QUINTESSENTIALLY | Insider | City Guides

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Lagos is the most populated city in Nigeria, with the metropolitan area estimated at 300 square km. It is currently estimated to be the second fastest growing city in Africa immediately following Bamako. Formerly the capital of Nigeria, Lagos is a huge metropolis which originated on islands separated by creeks, such as Lagos Island, that fringe the southwest mouth of Lagos Lagoon - protected from the Atlantic Ocean by long sand spits such as Bar Beach. A place for the stylish and the rich, it is the melting pot for the industrial and economic sectors in Nigeria, and the Lekki Peninsula is known as the Mayfair of Lagos. Lagos is a vibrant and fast paced metropolis where you can experience all of the different ethnic groups and cultures of Nigeria.

GO THERE FOR

Entertainment

If you like to party, Lagos is the place for you. The city is teeming with bars and clubs of every type. Your main decision will be whether to party downtown (on the Mainland) or uptown (on the Island). You can start off at Planet One and for the purpose of exploration you should head to the Coliseum in Ikeja, an old favourite that plays the best of R&B, Nigerian and Hip Hop. You must also visit the New Afrika Shrine, Femi Kuti’s homage to afrobeat. On the island, you can enjoy beautiful poolside views of Lagos Lagoon at Ember Creek. Check out De Marquee at the top of Mega Plaza and Sky Bar in the penthouse suite at the Eko hotel. The Dj’s at Caliente, Rehab, Insomnia, Tribeca and Auto Lounge will have you dancing all night.

Cuisine and Local Dishes

Lagos is probably the only place in the world where you can disembark from a plane and walk straight into a barbecue. Just outside the Murtala Muhammed Airport there are vendors selling suya (spicy pounded meat), a northern dish that’s poplar in Lagos. If the air conditioning on the plane has left you with the sniffles, a bowl of spicy peppersoup will clear it up on time; one of our favorites is the aptly-titled Peppersoup Joint in Surulere. Lagos has a bewildering number of great restaurants with all kinds of cuisines to choose from: the Brazilian barbecue Churrasco, Lebanese/Sushi restaurant Fusion and Mayumi - a Japanese restaurant in the Oriental Hotel.

Shopping

Lagos is the only place where you can get the very best in Ankara and lace material for the African look. If you are looking for indigenous fabrics like indigo Adire or Aso-Oke, then Akerele in Surulere is your best bet. For high-end couture dresses, we have proud designers like Tiffany Amber, Jewel by Lisa, Deola Sagoe and Odio Mimonet; all sell world-class Nigeria made couture from their Lagos stores.

History

Lagos Island is brimming with history, from the Oba’s Place which was built by the Portuguese to the Brazilian Quarter which was populated by returnee slaves from Brazil and Sierra Leone. We also have the Old British colonial buildings on Broad street west of Tafawa Balewa Square which was once a racecourse and nearby is the Centre for Black and African Arts Civilization where you’ll find a collection of artifacts and cultural items from Festac ’77. End your tour with a visit to the National Museum.

DON’T MISS

Don’t miss the religious festivals, including masquerade displays that commemorate the passing of the great and the good of Yoruba ancestry, cement relations between generations, and offer prayers for social peace and the well being of individuals.

The Àdìmú Òrìsà or Èyò Masquerade
It usually happens in February – a quite fantastic event full of powerful fetish displays. Many people from around the state converge and watch as over 1000 masquerades in white regalia and different hats made of different colours perform in music and dance.

Agemo Festival
July ushers in the Agemo festival; participants traditionally wear masks topped with a carving of an alagemo (chameleon), and they take part in acrobatics, rituals, and processions. It is to honour ‘Olókun’- goddess of the sea (heavily patronized by fishing families), a pastime commerorated predominantly in the Osun state, but celebrated now in Lagos.

Igunnuko Festival
September is for Ìgunnukó masquerades (a tradition among the Nupe). Another colourful event preceded by 20 days of preparation and culminating in sacrifices at the shrine of the Shango god in Lagos.

Art Expo Nigeria
A yearly visual art exhibition bringing together an array of artists at the National Museum and other gallery spaces throughout Lagos. This event was held in August.

BASICS

Country Dialling Code: +234
Currency: Nigerian Naira, code NGN

GETTING AROUND

From The Airport...

