The main districts are the mainland, Greater Lagos and the Islands. Three major bridges join the island to the mainland. They are the Carter Bridge which start from Iddo Island, the Eko Bridge formerly called the Second Mainland Bridge and the Third Mainland Bridge which passes through densely populated mainland suburbs through Lagos lagoon.
The Mainland holds a greater percentage of inhabitants and industries. Lagos Mainland districts include Ebute-Meta, Surulere the site of two stadiums and National theater, Yaba the location of the University of Lagos and Ikeja, site of Murtala Muhammed International Airport and capital of Lagos State.
Lagos is a city in the Nigerian state of Lagos. The city, with its adjoining conurbation, is the largest in Nigeria, as well as on the African continent. It is one of the fastest growing in the world, and also one of the most populous urban agglomerations.
Lagos is a major financial centre in Africa; the megacity has the highest GDP, and also houses one of the largest and busiest ports on the continent.
Lagos initially emerged as a port city which originated on a collection of islands, which are contained in the present day Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Lagos Island, Eti-Osa, Amuwo-Odofin and Apapa; the islands are separated by creeks, fringing the southwest mouth of Lagos Lagoon, while protected from the Atlantic Ocean by barrier islands and long sand spits such as Bar Beach, which stretch up to 100 km (60 mi) east and west of the mouth.
Due to rapid urbanization, the city expanded to the west of the lagoon to include areas in the present day Lagos Mainland, Ajeromi-Ifelodun and Surulere. This led to the classification of Lagos into two main areas - the Island, which was the initial city of Lagos, before it expanded into the area known as the Mainland.
This city area was governed directly by the Federal Government through the Lagos City Council, until the creation of Lagos State in 1967, which led to the splitting of Lagos city into the present day seven Local Government Areas (LGAs), and an addition of other towns which now make up 13 LGAs from the then Western Region, to form the state.
Lagos, the capital of Nigeria since its amalgamation in 1914, went on to become the capital of Lagos State after its creation. However, the state capital was later moved to Ikeja in 1976, while the federal capital also moved to Abuja in 1991.
Even though Lagos is still widely referred to as a city, the present day Lagos, also known as Metropolitan Lagos, and officially as Lagos Metropolitan Area is an urban agglomeration or conurbation, consisting of 16 LGAs, including Ikeja, the state capital of Lagos State.
This conurbation makes up 37% of Lagos State's total land area, but houses about 85% of the state's total population.
The exact population of Metropolitan Lagos is disputed; In the 2006 federal census data, the conurbation had a population of about 8 million people.
However, the figure was disputed by the Lagos State Government, which later released its own population data, putting the population of Lagos Metropolitan Area at approximately 16 million.
As at 2015, unofficial figures put the population of Greater Metropolitan Lagos, which includes, Lagos and its surrounding metro area, extending as far as into Ogun State, at approximately 21 million.
Lagos was originally inhabited by the Awori subgroup of the Yoruba people in the 15th century. Under the leadership of the Oloye Olofin, the Awori moved to an island now called Iddo and then to the larger Lagos Island.
In the 16th century, the Awori settlement was conquered by the Benin Empire and the island became a Benin war-camp called Eko under Oba Orhogbua, the Oba of Benin at the time. Eko is still the native name for Lagos.
Lagos, which means lakes, was a name given to the settlement by the Portuguese. The present-day Lagos state has a high percentage of Awori, who migrated to the area from Isheri along the Ogun river.
Throughout history, it was home to a number of warring ethnic groups who had settled in the area. Following its early settlement by the Awori nobility, and its conquest by the Bini warlords of Benin, the state first came to the attention of the Portuguese in the 15th century.
Greater Lagos includes Mushin, Maryland, Somolu, Oshodi, Oworonsoki, Isolo, Ikotun, Agege, Iju Ishaga, Egbeda, Ketu, Bariga, Ipaja, and Ejigbo.
The Islands The two major urban islands of Lagos in Lagos Lagoon are Lagos Island and Victoria Island. These islands are separated from the mainland by the main channel draining the lagoon into the Atlantic ocean, which forms Lagos Harbour.
The islands are separated from each other by creeks of varying sizes and are connected to Lagos Island by bridges.
Lagos Island contains a Central Business District (CBD). This district is characterized by high-rise buildings and businesses. The island also contains many of the city's largest wholesale marketplaces such as the popular Idumota and Balogun markets.
It also has the National Museum of Nigeria, a Central mosque, Glover Memorial Hall, Christ's Cathedral (CMS), and the Oba Palace. And lastly, there is the Tinubu Square- a site of historical importance, it was here that the Amalgamation ceremony that unified the North and South protectorate to form Nigeria took place in 1914.
Ikoyi is situated on the eastern half of Lagos Island and joined to it by a landfill. Ikoyi is also connected to Victoria Island by a bridge carrying a main road over a Five Cowrie creek.
Ikoyi has a great number of hotels, night clubs, a recreational park and one of Africa's largest golf courses. Originally a middle class neighbourhood, in recent years it has become more of a fashionable residential enclave for the upper middle class to the upper class.
