One of the most flawed perceptions most people probably have going on is that you can’t experience pure fun and ecstasy without traveling to Lagos Island, which in turn means you have to budget a huge amount for your outings.
First and foremost, you’d agree with me that Lagos is popularly known as a bustling city filled with so much life and energy, both on the island and mainland, and you’re probably missing out on all the fun because you think you can’t afford it. Think again as we explore 7 out of the numerous cheap, fun places to hang out in Lagos mainland.
7 Cheap And Fun Places to Hang Out in Lagos Mainland
1. Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park
2. Ndubuisi Kanu Park
3. New Afrika Shrine (Ikeja)
4. Tarkwa Bay Beach
5. Ikeja City Mall (ICM)
6. The Orchid Bistro Cafe
7. Vault Resto Lounge
Cheap And Fun Places to Hang Out in Lagos Mainland
Stressed and tired of Lagos wahala, or are you visiting Lagos for the first time. Here are the top 7 cheap and fun places to visit in Lagos;
1. Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park (Cheap And Fun Places to Hang Out in Lagos Mainland)
This park was built for relaxation, social gatherings, and all enhance tourism. The park offers a variety of amazing services, which have gathered positive reviews from visitors over time. There is also access to free wifi, which is unusual in most recreational centres in Nigeria, superb if you ask me.
Situated in Alausa, Ikeja, the park stands as one of the top recreational areas in Lagos State, serving as a tourist attraction. It also has a playground for kids to have fun and is a perfect spot for a picnic.
Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park offers an amazing view for shoots— whether pre-wedding shoots or birthday shoots, and Instagram content, you’re covered, you’ll need to get permission for this, though.
Location: House of Assembly, beside Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Opens: Monday- Sunday from 9 am – 6 pm
Entry Fee: ₦1,000
2. Ndubuisi Kanu Park
Situated close to the Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park is the notable Ndubuisi Kanu Park. Dubbed as one of the splendid parks in Lagos. Ndubuisi Kanu Park is a recreational area perfect for diverse activities such as sports and children’s games. Founded by the Lagos State Government and managed by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, it aims to promote a clean and eco-friendly space.
JJT comprises of a basketball court and a lawn tennis court, a tranquil, green region with seats and benches, a shaded space, snack stands to relax, and a playground for children, which is perfect for a family picnic.
In its totality, it is a splendid and budget-friendly destination to have fun, catering to adults and children.
Entry Fee: Free, but once a group exceeds 10 persons, they’re charged #10,000
Location: Mobolaji Johnson Ave, Oregun, Ikeja 101233, Lagos
Opens: Monday- Sunday from 10 am–10 pm
3. New Afrika Shrine (Ikeja)
Created in Ikeja, the New Afrika Shrine is an open space used mainly for entertainment, serving as the venue for the yearly celebration and the Felabration Music Festival. The Shrine was built in 2000 to replace the old one crafted by Fela Kuti in 1970, but it was completely burnt down 7 years later.
Successfully managed by Fela Kuti’s eldest son, Femi Kuti, and daughter, Yeni Kuti, the shrine displays photo galleries of the legend, Fela Kuti, and stage performances of Femi and Seun Kuti.
New Afrika Shrine is not just a centre of entertainment, it also showcases the history of Afrobeat culture, which was lived through the prominent Fela Anikulapo Kuti. It is a space for you to enjoy live music, electric vibes, great restaurant dishes, and dance. Don’t miss out!
Location: NERDC Rd, Agidingbi, Ikeja 101233, Lagos
Opens: 24/7
Entry Fee: Free for most events
4. Tarkwa Bay Beach
Less crowded and totally peaceful, Tarkwa Bay Beach is situated on an island providing an escape from the chaos and noise associated with the vibrant city of Lagos. Accessible only by boat, This Beach is a serene and less crowded option for beachgoers. Located on an island, this beach provides a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Although peaceful, Tarkwa Bay Beach also offers fun and loads of activities for an incredible adventure. One of these activities is swimming, I mean, what’s the first activity a beach offers?
Many find it suitable to swim due to its neatness. Also, the waves make it an excellent spot for surfing. Equipment can be rented at the beach. Boat rides aren’t exempt from the adventurous activities you can enjoy on Tarkwa Bay Beach, the picturesque view will literally take your breath away.
The soft sands are also welcoming for relaxation, and if you desire, sunbathing.
Without mentioning, I’m sure you’ve realized the tranquility provides an aura perfect for your picnics. All you need to do is pack drinks and food, get a spot to spread your blankets, relax, and enjoy the view.
Location: Close to the Lagos harbour in Nigeria.
Opens: 24/7
Entry fee: ₦1,000
5. Ikeja City Mall (ICM)
Positioned at Alausa in Ikeja and commonly referred to as ICM or Shoprite Ikeja, the mall serves as a perfect spot for engaging in recreational activities and meeting up with friends, family, even business partners or colleagues.
Comprising Silverbird Cinema and a Shoprite, the mall also houses various facilities like restaurants, salons, department stores, cafés, an ice-skating arena, banks, bars, and a children’s sector, among others.
Interested in treating yourself but worried about the cost? At the mall, feel free to window shop, take casual strolls, enjoy budget-friendly food court meals, and watch movies in the cinema at cheap prices
Location: Obafemi Awolowo Way, Alausa, Ojodu 101233, Lagos
Opens: Monday— Sunday from 9 am–9 pm
Price Range: Depends on the store and cinema(type of screen and day), but budget from ₦4,500 – ₦7,000 for Silverbird cinema tickets.
6. The Orchid Bistro Cafe
You know where your dining fantasies can become reality at a cheap price? The Orchid Bistro Cafe!
Just like the name implies, it is a fascinating orchid garden where you not only enjoy the view, but also experience superb dining. The menu features both domestic and continental meals you can conveniently pick from without worrying about going broke. Let’s not start with heavenly meals, which make you feel at home, and the picturesque view is perfect for all the memories you wish to capture.
Location: No. 58a Isaac John St, Ikeja GRA, Ikeja 101233, Lagos
Opens: Sunday- Thursday from 7 am–9 pm
Friday from 7 am–11 pm
Saturday from 7 am–10 pm
Price Range: ₦20,000+ per person
7. Vault Resto Lounge
Think of a cocktail in hand, live music playing, and an ambience fit for escaping from the hustle and bustle of Lagos as you unwind with friends, what do you think, safe haven, right? If you’re looking for a perfect mix of classy dining and nightlife, all at an affordable price, Vault Resto Lounge is just the spot for you.
Location: No. 9 Sasegbon St, Ikeja GRA, Lagos 101233, Lagos
Opens: Wednesday- Sunday from 5 pm to 3 am
Price: ₦20,000+ per person
If you’re a Lagosian living on the mainland, a visitor or a tourist coming from any part of the country, you don’t have to worry about going too far to find a perfect place that you can have fun, and at the same time afford, these are gems ready to satisfy your taste and help you cut expenses.
