How to Actually Enjoy Lagos Instead of Curating Recycled “Soft Life” Content
Let’s be real — Lagos is outside. From beach raves in Tarkwa Bay to rooftop art shows in VI, the city is constantly alive. But you? You might just be “IG outside.” No shade — we love the aesthetics. But we see the recycled “#SoftLife” posts, and we have questions.
The Vibe Is Out There — Are You?
It’s Saturday. Someone’s posting a Boomerang of waves crashing at Sol Beach — again. Same angle. Same filter. Same “living my best life” caption. Meanwhile, they’re deep in bed in Surulere, eating gala and bingeing K-dramas they’ve already seen twice.
We get it. Life is expensive. Time is tight. Posting old content feels like a low-stakes flex. But while you’re recycling last December’s yacht day, Lagos has moved on to five new hot spots. So, let’s ask it straight: are you actually outside, or just pretending for the algorithm?
The Social Media Mirage: Vibes Without Motion
We’re not judging (well, maybe a little). But let’s admit it: there’s pressure. Lagos is fast. Your feed is full of people clinking mimosas, showing off sneakers you can’t pronounce, and pretending they weren’t stuck in third mainland traffic for two hours.
It’s easy to slap on an old “Golden Hour @ Tarkwa Bay” pic just to feel caught up. But curating a lifestyle isn’t the same as living one.
FOMO is real, but what’s wilder is missing out on actual experiences because you’re busy chasing clout.
How to Be Actually Outside (Not Just Timeline-Adjacent)
You don’t need a trust fund or a 30-person crew to enjoy Lagos. You just need the will to show up. Here’s how:
1. Touch Grass — Literally
Unplug and step into real life. Take a walk through Freedom Park, explore Jaekel House in Ebute Metta, or chill by the lagoon at Five Cowries Terminal. You don’t need a yacht — sometimes a bench and a breeze are enough.
2. Pull Up, Don’t Just Repost
There’s always something happening — from underground live sets in Ikeja to spoken word nights at Terra Kulture. You see the flyers. You like the posts. Now show up. Vibes > vibes by association.
3. Post Real Time, Not Rewind
You don’t need perfect lighting or a full face beat. Post the sweaty, chaotic, blurry moments, the 2:00 AM. Uber karaoke, the jollof-stained jeans at a food fest, the unfiltered Lagos madness. That’s the real story.
4. Make New Memories (Not Just Throwbacks)
If your last proper hangout is showing up as “1 year ago today,” it’s time to log off and step out. From new art galleries in Lekki to fresh food pop-ups in Ikeja, the city evolves weekly. Don’t get left behind.
Pro tip: You don’t need a crew. Solo Outside is a soft life, too.
Real Lagos > Reposted Lagos
Being “outside” isn’t all bottles and LED lights. Sometimes it’s haggling for vintage finds in Yaba Market, a book reading at Terra Kulture, or dancing in the back of an Uber on 3rd Mainland.
Lagos is raw, hilarious, chaotic, unpredictable, and unforgettable. No WiFi required. No soft life pretense. Just you, showing up for yourself.
So, Let’s Try This Again:
Are you actually outside… or just posting like you are?
The city is calling. Not your camera roll — Lagos.
Answer it.
Need ideas? Tap into our Weekender Guide: Best Things to Do in Lagos for fresh updates, events, and places worth stepping out for. The city is calling. Answer it!
