5 Amazing Places to Visit in Lagos

Get lost in fun in Lagos this summer, with amazing places to visit. Lagos State is arguably the most economically (via commerce and tourism) important state in the country, it being the nation’s largest urban area. Situated in the southwestern corner of the country, this elongated state spans the Guinea coast of the Atlantic Ocean for over 180km., from the Republic of Benin on the west to its boundary with Ogun state in the east. If you ever find yourself in Lagos, it will be fun to visit these amazing places listed below. Ikeja Shopping Mall: If you love the aesthetics of gigantic malls and galleries, you’ve  just discovered the perfect spot for you. The shopping centre houses the 5-screen Silverbird Cinemas, the first and only cinema theatre in Ikeja, and Shoprite Supermarket. It also include specialist facilities for department stores, banks, cafés, bars, restaurants, beauty shops/salons, with some of the big brands such as Mr. Price, KFC, Nike, Adidas, Apple, PC Corner, Rhapsody, Barcelós, Mango store, Samsung, Sony, LG amongst others, setting up shop there. It is a place for friends and family to go shopping and hang out, it will be an experience like no other.

Lekki Conservation Center: You want to get closer to the biodiversity of Nigeria and the wild life? Located on Lekki Peninsula across the street from the Chevron complex is the Lekki Conservation Center. The Peninsula consists of swamp and savannah habitats. The reserve has a 1.8km nature trail so visitors can view the reserve as they stroll through a boulevard of coconut trees. There is a 21 metre-high tree platform known as the tree house where you can have a panoramic view of the reserve, a visitor’s centre, a picnic area and children’s playground among the trees, and a bird hide overlooking a swamp/marsh which is home to crocodiles and monitor lizards. In the trees are Mona monkeys and other species of monkeys, the open grasslands are home to bushbucks, Maxwell’s duikers, giant rats, hogs, mongooses and a remarkable variety of birdlife.  Park rangers are available to guide you through the reserve. The reserve is a beauty of nature in a world class environment.   Coconut Beach: It’s a sunny vacation day, and you want to get lost from the fast lane of the urban life? Coconut beach is the perfect getaway. It is a beautiful beach in the coastal town of Badagry, west of Lagos. The beach is attractively set in an area surrounded by coconut trees. About 20 miles towards the border of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, Coconut Beach is accessible through the Lagos-Badagry expressway. The beach, which has the historical reputation of being a centre for slave trade in the 1800s, is pleasant and fascinating, and it provides excellent holiday relaxation. Visitors who are unaccustomed to the tropical sun are advised to wear hats as it can be rather warm at mid-day. The Jazzhole: If you are a lover of good music, books, and African artwork, the Jazzhole is a haven for you. Jazzhole Records is an independent label based at 168 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. Created in the 90’s together with the Glendora Book library, it is credited as one of the best music shops and cultural centres within the country. It is an African lounge with endless Jazz and Soul, and also a place where you can read from the largest collection of good books. They also do monthly art exhibitions showcasing the African strength in literature, music, arts, and more. At the back is a snack bar, were they have loads of different types of tea, fresh coffee, cakes and delicious sandwiches. In the evenings there is a live jazz band while the audience is scattered all over giving rise to a very cool environment. Trust me, it’s a place that’s worth every minute of your time. National Theatre: If you are a fan of arts and culture, the National Theatre presents you with such luxury. The National Theatre is an architectural masterpiece and a cultural landmark located at Iganmu, in the heart of Lagos. It is easily accessible from every corner of the city. Covering an area of about 23,000 square meters and standing well over 31 meters tall, the multi-purpose National Theatre was established for the preservation, presentation and promotion of Arts and Culture in Nigeria. The design for the existing National Theatre in Lagos was taken from the Palace of Culture and Sports in Varna, Bulgaria. It has galleries of modern Nigerian art, Nigerian crafts and other African arts. The best time to visit is between 10:00am and 3:00pm Tuesday to Saturday, when all three galleries are open. It is an arena of international music concerts, dramas, film shows, symposia, exhibitions, conventions, workshops and even sports. Now, go enjoy Lagos. Be inspired and support tourism.

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This article was first published on 8th August 2013 and updated on August 16th, 2013 at 4:23 pm

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