Heading to Lagos, Nigeria? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip:
TL;DR
- Perfect for: 2–3 days
- Best for: Culture lovers, confident adventurers, foodies, solo expats
- Why visit: Art, energy, beaches, and music—never a dull moment for solos!
LAGOS AT A GLANCE
- Population: Over 21 million; Africa’s mega metropolis
- History/Culture: Transformed from fishing village to buzzing economic powerhouse
- Famous for: Markets, nightlife, art scene, beaches, relentless hustle
- Nicknames: The Centre of Excellence
- Solo vibe: Fast-paced, full of life, but demands street smarts—solo travel is possible, but vigilance is key
ESSENTIAL INFO
- 💰 Currency: Nigerian Naira (NGN)
- 🗣 Language: English (official), Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo
- 🌦 Best time to visit: November–February (drier, cooler, less flooding)
- ✈️ From airport:
- Cheapest: Regular taxis, NGN 5,000–15,000; agree on fare before
- Easiest: Uber/Bolt ride-hailing apps (convenient, safer for newcomers)
- 🧳 Safety: Extreme caution required—stick to daylight, avoid isolated spots, use registered taxis, keep valuables hidden
- 🎭 Cultural calendar tip: October 1st for Independence Day festivities; December is packed with music festivals
- 🎦 What to watch on the plane: “The Wedding Party” (Nollywood hit for the Lagos vibe!)
WHERE TO STAY (FOR SOLO TRAVELERS)
- 🛏️ Eko Hotel & Suites – Luxe, secure, heart of Victoria Island; vibrant but safe, with pools & bars
- 🏘️ Best neighborhood: Victoria Island – Upmarket, lots of restaurants, nightlife, walkable, safest for foreigners
- 🧭 Alt neighborhood: Lekki – Trendy, near beaches & shopping, more relaxed and local than Victoria Island
- 💸 Budget option: Yaba hostels – Gen-Z vibes, affordable, a tech-savvy base with food markets nearby
- Tip: Book hotels/hostels with secure compounds & 24/7 security; avoid Airbnb/private flats unless highly vetted
TRANSPORT & NAVIGATION
- 🚶♂️ Walkability: Poor—streets bustling and not pedestrian-friendly; only walk by day, ideally with a guide
- 🚌 BRT buses: Cheap (NGN 100+), connect main districts, can get crowded
- 🚋 No metro: Buses and minibuses only; no urban rail
- 🚖 Taxi info: Uber/Bolt safest; hail regular taxis only at airports/hotels, confirm fare before entering
- 🚲 Bike rental: Not advised; okadas (motorcycle taxis) are risky—avoid for safety
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ALONE
- 🏛️ Nike Art Gallery – Massive, eclectic collection; solo-friendly for art and culture deep dives
- 🌿 Lekki Conservation Centre – Africa’s longest canopy walkway; stunning nature, safe with staff presence
- 🧠 National Museum Lagos – Fascinating history, Benin Bronzes; solo travelers get loads from displays
- 🧭 Balogun Market & Tinubu Square – Go with a guide, soak in the commerce chaos and colonial architecture
- 🎨 Freedom Park – Chill at the old prison turned arts hub; catch improv shows or journal in peace
- 🔀 Wildcard: The Badagry Slave Route – Haunting and powerful; best via day tour, learn Nigeria’s tough history
WHAT TO SKIP
- ❌ Lagos Port: Unless you’re obsessed with ships, it’s industrial and inaccessible to visitors
- ❌ Okadas (motorcycle taxis): Dangerous—accidents common, security risks high
- ❌ Night walks/solo beach visits: Not safe after dark, even in ‘good’ neighborhoods
EATING & DRINKING
- 🧍♂️ Solo-friendly spot: Terra Kulture – Cultural center, solo-friendly tables, classic Nigerian meals
- 🥃 Quiet pub/bar with character: Kudeta – Expats & cool locals, great cocktails, relaxed vibe
- 🍽️ Try these local foods: Suya (grilled spicy beef), Jollof rice, Asaro – best at established restaurants like Bungalow or Terra Kulture
- 💸 Best cheap eats: Street suya shacks or pounded yam joints – NGN 500–1,000; only from busy, reputable stalls!
- 🥦 Veg/vegan options: Nkoyo – Trendy, with great veg-friendly Nigerian fare
- 🍸 Cocktails or nightcap: The Lekki Lounge – High tables for solos, excellent palm wine and local gin mixers
BEST OF LAGOS IN 1 DAY – SOLO ITINERARY
- Sunrise: Early balcony coffee in Victoria Island
- Morning: Marvel at Nigerian creativity at Nike Art Gallery (arrive early to avoid crowds)
- Lunch: Suya wrap & zobo drink at Terra Kulture
- Afternoon: Explore Lekki Conservation Centre—canopy walk and monkeys!
- Evening: Sunset stroll (with a guide/group!) on Lekki Beach
- Dinner: Enjoy fusion cuisine or spicy jollof at Bungalow Restaurant, VI
- Night: Catch live music or poetry at Freedom Park (taxi direct, leave by 10pm)
LOCAL TIPS & INSIDER WISDOM
- 🎉 Festival/seasonal tip: December’s Lagos Carnival—beach parades, wild costumes, live music; street parties everywhere!
- 📍 Hidden gem: The Jaekel House Railway Museum – Quirky little railway spot with colonial charm, perfect for quiet solo explores
- 📷 Photo spots: Lekki canopy walkway, mural walls at Nike Art Gallery, colorful Balogun Market scenes
- 🧠 Etiquette tip: Greet elders with respect, right hand only for giving/receiving; “Good afternoon” goes a long way
- 🚩 Safety reminder: Keep valuables hidden, use taxis not okadas, never walk alone after dark—register with your embassy!
- 👀 One last thing: Let Lagos surprise you—say yes to live music and give bottled zobo a try!