Lagos is the most populous state in Nigeria and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the African continent as a whole. This amusing port city is majorly divided into two parts, which are Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island. The Island of Lagos as with all other Islands is surrounded by a large expanse of bodies that are said to be part of the Atlantic Ocean. Both parts of Lagos consist of amazing attractions that could make an adventurous tourist want to migrate over to Lagos.
Driving down the streets of Lagos alone is a tour on its own. The bustling spirit that fills the Lagos air, makes Lasgidi as it’s often called an ever vigorous environ. However, there are lots more tourist attraction sites to explore especially for those who seek in-depth tourism and fun places to visit in Lagos. Lagos is blessed with lots of tourist attractions from the Slave market in Badagry to the largest fish market in Epe down to the amazing beaches scattered all over Lagos. Lagos has all you need for an adventurous stay in this coastal city. The following are some of the places you should not miss out while on a tourism visit to Lagos.
There are various categories of attractions in the city of Lagos. So much so that you might need to carefully plan and budget your tour.
CATEGORIES OF TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN LAGOS
ARTS AND CULTURE CENTRES IN LAGOS:
National Theatre: The National Theatre in Lagos is a national monument located in Lagos. It was constructed to celebrate the 1977 Festival of Arts and Culture. Its exterior is shaped like a military ceremonial hat.
The National Theatre in Lagos is a national monument located in Lagos. It was constructed to celebrate the 1977 Festival of Arts and Culture. Its exterior is shaped like a military ceremonial hat.
By the Ebute-Metta axis of Iganmu in Surulere, stands the National Arts Theatre which is symbolic to arts performance in Nigeria. It consists of a 5,000 capacity hall, conference halls, cinema halls, exhibition halls, restaurant, rooms to host participant. The theatre has a unique architectural design that glorifies it amongst other structures. It has a cool environment too that offers a serene atmosphere for recreation. It was modelled after the Palace of Culture and Sports in Varna, Bulgaria.
Nike Arts Gallery; The Nike Art gallery is another top tourist center in Lagos, it is one of the most prestigious art galleries in Nigeria with a collection of over twelve thousand artworks. Nike Art Gallery is named after the founder, a legendary artist Chief (Mrs.) Nike Ekundaye. It is the biggest art collection and exhibition centre in West Africa, with four floors and an exceptional collection of artworks from different parts of the continent. The art centre has become a major tourist destination in Nigeria. The staff of the gallery are known for their hospitable culture of welcoming their visitors with drumming and singing in full Nigerian costume. The gallery features an adire/batik crash workshop where tourists are trained on how to make batik, a dance class that tests one’s flexibility and foot dexterity. They are afterwards treated to traditional delicacies like akara (beans cake) and puff puff, and finally, given the opportunity to tour the gallery which is filled with old, classic and modern Nigerian artworks.
The New Afrika Shrine; Popularly known as Fela Shrine, is situated in the heart of Ikeja, Agidingbi to be precise. The New Afrika Shrine was built by Femi Kuti, one of the sons of the renowned Afro-beat legend, late Fela Anikulapo Kuti. The New Afrika shrine is home of inspirational story-telling lyrics, Afro-Beat tunes, dance gyration, sweet palm-wine, political banter, and a great high feel of Fela’s music vibe.
Kalakuta Republic Museum; The Kalakuta republic is a one-storey structure located at Ikeja, Lagos. It was formerly the home of late Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s and the family house of the Ransome Kutis’ which has now been converted into a museum. The Kalakuta Republic Museum is another solidification of Fela’s iconic status where you can go to get a look and feel of relics of the great legend which includes some of his personal and professional assets.
Freedom Park; The Freedom park is another historical site to tour in Lagos. It Is a former colonial prison located on Hospital Road, Marina, in Lagos Island. It used to be known as her Royal Majesty Prison. It was opened in 1882 but later closed and abandoned for several years. In 2010, the old prison was turned into a cultural and recreation centre. The different prison cells have stories of past horror sculpted on the walls to tell. It has also become a popular tourist destination in Lagos.
Nigerian National Museum; The Nigerian National Museum is located at Onikan, Lagos Island. The museum houses lots of distinguished ancient Nigerian ethnographic and archaeological artefacts on display for your viewing pleasure. It is one of the oldest museums in Nigeria.
BEACH RESORTS AND LEISURE IN LAGOS
The Island of Lagos overflow with numerous beach resorts spanning across the entire Lagos Islands as the city is surrounded by lots of water bodies. The mainland is not completely dried anyways it also holds some water to splash. Lagos boasts of numerous beaches and here are some of the top Beaches in Lagos:
Inagbe Grand Resort and Leisure: Inagbe Grand Resort and Leisure is an island that can only be accessed via a boat cruise. On the front side is the freshwater lagoon and on the other side lies the Atlantic ocean. It is a beautiful private beach with chalets for different needs.
