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Lagos

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At a glance

Country
Nigeria
Region
Lagos State
Population
15 million
Best time to go
November to February
Main airport
Lagos Murtala Muhammed International (LOS)
Coordinates
6.52°N, 3.38°E

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Overview

Lagos is Nigeria's commercial engine and one of Africa's largest cities, spread across the mainland, islands and lagoons of the Atlantic coast. It is loud, crowded and endlessly creative, the home of Afrobeats, Nollywood and a thriving art scene.

Traffic is legendary, so plan your days by district. Most visitors base themselves on the islands, where galleries, restaurants and beach clubs are close together, and venture out by car or boat.

Things to see

  • Nike Art Gallery
    Photo: FrankvEck, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Nike Art Gallery

    Four floors packed with paintings, textiles and sculpture by Nigerian artists, in Lekki.

  • Lekki Conservation Centre
    Photo: Obiazi Emefile, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Lekki Conservation Centre

    A patch of protected wetland forest with a long, high canopy walkway above the trees.

    Tickets and tours
  • Freedom Park
    Photo: ReoMartins, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Freedom Park

    A former colonial prison on Lagos Island turned into a leafy park and arts venue.

  • Kalakuta Republic Museum

    The former home of Fela Kuti, the father of Afrobeat, now a museum to his life and music.

Things to do

  • Night at the New Afrika Shrine
    Photo: User:Kaizenify, Public domain

    Night at the New Afrika Shrine

    The music venue founded by Fela's children, with live Afrobeat and a raucous crowd.

  • Boat to Tarkwa Bay
    Photo: Liesel81, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Boat to Tarkwa Bay

    Leave the traffic behind with a short boat ride to a sheltered beach near the harbour mouth.

  • Lekki Market
    Photo: shawnleishman from Glasgow, Scotland, CC BY-SA 2.0

    Lekki Market

    Haggle for fabrics, carvings, beads and artworks at this sprawling crafts market.

  • Eat jollof and suya
    Photo: Noahalorwu, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Eat jollof and suya

    Smoky party jollof rice and spicy suya skewers are essential Lagos eating, from street grills to smart restaurants.

Where to stay

  • Victoria Island

    The business and nightlife hub, with the most hotels, restaurants and bars.

    Hotels in Victoria Island

  • Ikoyi

    Leafy, upmarket and quieter, with boutique hotels and good restaurants.

    Hotels in Ikoyi

  • Lekki

    Newer and sprawling, close to the beaches, markets and conservation centre.

    Hotels in Lekki

Getting around

Ride-hailing apps are the simplest option; allow plenty of time for the notorious traffic. Ferries and water taxis can be quicker between the islands and mainland.

The airport is on the mainland in Ikeja; reaching Victoria Island takes anything from 45 minutes to two hours by car, depending on traffic.

When to go

The dry season from November to February is the most comfortable, and December brings a packed calendar of concerts and parties. The heavy rains peak from around April to July.

Plan your trip to Lagos

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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