From LOS, With Love: 4 Day Itinerary for Your Stay in Lagos
By Deborah Inyang
Abuja may be the capital of Nigeria but Lagos as the largest and busiest city is its heartbeat. This vibrant city has a lot to offer from shrines to galleries to museums to beaches. On this journey, we're exploring both sections of this bustling metropolis--the island and the mainland–in order to have a holistic taste of Lagos. This 4-day itinerary is for you if you want to take a bite out of the big burger that is Lagos and enjoy as much of its flavors, lifestyle, and culture as you can in your short stay.
Immigration
All international travelers to Nigeria are required to fill a health declaration form, and are advised to be up to date on other entry requirements. This will make sure that you successfully pass through immigration without a hitch. The Murtala Muhammed Airport which serves the whole state has only one shuttle service allowed on site for safety reasons–the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Taxi App which can be contracted upon arrival or booked ahead of time to take you to your destination.
Accommodation
Upon arrival, the first stop on your journey is the mainland since that's where the airport is. Lagos has a variety of short stay housing options from apartments to hotels. Online platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com give you a variety of options on the Ikeja mainland where you can book a place within your budget to stay.
Currency
Naira is the official currency within Nigeria. Most stores however accept dollars as a mode of payment. It is advisable to pay with naira as often as possible to avoid being exploited as merchants may have varying exchange rates. Foreign currency can be exchanged at any bureau de change on the mainland. Debit card payments are also widely accepted within the state as a form of payment. As of December 28, 2023 the naira has an exchange rate with the US dollar of 895 naira to $1. The exchange rate with the euro is 995 naira to €1. With the British pound, the exchange rate is 1142 naira to £1.
Safety
Lagos is safer for tourists and indigenes after the government spent a huge amount on security with police patrol cars, and CCTV cameras. Stay safe by using ride hailing apps (Bolt, Uber, InDrive) for trips within the state as opposed to the molue (buses) that is the most common form of transportation to a typical Lagosian. Also try to stick to crowded areas and be aware of your belongings at all times to avoid being pickpocketed.
Day 1: Arrive & Unwind
Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Arrival:
All international flights arriving at Lagos including yours will land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport located in Ikeja. Charter a cab through the Taxiapp from the airport or have a friend who is driving pick you up. Keep in mind that because of how bustling and over populated Lagos is, you may be caught in a traffic congestion at some point during your ride. A typical Lagos driver will however know how to maneuver in the congestion and get you to your destination in the best possible time. If you don't already have your accommodation planned out, minimize your journey from the airport by staying in a hotel close by. Depending on your budget, the Ibis Hotel Ikeja, and the more exclusive Marriott hotel are good recommendations. Get some rest and prepare to step out to explore the mainland later.
This museum is an ode to the legendary Nigerian revolutionist and musician Fela Kuti. His home was turned into the museum so visitors can expect to find his personal effects from clothing to written work which gives them better insight into his activism. It's never too early to start picking up gifts so it helps that this museum boasts a gift shop. There is also a rooftop cafe in case you feel a little snacky.
Continuing the theme of experiencing Africa through the lens of Fela, this entertainment hub is available for your enjoyment. Enjoy cheap entertainment like live shows, musical performances and even palm wine–Nigeria's local drink. This is a hot tourist destination and in tune with Fela's legacy, people of all races and stations are welcome here.
7:30pm: ibis Dinner Buffet
Head back to the hotel from the museum and if you're in need of some dinner whether or not you're staying at ibis, their dinner buffet is a good option. Just pay the cost per head and eat as much as you want until the buffet is over or sleep calls.
Day 2: Exploring the Island
9am: ibis Complimentary breakfast
Breakfast is free today as ibis offers its guests a complimentary breakfast. You're moving on from the mainland today, and taking a 35-45 minute ride to the island in order to get the full Lagos experience.
11am: Eko Hotel & Suites
As usual you can use Booking.com to find accommodation on the island but a great recommendation is the popular mini resort Eko Hotels & Suites in Victoria Island (VI). Depending on your budget, this hotel offers rooms in four buildings: Eko Gardens, Suites, Signature, and Hotel. They have a pool, gym, restaurant, and other facilities you can enjoy if you choose. After resting, however, plan to go out. Lagos Island calls.
