Lagos is the beating heart of Nigeria—an island-studded megacity where the Atlantic laps at sun-splashed beaches and Afrobeat rhythms spill into the streets. Once a fishing settlement of the Awori Yoruba, Lagos grew into a Portuguese trading post, then the capital of British Nigeria, and today an economic powerhouse pulsing with creativity.

From the longest canopy walk in Africa at Lekki Conservation Centre to the vivid galleries of Nike Art Gallery, you’ll move between modern skylines and deep-rooted heritage. Historic Badagry reveals the sobering Slave Route and the “Point of No Return,” while Makoko’s stilted homes unveil the ingenuity of Lagosians.

Expect fantastic food—spicy suya, smoky jollof, hearty pepper soup—and a nightlife scene fueled by Afrobeats and palm wine. Practical notes: most travelers need a visa (check current rules); Yellow Fever vaccination and proof are often required; ride-hailing apps work well; traffic is intense—leave early and keep plans flexible. Carry some naira for markets; cards are widely accepted at hotels and many restaurants.

Lagos

Lagos is a city of islands—Victoria Island (VI) and Ikoyi are polished and cosmopolitan; Lekki is buzzy and beachy; Lagos Island carries layers of colonial and Brazilian Quarter history; Ikeja anchors the mainland near the airport. Art, music, and markets are everywhere.

• Top sights: Lekki Conservation Centre, Nike Art Gallery, National Museum Lagos, Freedom Park, Cathedral Church of Christ Marina, Brazilian Quarter (Popo Aguda), Lekki Arts & Crafts Market, Tarkwa Bay and Landmark Beach.
• Food highlights: jollof rice, suya (grilled spicy beef), seafood pepper soup, pounded yam with egusi, ofada rice with ayamase (green pepper stew), puff-puff, and zobo hibiscus tea.
• Fun facts: Lagos hosts Africa’s biggest entertainment industry ecosystem—from Afrobeats to Nollywood. “Danfos,” the iconic yellow buses, are moving murals of everyday Lagos life.

Where to stay (VI/Ikoyi for first-timers; Ikeja for quick airport access):

• Design-forward luxury: The Wheatbaker (Ikoyi) — contemporary art-lined spaces and a serene pool; great for quiet nights yet close to VI dining.
• Waterfront comfort: Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos (VI/Ikoyi) — on Five Cowries Creek with breezy decks ideal for sunset drinks.
• Airport convenience: Ibis Lagos Airport or Ibis Lagos Ikeja — practical, reliable bases for late arrivals or early departures.

Browse more stays: VRBO Lagos | Hotels.com Lagos

Getting there: Fly into Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS). From Europe, nonstop flights are often 6–8 hours; from the U.S. East Coast, 10–12 hours (prices vary by season). Search fares on Trip.com Flights, Kiwi.com, or (for Europe-origin travelers) Omio Flights. Taxis and ride-hailing are available; pre-booked private transfers and hotel pickups are recommended for comfort and safety.

Day 1: Arrival, Creekside Sunsets, and Modern Nigerian Plates

Afternoon: Arrive at LOS and transfer to your hotel in VI or Ikoyi. Settle in and swap currency at a reputable exchange or use a bank ATM. For a leg-stretcher, stroll the boardwalks by Five Cowries Creek and watch colorful fishing skiffs drift by.

Evening: Dinner at NOK by Alara (modern West African—think smoky jollof, plantain mosa, and guinea fowl suya) or Yellow Chilli (beloved for seafood okra and goat meat pepper soup). Nightcap at Shiro (Pan-Asian plates and a moody lounge) or Atmosphere Rooftop for skyline views and mellow Afrobeats.

Day 2: Lagos City Highlights with a Private Guide

Let a local expert decode the city’s layers—arts, monuments, and markets—while you relax and focus on the experience.

Lagos City Nigeria Private Full Day Tour

Typical route includes the National Museum (ethnographic treasures and Benin bronzes), Freedom Park (a former colonial prison turned cultural venue), Cathedral Church of Christ and the Brazilian Quarter with Afro-Brazilian architecture. You’ll likely swing by Nike Art Gallery too—five floors of color and craft.

Food & coffee ideas: Pre-tour breakfast at Art Café (excellent cappuccinos, omelets, and house granola). Lunch stop at Terra Kulture for pounded yam and egusi; gelato treat at Hans & Rene. For dinner, book RSVP Lagos (sleek, global menu, strong cocktails) or The Grill by Delis (prime steaks and a refined wine list).

