Travel to Lagos: A Guide for foreigners visiting Lagos City for fun

By Victor Okafor

20 November 2019

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Every year, a large number of foreigners visit Nigeria for various reasons. Some take the trip to Nigeria to visit loved ones, conduct business, relax in a different atmosphere or to simply just soak in the country's rich culture.

Lagos is usually a very important and sometimes compulsory part of most of their travel itinerary and this is owing to the fact that it is not just economically active but also socially diverse. It is also the main entry and exit point to the rest of the world from Nigeria. Lagos state is located in the Southwestern geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Despite it being the smallest in area of Nigeria's 36 states, it has the highest population density in the country. It is bounded on the north and east by Ogun State, the west by Republic of Benin and behind its southern borders lies the Atlantic Ocean.

Foreigners looking to enter Nigeria might require a visa depending on the visa requirement status of the passport holding country.

Flights into Lagos from outside Nigeria lands at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport which is located in Ikeja, Lagos.

Best hotels in Ikeja, Lagos.

Lagos is regarded as a place of endless opportunities and the country's entertainment hub. It has an aura and lifestyle that encourages people in the city to always stand up for themselves and be fully alert on all occasions. The city is famous for its traffic which could sometimes be hectic but it makes up for it with the most exciting nightlife in Nigeria and a host of fun activities to do while in Lagos.

Survive Lagos traffic congestion

Getting around Lagos City

When you start seeing yellow buses with black stripes, you know you are officially in Lagos. The yellow commercial buses are the most common type of transportation in the state. There are other means of intracity transportation such as commercial motorcycles which are popularly known as Okada. They are sometimes restricted in certain places and over long distances. There is also the big BRT buses that are very affordable, private cab operators, boat rides for destinations on the Island part of Lagos and ride-sharing services like Uber. Getting a vehicle to transport within Lagos is quite easy and shouldn't be a problem.

Things to do in Lagos

Lagos being an economically driven state earned it the nickname "Eko for show". The city has paved the way for the establishment of various revenue-generating destinations with fun activities for exploration, leisure, and even sports. It is a rarity to be bored while in Lagos as there is so much interesting spots and things to do while in the city

Here is a list of activities you should try out when your flight lands at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria.

1. Go Golfing

Golf Course
Golf Course

Take on an 18-hole championship course designed by PGA Professional and golf course architect, Robert O?Frietakes and get a chance to swing a few clubs with family and friends at the golf course that sets a new standard for golf courses in West Africa. Read more

2. Visit Nike Art Gallery.

Nike Art Gallery
Nike Art Gallery

A good number of tourists visiting Nigeria always have "Visit Nike Art Gallery" on their itinerary and that is simply because Nike Centre for Arts & Culture offers the opportunity to see Nigeria and get immersed in her culture through several African art collections on display. If you are an art lover or simply just want to learn more about Nigeria's rich cultural background and heritage, then the Nike Centre for Arts & Culture should be a must-visit when you are in Nigeria. Read more

3. Go Horseback Riding.

Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding

Get that opportunity to bond with the noblest of all animals and experience the best Horseback riding adventure in Lagos, Nigeria. The Ikeja saddle club offers riders a chance to ride through its large serene and natural ranch with a horse perfectly suited to your ability, confidence, and experience in Horseback riding. Read more

4. Take A Ride On A Quad-Bike.

Quad-Biking
Quad-Biking

This would definitely be an experience that leaves you all fired up even after your ride. Quad-biking in Lagos is just an opportunity for tourists to blow off steam without experiencing the troubles of a typical Lagos road. It also offers the riders opportunities to take notes of notable landmarks on the tracks and on beaches, get wild and feel adrenaline rush while taking on a powerful quad. Read more

5. Visit Lekki Conservation Centre

Lekki Conservation Centre
Lekki Conservation Centre

The 29-year old conservation centre is one of the best nature reserves and tourist attraction in Nigeria. Covering a land area of 78 hectares, the Lekki Conservation Centre offers a breath of fresh air and a chance to commune with nature around its elements. Read more

6. Try Out Ziplining.

Ziplining
Ziplining

Originally created to effect transportation across places that were impossible to move around like swampy areas and rain forests etc. Zip-lining is a relatively new adventure activity here in Nigeria.

Face your fears and get out of your comfort zone as you zipline from daring heights across treetops and see Lagos and its environment from a bird-eye view. Read more

7. Take A Jet Ski Ride

Jet Skiing
Jet Skiing

Jet skiing is a fun activity that attracts all adventurers seeking the thrill that comes with aquatic speed.  Open up the throttles of your Jet Ski for a rush of excitement or keep it in idle while you soak in the calmness of the sea and take memorable pictures. Read more

8. Kart Racing

Kart Racing
Kart Racing

Be your own "Formula One Champion" in Lagos as you embark on the most exhilarating thrill ride. There is also a great chance to bond with family and friends outside the comfort of your hotel room as you organize your own racing league and competitions. Read more

9. Go Surfing.

Surfing
Surfing

Although surfing may not be the most popular sport amongst Nigerians owing to stories about Nigerian beaches being filled with waste. Tarkwa bay became recent proof that Nigerian beaches can be safe, beautiful and clean when it got the attention of two surfers and a photographer who was sent by Surfing Magazine to help bring awareness to the area. Ever since then, the sport has gained more ground to a point where it inspired and was featured in a surfing-themed movie titled The Ghost of Tarkwa Bay in 2017. Read more

So, what are you waiting for? There are lots of fun things to do in Lagos as soon as your plane touches down in Murtala Muhammed international airport.

Other readers enjoyed reading:

https://hotels.ng/guides/activities/take-a-tour-of-the-centenary-hall-in-abeokuta/
https://hotels.ng/guides/city-guide/owambe-in-lagos-funny-things-guests-do-in-lagos-parties/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=Hotels+internal+linking

The best hotels in Lagos:

Eko Hotel and Suites

Sheraton Hotel

Eagles at Lekki Hotel

The Lagos Continental Hotel

Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel

BTT Luxury

Grand Capital Hotel

D'Island Hotel

Watercress Hotels

Double M Exquisite Suites And Lounge

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