Victoria Island Home to many company headquarters and entertainment spots, Victoria Island also known as V.I along with Ikoyi, occupies a major area in the suburbs of Lagos which boasts of several sizeable shopping districts. On its sea shore along the Atlantic front, there is an environmentally reconstructed Bar Beach.
Eko Atlantic city is a new city under construction. It is a planned district being constructed on land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean. Dredgers, large ships which move sand, are all working around the clock filling the area with sand where the city will be built.
Expected to be around 4 square miles, the city will satisfy needs for financial, commercial, residential and tourist accommodations with a state-of-the-art high-tech infrastructure in line with modern and environmental standards.
These standards will offer the city’s residents modern water, waste management, security and transportation systems. Eko Atlantic will also offer its residents an independent source of energy generated specifically for the city.
The Island is a loose geographical term that is used to define the area of Lagos which is separated from the "mainland" by the main channel draining the lagoon into the Atlantic Ocean, which forms Lagos Harbour.
The Island is mainly a collection of islands that are separated from each other by creeks of varying sizes and are connected together by bridges.
The smaller sections of some creeks have been dredged and built over. This part of Lagos is the area where most business activities and entertainment events in Lagos takes place. It also houses most of the upscale residential areas in Lagos.
The Local Government areas which are considered to be in the Island include: Lagos Island, Amuwo-Odofin, Apapa sometimes also regarded as being on the mainland and Eti-Osa. The major upscale island neighbourhoods within these LGAs include: Ikoyi and Victoria Island.
Three major bridges join the island to the mainland. They are the Carter Bridge which starts from Iddo, the Eko Bridge formerly called the Second Mainland Bridge and the Third Mainland Bridge, which passes through densely populated mainland suburbs to the Lagos Lagoon.
Lagos Island contains a central business district. This district is characterised by high-rise buildings. The island also contains many of the city's largest wholesale marketplaces such as the popular Idumota and Balogun Markets.
It also has the National Museum of Nigeria, the Central Mosque, the Glover Memorial Hall, Christ's Church Cathedral (CMS) and the Oba's Palace Iga Idunganran.Another major part of Lagos Island is Marina.
It borders around the idumota and Balogun markets and houses major Banking institutions. Though formerly in a derelict condition, Lagos Island's Tinubu Square is a site of historical importance; it was here that the Amalgamation Ceremony that unified the North and South protectorate to form Nigeria took place in 1914.
Ikoyi is situated on the eastern half of Lagos Island and joined to it by a land fill. Ikoyi is also connected to Victoria Island by Falomo bridge, which carries a main road over Five Cowrie creek.
Ikoyi housed the headquarters of the federal government of Nigeria and other buildings owned by the government, including the old federal secretariat complex. The complex today is on reestablishment.
In Ikoyi there are military and police barracks, a top-security prison and a federal high court of Nigeria. Ikoyi also has a number of hotels, night clubs, a recreational park and one of Africa's largest golf courses.
Originally a middle class neighbourhood, in recent years, it has become a fashionable residential enclave for the upper middle class to the upper class. There are also commercial activities in Ikoyi which is spotted in increasing number of offices, banks and shopping complexes.
The commercial section is concentrated in the South-West.
Victoria Island with its annexe is situated to the south of Lagos Island. It has expensive real estate properties and for that reason, many new luxury condos and apartments are blooming up everywhere.
Along with Ikoyi, Victoria Island occupies a major area in Lagos which boasts of several sizeable shopping districts. On its sea shore along the Atlantic front, there is environmentally reconstructed Bar Beach.
Across the main channel of the lagoon from Lagos Island, there is a smaller settlement called Iddo. Iddo is also a railroad terminus and it is now situated in the Lagos Mainland local government area after it was connected to the mainland like a peninsula.
A huge population of Lagosians also live on the mainland, and most industries are located there. The mainland is known for its music and night life, which used to be located in areas around Yaba and Surulere.
However, in recent years more night clubs have sprung up on the Island, making the Island,particularly Victoria Island the main nightlife attractions.
Mainland LGAs include Surulere, Ajeromi-Ifelodun and Lagos Mainland. Metropolitan Lagos suburban LGAs include: Agege, Apapa, Mushin, Oshodi-Isolo and Ikeja the site of Murtala Muhammed International Airport and the capital of Lagos State.
Major Areas on the mainland include Ebute Metta, Yaba and Ejigbo. Some rivers, like Badagry Creek, flow parallel to the coast for some distance before exiting through the sand bars to the sea.
Lagos has the tallest skyline in Nigeria. The architectural styles in Lagos are diverse and ranges from tropical, vernacular to colonial European and ultramodern buildings or a mixture.
Brazilian style architecture brought by the creoles is evident in buildings such as Water House, Shitta Bey Mosque to mention a few. Skyscrapers and most high rise buildings are centered on the islands while the mainland has some high rise buildings.
