Let’s be real—balancing a 9-to-5 job with a social life in Lagos sounds like a fantasy, especially if you work in a demanding role or environment. But we’re here to prove you wrong! As much as the city of Lagos is always about the hustle, there are still several opportunities to have fun and enjoy yourself outside work and we have the receipts to prove it. Here are some useful tips for you:
Pre-Schedule Your Fun
Listen, you need to be intentional about your social life when you’re working full-time. Spontaneity is great, but there’s no harm in planning fun in advance —welcome to adulthood! If you’re heading out after work, make plans with your friends on Sunday while prepping for the week. If you prefer weekends, make plans on Thursdays, just in time for our Weekend Guide so you can choose any activity you know you’d enjoy. This can even become a weekly ritual with your friends. With so many events, new restaurants, and live music in Lagos, there’s always something to enjoy.
Master The Art Of Happy Hour
After a long day of emails, meetings, and staring at your laptop, you deserve a break and Happy Hour is where the magic happens! A lot of restaurants and bars in Lagos offer fantastic deals on drinks and food after 5:00 PM. You can check out our post on some Happy Hour deals here. Try popping into places like Rhapsody’s in Ikeja or The House in Victoria Island.
Friendship Dates On The Weekend
Since weekdays are hectic, weekends are your BFF for maintaining those connections. Plan Saturday brunches, picnics or coffee dates with your squad! There are so many cute cafés in Lagos—Cafecito or FlowerShop Cafe are perfect for that weekly catch-up. You can rant about life, romance, or even work.
Don’t Underestimate Small, Low-Key Hangouts
Not every social activity has to be a huge night out in Victoria Island. Sometimes it’s the small gatherings that keep the social energy flowing—like trying a new restaurant during lunch break, or catching up with a friend after work. It’s those little moments that help you stay connected without exhausting yourself. Plus, low-key hangouts can help you recharge for the bigger weekend plans.
Know When To Recharge
Yes, we’re talking about keeping your social life lit, but you also need to know when to hit pause. Lagos life is FAST, and between the hustle and socialising, you can burn out. If you’re feeling drained, take a night off to just Netflix, sleep, and recharge.
There’s always another weekend, another hangout, another turn-up—trust me you’re not missing out!
Stay In The Loop
Follow lifestyle pages (ahem, like The Lagos Weekender 👀) to stay updated on all the hottest events and hidden gems! There’s no excuse to be bored when the city is so alive. Be the friend that’s always in the know about the best rooftop bars, comedy shows, or food festivals. Trust me, your friendship group chat will appreciate it!
