Top 10 Things to Do in Lagos, Nigeria: Full Details

Lagos, Nigeria, is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and dynamic energy. As Africa’s largest city, it offers a mix of art, food, history, and adventure. Below is a curated list of the top 10 things to do in Lagos, complete with full details on locations, costs, hours, and highlights, based on recent reviews and travel guides. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, these activities showcase the best of Lagos’s cultural and recreational scene.

1. Visit Nike Art Centre

• Description: A cultural gem in Lekki, the Nike Art Centre is a four-story gallery and textile museum housing over 8,000 artworks by Nigerian and African artists. It showcases paintings, sculptures, and textiles, offering a deep dive into Nigeria’s artistic heritage.
• Location: 2 Elegushi Beach Road, Lekki, Lagos.
• Cost: Free entry; artworks range from 50,000 NGN ($32 USD) to over 1,000,000 NGN ($645 USD).
• Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 AM–6 PM; Sunday, 1 PM–6 PM.
• Highlights: Meet Nike Davies-Okundaye, the founder, known for her warmth and contributions to Nigerian art. Photography of artworks is restricted, but personal photos/videos are allowed. Guided private tours are available for a personalized experience.
• Nearest Bus Stop: Lekki Phase 1 Bus Stop (approx. 0.5 km).

2. Explore Freedom Park

• Description: A multipurpose arts and culture complex on Lagos Island, Freedom Park is a transformed colonial prison now hosting exhibitions, concerts, and festivals like the Eko Theatre Carnival and Lagos Reggae Festival. It’s a hub for community engagement and cultural expression.
• Location: Hospital Road, Lagos Island, Lagos.
• Cost: Entry from 1,000 NGN (~$0.65 USD); event-specific tickets vary.
• Hours: Daily, 10 AM–10 PM (event times may vary).
• Highlights: Explore the prison museum detailing British colonial history, enjoy live music, or attend annual events like Black History Month celebrations. The park’s vibrant atmosphere makes it ideal for cultural immersion.
• Nearest Bus Stop: Broad Street Bus Stop (approx. 0.3 km).

3. Take a Boat Tour of Makoko Floating Village

• Description: Makoko, a multicultural floating community on the Lagos Lagoon, offers a unique glimpse into a fishing and trading hub often called the “Venice of Africa.” Boat tours provide insights into its vibrant economy and lifestyle.
• Location: Makoko, Yaba, Lagos (tours start near Makoko Police Station jetty).
• Cost: Approx. 5,000–10,000 NGN (~$3–$6 USD) for a 1-hour boat tour, negotiable.
• Hours: Tours typically available 8 AM–4 PM; arrange with local guides.
• Highlights: See stilt houses, interact with locals, and capture photos (with guide permission to avoid upsetting residents). The tour offers a raw, authentic experience of Lagos’s diversity.
• Nearest Bus Stop: Makoko Bus Stop (approx. 0.2 km).

4. Experience the New Afrika Shrine

• Description: A sacred music venue in Ikeja, founded by Fela Kuti’s family, the New Afrika Shrine is a pilgrimage site for Afrobeat lovers. It offers live music, dancing, and dining, coming alive after dark.
• Location: NERDC Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.
• Cost: Entry from 2,000 NGN (~$1.30 USD); food/drinks extra.
• Hours: Daily, 12 PM–2 AM; peak performances Thursday–Saturday nights.
• Highlights: Enjoy Afrobeat performances by Femi or Seun Kuti, savor local food, and soak in the vibrant nightlife. It’s a must for music enthusiasts and cultural explorers.
• Nearest Bus Stop: Agidingbi Bus Stop (approx. 0.4 km).

5. Walk the Lekki Conservation Centre Canopy

• Description: Located in Lekki, this 78-hectare nature reserve features a 401-meter canopy walkway, the longest in Africa, offering panoramic views and encounters with wildlife like monkeys and birds.
• Location: Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki, Lagos.
• Cost: Adults 3,000 NGN ($2 USD); children 1,500 NGN ($1 USD).
• Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 8 AM–5 PM; closed Mondays.
• Highlights: Walk the elevated canopy for stunning views, spot playful monkeys, and enjoy a serene group outing. The reserve is ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
• Nearest Bus Stop: Lekki Conservation Centre Bus Stop (approx. 0.3 km).