In recent years, the Lagos State government has renovated existing parks and green areas, with a long term goal of expansion. Many good quality buildings are interspersed across the city.
Lagos experiences tropical savanna climate (Aw) according to the Koppen climate classification, as there's a significant precipitation difference between the wet season and the dry season.
The wet season starts in April and ends in October, while the dry season starts in November and ends in March. The wettest month is June with precipitation total 315.5 millimetres (12.42 in), while the driest month is January with precipitation total 13.2 millimetres (0.52 in).
As the city is located near the equator, the temperature remains constant with no significant difference between the hottest month and the coolest month. The hottest month is March with average temperature 28.5 °C (83.3 °F), while the coolest month is August with average temperature 25.0 °C (77.0 °F).
The city of Lagos is a major economic focal point in Nigeria, generating around 10% of the country's GDP. Most commercial and financial business is carried out in the central business district situated on the island.
This is also where most of the country's commercial banks, financial institutions and major corporations are headquartered. Lagos is also the major Information Communications and Telecommunications (ICT) hub of West Africa and potentially, the biggest ICT market in the continent.
Lagos is developing a 24-hour economy and has also been ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world.
In some parts of Lagos, residents have one of the highest standards of living in Nigeria and in Africa. At the same time, a sizable proportion of the residents live in slums without access to piped water and sanitation.
The Port of Lagos is Nigeria's leading port and one of the largest and busiest in Africa. It is administered by the Nigerian Ports Authority and it is split into three main sections: Lagos port, in the main channel next to Lagos Island, Apapa Port site of the container terminal and Tin Can Port, both located in Badagry Creek, which flows into Lagos Harbour from the west.
The port features a railhead. The port has seen growing amounts of crude oil exported, with export figures rising between 1997 and 2000. Oil and petroleum products provide 14% of GDP and 90% of foreign exchange earnings in Nigeria as a whole.
Also known as Eko in the Yoruba language, and also affectionately called Gidi or Las Gidi as a form of slang-by the younger generation, is a port and the most populous conurbation in Nigeria.
Formerly the capital of Nigeria, Lagos is a huge metropolis which originated on islands separated by creeks.The city is the economic and financial capital of Nigeria.
Portuguese explorer Rui de Sequeira visited the area in 1472, naming the area around the city Lago de Curamo; indeed the present name is Portuguese for lakes.
Another explanation is that Lagos was named for Lagos, Portugal - a maritime town which at the time was the main centre of the Portuguese expeditions down the African coast and whose own name is derived from the Latin word Lacobriga.
From 1404-1889 it served as a major centre of the slave trade, ruled over by Yoruba kings called the Oba of Lagos.
Lagos was the capital of Nigeria from 1914 up to 1991. The city was stripped of its status when the Federal Capital Territory was established at the purpose-built city of Abuja.
The city of Lagos lies in south-western Nigeria, on the Atlantic coast in the Gulf of Guinea, west of the Niger River delta, located on longitude 3° 24' E and latitude 6° 27' N. Most of the population live on the mainland, and most industries are located there too.
Lagos is known for its music and night life which used to be located in areas around Yaba and Surulere but in recent years more night clubs have sprung on the island making the island especially Victoria Island, the main nightlife attraction.
Lagos is famous throughout Africa for its music scene. Lagos has a vibrant nightlife and has given birth to a variety of styles such as Sakara music, Nigerian hip hop, highlife, juju, fuji and Afrobeat.
Lagos is the centre of the Nigerian movie industry, often referred to as Nollywood. Idumota market on Lagos Island is the primary distribution centre. Many films are shot in the Festac area of Lagos.
Iganmu is home to the primary centre for the performing arts and artistes in Nigeria: the National Arts Theatre.
James Brown performed in Lagos in 1970.
Paul McCartney recorded his fifth post-Beatles album, Band on the Run, in an EMI studio in Lagos in August and September 1973.
Other foreign musicians who have also performed in the city include: Sean Paul, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Akon, Jarule, Ashanti, Usher, Shaggy, R Kelly, especially during the Star Mega Jam; Shakira, John Legend, Boyz II Men, T-Pain, Brian McKnight, JayZ, Mary J. Blige, Beyonce, Brandy, Ciara, Keri Hilson and Lauryn Hill, among others.
Football is Lagos' most popular sport. Prominent Lagos football clubs include Bridge Boys F.C. and First Bank: both play in Nigeria National League, the second tier of Nigerian football.
The Nigeria national football team, also known as the Super Eagles, used to play almost all of their home games in Lagos at the National Stadium in Surulere; however, games are now mostly played at the larger and newer Abuja National Stadium in Abuja, which is the default home of the Super Eagles. Lagos also hosted the 2nd All-African games in 1973.
Cycling is increasingly becoming a sport to be reckoned with. About three years ago, Cycology Riding Club started a club in Lagos and soon after, other clubs mushroomed in cities like Port Harcourt and Abuja.