Driving into town from the airport can take any length of time, depending on traffic and the time of day – allow about an hour for the journey to be safe if you need to catch a flight.  If you are not on a tight budget, you should hire a car and driver, which are usually available from most of the major hotels as well as the airport. The price will be around NGN 1,000 – NGN 2,000 per hour and you will be expected to haggle. Use buses to move around the city if you know the routes, but use BRT buses rather than Molue which are exceedingly overcrowded. Taxis typically cost around 10 times the price of a bus.

Around Town...

Car Hire Services

Avis Nigeria
Avis House, 6 Degema Close, Off Park lane, Ikoyi
In 2006,Turtles car rental services, an indigenous Nigerian car rental company that commenced operations in February 2005 was issued the license to operate the Avis rent-a-car, van and truck service for the territory of Nigeria. The truly international network ensures that, no matter where you are in the world, the chances are that there's an Avis office nearby to provide you with top quality cars and fast, efficient and friendly services.

Royal Limousines Limited
141 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island
Royal Limousine Service is a locally owned Limousine service that has earned a reputation as the finest limousine service in any state. Royal Limousine has been serving the metro Lagos Area for over three years. They are fully licensed, insured, and bonded, and their chauffeurs go through a rigorous screening and training process.

Orbital Car Rental
Novena majesty plaza, Ahmadu Bello way, Victoria Island, Lagos
All vehicles come with a satellite tracking system and they are all brand new with AA breakdown cover. It can either be self driven or chauffeur driven.

Hertz Car Rentals
Leasing house, CI Leasing drive, off Bisola Durosinmi-Etti drive, lekki phase 1
The fleet profile include limousines, a bullet proof land cruiser, bullet proof Lexus 470, executive air conditioned buses (18-25 seated), G500 Mercedes Benz  and several exotic sedans.

WHEN TO GO

March through August are the wettest months to visit Lagos, and best avoided if possible. As well as the weather, take note of political developments when planning your trip.


WHERE TO STAY

Clear Essence Resort and Spa – 5 star
5 Ojora road, Ikoyi
The Clear Essence California Wellness Centre & Spa Resort is a five-star, first of its kind, resort and spa in Ikoyi, Lagos. This resort encompasses an all inclusive retreat where you can receive the latest in holistic massage, with an indoor swimming pool, Vichy shower, Steam and Treatment rooms, and a full beauty care ensemble for both men and women. They have a fully equipped gymnasium with personal trainers, dance studios and full yoga and Pilates courses for the mind and body. The resort consists of a 24 suite accommodation, including private bungalows hidden across an amazing exotic garden.

Sheraton Lagos Hotel and Towers – 5 Star
30 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Lagos
An oasis of luxurious comfort with an outdoor pool and four fine restaurants. Located between the airport and the heart of the city, the hotel features 341 spacious guest rooms, as well as a complete business centre, ballroom and four meeting rooms. The hotel's Pili Pili restaurant offers exotic African and continental specialties, while the Crockpot serves sumptuous cuisine all week and specialty buffets from Monday through Saturday evenings.

Oriental Hotel - 5 Star
Ozumba Mbadiwe road, 3, lekki Road,V/I
All facilities from the Chinese restaurant, the Japanese gourmet restaurant, the lobby lounge and bar’s and grand ballroom to the guest rooms and suites, meet the most exacting demands for comfort and service. Hospitality in the best Lagos oriental tradition is reborn here.

Eko Hotel & Suite - 4 Star
Plot 1415, Adetokunbo Ademola Street, V/I
The hotel boasts six restaurants, from classic French to poolside barbecue, while the bar in the central open courtyard is a cocktail haunt for non-residents. One can get everything here, everything down to currency exchanges.

Sofitel Luxury Hotel - 4 Star
1 Bankole Oki Road, Ikoyi
This boutique hotel is ideally located in the heart of the Ikoyi residential district, with 92 rooms and suites, 45 minutes from the International airport and just 5 minutes from the new business district - Victoria Island (V.I.).

The Federal Palace – 5 Star
26, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island
Situated in the commercial hub of Victoria Island, Lagos, and overlooking the mighty Atlantic Ocean, the Federal Palace Hotel is impeccably tailored to international corporate standards.

Southern Sun – 4 Star
47, Alfred Rewane Road (Kingsway Road), Ikoyi
The hotel is centrally located with convenient access to the prime business nodes in Lagos.

Westforster Harbour Luxury Hotel
70, Queens Drive, Ikoyi
Westforster is a purposefully positioned elegant waterfront residence which claims to cater to the exclusive lifestyle expert that seeks a unique home away from home feel. The Harbour, which overlooks the five cowry creek in the prestigious residential neighbourhood of Ikoyi presents a variety of rooms which are tastefully furnished and decorated to accommodate the varying taste of its clients. Also available at the Harbour are the Studio apartments and penthouse suites amongst others.

