Looking for the best places to visit in Lagos? Whether you’re planning your first trip or exploring the city with fresh eyes, this travel guide has you covered. From iconic landmarks to must-see cultural attractions, these top five Lagos tourist spots give you a real feel for the city’s energy, history, and local vibe. If you’re searching for things to do in Lagos that go beyond the usual, consider this your go-to list. Let’s dive in!
1. Lekki Conservation Centre
Location: Km 19 Lekki – Epe Expressway, Lekki Peninsula II
Budget: N3000
Easily one of the top things to do in Lagos. Take a stroll in the lush park and try the daring canopy walk adventure, the longest one in Africa. It’s a great place to explore nature and channel your inner Tarzan —minus the loincloth. Keep an eye out for playful monkeys, shy crocodiles sunbathing, and birds that look like they’ve just stepped off a fashion runway.
Pro tip: Go early morning for cooler temperatures and better photos.
2. Nike Art Gallery
Location: 2 Nike Art Gallery Road, Lekki Phase I
Budget: Free
One of the biggest galleries in Africa, the Nike Art Gallery boasts four floors of various arts- paintings, sculpture, textiles, and more. Wander through rooms bursting with vibrant artworks, and if you’re lucky, you can meet the charming founder, 98-year-old Nike Okundaye-Davies, ‘Mama Nike’, an art icon. The experience here is like scrolling through your feed—but IRL. The resident artists are usually happy to chat, and you might just pick up a tip on how to spot an emerging masterpiece. If you’re feeling inspired, sign up for a quick adire or batik workshop and take home a piece you made yourself, or shop at the art store.
3. New Afrika Shrine
Location: NERDC Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja.
Budget: N2,000
If you’re looking for live music in Lagos inspired by true African music, the New Afrika Shrine should be on your list. This iconic venue — built in honour of Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti — is a cultural landmark that delivers an unforgettable Afrobeat experience (not to be confused with Afrobeats). Think Afrobeat history and rhythms, electrifying live performances, and a crowd that dances like nobody’s watching (because nobody is). Femi Kuti and his son, Made Kuti, take the stage most Sundays, but you can visit any day of the week for an immersive dose of African rhythm, Nigerian soul, and the real heartbeat of Lagos nightlife. Grab a cold drink, settle in for a night of jams, and maybe, just maybe, you can get a photograph with Femi Kuti or Seun Kuti himself. When it comes to things to do at night in Lagos, New Afrika Shrine is a top choice with no passport required for this global groove.
4. Jaekel House
Location: 17 Federal Road, Ebute Metta, Lagos.
Budget: N2,000
Located at 17 Federal Road, Ebute Metta, Jaekel House is a beautifully restored colonial bungalow built in 1898. Once home to the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s General Manager, it now serves as a mini museum showcasing vintage photographs, railway artefacts, and historical memorabilia from Nigeria’s railway golden era.
The house, named after Francis Jaekel, was restored in 2010 and offers visitors a unique glimpse into Lagos’s rich railway heritage. After exploring the exhibits, relax in the peaceful garden—an ideal spot to soak up the calm marina vibes.
Perfect for history buffs and culture seekers, Jaekel House is a hidden gem in Lagos’s vibrant heritage scene.
5. Badagry
Location: Badagry, Lagos.
Budget: from N1000
Just a scenic drive from Lagos Island, Badagry offers more than sandy shores and palm trees. This is where the transatlantic slave trade left its heaviest footprints. Visit the First Storey Building, the symbolic Slave Route, and the haunting “Point of No Return.” It’s a sobering experience that connects you to the resilience and spirit of our ancestors. After your reflective tour, hit up the local markets for handmade batik fabrics, delicious akara wraps, and a chat with warm-hearted Badagry locals.
Insider Tips to Make It a Weekender Experience
- Dress for the weather: Lightweight fabrics, comfy shoes, and a stylish hat are non-negotiable.
- Stay hydrated: Lagos sun waits for no one—carry a refillable bottle.
- Local eats: After Lekki, grab suya at a roadside spot. Near the Shrine? Sample jollof rice from the nearest “Bukka.”
- Traffic hack: Avoid the busiest rush hours between 8:00–10:00 AM and 4:00–7:00 PM. If you can schedule your outings around midday instead, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and stress.
There you have it—five must-visit Lagos gems that bring together nature, art, music, history, and heritage. Whether you’re rolling with friends or exploring solo, set your Weekender vibes to “explore” and dive into the city’s unique energy. For even more top recommendations, check out our Weekender Guide: The Best Things to Do in Lagos and discover why Lagos is a city you’ll always want to come back to.