Some of these clubs aim to promote cycling as a lifestyle and create awareness through social initiatives in their communities. Considering the traffic congestion in the big cities, it is a welcome sight, environmentally, to see Nigerians ply the streets on two wheels.
Lagos, subsequent to the re-modernization project achieved by the previous administration of Governor Raji Babatunde Fashola, is gradually becoming a major tourist destination, being one of the largest cities in Africa and in the world.
Lagos is currently taking steps to become a global city. The 2009 Eyo carnival a yearly festival originated from Iperu Remo, Ogun State which took place on 25 April, was a step toward world city status.
Currently, Lagos is primarily known as a business-oriented and a fast-paced community.
Lagos has become an important location for African and black cultural identity. Lots of festivals are held in Lagos; festivals vary in offerings each year and may be held in different months.
Some of the festivals are Festac Food Fair held in Festac Town Annually, Eyo Festival, Lagos Black Heritage Carnival, Lagos Carnival, Eko International Film Festival, Lagos Seafood Festac Festival, LAGOS PHOTO Festival and The Lagos Jazz Series which is a unique franchise for high quality live music in all genres with a focus on Jazz.
Established in 2010, the popular event takes place over a 3-5 day period at selected high quality outdoor venues. The music is as varied as the audience itself and features a diverse mix of musical genres from Rhythm and Blues to Soul, Afrobeat, Hiphop, Bebop and traditional Jazz.
The festivals provide entertainment of dance and song to add excitement to travelers during a stay in Lagos.
Lagos has a number of sandy beaches by the Atlantic Ocean, including Elegushi Beach and Alpha Beach. Lagos also has a number of private beach resorts including Inagbe Grand Beach Resort and several others in the outskirts.
Lagos has a variety of hotels ranging from three star to five star hotels, with a mixture of local hotels such as Eko Hotels and Suites, Federal Palace Hotel and franchises of multinational chains such as Intercontinental Hotel, Sheraton and Four Points by Hilton.
Other places of interest include the Tafawa Balewa Square, Festac town, The Nike Art Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos and the Cathedral Church of Christ, Lagos.
Some of the famous cuisines in Lagos include indigenous delicacies like Eba and Egusi, Amala and Ewedu, Jollof, Ofada Rice, Plantain locally called dodo, Beans, Suya a spicy shish kebab or spiced roasted beef which is consumed in local clubs and bars with a bottle of cold beer, Eba made from cassava and eaten with soups prepared with vegetables and mixture of spices and herbs.
Other cuisines range from local ones like Iyan or pounded yam made from yam flour, Amala, Asharo usually eaten with various kind of vegetables and Egusi or melon soup to European, Middle-Eastern and Asian cuisine.
You can fly in from most European cities like London, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid, Rome, Istanbul; from Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Kenya. There are also direct flights from the United States,Atlanta, Houston, New York.
The domestic and international terminals at Lagos airport are several miles apart. Transferring between the two is difficult and time-consuming.
There are quite a number of pay-access and Priority Pass lounges after passport control,after two hours in the security queue, you will want to use one if you have the time and USD50 to spare.
Use Oasis or Skye Lounge, both of which are good, especially Oasis which is very nice even by 1st world standards. Gabfol lounge is free, but you pay for food and drinks.
Rail services in Nigeria are still very slow and unreliable but Nigerian Railway Corporation have just re-started an overnight service from Kano via Kaduna to Lagos. There are departures a few times every week.
Several bus companies like Greener Line Transport Limited, ABC Transport, Ifesinachi and The Young Shall Grow offer daily services from almost all major cities around Nigeria.
Lagos is about 100km from the border with Benin.
If you choose to travel to Lagos, then air transport is best if you can afford it. If travelling around Lagos, be sure to be accompanied by a guide who is familiar with the routes.
Moving around Lagos has become much easier in recent times with street signs on every single street corner making it easier to locate places and landmarks. With the city spending huge budgets on security, there has been a huge reduction in crime generally.
For the most part, it's safe to move about during the day. If you are going out at night, be sure to go in groups, and stick to known routes.
If you are not on a tight budget, you should hire a car and driver, usually available from most of the major hotels and the airport. The price will be around ₦1,000-2,000 per hour, you will be expected to haggle.
Talk to the drivers and find one you think will be able to communicate best with as they will be able to tell you things about the places you pass.
Lagos now has decent mass transit buses courtesy of the Bus Rapid Transit(BRT)schemes. The BRT lines run on physically segregated lanes and thus make them run faster while private cars are stuck in traffic.
The system is run by two operators, NURTW Cooperative the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers and Lagbus, a Lagos State Government owned Asset Management Company. The Buses are coloured red (LagBus), and blue (NURTW).
The BRT is one of the three-pronged attacks the state has unleashed against the urban traffic congestion in Lagos. Buses can be an inexpensive and convenient option. Bus fares are relatively affordable and there are numerous routes being plied from the Mainland to the Islands.
The tickets for the BRT and the Lagbus can be purchased at the bus stops before boarding. However, the ticket vendors are seldom available in the evening even though the buses ply till late at night.
