THE ULTIMATE LAGOS BUCKET LIST

Lagos (Nigeria) is a city bustling with so much energy and vibes. Lagosians are a friendly and vibrant bunch and our energy is contagious. Having lived here for many years as a child and more recently as a working adult, I can say that their are few places in the world like Lagos. Below is my Lagos bucket list a.k.a gems and experiences that stand out to me and that hopefully will help you enjoy your time here (however brief or long you time in Lagos may be).

1. Walk across the Lekki-Ikoyi bridge at night

This 1.36km bridge connecting Lekki and Ikoyi is best seen at night where the beauty of the bridge truly shines. Expect to find runners and walkers getting their fitness sessions on in the evening.

2. Visit Yellow Chilli restaurant and order their “Seafood okro”

This is for all foodies. Yellow chilli restaurant is where you find authentic Nigeria dishes at affordable prices in a lovely african-inspired setting. The seafood okra is no doubt their signature dish and it will keep you coming back for more.

3. Visit the Lekki Arts & Craft market

Here you will find authentic arts and crafts from every culture in Nigeria (whilst also getting a history lesson). From leather to painting to metal work, prepare to find unique gems in this market. This market will leave you in awe and keep you spending (well worth it). See my review of the market here

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4. Go to Quilox on a Friday or Saturday night

This is for those that want to verify that Lagos is truly the AFRObeat party capital of the continent. Quilox is a popular nightclub with beautiful decor and great music. Prepare for a long fun night out.

5. Attend an “Afropolitan Vibes” night out

Afropolitan Vibes is the premiere live concert series that invites amazing artists to perform live at Freedom Park’s Amphitheatre in Lagos, Nigeria. A very chilled and down-to-earth environment that brings the culturally aware residents of Lagos together. Here you can also try the local food and drinks like “palm wine” e.t.c

6. Take a day trip to Badagry

Badagry is home to the history of the Slave trade. In Badagry, you have visit the slave museums, the first storey house in Nigeria and visit “the point of no return” (This is the point where slaves were shipped from Nigeria to foreign lands).

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7. Ride the streets of Lagos in a Keke Napep

This is certainly a great way to get around Lagos especially if you are traveling short distances. They are small enough vehicles to manoeuvre through traffic and also airy enough to ensure you don’t suffer heat stroke (Did I mention they are a cheap and affordable means of travel?)

8. Visit the beach

There a many stunning beaches to visit in Lagos. If you are keen for a beach club scene, visit “Pop Beach Club” on the weekend. If you are looking for a private beach feel, visit “La Manga Luxury Villas Ilashe” and if your thing is more of a resort feel, visit “La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort”.

9. Visit Makoko “The Community Built on Stilts”

Makoko is a community village build on stilts in water. The people of Makoko thrive on fishing as their major form of trade. A tour through Makoko is an eye opening experience to a completely different way of living than in the rest of Lagos.

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10. Visit Nike Art Gallery

If you’re looking for a gallery that truly celebrates the many dimensions of what Nigeria has to offer, look no further than Nike Art Gallery. Chief Nike-Davies Okundaye (the owner of the gallery) is

11. Watch a play at Muson Centre

Muson Centre (Music society of Nigeria) is a performing arts centre that hosts many awarding-winning plays. Check their schedule and attend one of the plays. This is another side of Lagos that showcases the incredible talent that Nigeria has to offer.

12. Try a Gelato scoop or 2 at Hans & Rene 

You think Lagos and you don’t necessarily think Gelato. Hans and Rene has changed that. With so many flavours (some inspired from locally grown fruits), you will be spoilt for choice. They are indeed the connoisseurs of the sweet life.

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13. Stop by at “Glover Court Suya” and try Suya 

Glover Court Suya is the King of Suya (grilled beef meat nigerian-style) in Ikoyi and is conveniently located on Glover Court. It is a popular spot for locals and expect long queues late nights on Friday and Saturday but the Suya is certainly worth any wait. Word of advise, if you are not into spicy food, ask them to go low on the spice or put the spice to the side #ThankMeLater

14. Visit Terra Kulture

Terra Kulture is a leading art, culture, lifestyle and educational centre in Lagos. For most of us Lagosians, we see Terra Kulture as a GALLERY + AFRICAN RESTAURANT. It is worth the visit.

15. Visit Lekki Conservation and climb the longest canopy walkway in Africa

Lekki conservation centre is one of Africa’s prominent and most-diverse urban Nature Parks due to its high species richness so certainly a must during your trip. The main attraction of the park is the walkway where you will find yourself close to the clouds. IMG_0153

16. Visit the NEW AFRIKA SHRINE (KALAKUTA)

First started in 1970’s by legendary Late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, this is an entertainment centre with african politics, great live music, food and drink bringing together residents of Nigeria from all walks of life. Out of the box but certainly a must.

17. Venture beyond Lagos

One of the biggest mistakes visitors of Lagos make is that they fail to venture outside of Lagos. Many of the incredible festivals that occur in Nigeria aren’t in Lagos. Many of the incredible resorts in the country aren’t in Lagos. My own plan is to venture out more than I currently do. Stay tuned for more experiences in Nigeria.

 

So over to you! What are your favourite memories from your trip to Lagos?

8 Replies to “THE ULTIMATE LAGOS BUCKET LIST”

  1. This is an AWESOME list!! I’ve done a few of them and totally agree about venturing outside of Lagos. Even some day trips Like Abeokuta are super cool! I talked about it on my blog if you need tips for planning your trip! Looking forward to reading more of your adventures!!

  2. This is a cool list! I did a road trip around west Africa some years ago from Ivory Coast to Benin, but we did’nt go to Nigeria, and I still regret It today. I want to start planning but Nigeria is such a big country! Is it safe to visit solo as a women or I should start to win over some friend to go with me ?
    I think I’ll start with Lagos 🙂 Do you have more foodies recommandation ?

    1. Hi Ayana! Thanks for stopping by. Really glad you liked the list. I would advise you win some friends over to come with you, not because it isn’t safe but because I think the experience will be more enjoyable. The alternative is if you have a friend in Nigeria that can take you around, then you can come solo. I will work on a foodie recommendations write up! ?

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