6. Dine at NOK by Alara

• Description: A fine-dining restaurant in Victoria Island, NOK by Alara offers African diaspora-inspired dishes like Ethiopian lentil stew and Jamaican curry goat in a chic setting with a garden patio.
• Location: 12A Akin Olugbade Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
• Cost: Mains from 15,000 NGN (~$10 USD); reservations recommended.
• Hours: Monday–Thursday, 10 AM–8 PM; Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–9 PM.
• Highlights: Founded by Reni Folawiyo, this elegant venue blends Nigerian and international flavors. The patio is perfect for a classy night out. Reservations are advised on weekends.
• Nearest Bus Stop: Ademola Adetokunbo Bus Stop (approx. 0.5 km).

7. Visit the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture

• Description: A modern heritage center in Lagos Island, the J. Randle Centre offers an immersive exploration of Yoruba history and traditions with accessible facilities and bilingual signage.
• Location: Onikan Road, Lagos Island, Lagos.
• Cost: Entry 3,000 NGN (~$2 USD).
• Hours: Daily, 10 AM–6 PM.
• Highlights: Discover Yoruba art, history, and culture through interactive exhibits. The center is wheelchair-accessible and ideal for cultural enthusiasts.
• Nearest Bus Stop: Onikan Bus Stop (approx. 0.3 km).

8. Attend an Owambe Party

• Description: Owambe parties are vibrant Nigerian celebrations for events like weddings, birthdays, or funerals, featuring colorful attire, live bands, and abundant food. They occur almost every weekend in Lagos.
• Location: Varies; common in venues across Lagos Island, Victoria Island, or Ikeja.
• Cost: Free if invited; food/drinks may cost 5,000–20,000 NGN (~$3–$13 USD) if self-funded.
• Hours: Typically Saturday afternoons to late night.
• Highlights: Experience Nigerian hospitality, dance to indigenous music, and enjoy dishes like jollof rice. Ask locals to join one or check event pages for open invitations.
• Nearest Bus Stop: Depends on venue; e.g., Lagos Island Bus Stop for central events.

9. Explore Tarkwa Bay Beach

• Description: A secluded beach near Lagos harbor, accessible only by boat or water taxi from Lagos Island, Tarkwa Bay offers calm waters for swimming and a tranquil escape from the city.
• Location: Tarkwa Bay, Lagos (boat from Tarzan Jetty, Victoria Island).
• Cost: Boat ride 2,000–5,000 NGN (~$1–$3 USD) round trip; beach entry free.
• Hours: Daily, 8 AM–6 PM (boat schedules vary).
• Highlights: Relax on the quiet beach, swim, or picnic. The boat ride adds adventure to this serene getaway.
• Nearest Bus Stop: Tarzan Jetty Bus Stop (approx. 0.2 km from departure point).

10. Tour the National Arts Theatre

• Description: A 31-meter iconic landmark in Iganmu, the National Arts Theatre is a hub for performing arts, hosting plays, concerts, and cultural events, symbolizing Nigeria’s artistic heritage.
• Location: Iganmu, Surulere, Lagos.
• Cost: Entry from 2,000 NGN (~$1.30 USD); event tickets vary.
• Hours: Daily, 9 AM–6 PM; event times vary.
• Highlights: Explore the architectural marvel, attend a performance, or visit the museum section for Nigerian art history. It’s a must for culture and history buffs.
• Nearest Bus Stop: Iganmu Bus Stop (approx. 0.4 km).

Notes

• Cost Accuracy: Prices are approximate, based on 2020–2025 sources, with USD conversions using an estimated rate of 1,550 NGN to 1 USD. Costs may vary due to inflation or event-specific pricing.
• Accessibility: Most attractions are accessible by public transport or ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt. Bus stop distances are estimated based on location data.
• Safety Tips: For activities like Makoko tours, negotiate prices with guides and respect local customs (e.g., photography rules). Check event schedules for festivals or Owambe parties via local pages or social media.
• Sources: Information is drawn from Tripadvisor, The Culture Trip, TravelLemming, and DIY with Joy, ensuring a reliable overview of Lagos’s top activities.
• Cultural Context: Lagos’s vibrant scene is enriched by its diverse population and festivals like Lagos Fashion Week or LagosPhoto Festival. Check local event pages for updates.
• Additional Tips: Book tours or dining reservations in advance, especially for NOK by Alara or guided experiences. Carry cash for markets and smaller venues, though many upscale spots accept cards.

Lagos offers a dynamic blend of culture, history, and adventure, making it an all-year-round destination. From art galleries to beaches, these top 10 activities provide a memorable experience in Nigeria’s vibrant metropolis.