Welcome to Lagos—where the hustle is loud, the fashion is louder, and the energy? Unmatched. Lagos doesn’t wait for you to warm up; it grabs you by the hand and throws you into its beautiful chaos. It’s a city of contrast and culture, where skyscrapers kiss the clouds just a few minutes away from bubbling street markets, where traffic is therapy and the rhythm of Afrobeat fills the air like perfume.
But beyond the Lagos you hear about—the crowded roads, the 24/7 grind, the infamous Danfo buses—lies a city pulsing with creativity, soul, and stories waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re in town for a quick visit or settling in for a longer adventure, these ten attractions offer a fast track into the heart of Eko.
So wear your comfiest shoes, bring your curiosity, charge that phone, and keep an open mind. Here’s your Lagos starter pack:
1. Nike Art Gallery (Lekki)
Best for: Art lovers, culture chasers, and anyone who believes in the power of colour.
Step into five floors of pure visual magic. Nike Art Gallery is one of the largest of its kind in West Africa, boasting over 20,000 pieces—everything from Adire textiles to sprawling oil paintings, beadwork, sculpture, and traditional crafts. It’s a love letter to Nigerian art, housed in a white building that feels sacred and alive at the same time.
Don’t miss: Chief Nike herself. If you’re lucky, she might be around—dressed in her signature Ankara, welcoming guests and sharing stories about her journey, Yoruba art, and womanhood.
2. Lekki Conservation Centre (Lekki)
Best for: Nature lovers, bird watchers, and those in desperate need of a breather.
Who says Lagos is only concrete and chaos? LCC is a rare slice of greenery tucked into the urban jungle. Home to peacocks, monkeys, exotic birds, and the longest canopy walkway in Africa, it’s a place to literally rise above it all.
Don’t miss: The treehouse climb and the canopy walk—if you’re afraid of heights, now’s the time to conquer it. And yes, bring insect repellent.
3. Tarkwa Bay Beach (Accessible by boat)
Best for: Beach bums, water babies, surfers, and lovers of calm.
Getting to Tarkwa Bay is an experience in itself. You’ll need to take a boat—either from CMS or Victoria Island—and once you step on the shore, it feels like you’ve left Lagos behind. Clean waters, soft sand, and an almost surreal calmness.
Don’t miss: A sunrise swim, beachside coconut sipping, and chatting with local artisans who sell handmade jewellery and art.
4. National Museum Lagos (Onikan)
Best for: History buffs, curious minds, and lovers of the past.
The building may not be flashy, but the treasures inside are priceless. From Benin Bronzes to Yoruba ceremonial relics, this museum holds a significant chunk of Nigeria’s story. It’s not perfect, but it’s important.
Don’t miss: A guided tour. Seriously. The guides here are full of knowledge and unfiltered truths.
5. JK Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture & History (Onikan)
Best for: Heritage enthusiasts and lovers of modern storytelling.
This new cultural hub is the perfect blend of past and future. With sleek architecture, digital exhibitions, and curated talks, it brings Yoruba history to life in a way that’s both Instagrammable and intellectually rich.
Don’t miss: Their immersive Yoruba cosmology exhibitions. And if you can catch a film screening or panel, even better.
6. Freedom Park (Lagos Island)
Best for: Poets, rebels, creatives, and history lovers.
Once a colonial prison, now a garden of expression. Freedom Park is a tranquil space with a powerful past. It’s where concerts meet protests, and art meets memory. A haven for Lagos creatives, this park has seen everything from music festivals to spoken word battles.
Don’t miss: The food court and live music events. There’s something deeply poetic about sipping palm wine where prisoners once stood.
7. Terra Kulture (Victoria Island)
Best for: Theatre lovers, foodies, and culture connoisseurs.
Think Broadway meets buka. Terra Kulture is one of Lagos’ most iconic cultural centres. Here, you can catch thought-provoking Nigerian plays, explore a contemporary art gallery, and feast on rich, spicy jollof—without ever leaving the building.
Don’t miss: Sunday brunch and a stage play. Bonus points if it’s a Bolanle Austen-Peters production.
8. The Upside Down House (Lekki)
Best for: Families, photo-lovers, and anyone who loves a quirky twist.
Ever walked into a room where the furniture is stuck to the ceiling? The Upside Down House is one giant illusion designed for fun, disorientation, and the perfect photo op. It’s part attraction, part visual trickery, and entirely fun.
Don’t miss: Dressing in solid colours for bold contrast in your photos. And yes, go with friends—it’s more fun that way.
9. Balogun Market (Lagos Island)
Best for: Bargain hunters, fashionistas, and adventure seekers.
This market is not for the faint of heart. Balogun is Lagos in its rawest form—loud, energetic, and alive. It stretches across several streets, packed with stalls selling everything. From lace fabrics and Aso-Ebi to kitchenware and street snacks.
Don’t miss: Lace and Ankara fabric stalls. Go early, go with a local, and don’t wear your Sunday best.
10. The New Afrika Shrine (Ikeja)
Best for: Music lovers, Afrobeat purists, and night owls.
No Lagos experience is complete without a pilgrimage to the New Afrika Shrine. Built in honour of Fela Kuti, it’s a cultural institution where music meets activism, and everything from police brutality to Pan-Africanism gets tackled over live saxophone.
Don’t miss: Femi Kuti’s legendary Sunday night shows. Don’t bother dressing up—come as you are. Just be ready to sweat, shout, and feel.
