation Centre

Escape the city hustle and bustle by spending a day immersed in nature at Lekki Conservation Centre. This 78-hectare reserve located on the Lekki Peninsula, just 45 minutes from Victoria Island, offers serene walking trails through lush wetlands and forests.
Walk along the wooden boardwalks with friends while keeping an eye out for monkeys swinging in the treetops or exotic birds like gray parrots and kingfishers. Listen to the chatter of the colony of monkeys that have made the reserve their home. If you’re lucky, you may spot more elusive wildlife like the Maxwell’s duiker antelope or giant crocodiles sunning themselves on the marshy banks.
After working up an appetite on the maze of trails, break for a scenic picnic lunch on one of the thatched gazebos overlooking the scenic marshlands. Dig into local specialties like suya skewers, puff-puff, and chilled bottles of zobo. Before leaving, check out exhibits on the local ecosystem in the visitor’s center and stock up on souvenirs made by local artisans in their gift shop.

2. Nike Art Gallery

For art lovers, the Nike Art Gallery in Lekki is the ultimate place to spend an afternoon admiring an incredible range of contemporary African art with friends. Set within a stunning four-story building, the gallery houses over 7,000 diverse works by more than 60 artists from Nigeria and 15 other countries. Wander room to room with your culture-loving companions, taking in colorful abstract paintings, imaginative sculptures from found objects, traditionally crafted masks, ceramic pots, and more.
Don’t miss the gallery shop, where you can browse and buy exquisite handicrafts like embroidered pillows, woven baskets, and beaded jewelry to remember the day. Stay a while to watch some of the resident artists diligently honing their crafts like wood carving, metal sculpting, and batik textile dying. This inspiring haven provides the perfect dose of art appreciation to share with friends.

3. Visit Tarkwa Bay Beach

For a laidback beach getaway, gather your friends and head to the sheltered sands of Tarkwa Bay Beach, located on a small island just a short boat ride from Lagos Island. Here, you’ll find much more relaxed vibes than at some of Lagos’s more famous beaches.
Rent beach umbrellas and chairs and spend the day lounging on the soft sand with cold drinks in hand. Take a cooling dip in the clear water when you need a break from the sun. Beach vendors stroll by selling grilled meat skewers, chilled coconut water, and other snacks to fuel your day of fun.
More adventurous friends can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or speedboats for two to cruise the bay’s turquoise waters. Try beach volleyball, soccer, frisbee, or other games with your athletic pals before capping it all off with a beach bonfire at sunset. End your perfect beach day by dancing the night away together at one of Tarkwa Bay’s lively reggae bars.

4. Kalakuta Museum

Immerse yourself in the story of legendary Nigerian musician and activist Fela Kuti at the Kalakuta Museum. Fela once lived in the Kalakuta Republic compound, where the museum now stands to protest government oppression.
Walk through rooms filled with his personal belongings and photographs depicting his fascinating life. Learn about his marriage to 27 wives and see the charred remains of his house after it was raided and burned down by security forces in 1977.
After getting your fill of history, head to the onsite shrine, where you and your friends can pay tribute to Fela’s spirit. Then chill together, sipping beer and cocktails at the garden bar, taking in the vibrant street art celebrating Fela’s legacy. For music fans, Kalakuta Museum is one of Lagos’s most intriguing spots to visit with friends.

5. Visit Omu Resort

At Omu Resort in nearby Ogun State, you and your best friends can scream and smile all day while enjoying amusement park rides and other attractions. Start your day by getting soaked together and splashing down the giant inflatable slides and obstacle courses over the pool. Race your friends around the Euro-style go-kart track and find out who claims bragging rights as the fastest driver.
Work up an appetite racing around, then grab burgers, pizza, noodles, and drinks at one of the resort’s casual restaurants. Later, try to stay centered atop a mechanical bull or get sky-high on Lagos’s first hot air balloon ride. With so many exciting activities, Omu Resort offers endless lively fun for thrill-seeking friends.

6. Freedom Park Lagos

Freedom Park Lagos provides an urban green space in the heart of the city to unwind with friends. The park sits on the former site of the colonial Old Broad Street Prison and now hosts lively community events and cultural programs. Join a free Saturday morning yoga class on the sprawling lawn or browse stalls at the Sunday market to pick up handmade souvenirs.
Challenge your buddies to a game of basketball or badminton using the courts and equipment available to rent. Cool off with a mango smoothie or coconut sorbet from the open-air cafe while admiring the towering replica of Brazil’s famous Christ the Redeemer statue stretching over the park. There’s always something happening at Freedom Park, making it simple to spend a relaxing day with friends.

