Nigeria's commercial capital and most populous city. The engine of Nigeria's economy, culture, and entertainment industry. Home to Nollywood, Africa's largest film industry, and a sprawling megacity of over 21 million in its metro area.
Top things to do in Lagos State.
Lekki Conservation Centre
Lekki, Lagos IslandA 78-hectare / 193-acre urban nature sanctuary managed by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation. The centrepiece is Africa's longest canopy walkway - a suspended boardwalk stretching 401 metres / 1,316 feet through the forest canopy at heights of up to 22 metres / 72 feet, offering rare aerial views of the wetland ecosystem. The reserve is home to green mambas, monitor lizards, chameleons, and over 60 species of birds. It represents one of the last remnants of natural wetland within Lagos's rapidly urbanising landscape and provides a vital ecological corridor. An essential visit for wildlife and nature enthusiasts who want to experience natural Nigeria without leaving the city.
Nike Art Gallery
Lekki, LagosFounded by master textile artist Nike Davies-Okundaye, the Nike Art Gallery in Lekki is one of Africa's largest and most significant repositories of contemporary Nigerian and African art. The multi-storey building houses over 8,000 artworks spanning painting, batik, tie-dye, weaving, beadwork, bronze casting, and sculpture. The gallery actively supports emerging Nigerian artists and hosts free art training programmes for children and youth. It functions simultaneously as a museum, commercial gallery, and living cultural centre. Davies-Okundaye has been described as the 'mother of arts' in Nigeria, and this gallery is her greatest legacy - a vibrant, constantly evolving celebration of Nigerian creative expression.
Badagry Heritage Museum
Badagry, LagosThe Badagry Heritage Museum stands as a solemn and essential monument to one of history's darkest chapters. Located in the historic town of Badagry - a major transatlantic slave trade port from the 16th to 19th centuries - the museum documents the capture, incarceration, and forced export of West African peoples to the Americas. Exhibits include the original slave cells (still structurally intact), shackles, branding irons, and historical records of the trade. The nearby 'Point of No Return' on the Badagry waterfront marks the exact location where enslaved Africans were loaded onto ships. A profoundly moving and historically vital destination.
National Theatre Lagos
Iganmu, Lagos MainlandThe National Theatre is one of Nigeria's most iconic and instantly recognisable buildings. Constructed in 1977 in preparation for the FESTAC '77 - the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture - the building's distinctive helmet or military cap silhouette has become a symbol of Nigerian cultural ambition. The complex houses a main auditorium seating 5,000, a cinema, an art gallery, and studio spaces. A major renovation completed in 2022 has restored much of its former glory. It remains one of sub-Saharan Africa's largest performing arts facilities and a defining landmark of Nigerian modernist architecture.
Freedom Park
Lagos IslandFreedom Park occupies the site of the old Broad Street Prison - a colonial-era detention facility where Nigerian independence activists including Herbert Macaulay were held. Converted into a cultural and entertainment space and reopened in 2010, the park preserves the original prison architecture - including cells, a guard tower, and perimeter walls - while repurposing the grounds as an outdoor concert venue, gallery, restaurant space, and memorial to Nigeria's independence struggle. The contrast between the colonial stone of the old prison and the open, festive atmosphere of modern Lagos makes this an unusually rich heritage experience in the heart of Lagos Island.
J. Randle Centre for Yorùbá Culture and History
Onikan Roundabout, Lagos Island, LagosA dedicated Yoruba cultural museum and creative hub at Onikan, Lagos Island. The centre brings together permanent and rotating exhibitions on Yoruba history, material culture, and contemporary creative expression under a single curatorial framework - the 'Yorùbá Create' programme. It supports community engagement, scholarly research, artist residencies, and educational programming for children and youth. Admission is ₦5,000 for adults; children under 10 enter free. Open Wednesday through Monday, 10am to 6pm; closed Tuesdays for maintenance. One of the most intentional cultural institutions in Lagos and a strong counterpoint to the city's commercial pace.
Upside Down House at Landmark Lagos
Water Corporation Road, Victoria Island, LagosThe first upside-down house in West Africa, located inside the Landmark Lagos coastal complex on Victoria Island. Every room is built and furnished in full inversion - furniture fixed to the ceiling, walls at gravity-defying angles - creating a disorienting, playful environment designed for photos and family entertainment. The attraction is part of the wider Landmark Lagos development which includes Landmark Beach and the events complex, making it an easy add-on to any Victoria Island itinerary. Open daily from 10am to 8pm. A straightforward, high-energy Lagos experience well-suited to families and groups.
Eyo Festival
Lagos IslandLagos Island's iconic masquerade procession, where Eyo masquerades in flowing white robes and broad hats fill the streets carrying staffs (opambata). A centuries-old Yoruba tradition historically staged to honour a departed Oba or notable, it transforms Lagos Island into a sea of white.
Climate, month by month.
What to wear, by season.
Light breathable tops
Same as dry season. November is warm and increasingly dry.
Versatile layer
Evening temperatures dip slightly in November. One light cardigan covers the transition.
Light breathable tops
Cotton or linen. Humidity stays 65-78% even in dry season. Synthetics trap sweat quickly outdoors.
Light trousers or midi dress
Avoid shorts for evening events on the island. Most venues and beach clubs apply a smart-casual standard.
Sun protection
UV Index 7-9 in December. Hat and SPF 50 for outdoor daytime activity, especially on the water at Tarkwa Bay or Elegushi.
Light layer for AC venues
Restaurants and event spaces on the island run aggressive air conditioning. A light cardigan or linen shirt prevents the temperature shock.
Waterproof rain jacket
Light packable jacket that folds into a bag. Umbrella alone is insufficient in Lagos downpours.
Waterproof shoes or sandals
Avoid suede or canvas. Streets flood regularly in Surulere, Oshodi, and parts of the mainland.
Quick-dry clothing
Cotton takes too long to dry in Lagos humidity. Linen or moisture-wicking fabrics are better options.
Heavy-duty rain jacket or poncho
July and September see the heaviest downpours. A thin jacket is not enough for peak season Lagos rain.
Waterproof sandals
Flip flops for indoor use, proper waterproof sandals for street movement. Closed shoes get ruined quickly.
Portable umbrella
Full-size umbrella for the hotel. A compact one for transit.
Safety and health in Lagos State.
🛡️ Safety
Moderate riskCommon concerns
Petty Crime, Cybercrime, Civil Unrest, Road Hazard
Exercise caution
- Ojo after dark
- Ajegunle at night
- Lagos-Ibadan Expressway after 20:00
Smart-traveller checklist
- Use only Bolt or Uber for transportation - avoid unmarked taxis
- Keep valuables out of sight in traffic (window smash-and-grab is common)
- Avoid displaying expensive jewellery or electronics in public markets
- Use ATMs only inside bank branches, never standalone street ATMs
- Victoria Island and Ikoyi are significantly safer than Lagos Mainland
- Avoid political rally areas, particularly around election periods
- Register your presence with your home country's embassy in Abuja
- Avoid Oshodi bus terminal at night; use authorised transport hubs
- Carry a photocopy of your passport; leave original in hotel safe
- Traffic congestion on Third Mainland Bridge can be severe - allow extra time
Emergency numbers
💉 Health
Required vaccination
Yellow Fever
Recommended
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Meningococcal, Tetanus
Local disease notes
- Lassa Fever (low urban risk, higher in rural outskirts)
- Cholera (seasonal, particularly in flood-prone slum areas)
Nearest referral hospital
Eko Hospital, Victoria Island, Lagos
More of Nigeria.
On the map. See Lagos State in context on the interactive atlas. Open Lagos State on the map →
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