Let’s face it, Lagos isn’t really a tourist city. I mean, sure it bears the mantle of the most populous city in Africa, and is Nigeria’s cosmopolitan city, the center of excellence, leading in industry and infrastructure. But when it comes to tourism, it’s not leading the race.
Oh, you wanna argue? Maybe we should start by defining the word tourism, which is the visiting of places of interest for leisure purposes. And how many places of interest does Lagos State have? Sure, there are some, but when compared to, say Obudu Cattle Ranch or Idanre Hills, it’s not really a competition. There aren’t just a lot of well-established things to do in Lagos apart from spending hours in traffic and fighting for your body, soul, and spirit against those Yaba boys who want to sell clothes to you by fire, by force.
But just because Lagos is practically one step ahead of a madhouse doesn’t mean there aren’t tons of great experiences to be had in the city as a tourist, so without further ado, let’s check out some places to visit.
Oh, before we get started, hold your phones and wallet tight, don’t look back if you hear boss or fine girl, and don’t lock eyes with any traffic hawker. The last one is doubly important, because you’re entering into an immediate binding contract the moment you do so. A naive tourist in Lagos is like a baby seal swimming in shark-infested waters; they can smell it, and you can be sure they will pounce.
Shop in an open-air market and get chatty with a local
There are several open-air markets in Lagos that sell everything you need, from textiles to household goods to computers; there’s even a famous Computer Village, although I wouldn’t recommend wandering in the latter without a trusted guide. Or body armor.
Probably the most popular market for a tourist, and certainly the most accessible, is the Lekki Arts and Crafts Market. For a more local experience, however, you should check out the huge Balogun Market on Lagos Island.
And while you’re doing that, you can simply strike up a conversation with a random local, maybe a shop owner, or a pedestrian in the street. Nigerians speak English (mostly), and better still, they are a very chatty bunch; in fact, nothing gets them more excited, especially the elderly ones, than talking to a foreigner. They will cherish the experience and tell it to their grandkids.
Nearly everyone you meet will be super eager to chat with you if only to hear oyinbo accent, and multiple times people might just literally come up to you on the street to strike up a conversation. However, while you do either of these, remember the three rules above and take number one seriously, and whatever you do, DO NOT go to Computer Village alone. Not unless you want to come back home with food instead of your electronics.
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Try some Nigerian food
Tourism is not only about visiting places; it’s also about gaining new experiences. And you’ve not fully experienced a city if you haven’t tried out some of its local foods. An example of such is the royalty pictured above; jollof rice with plantain and chicken. Also known as heaven.
Apart from this, if you’re a carnivorous visitor, you also want to try out suya, which is a spicy skewer made of either beef, goat, or chicken. There’s a saying, “Suya is life,” which couldn’t be closer to the truth, and while some people might argue that the best suya spots in Lagos are some like the Glover Court Suya Spot, everybody knows that the true undisputed kings of suya are those Hausa men that sell at road junctions at night.
And just so you know, darkness is a secret ingredient, so if you’re buying suya during the day, you’re not getting the full experience.
Experience African art at the Nike Art Gallery
The Nike Art Gallery is located at Oba Yekini Elegushi Rd, Lekki Phase I, and was founded by Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, a Nigerian batik and adire textile designer. The gallery, a five-storey building, is one of the largest of its kind in West Africa and boasts a collection of about 8,000 diverse artworks from various Nigerian artists like Chief Josephine Oboh Macleod.
The gallery is something akin to an art gallery, an artist retreat and workshop, and home rolled into one, and inside you will find Nigerian artists, craftsmen, and sculptors honing their skills. There are also several levels filled with one of the largest collections of African art in Africa itself.
And what’s more, it is totally free to enter, which makes it free and fun to do in Lagos as a tourist, and you might have the opportunity to purchase something that catches your eye. And if you’re lucky, just lucky, you might meet Nike herself, just like the lucky tourist above.
P.S: Flash photography is prohibited inside the gallery.
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Get reeducated by Fela
Have you ever heard of Fela Anikulapo Kuti? If not, then you need to pause reading this article and go Google him up. Then after you’ve fallen down the rabbit hole that is his song catalog, then you can meet us at the bottom.
Located in Fela’s former house on Gbemisola Street at Allen, Ikeja, Lagos, the Kalakuta museum tells you the story of Fela’s music, activism, and unusual lifestyle. And if you chill out on the rooftop bar and patio after exploring the museum, you might just be lucky enough to catch a performance… no, not by Fela. The dude’s long dead. If you meet anyone who tells you they’re Fela, remember rule number two from above.
As for the New Afrika Shrine, it is an entertainment center that serves as the next generation of the old Afrika Shrine, which was built by Fela in 1970. It is located in Agidingbi in Ikeja and is not that far from the Kalakuta museum, and showcases some of Fela’s artwork while also serving as a community center. If you visit during the day, you’re sure to be greeted by hosts of friendly locals who are eager to show you around. Again, remember rule number one!