It makes good sense to purchase a ticket booklet or a couple of tickets in bulk beforehand since these don't contain a time stamp.
There are also smaller yellow buses that ply all routes from the mainland to the island and within mainland. For a newbie, the yellow bus system can be quite confusing and it makes good sense to approach a local for help.
The local Nigerians will be more than happy to help an Oyinbo or white person. The fare is fixed and starts from NGN20 and increases as per distance.
The BRT buses are faster, cleaner and more convenient. They carry hundreds of thousands of passengers on a weekly basis.
The road network of Lagos for the most part is good, but sometimes traffic congestion and limited parking space especially during working hours is rife. Be sure to be on the lookout for road signs, in order to avoid entering one-way roads or streets.
LASTMA or Lagos State Traffic Management Agency is the body responsible for managing traffic in most of the traffic congestion areas. Make sure to follow traffic rules, and avoid driving in the BRT Bus lanes to avoid getting a fine or having your car impounded.
There exists car parks around in hotels, shopping malls, and some of them provide free and safe parking. But if parking in other areas around the city be ready to pay around N250 or more.
One of the easiest ways to get around is by taxi. Taxis cost more than buses, typically. With the older taxi cabs it is expected to negotiate the price before you enter and pay on arrival. The cabs are relatively safe.
The state has embarked on gradual replacement of rickety buses and taxi cabs with modern ones, fitted with good facilities to enhance comfort.
Through public-private partnerships, new cabs are being introduced regularly by licensed cab operators. With fare as low as N400, depending on the distance, the new air-conditioned taxi cabs are already creating a new image for Lagos.
Taxis can be found almost everywhere, and all the new cabs have numbers on them that you can call for a pick up. There are several cab companies servicing Lagos, using both metered and fixed fares,and they generally accept cash:
Red Cab. Taxi Service
Corporate Cabs, Plot 3A, Owukori Street, Alaka Estate, Surulere.
Orange Cabs. Taxi Service, 18B, Ladoke Akintola Cresent,G.R.A., Ikeja, Lagos.
Renting a car is another alternative if you are going to be staying for a few days or longer. There are numerous car rental offices in the city, and therefore it is very easy to rent a car from your hotel or resort accommodation to drive around with for the duration of your stay.
Avis is your best bet for this,either call or make use of their online services:
Avis Rent-A-Car, Avis House, 6 Degema CLose, Off Park Lane, Apapa GRA.
Hertz Car Rental, 12 Keffi Street, SW Ikoyi.
Unity Global Ventures Car Rental. Chauffeur drivenair-conditioned SUV car rental car hire service. N11,500 a day.
Novo Car Rentals, 2nd floor, UBA Building, Plot 22B, Idowu Taylor Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
BIM7, 34 road E close BT69 flat 12, gowon estate Ipaja, Lagos.
Lagos State Ferry Services Corporation runs a few regular routes, for example between Lagos Island and the mainland, modern ferries and wharves. Private boats run irregular passenger services on the lagoon and on some creeks. Many more routes are expected to get on-board in due time.
A planned railway line running through the Lagos metropolis is being constructed with plans of completion as early as 2012.
For travelling short distances, you can use motorbike taxis called Okada. These motorbikes are quick, cheap and save a lot of walking but they are also very dangerous.
Okada accidents are very common but safety equipment are now provided because the state government and in fact the Federal Road Safety Commission has mandated it.
If you want to take the risk, you can safely halve their first price, and usually there are lots to choose from. Before you try and negotiate, confirm the fare from a local.
If you have a Nigerian friend, let them negotiate for you as the quoted fare differs greatly for locals and foreigners for obvious reasons. Choose an older driver as the younger ones are cowboys.
Safety Helmets are a must at all times for both the rider and passenger. Majority of times these are ill-fitting and sometimes even absent.
By law, Okadas are forbidden to ply after dark(7PM) for safety reasons. Avoid taking an Okada for long distances, while it's raining and in the night since majority of mainland is devoid of street lights.
Badagry Town, the Ancient Slave Port of Badagry-also known as the Point of No Return. This ancient town of Badagry was founded around l425 A.D. Before its existence, people lived along the Coast of Gberefu and this area later gave birth to the town of Badagry.
It is the second largest commercial town in Lagos State, located an hour from Lagos and half hour from the Republic du Benin.
There are over a dozen beaches in Lagos, making for a wide array to choose from. Good for picnics and barbecues
Lagos Bar Beach. This Beach is named after the sand bars that characterize the coastline of Lagos, not because of the myriad of bars that run along the beach itself.
Very popular among beach goers,it is the main inner city beach, as the other beaches provide more of a get away from the city.
Some of which include; Lekki Beach, Alpha Beach, Eleko Beach and Akodo Beach to the East and Tarkwa Bay, Ogogoro Island, Atlas Cove, Lighthouse beach, Ilashe Beach, Agaja Beach and Badagry beach to the West amongst others.