Whispering palms beach resort: Whispering palms is not a beach but it over facing the lagoon with beautiful scenery and it is known as one of the most popular honeymoon spots in Nigeria.
Kamp Ikare Beach Resort: It is located at the Ikaare Island, near Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. With beautiful views for your pleasure.
Elegushi Private Beach Resort: This is one of the most popular beaches in Lagos. If you are looking for a beach that never sleeps, a beach with 24/7 entertainment and fun then Elegushi is your preferred beach.
Ibeshe Lagoon Beach Club and Spa: This is also another beautiful private beach with nice views and a lovely environment.
La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort: La Campagne Tropicana is one of the best beaches in Nigeria. It has chalets and cottages, lovely beachfront, palm trees and well-arranged coconuts trees to give it a foreign flavour. It is located at Ikegan, Ibeju (off Lekki / Epe Expressway), Lekki, Lagos.
La Manga Luxury Beach Villas: This beach will give you value for money. It is a lovely beach located along Ilashe Beach, Ilashe Island, Lagos.
Casa Ilashe: If you are looking for luxury, comfort and a nice place free from the hustle and bustle of Lagos then this beach is for you.
Chakaville Resort, Chaka Road: off Lekki Free Trade Zone Way, Mosayo
Beach Eleko Lekki: This is another beach that has been in the game for a long time, it’s never a dull moment.
Crystal Court.
Fofina Bamboo Beach Resort: This is another lovely beach located at Okun Mopo Village Off Abraham Adesanya, Lekki, Lagos Nigeria
Jaybee Beach Camp,
Tarkwa Bay Beach, Onisiwo Island, Lagos.
Kamp Ikare
Redline Beach Resort
Oniru Beach
Coconut Beach
Alpha beach
Baracuda beach resort
Akodo beach
Eleko Beach
Suntan Beach
Ibeche beach
Lekki Beach Resort.
Lekki Leisure lake, Lekki Eti-Osa, Lekki, Lagos State
Oniru Private Beach, Ligali Ayorinde Street, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Eti-Osa, Lagos
Hard Rock Cafe / Shiro
Moist Beach
Ocean Star Beach Resort
POP Beach Club, Adekunle Fajuyi Crescent, Ikeja, Lagos
Tarzan Private Beach, beside Oriental hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos
Atican Beach Resort, Abraham Adesanya Road, Okun, Ajah, Lekki Phase II, Lagos.
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS IN LAGOS
Lagos boasts of several annual events which over the years has boosted tourism in the state.
Eyo Festival: A regional masquerade festival unique to the city of Lagos, Eyo festival has its root in ancient Yoruba history. The festival features a long procession with participants dressed in white flowing robes which cover their entire body; top hats and sticks, and the masquerades are referred to as “Eyo”. It is usually a 24-day event that takes place in the entire city of Lagos with the sole objective of paying homage to the traditional ruler (Oba) of Lagos. Observers are required to give monetary gifts to the masquerade when he approaches.
Felabration; Felabration is an annual music festival initiated in 1998 by Yeni Anikulapo Kuti, the daughter of the legendary Afro-beat musician late Fela Anikulapo Kuti in memory and celebration of her father within the week of his birthday. The one-week-long event which is held annually at the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja attracts visitors from different countries and has thus been considered as an official tourist destination by the Lagos State Government. Felabration Festival features musical performances from top music acts from Nigeria and guest appearances from internationally acclaimed musicians and personalities. It also consists of street parades, symposia on social and topical issues, debates and exclusive photo exhibitions from the Kalakuta Museum.
Fanti or Caretta Carnival of Lagos; The Fanti is one of the most prominent carnivals in West Africa which’s origin dates back to the 19th century during the Lagos colonial period when the Brazilian former slave returnees came back to reside in Lagos. Also known as Lagos Carnival and Show Your Color Carnival, the carnival is usually held during the Lagos Black Heritage Festival, a colourful folk festival that is held annually in Lagos. The event is usually centered on Lagos Island, filled with troop displays of beautiful costumes and various forms of entertainment including music and dancing. The carnival portrays an eclectic mixture of Nigerian, Brazilian and Cuban cultural heritage.
The Lagos Marathon; The Lagos International Marathon is a bronze label marathon held annually in Lagos, organized by the Athletic Federation of Nigeria. The Marathon course which spans a distance of about 42km, starts at National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, (where previous half marathons initially finished), is and was preceded by several recurring half marathons held in the city where athletes run the race of endurance to reach the finish line then continues along the Third Mainland Bridge, to the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge and finishes at Eko Atlantic.
The Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) is the largest international traded exhibition in West Africa held at the magnificent Tafawa Balewa Square, (Race Course) in Onikan, Lagos Island. The Trade Fair is the premier International Trade Fair in Nigeria with the remarkable 10-day event usually starting on the first Friday of November, every year. The fair boasts of approximately five hundred thousand attendees participating in the various sub-sections.