WHERE TO EAT

Chocolat Royal
267A, Etim Iyang Crescent, Victoria Island, The Palms, Lekki
Soft butter croissant, honey filled baklava, delicate almond biscuits, moist chocolate fudge brownies, homemade chocolate truffles, and smooth chocolate éclairs are on sale. As well as the patisseries, there are creamy milkshakes and fresh fruit juices. The ice cream bar is filled with flavours such as chunky chocolate, stracciatella and fruit sorbet (mango, lemon or apple).

Jade Palace
49B, Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island
Jade palace sits astride one of Victoria Island’s busiest routes, next to the well-known Park-n-Shop supermarket. The restaurant, upstairs from the Volar night club, is a spacious dining room upholstered in cream fabrics with fashionable Chinese styled woodwork touches. Jade’s 120 different menu items are all available in medium or large portions and are priced accordingly.

Bambuddha
1310 Karimu Kotun Street, Victoria Island
An Eastern-themed lounge offers brunches, working lunches and snacks as well as more formal meals. South African chef David Kiley serves delicacies such as pork chops with spicy apple chutney or seared tuna with smoked salmon salad, but more notably a selection of deserts featuring Death by Chocolate and pear tart served with cinnamon cream and vanilla ice cream. Specials include barbecue seafood madness, which happens on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and ‘working lunch’, which you can order between Tuesdays and Fridays. The restaurant offers free wireless internet access with all spends over N1, 500.

Cactus
20-24, Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island
The lagoon-side Cactus serves an unlikely but tasty Lebanese twist on pizzas. It also has a good menu of desserts and a bakery counter with indulgent treats. You can have your meal inside or outside on the huge terrace which has a play area and a view of the lagoon.

Piccolo Mondo
19B Idejo Street, Victoria Island
By 11pm on any given Friday or Saturday, it is a flurry of flamboyant dances, beating music and high spirit as the club starts to heat up. By morning, however, it evolves into an urban cool café and restaurant. The menu is Middle Eastern.

Fusion Bar and Restaurant
1c Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island
There is both a Lebanese as well as a Japanese a la carte menu here. Sushi in Nigeria is still considered rather expensive but Fusion has managed to keep prices down, while conjuring up creative dishes like their marinated salmon on ice or other forms of sushi in unique wrappings. On Fridays and Saturdays, Fusion becomes a night club, which opens at midnight.

Bonsai
Plot 1303, Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island
The 18-piece Royal Onagi Platter is the finest choice –a selection of sashimi, white fish, shrimp, maki, salmon and tuna. Non fish lovers can indulge in the chef’s tender chicken or beef teriyaki.

Sky Bar Restaurant
Eko hotel, Adetokunbo Ademola Street Victoria Island, Plot 1415, Adetokunbo Ademola Street, V/I
The concept is a fusion of continental and Asian foods with the strongest accent being on Malay and Indonesian flavors and the décor is to match, with Indonesian style wooden screens dividing the long dining room, where tables are ranged along the panoramic windows framing a dramatic cityscape. They do fresh sushi at the bar and as starters.

Medici Restaurant & Bar Lounge
1, Alhaji Babatunde Jose, Off Adetokunbo Ademola, Victoria Island
Villa Medici is a nice place to eat if Italian cuisine is of the order; a brilliant ambiance and very spacious.

Talindo Steak House
7B, Karimu Kotun Street, Victoria Island
Talindo's is one of the city's best kept secrets. Tucked behind the large gates of what seems to be a residential property, Talindo's has no sign outside, making it hard to find for those who do not know. This calm space is usually filled with couples and ex-pats looking for a sumptuous meal in a sophisticated environment. Talindo's is known for the fine quality of its steaks from South Africa. Although the prices are high, the food lives up to expectation. The beef steak (in a trademark creamy peppercorn sauce) should not be missed, nor should the Ostrich. Seafood lovers will enjoy the grilled lemon and garlic lobster, another example of the kitchen's expertise.

The Ice Cream Factory
Plot 1613b Omega Bank Ave, Victoria Island
The Ice Cream Factory. The premier dessert restaurant in Lagos, the Ice Cream Factory serves fresh American-style Ice Cream and Italian Gelato made with passion and the best ingredients. The Ice Cream Factory brings an alternative dining experience to the city of Lagos. Their artisan Ice Cream and Gelato is produced freshly on our premises, using special in-house recipes.

