Top 10 advice for Lagos tourist.
Lagosians love their city, no doubt. Amidst the noise of the yellow buses and cabs, the sound of the ever moving and bubbling 18million-strong inhabitants, there remains top notch fun that every Lagosian, though busy as hell, have found a way to savour.
Fondly nicknamed Lasgidi, Lagos is the best expression of Nigeria’s diversity. People from every culture, social standing, religious and political views have found a cherished home in her bosom. A tourist must therefore plan to experience this diversity.
While people from other parts of the country can easily adapt to or find help in navigating Lagos, the situation is different for foreigners.
For foreigners, planning to enjoy Lagos can be herculean. Given the notoriety of Lagos criminal elements, one must plan carefully and the planning must be researched in advance. This article aims to help potential tourists plan their trips ahead of time and assist present ones to make the necessary changes to ensure an exciting experience.
Use Hotels.ng: As a tourist, your first concern should be where to stay or lodge. There are many hotels in Lagos and having to individually go through all is time-wasting. While hotel booking platforms in Nigeria are relatively new, one has captured the heart of all and become everybody’s favourite. www.hotels.ng is it. On hotels.ng, you can search more than 4892 hotels across Nigeria, compare prices, check out the very reliable photos and make a booking within seconds. The service is fast, secure and reliable.
Remember that Google Maps is in Beta: Yes, Google Map has become everybody’s reliable guide, but be careful when using Google maps in Lagos. Google acknowledges their Lagos Map service is in beta and so must you. What this means is, you should definitely get second and live opinions when in doubt. Routes may be different from what Google Maps displays.
Lodge near the cinemas:  Cinemas are a great way to have fun in Lagos. There are many cinema houses showing a variety of movies from top Hollywood blockbusters to the best offerings from Nollywood. Most tourists would love to sample the world-famous Nollywood movies that depict every aspect of Nigeria’s multicultural society. If you are not able to visit every representative part of the country or sample every cultural element in Lagos, Nollywood movies offer exciting alternatives. Imagine sitting in a cinema with the people that are being depicted, and being able to experience their reaction to the depiction. Sure, you must put the location of cinemas into consideration. Also, Lagos traffic can derail your experience of the cinemas if you have to commute from a faraway location. There are many cinemas in Lagos and most are top class facilities with exciting value added services.
Beaches are very cool too: Lagos beaches are famous fun spots, and given Lagos is the definitive lagoon state, tourists should plan to sample her beaches. From the infamous and well-run bar beach to the very private Elegushi beach, you take your pick and it is still the same fun all through. All the beaches have exciting valued added services to make your experience a memorable one.
The BRT is the most economic and orderly way to see the city:** Lagos’ Bus Rapid Transport dodges most of the traffic gridlock and drama synonymous with the city and takes you to your destination in record time. The BRT buses have their own lanes on most roads, separate from the general lanes, and the fares are very affordable, costing less than a dollar maximum for one stretch of your trip, and extending from the mainland to the infamous island.
Lagos spas can be fun: Most tourists aim to find some measure of relaxation in their chosen destination and spas are beloved options. While Lagos is not especially famous for her spas, there are still quality spas tourists should plan to sample.
Get an experienced guide: If Google is unreliable and you have to navigate the city, it is advised you get someone experienced in the routes and ways of the city to help you. You don’t necessarily need the guide to follow you around (although this will be highly beneficial), a phone number can work good. Ensure your guide is reachable on phone or other channels at all times, if he or she is not with you at all times.
National Arts Theatre is a must see: Yeah, we’ve examined the cinemas, but the National Arts Theatre is a different kind of experience. At the theatre, prepare to witness electrifying live drama performances, with often spiritual drummers and performance-possessed dancers. The energy will waoh you and you will keep asking for more.
Lagos traffic:Even with the many access roads, Lagos traffic is still chaotic and time-consuming. If you do not plan ahead, you will find yourself missing all your planned fun. It is advised you carry some entertainment with you at all times, something enjoyable and which you can laugh or smile to while caught up in the traffic.
Be security conscious: When it comes to security, listen to advice and also use your own discretion. Lagosians are very helpful, but there are criminal elements who pretend to be helpful so they can steal from you. We have such in every city, but you must take extra measures in Lagos. Always remind your guide of security when asking for guidance.
Lagos is a great city and you will have a great experience if you plan well and ahead of time. It is imperative you take the above advice and research even more. The key is to have all the information you need.