Subsections Of The Fair, that is; Lagos Creative Industry Fair (Eko Akete) a ten-day cultural manifestation during which hundreds of performers animate Freedom Park, Lagos with artistic and intellectual offerings. Featuring performances from both indigenous and international acts.
EKO AKETE ‘Lagos Creative Festival’ is organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in conjunction with CORA and Freedom Park as a tool to showcase the creative industry and explore the linkage between the creative industry and the formal businesses.
The Business to Business Exhibition is a second subsection of the Lagos International Trade Fair that holds at Muson Centre, and hosts multinational organizations and foreign investors; and serves as a platform for exhibitions, networking, Business-to-Business meetings, and an Investment Conference.
The Lagos Seafood Festival; is an annual event in Lagos. The first edition of the festival was held on 10 November 2012 at the exquisite Eko Hotel and Suites. The festival is focused on promoting seafood cuisine culture, local fish production and stimulating investment opportunities in relation to aquaculture and fisheries.
Lagos Food Festival; the Lagos food festival is aimed at showcasing the rich diversity in Nigerian Cuisine and delicacies to create awareness on Nigerian’s rich food culture. It is an annual event held during the Independence Weekend holiday and features the best of foods, chefs, restaurants across Lagos. Guests are treated to a variety of tastes in food, music and fun. It is free for all festival with dedicated brand experience areas for kids and adults to enjoy good food, drinks and music in the open air.
Yoruba Arts Festival; the purpose of this festival is the Promotion of art and culture from the Yoruba people it is held in April every year in Lagos. It features performers who entertain the crowds while artists display their things in exhibitions.
GTBank Food and Drinks Festival: The GTBank Food and drinks festival is an annual event to celebrate the diversity of the Nigerian culture by promoting that thing that we all love (food)
HOTELS IN LAGOS:
Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja Lagos.
Protea Hotels
Golden Tulip
Four Points By Sheraton
Ibis Hotel
Federal Palace Hotel
Intercontinental Hotel
Radisson Blu
The Wheatbaker
The Oriental Hotel
Southern Sun
NATURE PARKS AND GARDENS IN LAGOS
Lagos state has a wide span of greenfield and Nature Park that pass for awesome recreational purpose. Some of them are;
Lufasi Nature Park: It is a natural reserve with lots of greenery and boast of some animals moving freely in their natural habitats.
Lekki Conservation Centre: The Lekki Conservation Center is located on the Lekki-Epe Expressway Lekki Peninsula, Lagos, Nigeria, It boasts of the longest canopy walk in Africa.
Jhalobia Recreation Park and Gardens, Murtala Muhammed Airport Road in Ikeja, Lagos
AMUSEMENT PARKS IN LAGOS
Hi-Impact Planet: The Dream Machine at the amusement park located along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Rosella Park and Event Centre
Dreamworld Africana
Funtopia Water park
Funplex Amusement Park
Omu resort
RESTAURANTS IN LAGOS
Lagos has exotic hotels and some of which serve multiple recreational purposes and make stand as a one-stop tourist option providing all your tourism needs in one pack with a ribbon on it.
Terra Kulture restaurant; The internationally acclaimed art house, Terra Kulture is the home of contemporary visual and theatre arts in Nigeria. It makes provision for a restaurant, a craft shop, a library, a language school and theatre and its central feature; the art gallery.
Bogobiri; Bogobiri is a lovely restaurant located in Ikoyi, it has a beautiful art gallery, lovely chalets to spend the night.
Shiro/Hardrock Cafe: This is an exotic top of the range restaurant.
Ofada Boy: Ofada Boy offers different African cuisines and are known for their custom ofada rice
Landmark Resorts: AstroTurf Pitch, Coastline Boardwalk, Jet Skiing, Beach Volleyball, Adventure Course, Windsurfing & Kite surfing, Kids’ Play Area, Beach Soccer, Cabanas & Loungers, Paintball, Group Events & Parties, Concerts, Sun, Sea, Sand, Music
The Landmark Leisure Beach, located at 3 & 4 Water Corporation Road – VI is Lagos’ first in-city premier private beachfront. The beach features a boardwalk along the Atlantic coastline, spanning the distance of the Landmark Village, home to Hardrock Café, Shiro Restaurant, the renowned Landmark Event Centre and the upcoming Retail Boulevard. It combines a myriad of leisure and recreational activities which caters to adults and children.
History Places To Visit in Lagos
First Primary School in Nigeria
First Storey Building in Nigeria
Landmarks In Lagos
Lekki Ikoyi Link Bridge
Statue of the three wise chiefs
National Stadium
Third Mainland Bridge
tafawa Square
National Airport
The Cathedral Church
