Lagos Travel Guide
Introduction to Lagos
Home to over 17 million people, Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria and Western Africa. As intimidating as this place can seem given this fact and pictures one can find on the internet of this megalopolis, it has plenty of attractions worth seeing. Once you arrive on the ground here, you will find that Lagos is not nearly as dangerous as the media often leads people to believe. With common sense precautions, you have a good visit here at the start or end of a trip to Western Africa.
Once you arrive on the ground here, you will find that Lagos is not nearly as dangerous as the media often leads people to believe. With common sense precautions, you have a good visit here at the start or end of a trip to Western Africa.
Once you arrive on the ground here, you will find that Lagos is not nearly as dangerous as the media often leads people to believe. With common sense precautions, you have a good visit here at the start or end of a trip to Western Africa.
Cultural Attractions in Lagos
Once you have gotten settled in Lagos, make the Nigerian National Museum your first destination. In this institution, you will find artifacts and works of art that tell the story of a nation and highlights the evolution of its culture through the ages.
Founded by British archaeologist Ken Murray in the late 1950’s, it has gathered many stunning specimens over the years, including the Jemaa Head, a terra cotta bust that was made between the 9th and the 2nd century BCE. The museum’s many knowledgeable guides are perhaps this place’s best asset, so don’t be shy when it comes to asking questions about Nigeria’s past.
Next, head over to the Cathedral Church of Christ, which is located on Marina Street. As the largest and oldest Anglican cathedral in Nigeria, its picturesque appearance makes it a great place to come and celebrate Mass while travelling in Nigeria and West Africa.
Be sure to check out the stained glass windows within, as some of the panels are slated to be taken out for maintenance reasons in the coming years.
Those wanting to experience the best art on offer in Lagos and Nigeria in the modern age will want to spend some time exploring the galleries located within the Nike Art Centre. Containing over 8,000 portraits, sculptures, and drawings, it is a testament to the artistic creativity of the people in this country.
Spread out over five floors and with a stark white interior, the brilliance of the paintings, intricately carved wood sculptures, and other works will impress culturally-attuned visitors, so don’t miss this place while you are in Nigeria’s largest city.
Other Attractions in Lagos
Want a respite from the busyness of the streets of Lagos while learning more about its past history? Check out Freedom Park. Formerly the grounds of Her Majesty’s prison on Broad Street, it was constructed to celebrate 50 years of Nigerian independence, which was granted to this country by Britain in 1910.
On a near daily basis, visitors can enjoy live music, spoken word poets, and other forms of entertainment, in addition to the sight of everyday citizens of Lagos exercising and enjoying the serenity of this place amid the controlled chaos that reigns elsewhere in this city.
If you need to pick up some souvenirs or a memento of your trip to Nigeria, a tour through the Lekki Market will help you find the perfect gifts for yourself or a loved one. A popular crafts market (although fruit and veg stands can also be found too), there are plenty of bracelets, necklaces, wood carvings, tribal masks, and other handicrafts available for sale within the bounds of this market.
If you have time, there are also seamstresses who can custom tailor clothing for you, who if you are short on shorts, pants, shirts, or anything else, look into getting some made for a fraction of what you would pay for something new.
Had enough of the busy city streets of Lagos? Follow the locals to Elegushi Beach on a nice day. To be fair, this isn’t most serene place – if you want that, hire a car and drive 60 kilometres east to Eleko Beach. If you go to Elegushi Beach, you are going for the social scene, as it is crowded, especially on the weekend.
Once you are there, the sea breeze, vendors selling everything from beer to fish and chips, and the sights and sounds of Lagos residents making the most of their time off from work will be your primary source of enjoyment here.