Tarkwa Bay. Tarkwa is a man made bay and beach created during the formation of the Lagos harbour. It's a sheltered beach within the harbour breakwater.
It is easily accessible by boat from Tarzan Jetty at Maroko,Charge per person is low and affordable or under Falomo bridge on Victoria Island.
The beach is a pleasant outing and has safe bathing even for children. It has its own resident community, most of whom make their living from the tourists who visit the beach.
There's also the possibility to surf in a corner of Tarkwa Bay and other water sports such as Jet Skiing and Water Skiing are fairly common.
Lighthouse Beach.Right beside Tarkwa Bay is the Lighthouse Beach, named after the 110-year-old lighthouse that guards the entrance to Lagos harbour. The Lighthouse can just be seen from the beach, and is well worth a visit as well.
The walk along the beach between Tarkwa Bay and Lighthouse Beach is very pleasant– and at times one can be the only person on the beach. You can watch the many ships queuing up to enter the port on the nearby horizon.
Eko Tourist Resort (Akodo Beach), KM 22 Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ibeju, Lekki LGA, Akodo. This place is at least a 40 minute drive from Lagos. The Resort has chalets,restaurants and a large conference hall on 10 acres, with more than a half a mile of clean beach.
Lagos is for tourists like England is for food. It's a stereotype and not really true, but you have to put the effort in to see it.
There are a lot of great beaches. Especially if you make the effort to get outside the the city and explore places like Badagry. Inside the city, Lekki is about as good as it gets.
There are also lots of markets to see, although it can be very tiring. The activities in these places are quite boisterous, and expect overzealous traders to sometimes grab your hand in lighthearted attempts to persuade you to come to their shops instead of competitors shops.
Don't panic, but be firm yet friendly, and keep going your own way.
There is the Lekki Conservation Centre by the Lekki Conservation Foundation, is down on the Lekki/Epe expressway near Chevron.It is really good for relaxation, it's a dense park with a few animals and birds, there are walkways and benches to rest on. Fees: ₦500 for everyone
Bar Beach: On Ahmodu Bello Way, Victoria Island.
Eleko Beach: 56 km, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Turn right just past Total service station, proceed to toll gate, turn left follow road to Rainbow Church sign, turn right onto dirt road. Eleko beach is at end of road.
Lekki Beach: Turn right at round-about just past estate (about 9 km), Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki.
Elegushi: Elegushi Private Beach, Ikate, Lekki,
Tarkwa Beach: Accessible by boat only. Boat can be hired opposite American/Indian Embassy. You can also board water taxis. The beach is good for a one-day picnic because of the absence of hotels and restaurants on it. You can buy good paintings and handicrafts from the local vendors on the beach. The last boats leave Tarkwa bay at 5PM.
Hermitage Garden Resorts: Hermitage road, Tiye village, near Akodo, Lekki local government.
La Campagne Tropicana: Lekki
National Museum of Nigeria: Awolowo Rd ,Opp Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos Island. 9AM-4PM daily. Fees : ₦100 for Nigerians and ₦200 for foreign nationals. The Museum Kitchen is open on weekdays and is a good place to try local Nigerian cuisine.
Didi Museum: 175, Akin Adesola St, Victoria Island. M-F 9AM-5PM.
Nike Art Gallery, 2, Elegushi Road, 2nd Round About, Epe Expressway, Ikate Cross Road, Lekki Phase 1 Peninsula. Run by Artist and Designer Nike Davies Okundaye. A great place for art lovers and buyers.
While there, you can browse the art gallery featuring the whole panoply of Nigerian arts, or see some of the documentaries that have been made about Nigerian culture. Students at the Nike Art Centers engage in a variety of arts.
At the center, traditional arts are practiced, such as indigo dying and sculpting, and also non-traditional arts such as painting and quilting, as well as other cultural activities such as drumming and dancing. The center also organizes tours and accommodation for tourists.
National Theatre of Arts & Culture, Mainland, Iganmu-Surulere.. Located on the mainland at Iganmu, it is about a half hour drive from Lagos Island.
Built in 1977 as the principal forum for the International Festival of Black Arts and Culture, it has now become accepted as the prime center for performing arts in the country.
The main auditorium has the capacity to seat around 3,000 persons and the conference hall can accommodate around 700 people. The building also houses two cinema halls, a restaurant and a bar.
Terra Kulture, Plot 1376, Tiyamuyu Savage, Off Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island. Art gallery, theatre, food court, library and book store
Unless you are in a supermarket or restaurant/bar with fixed prices, you will be expected to negotiate the price you pay for an item down to the lowest the vendor would sell. When you are stuck in traffic, expect to see hawkers selling anything from potatoes to drinks .
Expect any brand names in these informal markets to be fake, and should you wish to purchase them aim for a very low price.
Some shopping places are:
The City Mall, Opposite Muson Centre, Awolowo Rd, Onikan, Lagos Island. Daily 10:00-21:00.
Ikeja City Mall, Opp Elephant Bus-stop, Obafemi Awolowo way, Alausa, Ikeja. Daily 10:00-21:00.
