Things to do in Lagos

Lagos has a number of interesting museums, including the National Museum of Nigeria, the Didi Museum, the Nike Art Gallery, and the National Theatre of Arts and Culture.

For many travellers, the noise and bustle of the city's streets and markets will seem enough of a sightseeing adventure. Lekki Market is a great experience, and one of the best places to explore what city life in Lagos is all about.

After a few days in the city, many visitors may feel the need for some peace and quiet, and there are a number of great attractions within an hour's drive from central Lagos. There are several excellent beaches in the area, including Eleko Beach, Bar Beach, Elegushi, and Lekki Beach. Nearby beach resorts such as Hermitage Garden Resorts and La Campagne Tropicana on the Lekki Peninsula are worth a visit, as is the Lekki Conservation Centre. Finally, no trip to Lagos is complete without a visit to Sungbo's Eredo to see the largest pre-colonial construction Africa has to offer, or the ancient slave port of Badagary Town.

National Museum photo

National Museum

Occupying prime position on Lagos Island in the centre of the city, the National Museum contains a number of treasures and cultural relics of great interest. Visitors should take t…

National Museum

Occupying prime position on Lagos Island in the centre of the city, the National Museum contains a number of treasures and cultural relics of great interest. Visitors should take their diary along to record the experience as photography is not allowed. Highlights include the exhibit 'Treasures of Ancient Nigeria: Legacy of Two Thousand Years', and the bullet-ridden black Mercedes in which former president Murtala Mohammed was assassinated in 1973. Also not be missed is the gallery of Benin brasses and the crafts village, where visitors can haggle for souvenirs.

Lekki Conservation Centre photo

Lekki Conservation Centre

Situated on the Lekki Peninsula covering 190 acres (78 hectare), the Lekki Conservation Centre is perfect to experience the fauna and flora of this region's delicate ecosystems. Vi…

Lekki Conservation Centre

Situated on the Lekki Peninsula covering 190 acres (78 hectare), the Lekki Conservation Centre is perfect to experience the fauna and flora of this region's delicate ecosystems. Visitors can see Mona monkeys, crocodiles, bush bucks, Maxwell duikers, and giant rats, among other fascinating creatures. There are various trails and tree platforms to get the best vantage point. It's best to visit in the early morning when the animals are most active. Tours need to be booked in advance.

Website www.ncfnigeria.org

Sungbo's Eredo photo

Sungbo's Eredo

Travellers should take a taxi one hour north of Lagos to see Sungbo's Eredo, Africa's largest pre-colonial construction, a sight rated by experts as an unknown 'Wonder of the World…

Sungbo's Eredo

Travellers should take a taxi one hour north of Lagos to see Sungbo's Eredo, Africa's largest pre-colonial construction, a sight rated by experts as an unknown 'Wonder of the World'. The Eredo is a rampart that is 1,050 years old, 100 miles (160km) long, and 70ft (20m) high. Locals will need to guide visitors in and out, as the structure is rapidly being covered by encroaching forest. The enigmatic Eredo has been linked to the myths and legends of various tribes and religions. According to the local Ijebu clan, the Eredo may have been built as a memorial to noblewoman Oloye Bilikisu Sungbo, a childless widow, whose grave is located nearby.

Lekki Market photo

Lekki Market

For a taste of the real Lagos, travellers should head to the bustling, chaotic, and always fascinating Lekki Market. Intrepid shoppers that make the trip here will be rewarded with…

Lekki Market

For a taste of the real Lagos, travellers should head to the bustling, chaotic, and always fascinating Lekki Market. Intrepid shoppers that make the trip here will be rewarded with a wonderful selection of African masks, Nigerian beadwork, and traditional cloth. The Lekki Market is located about 6 miles (10km) from the centre of Victoria Island, and is a popular taxi route. Visitors should bargain hard but keep smiling and, for about NGN 50, they can get a local to help them navigate the market, which will be money well spent.

Eleko Beach photo

Eleko Beach

The best beach for Lagos-based visitors is Eleko Beach, located just one hour away from Nigeria's frenetic economic heartland. It's clean and peaceful, with perfect waves and beach…

Eleko Beach

The best beach for Lagos-based visitors is Eleko Beach, located just one hour away from Nigeria's frenetic economic heartland. It's clean and peaceful, with perfect waves and beach huts for hire, and is currently free of the traders and hawkers that can irritate visitors on beaches around Lagos Island. Eleko Beach is a welcome relief from the grime and congestion of the metropolis. To get there, head out east on Lekki Expressway for about 19 miles (30km) and turn right at the petrol service station.

Osun-Osogbo photo

Osun-Osogbo

One of Nigeria's top tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove holds a deeply special place in the hearts and minds of the Yoruba people. L…

Osun-Osogbo

One of Nigeria's top tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove holds a deeply special place in the hearts and minds of the Yoruba people. Located in the last remaining areas of pristine forest in southern Nigeria, the grove is said to be the home of Osun, the Yoruba goddess of fertility. Numerous shrines and sanctuaries have been built in honour of Osun, including sculptures done by Austrian national Suzanne Wenger who earned herself the local name Aduni Olosa, the 'Adored One'. If at all possible, travellers should time their visit to coincide with the Osun-Osogbo Festival (late July to August), a 12-day celebration of significant cultural interest.

Lekki Beach Resort photo

Lekki Beach Resort

A favourite among business travellers to Lagos and expatriates living in the area of Victoria Island, Lekki Beach Resort is a new establishment offering well-heeled tourists the op…

Lekki Beach Resort

A favourite among business travellers to Lagos and expatriates living in the area of Victoria Island, Lekki Beach Resort is a new establishment offering well-heeled tourists the opportunity to experience some refinement and luxury in the midst of the often chaotic and ramshackle city. Built along 1.6 miles (2.5km) of the pristine Lekki Beach shoreline, and covering an area of 157 hectares (388 acres), the Lekki Beach Resort is a major operation featuring luxury accommodation, including an 18-hole golf course designed by world-renowned golf course architect, Ron Garl, and a clubhouse with a fine restaurant and bar. There are also numerous family-oriented amenities, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, exercise rooms, and a health spa. Undoubtedly the premier place to play golf in Nigeria, the course is also quite a beautiful sight in its own right, blending seamlessly into its natural surroundings and boasting fantastic Atlantic Ocean views.

Website www.lekkibeachresort.com