Things to do in Lagos
The largest and fastest growing city in Nigeria, Lagos is most people’s first introduction to the country, and a major gateway to the African continent. Visiting Lagos in the next few years offers the ideal opportunity to see the metropolis expand to take its predicted place as the world’s third largest mega city by 2015.
This may be a bustling and thriving modern city, but there’s more to enjoy when taking a flight to Lagos than just shopping and business. Lagos and the surrounding area are also home to a wide range of attractions that could appeal to people of various backgrounds, interests and ages, offering insight into the turbulent history of this city and the Nigerian nation as well as providing some of the most breathtaking natural views in Africa.
One of the most popular destinations for first-time and returning visitors to Lagos is the so-called Point of No Return in Badagary Town – the port from which slaves were loaded onto ships and sent to the New World and other parts of the globe in centuries past. Today, the port is still functioning and is an important site for Nigeria’s economy, but memorials ensure that the tragic lessons of the past will never be forgotten. The port is also only 30 minutes’ travel from the Republic of Benin.
Lagos Harbour itself is another top visitor destination in the city, home to notable landmarks including a 110 year old lighthouse and Falomo Bridge. This area is the starting point for many people visiting Lagos’ numerous excellent beaches, such as the safe haven of Tarkwa Bay – especially popular with families. One of the most popular beaches in Lagos is Lagos Bar Beach, due to its convenient location for city residents and visitors, while others such as Agaja Beach, Badagry Beach and Ilashe Beach are located further away, offering a chance to get away from the bustle and try your hand at water sports and other sea-based activities.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the city itself after spending a few days on the beach, you can visit a number of well-maintained museums, including the National Museum of Nigeria which features on-site dining in the excellent Museum Kitchen, the ideal place to sample some authentic Nigerian dishes during your stay. You can also explore Nigerian art traditions at the Nike Art Gallery, named after curator and artist Nike Davies Okundaye. The museum not only features painting but also film documentaries, crafts such as quilting and musical arts like drumming and traditional dancing.
Lagos may have a reputation as a crowded and noisy city, but you can also find many places to get away from it all, including public parks such as the Lekki Conservation Centre, where visitors also have the chance to spot native plants and animals. If you’re in the mood for shopping and want to find some bargain mementos of your trip, you can practice your haggling at market stalls throughout the city or head to major retail areas such as the Palms Shopping Centre and City Mall for some home comforts.
Disclaimer: The author of this article writes for a digital marketing agency. This article about things to do in Lagos and Lagos flights has been commissioned by a client of said agency. The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions.