BAR, PUBS AND NIGHTLIFE

Ember Creek
32 Awolowo Road South, West Ikoyi, Lagos Nigeria.
Thinking of a quieter night out? We suggest you check out Ember Creek. A cozy waterfront bar and boat club.

Bambuddha
1310 Karimu Kotun Street, Victoria Island
Bambuddha is a stylish bar and restaurant. The bar offers a mouth-watering range of cocktails and has a loungey vibe. The food is mostly Asian-oriented. There's a private members club is upstairs.

La Casa
Ozumba mbadiwe street, by Bar Beach, Victoria Island
Dancing restaurant with wine bar and lounge. Good place to boogie. The music on a Friday is more contemporary though still very good. The setting is very modern and trendy.

Niteshift Coliseum
34, Salvation Road, Off Opebi Allen, Ikeja
The Nightshifts Coliseum is a club with redefined objectives to meet the changing needs of a unique clientele, thus, making it a foremost complete Entertainment and Events venue in the country.

Rehab
288a, Adejose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island
A hip-hop club, with young and savvy crowd.

Auto Lounge
89b, Agoro Oyinda Street, Off Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island
A nice trendy bar that offers good music at night.

Tribeca
68, Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island
If you want to take a trip out to where it happens, where everything goes down in Lagos, go to Tribeca, the hottest spot in town, the sort of place you should definitely be on a Friday. This hangout has got everything you want; VIP section, pool sit out and good music.

Marquees
Mega Plaza, Idowu Martin, Off Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island
This is one of the latest openings in Lagos. On the roof top of Mega Plaza this very sleek club had a lovely view on the city. The crowd is young and laidback.

WHERE TO SHOP

Lafayette Mall
1436 Sanusi Fafunwa, Victoria Island
It is a two storey building packed with nice and trendy stores. The shops in it range from salons, florist to boutiques etc. Here one can get most of the designer items.

Ikota Shopping Complex
Victoria Garden city
Ikota shopping complex is a shopping village with over 300 stalls, including banks, salons, and restaurants. Notable designer stores and souvenir stores are available.

Mega Plaza
14, Idowu Martins Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Mega plaza offers a wide range of fashion and cosmetic stores, restaurants and a large electronic store and home store.

The Palm Shopping Mall
Lekki Expressway, Lekki
It has 69 stores, a bowling alley and a modern six screen cinema. The Palms shopping mall is the largest and first of its kind in Nigeria.

Silverbird Cinemas
Silverbird Galleria, 133 Ahmadu Bello way Victoria Island.
The silverbird cinema has five screens showing the latest international movies as well as homegrown movies. There are enough stores to get you busy in this galleria. This mall also has a bowling alley and Nigeria’s first ice-skating rink. Silverbird also has a branches at Yaba (17a commercial avenue Yaba, Lagos)

Markets

Yaba Market
Tejuosho Street, off Murtala Mohammed Way; Yaba
Open 8am-6pm daily
The proper name is Tejuosho Market, but this place is universally called Yaba. The renowned mainland market is closer to Victoria Island, and is triply busy due to its central location, its proximity to major routes leading to the islands, and it’s doubling as a busy bus terminus in addition to the usual food stuff, household items, electronic goods and hair accessories.

Balogun Market
Off Broad street, near Marina Lagos.
Open 8am-6pm daily
Balogun market is an old market with many locked up shops. Here you can find almost anything you want, from Gold jewellery to fabrics, electronic goods, alcoholic drinks and clothing and shoes. To get good deals, your bargain power would be necessary.

Oshodi Market
By Apapa- Oworonsoki Expressway, Oshodi
Open 8am-6pm daily
Oshodi is the big daddy of Lagos markets. It occupies space along Lagos moribund railway tracks like all other markets.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Spas

BMS Spa
4 Magbon Close, Off Macpherson Avenue, Ikoyi
Opens 9am-10pm; Mon-Sat; noon-8pm Sun
A heaven for health freak members with their state of the art gym facilities, sauna and pool. There’s a yoga room for courses, a manicure and pedicure parlour or range of aromatic massages plus all kinds of body and face treatments.