7. Terra Kulture

Feed your soul and your stomach at Terra Kulture, a popular Lagos arts and culture center with its onsite restaurant, bar, and theatre. Stop in for a matinee performance showcasing Nigeria’s upcoming playwrights, storytellers, musicians, and dancers.
Their annual programming highlights both contemporary acts and traditional cultural arts. After the inspiring show, discuss your thoughts on the show over cocktails and dishes blending European and ethnic Nigerian flavors at their upscale casual restaurant.
With food, drink, and entertainment under one roof, TerraKulture makes experiencing Nigerian culture with friends easy and fun.

8. Hi-Impact Planet

Located inside the lively Ikeja City Mall, Hi-Impact Planet is an action-packed indoor entertainment center perfect for getting your adrenaline pumping with friends. Challenge your crew to a competitive match of glow-in-the-dark bowling or laser tag, lovingly dubbed the most exciting 5 minutes in Africa. Race your buddies around the Euro-standard go-kart track and win bragging rights for your lap times.
Take a ride together on terrifying virtual reality rollercoasters or get your gravity-defying photos snapped while skydiving or walking on the walls in their photo fun house. Between all the games and rides, you and your friends will have a blast at Hi-Impact Planet.

9. La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort

Nestled along a remote stretch of beach one hour from Lagos, La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort feels worlds away yet is easy to access for a weekend escape with friends. Wake up in comfy air-conditioned villas and fuel up at their restaurant, serving tasty continental and Nigerian cuisine buffet-style. Spend sunny days lounging with pals on the stunning beach or cooling off in the freeform lagoon-style pool.
Hike scenic trails through mangrove forests and coconut groves with your nature-loving friends, go horseback riding along the beach, or play tennis on their oceanview courts. Pamper yourself with massages and other treatments at their world-class spa. This luxury resort has everything you need for an unforgettable retreat with your best friends.

10. ArtWalk at Alará De Lagos

Discover Nigeria’s thriving arts scene at the monthly Alará De Lagos ArtWalk on Lagos Island. During the lively evening event, you and your artsy comrades can browse the stalls of over 60 talented painters, sculptors, textile artists, photographers, and other creators selling unique handmade crafts and souvenirs. Watch weavers, woodcarvers, and basketmakers demonstrate their specialized skills up close in live workshops as you walk.
After shopping, stop for a cold drink or snack at one of the hip artisan cafes, diners, and beer gardens along the walk. With colorful costumes, live music, and an energetic street fair vibe, ArtWalk provides a fabulous dose of arts and culture to experience together.

11. Elegushi Beach

Popular with locals and tourists alike, Elegushi Beach boasts gorgeous views, soft white sand, and plenty of activities for an entertaining day with friends. Spread out beach blankets and umbrellas near the lagoon estuary and spend the day playing beach volleyball, building sandcastles, or simply relaxing in the sun. When you need a break from the heat, pick from the yummy grilled snacks and chilled drinks being sold beachside to stay fueled up.
More adventurous friends can get their adrenaline pumping on jet skis, banana boats, and kayaks available to rent. As the sun dips lower, head to one of the beachfront restaurants and relax over a tropical cocktail while listening to live bands as you take in another stunning sunset. After dark, the fun continues at Elegushi’s beach clubs and lounges, perfect for dancing all night with your besties under the stars.

12. African Artists’ Foundation

For contemporary art lovers, visiting the African Artists’ Foundation is a must. Their galleries house thought-provoking paintings, sculpture, photography, and mixed media works by both established and up-and-coming African artists. Sign up to attend one of their creative workshops in painting, drawing, ceramics, or other mediums and flex your artistic muscles alongside friends.
Make a morning of it by having brunch at their lovely Foundation Cafe,, set within a tropical garden. Chat about the moving social narratives behind many of the exhibits on display. Don’t forget to browse the gift shop for striking African-inspired fashions, fabrics, jewelry, and home decor crafted by Nigerian designers.

13. Ikeja City Mall

When you and your besties need some retail therapy, make your way to the massive Ikeja City Mall, boasting dozens of shops, restaurants, a cinema, and an arcade. Browse colorful stalls in the central African market section,, overflowing with traditional fabrics and handicrafts. Try on the latest looks from your favorite designers at clothing and accessory stores.
Recharge with a shared meal or coffee on the patio of one of the mall’s trendy cafes. Catch a popcorn flick together at the movie theater or challenge your crew to bumper cars, games, and rides at the Time Zone arcade. With so much shopping and entertainment under one roof, Ikeja City Mall makes the perfect girls’ day-out destination.