Day 3: Lekki Conservation Centre, Crafts, and Creekside Dining

Morning: Fuel up at Eric Kayser (VI)—fresh croissants and shakshuka—then head to the forested Lekki Conservation Centre. Walk the boardwalks, spot monkeys and peacocks, and brave the famous canopy walkway.

Lekki Conservation Center Extraordinary Tour

Afternoon: Shop for handwoven aso-oke, brass figurines, and Ankara prints at the Lekki Arts & Crafts Market. Then linger at Nike Art Gallery—ask about artist meet-and-greets and batik demos.

Evening: Sunset drinks at Bay Lounge or along the water by the Lagoon; dinner at Cactus (fresh seafood, family-friendly) or Ofadaboy (the namesake ofada rice with rich ayamase stew). Night owls can sample midweek grooves at Moist Beach Club or a live set at Terra Kulture Arena.

Day 4: Full-Day Badagry Black Heritage Route

Leave early for the coastal town of Badagry (about 2–3 hours each way depending on traffic). This is one of West Africa’s most poignant slave trade heritage circuits—expect powerful storytelling and reflective moments.

Slave Trade Tour: Badagry Black Heritage Adventure

You’ll visit the Badagry Slave Museum, the Seriki Williams Abass Slave Museum, the First Storey Building (1845), and cross to Gberefu Island for the evocative “Point of No Return.”

Eating today: Pack snacks and water. Lunch options in Badagry are simple—ask your guide for a spot serving grilled fish or jollof. Back in Lagos, recover with dinner at Jevenik (generous portions of native soups) or Terra Kulture.

Day 5: Beach Day—Tarkwa Bay and Landmark Vibes

Morning: Boat across the harbor to Tarkwa Bay (20–30 minutes from Victoria Island). Rent a cabana, sip coconuts, and swim gentle waves—ideal for families and first-time surfers.

Afternoon: Return for late lunch at Landmark Beach—burger shacks and grills line the shore, with volleyball courts and rentable loungers. Alternatively, catch an indoor session at Upbeat Recreation Centre (trampolines, climbing walls) if it rains.

Evening: Dress up for a Lagos night out: start with dinner at Shiro or RSVP Lagos, then dance to Afrobeats at Club Quilox or a beach party at Oniru (check local listings; weekends go late). Keep valuables minimal; use trusted rides.

Day 6: Markets, Design, and a Creative Night

Morning: Coffee and pancakes at Cafeteria NG, then craft-hunt at the Lekki Arts & Crafts Market or head to Balogun Market for textiles and beads—go with small bills, a secure daypack, and patience for the bustle.

Afternoon: Explore Alara (design concept store) and the gallery scene around VI/Ikoyi; stop for gelato at Hans & Rene. If you love street food, try suya from a reputable stand—ask your concierge or guide for their trusted pick.

Evening: Dinner at Terra Kulture or Yellow Chilli. Cap the night with a creative session—Lagos frequently hosts paint-and-sip classes and intimate live music; ask your hotel about current events and safe venues.

Day 7: Makoko by Canoe, Brunch, and Departure

Morning: Take a respectful, guided visit of Makoko, the “floating community,” by canoe. Go with an operator that prioritizes local consent and gives back to residents; avoid unapproved photo-taking of individuals without permission.

Makoko Floating Community Tour

Afternoon: Brunch at Art Café or Eric Kayser. Pick up last-minute souvenirs—indigo-dyed adire, wooden masks, beaded jewelry—then transfer to the airport for your afternoon departure. If time is tight, consider pre-booking a private transfer through your hotel.

Practical tips for a smoother week

• Traffic: Start early for day trips (Badagry, beaches). Build buffer time around rush hours and flights.
• Money: Carry small denominations of naira for markets; use cards at hotels and many restaurants. Tip service staff when appropriate.
• Connectivity: Local SIMs (e.g., MTN, Airtel) are inexpensive; bring a passport for registration. Power can fluctuate—pack a power bank and a universal adapter.
• Safety: Stick to reputable transport, avoid flashy jewelry, and follow local guidance from your hotel and guide.

Quick Booking Hub

• Flights: Trip.com | Kiwi.com | Omio (Europe flights)
• Hotels: The Wheatbaker | Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos | Ibis Lagos Airport | Ibis Lagos Ikeja | Hotels.com Lagos | VRBO Lagos

Optional add-ons (time permitting): Half-day market immersion, an Afrobeats studio history walk, or a craft workshop at a local atelier. Families can add Omu Resort (zoo, rides) on the Lekki-Epe axis.

In one week, you’ll see Lagos from the treetops of Lekki to the shores of Tarkwa, trace the Badagry slave route, and feel the city’s artistic heartbeat. Come hungry, stay curious, and let the city’s energy carry you from brunch to beach to the dance floor.