“What do I do in Lagos?” If you’re asking this, you must be new here! Lagos is a full-blown experience that never slows down. As a longtime resident who’s explored every corner, let me take you beyond the usual tourist spots to reveal the real Lagos that locals love.
1. Dance Till Sunrise at a Legendary Lagos Party
Lagos parties are the stuff of legends. Start your night at Quilox where the champagne flows as freely as the vibes, then head to Cubana for their famous owambe nights. For something truly authentic, The Africa Shrine in Ikeja keeps Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat legacy alive with weekly concerts that turn into all-night dance sessions. Pro tip: Most clubs don’t get lively until after midnight – Lagos runs on its clock!
2. Market Hopping Like a Pro
The markets here are an adventure in themselves. Balogun Market will overwhelm your senses with its maze of fabrics, shoes, and household goods. For tech lovers, Computer Village in Ikeja offers everything from the latest smartphones to hard-to-find accessories at negotiable prices. My personal favorite? Oyingbo Market for fresh produce – arrive early to get the best selection of tropical fruits like sweet Lagos mangoes.
3. Beach Escapes Within the City
Lagos beaches are where the city goes to unwind. Tarkwa Bay remains my top pick – accessible only by boat, this hidden gem offers jet skiing and peaceful swimming. If you’re looking for more action, top-level vibes, or you’re looking to make new friends, Elegushi Beach is the right place to be. That’s not all, it turns into an open-air club on weekends with DJs spinning as vendors grill fresh fish. Don’t miss trying “pepper soup” from the beach shacks – it’s the perfect cure for Lagos’ humidity.
4. Crash an Owambe
Nothing prepares you for your first owambe (traditional Nigerian party). The women’s colorful gele headwraps, the live bands competing with DJs, the mountains of jollof rice – it’s a cultural explosion. If you don’t have an invite, there’s always a party happening. If you can hear loud music- afrobeat, highlife, or Fuji – and there’s a bouncer at the event, bingo!. Also, there’s no third wheeling! Being a plus one of a plus one is totally fine and normalized here.
5. Street Food Crawl Through Lagos
Lagos street food deserves its own food tour. Start your day with akara and pap (fried bean cakes with corn porridge) from roadside vendors. For lunch, the Law School fish market serves the freshest bole (roasted plantain) with pepper sauce. As night falls, follow the smoky trails to find the best suya spots – my personal favorite is the stand opposite Mega Plaza in Victoria Island.
6. Visit Lagos Museums
History comes alive at Kalakuta Museum, Fela Kuti’s former home turned historical landmark that showcases the Afrobeat legacy. The Nike Art Gallery in Lekki showcases Nigeria’s vibrant art scene across four floors of stunning works. For something different, the Brazilian Quarter in Campos reveals Lagos’ little-known connection to returnee slaves from Brazil.
7. Campus Life at UNILAG
The University of Lagos campus offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s chaos. Stroll through the lush botanical gardens, browse the bookstands at the faculty of arts, or catch a play at the Arts Theater. The student canteens serve some of the most affordable (and delicious) local meals in town. View the beautiful sight of the third mainland atop the ocean- a major Lagos landmark, at the Unilag lagoon front.
8. Game Centers and Entertainment Spots
For family fun, The game city in Oniru offers bowling and arcade games with a Nigerian twist. Adults will love Ampersand in Ikoyi – a board game cafe serving creative cocktails. Newer spots like Puttshack bring mini-golf to Lagos with a luxury twist. Upbeat at Lekki is also a recreational center you could check out.
9. Fine Dining in Lagos
Lagos’ restaurant scene keeps getting better. Nok by Alara reimagines Nigerian cuisine with dishes like plantain gnocchi. Sky Restaurant offers panoramic views 25 floors above Victoria Island. For seafood lovers, The Crab Shack in Lekki serves lobster thermidor that rivals any European restaurant.
10. Resort Getaways Without Leaving Town
When you need an escape within the city, La Campagne Tropicana transports you to a beachfront village with traditional mud huts and canoe rides. Eko Tourist Beach Resort offers day passes for their lagoon-front pool and live music weekends.
11. Nollywood Movie Experience
See Nigerian cinema in style at Filmhouse IMAX – the popcorn here is practically a meal itself. For something more intimate, the Nollywood Film Club hosts screenings of classic Nigerian movies with director Q&As.
12. Public Transport Adventures
Riding a danfo bus is a rite of passage – just be ready for the conductor’s creative shouting to attract passengers and the “gbas-gbos” between passengers. The Lagos Ferry Services offer a peaceful alternative to road traffic with stunning views of the lagoon. For the brave, okada (commercial motorcycles) will get you anywhere faster, just hold on tight!
13. Language Learning Like a Local
Nothing breaks the ice like speaking pidgin. Start with basics like “How you dey?” (How are you?) and “I no understand” (I don’t understand). Yoruba phrases like “E se” (Thank you) will earn you smiles at local markets. Many community centers offer short language courses – check out Gidi Creative Centre for classes.
14. Alternative Nightlife Experiences
Beyond clubs, Lagos nights offer unique experiences. Freedom Park hosts open-air concerts under the stars. Bogobiri House in Ikoyi combines art exhibitions with live music nights. For late-night eats, White House in Surulere serves sizzling barbecue until dawn.
15. Ibeshe Beach (only accessible by boat)
Ibeshe Beach offers pristine sands without the crowds. Many boat operators at Five Cowries Terminal offer affordable group tours to these offbeat locations.
Seasonal Experiences
- December- Don’t miss the Lagos Festival with food, music, arts, and of course, the drama the IJGB(I Just Got Back) folks bring in.
- Easter- Beach parties reach their peak during this period
- August- The Eyo Festival transforms Lagos Island with masquerades
The key to enjoying Lagos is embracing its beautiful chaos. Start your days early to beat traffic, keep small bills handy for spontaneous purchases, and always have a backup plan when it rains. Most importantly, approach every experience with an open mind – some of my best Lagos memories came from unplanned adventures!
Pro Tips for First-Timers:
- Download ride-hailing apps (Bolt, Uber) before arrival
- Carry a portable charger – you’ll be taking endless photos
- Learn basic bargaining phrases for markets and develop brutal bargaining skills. (You can’t win against Lagos market traders)
- Always have toilet paper/wet wipes handy
Whether you’re here for two days or two years, this list gives you endless ways to experience Africa’s most vibrant city. Which activity excites you most? Drop a comment below with your Lagos must-dos!