Also, Read 13 Top Awesome tourist attraction in Lagos Nigeria

14. Explore Idanre Hills

For active, outdoorsy friends up for a scenic adventure, make the road trip to climb the awe-inspiring Idanre Hills together. The challenging hike up the stairs, winding between giant granite outcrops and verdant forests, is infinitely rewarding. At the top, soak in panoramic views of the surrounding Ondo countryside that will take your breath away.
Along the way, pause to explore interesting historical landmarks like the ancient Idanre town, still containing relics from the Oyo Empire. After your hike, stop in one of the local restaurants at the base of the hills for some well-deserved Nigerian comfort food with your tired but accomplished hiking buddies.

15. National Museum Lagos

History buffs will adore spending an afternoon wandering the National Museum in Lagos to glimpse Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. The museum contains over 3,000 diverse archaeological artifacts and relics that provide insights into the country’s different ethnic groups. Marvel over the intricate Benin bronze plaques depicting court scenes dating back to the 15th century.
Don’t miss the traditional Nigerian musical instruments exhibit to see ancient drums, flutes, string instruments, and more up close. Time your visit to coincide with one of the museum’s festivals, cultural activities, or storytelling events to experience live history alongside friends. Entry is free, making the National Museum a top choice for curious minds.

16. Chillzoo Leisure Park

Located in bustling Lekki Phase 1, Chillzoo Leisure Park provides a huge array of activities for an adventurous day escaping the city with friends. Get your adrenaline pumping together on the high-ropes obstacle course or test your balance on their taekwondo-style battle beams. Scream your way down Nigeria’s largest inflatable water slide for some slippery fun.
Take a break from the action to relax in a private cabana with shisha and cocktails, or go for a dip in their pool. With so many amusements, from bumper boats on a lake to rock climbing walls, Chillzoo can keep your entire group entertained for hours of lively fun.

17. Akwaaba Beach

For an off-the-beaten-path island getaway with friends, discover serene Akwaaba Beach, set on the small Tarkwa Bay Island. The secluded setting, away from Lagos’s more bustling beaches, provides a tranquil ambiance. Sway in a hammock under shady palm trees, build sandcastles, play beach volleyball or beach tennis, and swim in beautifully clear waters.
Rent a colorful beach hut or gazebo and enjoy locally caught grilled fish and chilled drinks without ever having to leave the sand. As the sun sets, gather around a crackling bonfire with your BFFs to share stories and roast marshmallows. Akwaaba Beach’s peaceful vibe makes it ideal for quality bonding with your favorite people.

18. New Afrika Shrine

Honor the legacy of Fela Kuti alongside music-loving friends with a lively night out at the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja. On select nights, the colorful open-air venue hosts concerts showcasing up-and-coming Afrobeat and jazz musicians, keeping Fela’s vibe alive. Sip cold drinks as you dance and sway with your friends to the pulsing beat.
Stop by their paint-splattered bar adorned with Fela memorabilia for another round of drinks before joining the pulsating crowd on the dance floor. For an electric music experience, New Afrika Shrine is a fabulous choice when going out with friends.

19. LuckyLand Entertainment Center

At the expansive LuckyLand Entertainment Center in Victoria Island, you and your fun-loving friends can enjoy endless amusement park rides, arcade games, simulators, and other attractions under one roof. Dare to take on their gigantic rollercoaster together as you twist, loop, and plunge at intense speeds. Try to knock each other over with bumper cars or get the highest score playing Skee-Ball and other carnival classics in their massive arcade.
Take a virtual reality safari, feel zero gravity in the Skydiving MaxFlight simulator, or get your cowboy on a mechanical bull. With so much to experience, LuckyLand provides a full day of thrilling fun with friends.

20. Ocean Bay Beach Resort

Nestled on Panama Beach, just a short drive from Victoria Island, Ocean Bay Beach Resort offers a luxurious beach retreat with friends. Spend the day lounging on plush poolside beds or swimming in their unique saltwater lagoon pool surrounding a tropical river island. Pamper yourself in the full-service spa with massages, wraps, and other treatments.
Take out jet skis, go banana boating, or hit the resort’s private beach for volleyball. After sunset, dance the night away at their three lively bars and nightclubs overlooking the sea. With fabulous accommodations, dining, and amenities, Ocean Bay is ideal for a lavish yet laid-back beach vacation with your crew.

Conclusion

With its bustling energy, vibrant culture, delicious food, and wealth of sights to see, Lagos offers endless options for an amazing time out on the town with friends. From breathtaking beaches and peaceful parks to world-class museums and lively nightlife, you and your crew can always find stimulating experiences to share.
Whether you want to lounge at an upscale beach resort, dance at a bumping beach bash, or hike scenic trails, Lagos has you covered. So gather your favorite people and get ready to make magical memories together while exploring all that this exciting city has to offer. Whichever locale you choose, you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time out with friends in Lagos.