Lagos the beautiful, energetic heart of Nigeria and arguably the most vibrant city in the whole of Africa. With a population of over 21 million people squeezed into an area of less than 1,200 square kilometers, this city pulses with energy 24/7. The diversity here is incredible, with representation from over 250 ethnic groups all calling Lagos home.
So you’re considering visiting Lagos? Whether you’re coming for business, leisure, or a bit of both, here are some things you should know to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
Language: Communication Made Easy
Despite the immense diversity in one city, English is the official language in the whole of Nigeria. Though in some Nigerian cities you might still struggle, in Lagos virtually everyone speaks and understands English. So when it comes to communication, you’ve got no problem here.
This makes navigating the city, booking accommodations, and interacting with locals significantly easier. Whether you’re checking into one of the hotels in Oniru, exploring dining options, or asking for directions, you’ll find that language barriers are minimal.
Weather: Pack Light and Stay Hydrated
What can I say? It is always summer in Lagos. In fact, it is always summer in the whole of Nigeria. However, sometimes it gets really hot. The mean high temperatures range from 28.3 to 32.9 degrees Celsius.
You might want to consider going around with your water bottle. I’d also advise some air conditioning, be it in your car or where you’ll be living. When searching for hotels in Lekki Phase 1, hotels in VI, or the best hotels in Oniru, make sure air conditioning is a standard feature. Proof Hotel & Lounge, for instance, maintains excellent climate control throughout the property, ensuring your comfort regardless of the outdoor temperature.
Culture: Vibrant, Welcoming, and Always Alive
Lagosians are happy to welcome foreigners. With a friendly culture comes a love for going out, dancing, and having a good time. The nightlife in Lagos is also very vibrant—in fact, the nightclubs never shut down.
Lagos is also the heart of the Nigerian filmmaking industry, also known as Nollywood. Afrobeat has become very popular around the world, and most of this music is influenced by the culture in Lagos.
The city’s food and eateries are also equally diverse, with a broad selection of international and local dishes to feast on. Lagos has a number of sandy beaches by the Atlantic Ocean, including Elegushi Beach, Alpha Beach, and a number of private beach resorts.
Where to Stay for the Best Experience: When choosing between hotels in Oniru, hotels in Lekki Phase 1, or hotels in VI, consider proximity to these cultural hotspots. Oniru, in particular, offers the perfect balance—you’re minutes away from beaches, nightlife, and restaurants. Proof Hotel & Lounge’s location in Oniru positions you at the center of Lagos’s entertainment and leisure scene, while still maintaining a peaceful, upscale atmosphere.
Safety: Be Smart, Not Scared
Now, if you’re a foreigner, Lagos is not one of those cities you fly into solo without some preparation. Though the security in Lagos is way better than most parts of Nigeria, in some areas you still need to be extra cautious, especially if you have a different skin color or a foreign accent.
Here’s the thing: there is a glaring inequality in Lagos, where the reaches of the rich seem worlds away from the majority of the population. Though the poverty rate in Lagos (8.5%) is way less than Nigeria as a whole, there are still about 1.3 million people living in extreme poverty in Lagos, as compared to the 6,000 millionaires in the city.
Add to this the fact that the ratio of police to population in Nigeria is one to 540 (as opposed to the United Nations recommendation of one to 450), and you can see the security challenge. What’s worse? Over 80% of policemen are attached to either private businesses, multinational companies, corporate organizations, government officials, and so on. You’re left with just 20% attached to actual civic duties of guarding peace and protecting the lives of citizens.
Smart Accommodation Choices: This is precisely why choosing the right neighborhood and hotel matters tremendously. The top 10 hotels in Lekki Phase 1 and the best hotels in Oniru typically invest heavily in private security. Proof Hotel & Lounge, for example, maintains 24-hour security, CCTV surveillance, and secure parking—giving you peace of mind throughout your stay. When comparing hotels in VI or hotels in Lekki Phase 1, always verify their security measures before booking.
You might want to be careful not to get yourself severely injured. Here’s the thing: just like every part of Nigeria, healthcare is free in Lagos, but… you know… you might want to spend a little bit more money on private care. For extremely serious medical issues, you might want to consider going out of the country.
Consider this: the current president, since assuming office in 2023, has had several medical trips to the UK.