Or you can take a page out of France’s President Emmanuel Macron’s book and come at night during one of the weekend concert events at the shrine, which will offer you a crazy Lagos night experience. And for a real treat, visit during the annual Felabration festival and feel the Shrine reverberate with Afrobeats. It is a real tourist experience.
Visit the Makoko floating village
Like the proverbial beggar who sits at the doorstep of the rich man’s house, the economically challenged community of Makoko, which is by some definitions the largest floating slum in the world, squats just outside the flashy wealth of Lagos Island. This is perhaps the most eye-opening thing to do in Lagos, as you’ll witness a hugely marginalized but incredibly resilient community that survives off the ocean and its own willpower.
A visit to Makoko, nicknamed by some as the “Venice of Africa”, requires some preparation to be sure that you’re interacting with the community in a respectful and not voyeuristic manner, and if you’re a tourist, it’s best to go with a local tour guide or travel group. One of such is Naija Nomads, who arrange tours on a custom basis, and you can book with them to see not only Makoko, but a few other places on this list.
Visit the historic town of Badagry
There’s no way you can get a proper understanding of West Africa as a tourist without learning about the tragic history of the slave trade and the havoc that colonial slavers wrecked across the region. A trip to the historic town of Badagry is sure to leave you meditative as you explore relics of this dark and unfortunate chapter of Nigerian (and global) history at the Badagry Heritage Museum.
In addition, Badagry is also a charming town in its own right and is near some pretty decent beaches, so it makes for another tourist day trip in Lagos that is absolutely worth it.
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Check out the surf at Tarkwa Bay
Surfing may not be a popular culture in Nigeria, but Tarkwa Bay is starting to change that and put it on the map, as even some of the pros are starting to flock to this hidden but increasingly popular surfing gem.
Located on a small artificial island, Tarkwa is only accessible by boat or water taxi from Victoria Island. Mekwe Jetty is one of several places to catch a lift. And even if you didn’t pack your board, it’s still a fun beach where you can rent a chair and watch surfers at work. However, come dressed already and bring sunscreen, as there aren’t any restrooms and the sun in Nigeria is actually a ball of fire from hell.
Wander the National Theatre
There are few places that better exemplify Nigeria in Lagos than the National Theatre, which is a shame since it isn’t living up to its potential. At least not yet. Parts of the theatre, sadly, have fallen into dilapidation, and broken glass and sawdust litter the rows of the venue’s main auditorium.
However, notwithstanding, it is huge and filled with history, and bursting with the potential to be a world-class venue. You can take a tour of the grounds during your visit, which will definitely leave you wistful at what could have been. Or if you’re lucky to be in town on the right day, you might just catch a handful of the performances that are still held here.
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Canoeing in the Epe Mangroves
Are you already tired of the chaos of Lagos and need a bit of a break? Then let’s head out to the jungle, starting with the Epe Mangroves. There, you’ll find a smaller Yoruba community that is wildly different than Lagos, including a fascinating fish market you can peruse.
However, the highlight of any day trip from Lagos to Epe is definitely going to be taking a small boat or canoe and sailing through the mangroves, where you’ll get a taste of Nigerian nature. You’ll probably need to organize a driver for the entirety of the day, but otherwise, most of the tour can be arranged independently.
Just watch out for the crocodiles!
Take on Africa’s longest canopy walkway in Africa at the Lekki Conservation Center
The Lekki Conservation Centre, located in Lekki, Lagos is one of the top things to do in Lagos, as it allows you to unleash your Jumanji spirit and connect with nature with so many activities.
Lagos is a beast of steel and concrete, so this huge expanse of green space is a marked contrast and a welcome breath of fresh air. It is like a tranquil oasis of nature tucked inside one of the world’s most overpopulated cities, like jam hidden inside a doughnut. Ahhhhh, yessss!
At the LCC, you can take an organized tour, where you get to walk on planks over mangroves and learn about the flora and fauna that are native to the area. You will also probably see birds, fishes, and monkeys, though you should watch out for the latter, as they are bound to steal your camera, phone, wig, or birthright. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a snake or a crocodile.
And for a special treat, you can brave the longest canopy walkway in Africa and view the forest from a different angle!
Other tips for visiting Lagos as a tourist include:
- Plan lots of time to get around; as said earlier, Lagos and traffic are like Bonnie and Clyde.
- Use Uber or the Taxify app to get around. Lagos is NOT a walkable city, so don’t even try subscribing to your Israelite spirit here.
- Sort your visas well in advance, because the Nigerian immigration system is slow and incredibly difficult for many foreigners.
- Don’t visit Computer Village alone.
- Remember rules one to three, and even if you’re lost, don’t look like it. Approach someone reasonable looking, ask for directions, and take only directions. Don’t agree to buy or sign anything.
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