Nigeria is West Africa’s cultural powerhouse—home to over 250 ethnic groups, Nollywood, and a music scene that pulses from highlife to Afrobeats. From the coastal sprawl of Lagos to the green, boulder-strewn hills of Abuja, the country rewards the curious with art-filled afternoons, vibrant markets, and plates piled high with jollof, suya, and pepper soup.

History is never far away. You’ll walk the poignant slave route at Badagry, climb treetop bridges at Lekki Conservation Centre, and visit landmark mosques and cathedrals in the capital. In Lagos, galleries and concept stores spotlight contemporary African design; in Abuja, wide boulevards and granite outcrops give the city a calm, spacious rhythm.

Practical notes: Check your visa requirements and bring proof of yellow fever vaccination. Ride-hailing and hotel taxis are common; traffic in Lagos can be heavy, so start early. Cards are widely accepted in hotels and many restaurants, but carry some naira for markets. Always follow local guidance and current travel advisories.

Lagos

Lagos is Nigeria’s creative engine: art galleries in Lekki, live music in Ikeja and Ikoyi, and Atlantic beaches where Lagosians unwind on weekends. It’s kinetic and endlessly inventive—expect impromptu pop-ups, design-forward boutiques, and some of the best contemporary African cuisine anywhere.

• Top sights: Nike Art Gallery (one of West Africa’s largest), Lekki Conservation Centre (Africa’s longest canopy walkway), Freedom Park, National Museum, and the Lekki Arts & Crafts Market.
• Food to try: jollof rice, ofada stew, fresh seafood, suya skewers, and palm wine. For dessert, Lagosians love artisanal gelato.
• Getting in: Fly into Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS). Compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. For a smooth arrival, consider a private transfer: Airport Transfer Service One way.

Where to stay (Lagos): Search stays on VRBO Lagos or Hotels.com Lagos. Tried-and-true picks include The Wheatbaker (Ikoyi boutique with a notable art collection), Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos (waterfront VI address), value-friendly Ibis Lagos Ikeja or Ibis Lagos Airport, and coastal retreat Jara Beach Resort for a tonic day or two by the Atlantic.

Day 1: Arrival in Lagos, Artful Evening

Afternoon: Arrive at LOS and transfer to your hotel. Shake off the flight with a gentle stroll around Ikoyi or Victoria Island. If time allows, pop into a concept boutique to glimpse Lagos’s fashion-forward side.

Evening: Book dinner at NOK by Alara for a modern take on West African flavors—think smoky suya-spiced beef, grilled seafood, and plantain three ways. For gelato and sorbets, Hans & René is a local favorite. Nightcap at 355 Restaurant & Lounge VI or Bogobiri House for live acoustic sets.

Day 2: Lagos History, Culture, and City Icons

Morning: Coffee and eggs at Art Café (VI) or a flat white at Café Neo. Head to the National Museum to see Nok terracottas and ethnographic treasures, then wander Freedom Park—once a colonial prison, now a lively arts venue.

Afternoon: Lunch at Yellow Chilli for smoky jollof, seafood okra, and ofada rice. Continue to Nike Art Gallery, a soaring, multi-floor trove of paintings, textiles, and sculpture; ask about live workshops. If you prefer a guided overview, consider this curated city sampler: 7 hour Lagos City Tour.

Evening: Dinner at Terra Kulture for classic soups, pounded yam, and grilled fish—and check the schedule for theater or spoken word. If you’re up for more, stop by an Afrobeats lounge in VI for a taste of the city’s famed nightlife.

Day 3: Nature in Lekki, Markets, and Live Music

Morning: Early start to beat the heat at Lekki Conservation Centre. Walk boardwalks through mangroves and take on Africa’s longest canopy bridge for sweeping views. Bookable option: Lekki Conservation Center Extraordinary Tour.

Afternoon: Refuel with seafood at The Grill by Delis or grilled tiger prawns at Lagoon Restaurant’s breezy deck. Then browse the Lekki Arts & Crafts Market for woven baskets, Ankara fabrics, and hand-carved masks—haggle with a smile.

Evening: Bole (roasted plantain) and fish from a reputable grill spot, or a sit-down dinner at NOK if you missed it on Day 1. For music, consider New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja for Afrobeat lineage and energetic sets; check the night’s performance calendar.

Day 4: Badagry Black Heritage Day Trip

Spend a full day tracing the transatlantic slave trade at Badagry, once a major slaving port. Visit the Slave Museum, Seriki Williams Abass’s Brazilian Barracoon, the Point of No Return, and local heritage sites that humanize four centuries of history. This is one of the most moving experiences you can have in Nigeria—go with a knowledgeable guide and allow time for reflection.