King's Plaza, No 80, Adeniran Ogunsanya.Off Bode Thomas, Surulere. A large shopping mall consisting of gift and clothing stores, restaurants, a cinema hall, and others. There is also a popular place called Computer Village in Ikeja the capital of Lagos.
Lekki Art Market, close to the Lekki Conservation Centre, is a great place to buy Nigerian and West African art. From paintings, to jewellery, to souvenirs to accessories and clothes, You'll find a great deal for your goods.
Mega Plaza: 21st Century Mall, 14, Idowu Martins Street, Victoria Island. Daily 10:00-22:00.
The Palms Shopping Centre: No 1, British International School Way, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki. Daily 10:00-21:00.
Silverbird Galleria, 133, Ahmadu Bello Way Victoria Island. With five hi-tech cinema halls showing the best box-office movies in the industry. There's also the Media Store which sells Music and Movies, Magazines and books, as well as computer and gaming consoles.
The Galleria also houses restaurants, bars and gift shops. Lastly, there is Wi-Fi connectivity and a bowling alley within the premises.
Find Nigerian Cuisine here:
Thistle Bar & Restaurant
Yellow Chili,specialities include Fried Snail with Fries.
Terra Kulture within an art gallery.
Whitehouse in Yaba near E-centre.
Mama Cass in Ikeja
Chinese cuisine here:
Prime Chinese - Open 24 hours; By far the best Chinese food in the city!
Indian Chinese cuisine here:
Dhanlaks (formerly Stanley) - Ilupeju. Best Indian food in town. Dinner for two (with drinks) c. NGN7000.
Smridu - Victoria Island. Dinner for two from NGN 7000. Best Tandoori Food in town.
Karma - Apapa. Dinner for two c. NGN7000. Sunday buffet lunch at NGN2,200 per person.
American and continental cuisine
Bottles (Tex-Mex) - very good and reasonably authentic. Fajitas are very popular. Frozen Margaritas are a must-have.
Cactus (Pizza & Sandwiches)
Double Four (Pizza)
Le Saison (Pastries and Sandwiches)
Debonair's Pizza,Victoria Island, Opp to Park n Shop
Goodies Restaurant Next to Goodies supermarket, near Falomo Bridge, Victoria Island
Bungalow Restaurant, Oregun, Ikeja and Victoria Island
The Cowrie Restaurant in B-Jays's Hotel including the traditional goat meat pepper soup. Nigerian.
Fusion - as the name suggests, it is a fusion restaurant! Japanese/ Mediterreanian Cuisine. Better for Sushi only.
Churrasco's - Brazilian Steakhouse
Chocolate Royal - American/ Bakery
Drinking spots:
Africa Shrine in Ikeja. With Femi Kuti, son of the legend Fela Kuti.
Lagbaja's Motherland, Opebi Rd in Ikeja.
The Night Shift Colosseum, Salvation Road, Off Opebi Road. Best Music. Well arranged. Big space for dancing and sitting. 9PM-5AM.
Options, Allen Avenue - Toyin St T point. Good Music, Spacious, 10PM-5AM.
MetroPark, Isaac-John St, GRA, Ikeja.
Ikoyi drinking places:
Swe: Located at the top of City Mall, Onikan, Lagos.
Ember Creek: Awolowo Road, Ikoyi. Pool Side drinks overlooking the Lagoon.
Havana Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road. Popular pub bar with a good mix of expatriates & Nigerians. Fun & friendly bar staff. Excellent and extensive food menu serving both continental and some Nigerian dishes. Has live bands on Wednesday & Fridays. Also has upstairs bar & dining.
Waterside :Located on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, beside the lagoon that separates Ikoyi and Victoria Island. Go there to chill by the lagoon in the evening. The decor is minimalistic with plastic chairs and tables but again very few places in Lagos are open adjacent a Lagoon. Try some suya and peppe soup.
Drink at Victoria Island:
Michael's: Coldest beers in town! Expatriate hangout.
No 10: Owned by Nigerian soccer legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, it's got a nice restaurant and a trendy bar.
Pat's Bar: Ajose Adeogun Street. A sports bar with a rugby theme, Very popular with expatriates of all nationalities.
De Marquee New, Hip joint atop Mega Plaza, Lagos's premier shopping mall. Smoking on the outside terrace only.
Lekki Phase 1
Sailors Lounge: Nice hangout in the Lekki Penninsula with a wooden feel and offering wonderful views of the sea that separates Lekki Phase 1 and Victoria Island. very cold drinks and good food.
Drink in Apapa:
Monalido: at Corner of Creek road, Entry ₦500 per person. Good music, sufficient space for sitting. Good, big dance floor. Every one welcome. 10PM-5:30AM. Drinks are at very competitive prices, Nice Food Restaurant as well open till 6AM.
Club 21: Wharf Rd, ₦500 per person. Music, sufficient space for sitting. Big dance floor. Every one welcome. 10PM-3AM. Drinks are at competitive prices.