Hotel Amenities Matter: When staying at quality hotels in Oniru or hotels in Lekki Phase 1 like Proof Hotel & Lounge, ask about their relationships with nearby private clinics and hospitals. Good hotels maintain partnerships with reputable medical facilities and can arrange immediate care if needed.
Electricity and Water: The Reality Check
Unfortunately, power cuts occur quite often. In Lagos, generators and power inverters are necessary for both doing business and maintaining one’s household. Unfortunately, the generators sometimes cause serious noise pollution and could be a serious nuisance.
For clean water supply, you’ll most likely have to rely on privately dug boreholes.
Why Hotel Infrastructure Matters: This is where staying at established hotels in Oniru, hotels in VI, or the top 10 hotels in Lekki Phase 1 becomes invaluable. Properties like Proof Hotel & Lounge have invested in:
- Industrial-grade generators for uninterrupted power supply
- Soundproofing to minimize generator noise
- Private boreholes with advanced water treatment systems
- Backup systems for backup systems
You shouldn’t have to worry about these infrastructure challenges during your stay. When researching hotels in Lekki Phase 1 or the best hotels in Oniru, always ask about their power and water backup systems. At Proof Hotel, uninterrupted utilities are standard, not luxury.
Lagos Traffic: The Great Equalizer
Lagos traffic is a different ballgame, and driving in the city could be tricky. Best advice for you: get yourself a local to drive you around, or use ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber.
Keep in the back of your mind that traffic can sometimes be very unpredictable. So for your commute, add an extra hour or two… or maybe three… sometimes four.
Strategic Location Saves Time and Money: This is where location becomes everything. Hotels in VI might seem central for business, but you could spend hours in traffic getting to leisure spots. Hotels in Lekki Phase 1 offer good access to business areas but may leave you far from beaches and top restaurants.
Hotels in Oniru, particularly Proof Hotel & Lounge, offer the sweet spot—you’re positioned between business districts and leisure destinations. Morning meeting in VI? You’re 15-20 minutes away (outside rush hour). Want to hit the beach after work? You’re walking distance from Elegushi Beach and Oniru Private Beach. Evening drinks and dinner? Dozens of top restaurants and lounges are within 5-10 minutes.
When travelers search for the best hotels in Oniru or compare the top 10 hotels in Lekki Phase 1, location efficiency should be a primary consideration. Time is money in Lagos, and strategic positioning saves you both.
Where Should You Actually Stay?
Given everything we’ve discussed—safety, infrastructure, traffic, proximity to attractions—your accommodation choice becomes critical to your Lagos experience.
Comparing Your Options:
Hotels in VI (Victoria Island):
- Pros: Close to corporate offices and banks
- Cons: Heavy traffic, limited leisure options, can feel too business-focused
Hotels in Lekki Phase 1:
- Pros: Upscale residential area, good restaurants
- Cons: Can be far from beaches, still faces traffic challenges
- Note: The top 10 hotels in Lekki Phase 1 vary widely in quality—research thoroughly
Hotels in Oniru:
- Pros: Beach access, vibrant nightlife, excellent restaurants, balanced location
- Cons: Can be pricey (but worth it for the experience)
- Best Choice: The best hotels in Oniru like Proof Hotel & Lounge offer comprehensive solutions to all the challenges mentioned above
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Lagos Responsibly
So these are some of the pros and cons you need to consider when traveling to Lagos. One thing I can say: it is a fun city to visit. However, enjoy responsibly.
Lagos offers incredible energy, culture, food, music, and opportunities. The key to enjoying it all is proper planning—especially when it comes to where you’ll stay.
Whether you’re comparing the top 10 hotels in Lekki Phase 1, researching the best hotels in Oniru, or evaluating hotels in VI, remember that your accommodation isn’t just about a place to sleep. It’s about having a safe, comfortable base from which to explore one of Africa’s most exciting cities.
Ready to experience Lagos without the wahala?
Book your stay at Proof Hotel & Lounge in Oniru and let us handle the infrastructure challenges while you focus on enjoying everything Lagos has to offer.
Was this information helpful? If you’re a Lagosian or have visited Lagos in the past, please let me know if there are some things I left out. Drop a comment below with your experiences, especially regarding accommodation in Oniru, Lekki Phase 1, or VI. Your insights help fellow travelers make better decisions!
Visit Proof Hotel & Lounge today for a seamless Lagos experience.
