Today, we talk about Lagos, Nigeria, and what life is like now. Maybe you’ve left, maybe you’re thinking of relocating back. If you have any interest in learning more about what life is like now, check out our articles.
Today, we want to talk about the 10 fun things to do in Lagos, Nigeria, on the island.
These are the list of things that I personally experienced that I think you should check out when you come to Lagos, Nigeria.
1. Watch a Nigerian Movie at a Cinema
You need to visit a movie theater in Lagos and actually watch a Nigerian movie. It’s a complete experience. The movie theater we went to is called Genesis Cinema, located in The Palms Shopping Mall. The movie theater experience is completely different than what it is now for some who left when they were a kid. The Palms Shopping Mall has the movie theater. It is one of the places I frequented the most. For comfort, ensure you book your accommodation in Lekki ahead of time.
2. Walk, Jog, or Hike the Ikoyi Link Bridge
If you’re a runner, or you like to walk or hike, or you’re a little bit outdoorsy, check out the Ikoyi Link Bridge. It is probably the most photographed place in Lagos, Nigeria. It connects the Lekki Phase One area to the Ikoyi district of Lagos. You can go walk there and see quite a few active, healthy people jogging there in the morning or in the evening. It’s very safe, very secure, and has become like a tourist attraction place.If you plan to jog or visit, ensure you stay nearby in the Lekki Phase One area.
3. Eat Local, Traditional Nigerian Food
There’s no way you come to Lagos and you don’t eat all the amazing food. You definitely need to go and check out Lagos fast food.
- Restaurants to Check Out: Buka Hut, The Place, and Calabar Kitchen are a few examples.
- Must-Order Items: Definitely order fufu or jollof rice at least, these are the popular items. Fufu is called “swallow” and you eat it with different sauce, like egusi, efo, or okra.
- Conservative Choice: Try the jollof rice with some fried plantain and then some chicken.
4. Try Suya
You have to eat suya (S-U-Y-A). It’s a thinly sliced beef skewer that is put on a stick. There are different types: ram suya, chicken, regular meats, liver, and kidney. The tozo (the fatty part) is so tender and so good. They add a little bit of a spicy powder seasoning afterwards. You need to try it at least once.
- Favorite Suya Spots on the Island: Glover Court Suya (G-L-O-V-E-R) and Buka Hut (which has a suya place on the outside of the restaurant).
5. Visit the Market and Try Street Food
You have to visit the market. Just go and try to order some sort of street food.
- Street Food Examples: Roasted plantains, roasted corn, popular local native fruits like agbalumo, or fried yam.
- Experience: It’s such an amazing experience interacting with the vendors. I just like feeling the energy and the vibe of the city. It’s fun to kind of negotiate with the market ladies
6. Escape to Lufasi Nature Park
While many talk about the Lekki Conservation Center, check out something that is not as popular: Lufasi Nature Park (L-U-F-A-S-I-L-U-N). It’s an escape where you can go into nature and enjoy it.
- Park Features: Playground for kids, a little basketball court, little activities.
- Nature & Wildlife: You can hike between the forest. It’s very green with a lot of palm trees. Check out the lake area. They have monkeys, goats, donkeys that you can feed, and little ducks running around.
- Main Reason to Go: To just escape, go hiking, and take a break from the hustle and bustle of Lagos
If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle, consider a stay at the best hotel in Lekki to relax after your hike.
7. Enjoy Landmark Beach
Landmark Beach is one of my favorite beaches. You can go and lounge and chill and enjoy the waves, or hang out in the water area.You have to pay to get in, but it’s totally worth it to have a clean beach. If you want a full, organized trip, consider booking the best hotel in Lekki.
- Activities: You can partake in activities on the side of the beach like paintball, basketball, golf. There are party stations for cabanas.
- Vibe: You can go there to party, socialize, or completely disconnect closer to the waves. It has everything for everybody.
- Good to Know: It is African, Nigerian-owned, African ran. It is a private beach and you will have to pay to get in, about 2,000 Naira. Reserve ahead of time if you want a lounger or some cabana.
8. Explore the Lekki Arts and Craft Market
You need to check out the Lekki Arts and Craft Market
- Items: They have potteries, necklaces, art, painting, clothes, and bags—all Afrocentric things.
- Experience: It’s fun to just go walk around. There are so many vendors, so many talented people. It really added to my experience of going into Lagos.
9. Relax or Turn Up at The Bay Lounge
If you want to go on a date night or you just want to turn up a little bit or just want to relax, go to the bar, grab some cocktails, and hang out with some friends. I would recommend The Bay Lounge.
- Venue: It’s a waterfront area. It has little cabanas that you can lounge and hang out.
- Nightlife: At night they sometimes have live music. You can go drink, dance, and hang out. They have karaoke and a full scale restaurant there.
10. Shop at The Palms Shopping Mall
Finally, I think that you should check out the mall. It’s a good experience for you to actually see what a mall is like in Lagos, Nigeria.
- Mall Frequented: The one that I frequented the most is called Palms Shopping Mall.
- Features: It has a grocery store in there. It has a lot of phone companies in there. It has the movie theater (Genesis Cinema). It has all types of restaurants, places you can get small bites, clothes shopping, and a pharmacy.
This list is predominantly the things that I think you should check out when you’re on the island. I just wanted to compile the 10 fun things that I did that I think you should check out when you come to Lagos, Nigeria. The things that I did and that I had fun, that I had a good experience doing.
If you enjoyed the list that I compiled, make sure to like this post. If you know of anybody going to Lagos, Nigeria, soon, share this with them so we can enhance their experience. Thank you so much for reading.