Drink in Yaba;
Koko Lounge: Cool as it gets. Co-owned by Africa's biggest hip-hop star, D'Banj who makes frequent appearances. Wednesday night is comedy nights. Classy VIP. Reasonable prices.
The Psychiatric Hospital : Located actually inside a real Psychiatric hospital in Yaba is a small restaurant. Tables and chairs thrown around in the lawn, you can hangout here with friends for hours
Lagos has some great hotels and many more are being built. There are many 4 star hotels for the price of a 3 star hotel.
Stop Over Motels, International Airport Road, Ajao Estate, Lagos. All rooms have air-con, TV with cable channels, Wi-Fi and buffet breakfast. Restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness room/ gym, Airport pick-up and shuttle service. From USD 70.
Hotel 1960, 23 Olufunmilayo Okikiolu St, off Toyin St, Ikeja. Executive and Royal rooms, all equipped with air-con, LCD TV & telephone. Restaurant, bar, garden and conference hall. From USD115.
Smridu, 39, Adekunle Fajuyi Way, GRA Ikeja. All Rooms with air-con, LCD TV and telephone. Banquet and Conference rooms, Indian, Continental and National Food in restaurant, bar, swimming pool and garden.Branches at Victoria Island and Oduduwa Crescent, Ikeja From USD100.
Eagles Park 1960, 7 Obokun Close Off Johnson Street, Off Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja. Executive and Royal Rooms, all with air-con, LCD TV and telephone. Function rooms, restaurant, bar and garden. From USD150.
Lekki Inn, 911 Ken Uba Close, Lekki Peninsula,second street to the right off Ajiron Rd, off Lekki Expressway beside Chevron. Caters mostly to executives from oil companies, banks, etc. Two fully-furnished chalets onsite can be rented for longer-term stays. Food is excellent, typically African or Continental cuisines.
The rooms all have marble flooring, so you don't get the wet & mouldy feel some of the other hotels have. The only downside is that there are just 12 rooms, albeit all large and luxurious, so you don't get to socialize too much onsite. Victoria Island with its bars and clubs is a 20-min drive away, and the beaches are close by.
WoodRidge Hotel, 2Plot 1/3 Lambert Imasuen Drive Ajao Estate. All rooms have air-con, TV with cable channels, Wi-Fi and buffet breakfast. Restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness room/ gym, Airport pick-up and shuttle service. From USD 126.
Welcome Centre Hotels, 70 International Airport Road, Opposite Ajao Estate, Lagos. All rooms have air-con, TV with cable channels, Wi-Fi and buffet breakfast. Restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness room/ gym, Airport pick-up and shuttle service. From USD 110.
Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, 1A Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue Victoria Island. Styled by Swedish hospitality designer, Christian Lundwall, this is on the waterfront area of Victoria Island, the business hub of the city.
In general, Lagos has become a much safer place to visit than before, with the state spending huge budgets on security with police patrol cars, CCTV cameras. etc.
But beware of deals or businesses that sound too good to be true especially e-mails soliciting your help, and do not openly flaunt your possessions, especially in public places.
While it is rare for a tourist to be a victim of a violent crime, it is still wise to stay safe and be alert, especially during late night outings. Stick to crowded streets and make sure to go out in groups instead of going out alone.
Lagosians are generally nice and friendly people, most of whom will readily offer directions to you if you are lost.
Lagos still has its fair share of odd people: street beggars both old and young, people with psychological disorders, etc. If someone approaches you for money, do what most Lagosians do: completely ignore them or continuing to walk at a brisk pace.
There are a few police officers who are corrupt and inefficient so it is best that you stick to the law and avoid going anywhere off the beaten path without a trusted guide, especially if it is a first visit.
Terrorism is not a major issue in Lagos, unlike other parts of Nigeria.
Nigeria has both GSM & CDMA Networks. Most of the International GSM Networks are served on Roaming Partner Basis. Local pre-activated GSM (SIM) connection can be purchased from any where in entire Country at very cheap rate. Naira 200/- for a SIM.
GSM/3G
Airtel: Airtel Services: Calls, SMS DATA (Internet) & GPRS Services.
Etisalat: Services: Calls, SMS, GPRS.
MTN: Services: Calls, SMS, DATA (Internet) & GPRS Services.
Glo: Services: Calls, SMS, DATA (Internet) & GPRS Services.
CDMA
Multilinks Telkom: Services: Calls, SMS & DATA (Internet).
Visafone: Services: Calls, SMS & DATA (Internet).
Starcomms: Services: Calls, SMS & DATA (Internet).
In Nigeria SMS or Short Messaging Service is known as Text.
The networks in certain parts of Lagos can be very erratic at times. On certain days you cannot make a phone call at all or you will not be able to recharge your phone for the most of the day making business very difficult at times.
But its occassional and that is the reason if you want to stay for a long term,make sure that you have atleast two phones or a dual sim phone.
Tourism Observer
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