Clear Essence Resort and Spa
5 Ojora road, Ikoyi
The Clear Essence California Wellness Center & Spa Resort is a five-star, first of its kind, resort and spa in Ikoyi, Lagos. This resort encompasses an all inclusive retreat where you can receive the latest in holistic massage, with an indoor swimming pool, Vichy shower, Steam and Treatment rooms, a full beauty care ensemble for both the male and the female. They have a fully equipped gymnasium with personal trainers, dance studios and full yoga and Pilates courses for the mind and body. The resort consists of a 24 suite accommodation, including private bungalows hidden across an amazing exotic garden.

Indulge Spas By Modupe Ozolua
25 Prince Adelowo Adedeji Street, Off admiralty Way, Lekki Peninsula Phase 1
Open 9am-8pm Mon-Fri, 9am-9pm Sat, 1pm-8pm Sun
A newly opened spa by the pioneer of cosmetic surgery and aesthetic laser in Nigeria, Modupe Ozolua.

Veni Vici Spa
146A Ligali Ayorinde Street/I
Open 9am-7pmMon-SAT; 1pm-7pm Sun
The best of buffed and polished skin is gotten here with ‘back flip’ rub with salt crystals.

Sports and Leisure

Ikoyi Club Golf Course
Golf section, 6 club road, Ikoyi
Members only. This 18–hole golf course has been a high society favourite. The location is excellent for Lagos Island residents and business visitors looking for a quick round to improve their work-life balance.

Lagos Motorboat Club
28 Awolowo Road, South-West Ikoyi
Opens 8am-11pm daily
This members-only club houses two restaurants and three bars. The nautical-themed club puts on special events such as the May Ball and  a new members’ night to celebrate the initiation of new arrivals.

Lagos Polo Club
Polo Road (off Ribadu Road), south –west, Ikoyi
Members only. Polo season is always heaving and a great time to socialize and go for drink. This is one of the best places to go for horse riding lessons.

Ikoyi Club 1938
6 Club road, Ikoyi
Members only - The club is usually spoken of in slightly reverential tones. Members enjoy access to various sports activities, including golf, tennis, badminton, swimming, squash and table tennis.

Beaches

La Campaigne Tropicana Beach
It is located on the Lekki axis in a very cozy environment with unique facilities, comfortable and African themed rooms, bars, restaurants and its own club. Fun activities at this beach include canoeing, cycling trails and ocean water fishing to mention just a few.

Tarkwa Bay
It is an island situated several miles off the Lagos coast. It is accessible by boat from Ikoyi and Victoria Island. This beach surrounded by tide breakers provides pleasant outing with safe swimming conditions making it a favourite across all age groups.

Bar Beach
It lies parallel to the Ahmadu Bello way on Victoria Island. It was the first recognized holiday beach in Nigeria making it very popular with the local population as well as tourists.

Eleko Beach
Located at Ibeju Lekki, sixty five kilometers along the Lagos Epe express way. It is the most sought after beach, boasting ultimate cleanliness and privacy.

Alpha Beach
A very modern and trendy beach and a hit with those seeking premium facilities and services such as quad bikes, beach volley/soccer ball, pool, karaoke, premiership matches, small chops and chilled drinks all in one location.

Akodo Beach
It is the ultra modern Eko tourist beach resort, designed to open up tourism and facilitate private sector participation in tourism development. The beach is one of the most visited beaches in Lagos city, well-equipped with modern facilities, chalets, amusement parks and rides, and a serene swimming beach. It is located in the Akodo area on the Lekki Epe axis.

WHAT TO SEE

The Onikan National Museum
Just east of Tafawa Balewa Square Lagos Island
Daily 9am –5pm
There are some interesting exhibits, such as the masquerades in the Symbols of Power and Authority Gallery; the bronzes and ivory carvings in the Benin Gallery; and the historical displays in the Nigerian Governments.

Lekki Conservation Area
Lekki Peninsula
This is an excellent choice if you don't have much time to get out into Nigeria's rural areas. You enter into a tranquil tropical paradise – a raised wooden boardwalk taking you on a loop around the conservation area. Expect to see monkeys swooping about, and even the odd crocodile.

The National Theatre complex
Near Eko Bridge, Ebute Metta
The complex's characteristic concave roof houses a couple of cultural establishments: the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (Mon– Sat 8am–5pm; free); and the National Gallery of Modern Art (Tues– Fri 10am–5pm, Sat & Sun noon–4pm).

Get Arena
Oniru Estate, Lekki-Epe Express road. Opposite the Oriental Hotel, Lekki
since its opening in 2009, GET arena go-track has established itself as the best place for fun seeking children and adults. The race tracks are available from 6year old and above.