1pm: Order in lunch
Lagos has a variety of platforms for ordering food including Food Court, Chow Deck, Glovo and Jumia foods. Their apps are available on the Play Store or Apple Store and the address of your hotel can be used as the drop off location for your food.
3pm: Jazzhole
Jazzhole is a bookstore and record store in Ikoyi (an 8-minute drive from VI) that is an escape from the busyness of Lagos. Jazzhole offers you a large collection of contemporary books from Nigerian authors to read or buy, actual vinyl records from Nigerian legends, jazz music, and even an assortment of desserts making it an ideal place to unwind. You may even be lucky to catch a surprise show as they are known to occasionally hold concerts. Even non book lovers can enjoy the music and atmosphere of the Jazzhole over coffee, the owner’s signature carrot cake, or other pantries.
5pm: Bogobiri House
This is a boutique hotel in Ikoyi that has a restaurant, bookstore, art gallery, and private concert area. Even if you aren't staying here, visiting Bogobiri for its atmosphere, sights and vibe is a good idea for your trip.
7pm: Terra Kulture
From Ikoyi you’re making the trip back to VI to be closer to the hotel as the day ends. Terra Kulture is an arts and culture studio you can visit to watch plays, exhibitions, and listen to book readings. Its website can be checked to see what is showing at the Terra Kulture arena and purchase tickets. It has an art gallery, bookstore, and a restaurant on the premises. It is a great showcase of Nigerian culture and its works have won several awards as a testament of this.
12am: Club Zorya
If you're a visitor who wants to experience the Lagos night scene, Club Zorya is a good location to do so. The nightclub is a VIP scene that often offers live performances from top Nigerian musicians.
Day 3: Locality, Arts and Culture
10:00am: Nike Art Gallery
You start your day driving from VI to explore Lekki and to fuel you for the day, try some Nigerian food from nearby bukkas. This gallery is a several story building filled with art from all over Nigeria. The artworks are diverse and truly give you insight into how creative Nigerians can be. It is especially appealing if you're on a budget as admission into the gallery is free. The best part about this stop is that if you find a piece that appeals to you, it is available for purchase!
11:30am: Lekki Conservation Center
This is a 78-hectare natural conservation area that is a must visit for tourists to Lagos. During your visit here you can do activities like the longest canopy walkway in Africa, the boardwalk, see protected animals, and visit its library. It is a gem to nature lovers and thrill seekers alike.
3:00pm Lekki Arts and Craft Market
Also known as Oba Elegushi International Market or Jakande Art Market, this art market consists of sixty or more mini stores selling all types of artwork from gemstones to metal work to furniture that you can purchase as a souvenir from your visit to Lagos. The tip to making a great purchase here is to window shop first to have a general idea of the market's offerings and to bargain heavily as the prices will be inflated. Be prepared to walk away from a price that is too high and start your bargain at 25% of whatever price the vendor gives you. Add some pidgin English to your speech if you know any to sound more like a local when bargaining.
The island section of Lagos being coastal means it is home to many beaches, some more well kept than others. Elegushi is one of the popular beaches and is one of the neatest as it is privately owned. After having an activity-filled day, it is a perfect spot to relax for the evening, watch the sunset, enjoy the water and then head back to the hotel to catch some sleep.
Day 4: Daycation to Omu resort
9am: Arrival
On your last day in Lagos, we're spending some time away from the city center to the multi activity theme park. To beat traffic and arrive early enough that you can enjoy the day, I suggest setting off at 8am. The current entrance prices usually on their website.
Omu Resort Zoo
This is a mini zoo within the resort that houses forty animals and reptiles. It's almost like being on a safari as you can witness things like the lion being fed a live kill.
Omu Resort fun area
The fun area boasts attractions and activities like a mini water park (for kids), archery, park rides, go-karts, quad bikes, paintballing, kayaking, table tennis, and a mini-golf arena. To better preserve the memory of your visit, there are picturesque spots for a photo-op if you are interested.
As you head back to your hotel and prepare for your flight, plan to leave for Ikeja–where the airport is–at least 3 hours earlier than necessary due to the infamous Lagos traffic congestion. There's so much to do in Lagos and so many more parts of it to visit such as the Badagry outskirts where markers of the slave trade can be found. We hope you plan to return for a more extensive visit!