Recommended tour: The Black Heritage - Badagry Tour.

Back in the city, keep dinner light—pepper soup or suya skewers—and rest up for tomorrow’s flight.

Abuja

Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, trades coastal bustle for boulevards, monumental architecture, and rolling granite outcrops. It’s a city built for big skies and wide-angle views—Aso Rock rising to the south, Zuma Rock looming to the north.

• Top sights: Aso Rock viewpoints, Millennium Park (by Santiago Calatrava), the National Mosque, National Christian Centre, and galleries showcasing contemporary Nigerian art.
• Food scene: from Nigerian “bukka” buffets to Middle Eastern grills and long-loved Indian spots; cafés and bookshops make for cozy mornings.
• Getting there from Lagos: 1h 15–30m nonstop flight LOS → ABV; budget 45–60m for airport formalities on each end. Compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com.

Where to stay (Abuja): Browse VRBO Abuja or compare hotels on Hotels.com Abuja. Aim for Maitama, Wuse 2, or Central Area for easy access to cafés, parks, and main sights.

Day 5: Fly Lagos → Abuja, Monuments and Green Spaces

Morning: Early flight to Abuja (LOS → ABV). Typical fares range from ~$50–$120 one-way, flight time ~1h 20m; book via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Check in and freshen up.

Afternoon: Begin with Millennium Park’s lawns and shady walkways, then admire the geometric grandeur of the National Mosque and the soaring National Christian Centre (be respectful of services and photography rules). For a guided overview that strings together the highlights, consider the Abuja City Tour - Discover Nigeria's Capital.

Evening: Dinner at Nkoyo (Ceddi Plaza) for elevated Nigerian classics—try the fisherman’s okra or goat meat pepper soup. For a nightcap, the Transcorp area has lounges and hotel bars with live piano or soft jazz.

Day 6: Hills, Views, and Art

Morning: Lace up for a photogenic hike that frames Abuja’s skyline from above. This guided option includes citywide vistas and photo stops: Hike The Wonderland Mountain Abuja.

Afternoon: Brunch or coffee at The Cube Café (Maitama) or Salamander Café (bookshop vibes). Browse galleries and design stores; if you’re keen on textiles, ask about local indigo (adire) and contemporary printmakers.

Evening: Feast at Wakkis—its open-fire kitchen perfumes the room with smoky tandoor and grill aromas, and it’s been an Abuja favorite for years. Or go Nigerian buffet-style at Bukka (Transcorp Hilton) for a wide sweep of regional dishes.

Day 7: Lakeside Morning, Markets, Departure

Morning: An easy walk along Jabi Lake for a final breath of Abuja’s fresh air, followed by pastries and espresso at a city café. Stop by Wuse Market for textiles, beaded jewelry, baskets, and everyday Nigerian life.

Afternoon: Quick lunch—try a plate of jollof with grilled chicken or a light salad—then transfer to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) for your afternoon flight. If you’re continuing elsewhere in Africa, compare routes on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: In case of a late flight, squeeze in a final gallery stop or tea at a hotel lounge before check-in. Keep some small cash for souvenirs and airport snacks.

Optional Lagos Add-Ons (fit into Days 2–3 if desired)

For an eye-opening window onto lagoon life, join the Makoko Floating Community Tour—canoes glide through stilt-house neighborhoods as guides explain daily rhythms and community history.

Good to know: Lagos traffic can be unpredictable; plan buffer time for airport runs and tours. Dress modestly for religious and heritage sites. Hydrate, use sunscreen, and bring insect repellent for outdoor days.

Wherever you base, you can always browse more Lagos stays on VRBO and Hotels.com; and Abuja options via VRBO and Hotels.com. In Lagos, these vetted picks are popular with travelers: The Wheatbaker, Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos, Ibis Lagos Ikeja, and Jara Beach Resort.

Safety and transport: Use hotel-arranged cars or ride-hailing; avoid flashing valuables; and keep photocopies of ID. For structured days (especially Badagry and Makoko), guided tours add context and logistics support.

Summary: In a week, you’ll feel Lagos’s creative heartbeat, walk above rainforests, reckon with history in Badagry, and breathe in Abuja’s wide horizons. The mix of food, art, nature, and story makes Nigeria a destination you’ll want to return to—next time, perhaps adding Calabar, Kano, or the highlands of Jos.