15 Things To Do In Lagos (Part I)

Lagos State is arguably the most economically important state in the country, it is the nation’s largest urban area. Situated in the southwestern corner of the country, this elongated state spans the Guinea coast of the Atlantic Ocean for over 180km from the Republic of Benin on the west to its boundary with Ogun state on the east.

You will be spoiled for choice of things to do in Lagos. You can spend time simply relaxing on one of the beautiful Lagos beaches, have a fun family day out at the museums, art centers, markets and malls, take a boat trip to the beautiful Banana Island or go clubbing or for karaoke with friends.

If you really want to drink in the Lagos air, there are tons of events, parties and festivals you can be part of – and when you are tired out, there are tons of relaxation spots to give you that delicious pause for air.

No matter what your tastes are, Lagos really does have something for everyone.

Here are 30 Things, off the bat, you can do in Lagos:

1. *Visit the Lekki Conservation Centre: *An oasis of calm and fresh air in this megacity. A tropical rainforest on the outskirts of the city. There’s a long walkway and a very beautiful savannah area at the end of it. It’s also child-friendly. Sure one of the things to do in Lagos is visit the Lekki Conservation Centre
2. Festac Town
   This town was built for participants of the festival of arts and culture, it has a rich cultural heritage.
3. Badagry
   For a rich history of the state and physical evidence of colonialism and slavery in the country, visit this coastal town. Visit the many slave trade museums and monumental sites such as the first storey building.
4. Beaches
   When talking about things to do in Lagos, this is very important. Because of the islands, there are many beaches for one to visit. There’s the Lekki Beach, Elegushi Beach, Bar Beach, Eleko Beach, La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort and more
5. The Afrika Shrine
   Visit the shrine on Thursday night for a free show or on the last Saturday of any month for afrobeat sessions with Seun Kuti. At each jam session, you get schooled on African politics while you have a great time listening to good music, dancing, and socializing.
6. Markets
   Your trip to Lagos is incomplete without the thrilling excitement that the hustle and bustle of crowds a Lagos market brings. Forget your online stores and malls and enter Oshodi Market, Jankara Market, Aswani Market, Yaba Market, Eko, and Balogun Market for exotic and affordable souvenirs. You have not done anything if you don’t add visiting any of these markets to your things to do in Lagos.
7. The National Museum
   The museum has a notable collection of Nigerian art, including statues, carvings and archaeological and ethnographic exhibits. It is located at Onikan, Lagos Island.
8. The National Theatre
   The national theatre is an architectural masterpiece where you can watch plays, and experience art and culture.
9. *The Palms Shopping Mall
   *This is one of the big malls in Lagos where you can find almost everything. From the many restaurants and fast food joints to the bookshop and most importantly the cinema halls, there’s always something to do at the Palms.
10. Clubbing
    Lagos is famed for its amazing night life as the city comes alive in the dark. Clubs are abundant in Lagos and you shouldn’t miss out on all the fun they offer. Quilox, The Place by Pappas, and Club 57 are great spots for a night out.
11. Bowling
    Pinpoint Shop 3, is one of the most impressive entertainment centres in Lagos. It is in the Palms Shopping Mall and it features ten lanes of 10-pin bowling, full-service bar, billiards, and an arcade.
12. Banana Island
    An area of Ikoyi known for its wealthy, multi-cultural community has some of the most expensive real estate in Nigeria. Banana Island has one of the highest density of millionaires within its boundaries.
13. Ikeja City Mall
    This mall is another one of the big malls in Lagos. You can shop for clothes, you can shop for food and you can just watch a movie if you want. It holds shops as Mango, Mr. Price, Wrangler, Casabella, and Essenza. It is fun browsing through these shops. You can buy affordable food items and drinks at Shoprite. If you’re hungry there’s an array of restaurants and fast food joints to choose from.
14. Coconut Beach
    This is the perfect getaway from the hustle of daily Lagos life. It is located in Badagry
15. Jazzhole
    This is a beautiful space for jazz and soul music lovers, and it also has a large collection of books for book lovers.
16. *Cinemas
    *Watch movies from home and abroad in any or all of the cinemas the city has to offer. There’s Ozone at Yaba, Silverbird Galleria at Victoria Island, Filmhouse at Surulere. Most of the malls have a cinema in or around them.
17. Nike Art Gallery and Cultural Centre
    Visit this gallery for out of the world depth expressed in paintings, drawings, textile works of adire, sculptures, dancing and drumming
18. Terra Kulture
    Your go to place for everything art education, culture and socialising. There is always a play, a book reading, or some other type of artsy event at Terra Kulture. There’s also a bookshop and a restaurant.
19. *Ikoyi Golf Course
    *This is the place for sport lovers as it offers: tennis, badminton, and squash courts; table tennis, swimming pool, snooker, billiard tables, sauna, massage, bar & grill, business facilities and a clubhouse.
20. *The Whispering Palms Resort
    *Located in a serene part of Badagry, Whispering Palms is a beautiful resort and offers breathtaking views of the Lagos Lagoon and the restive fun you deserve after the very busy bustle of Lagos markets and traffic, Whispering Palms is the best place to find a balance between rest and fun.
21. Omu Resort
    Omu Resort houses the first wax museum in Africa and the first purpose-built race track in Nigeria with a different array of karts for all ages. It has a modern zoo, sea world, art gallery, mini golf, quad biking, go karting, horse riding facilities, and an amusement park. This is the best outdoor fun package for those who come in to have a great time, especially with children.
22. Mega Plaza
    This is one of the biggest shopping malls in Victoria Island, Lagos. For any range and brand of electronics, household and personal items, toys, office, musical and sport equipment. There’s also a food court with several restaurants and fast-fast outlets serving Chinese, continental and Nigerian dishes.
23. Owambe
    A Lagos weekend is not complete without an Owambe. There’s really no party like a Lagos party. This is usually a Yoruba party, but it is a slang for any party at all. Be it a wedding, birthday, anniversary or burial ceremony, a proper Owambe has the best music, the most delicious firewood jollof rice and small chops you can find. So by hook or by crook make sure you enter one party in Lagos. This is no difficult task as there are about a thousand parties around Lagos every weekend, just wear your white trad, pick a location and enter.
24. Buka
    For authentic, mouthwatering local delicacies such as amala and pounded yam, visit a buka (local canteen/restaurant).
25. *Go-Karting
    *This is a favorite activity for the younger generation in Lagos. Join in on the trend and have fun at the GET Arena.
26. *Karaoke and drinks
    *Sing your favorite songs to your heart contents with a side dish of live bands and affordable drinks, you can get this experience at Shaunz Bar in Victoria Island, Channel View Bar, or Silver Café in Yaba.
27. *The MUSON Centre
    *MUSON Centre, is a repository of Music, Arts and Culture and the most prestigious and exclusive performance hall in Lagos.
28. Enter Molue or BRT buses
    If you want to have unbridled fun and experience marketing at its best, board a BRT or Molue bus. This is the perfect place to mix with and see Lagosians in their element. From the angry halitosis infected conductor to the woman with 5 kids occupying a seat to the pastor preaching to men and women trying to get people to buy their wares. However, you have to be cautious and clasp your belongings tight as it is also filled with unruly characters.
29. Visit University of Lagos
    The self-proclaimed university of first choice and the nation’s pride. The Lagoon front is a quiet space and gives you a view of the famous Third Mainland Bridge.
30. *Wave at the three elders
    *The statue of the three elders is one of the most recognisable ones in Lagos.

Getting set to do things to do in Lagos? Book from these awesome list of hotels in Lagos.

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