Lagos City
The Centre of Excellence. The beating pulse of Africa’s most populous nation. Located in the southwestern point of Nigeria, Lagos is home to approximately 18 million people. The city has a relentless energy that hardly ever disappoints. From February 27 to March 8, Lagos will host Social Media Week and an influx of visitors from around the globe.
We put together the ultimate guide to Lagos so your stay in this majestic African city is one for the books.
Safety First
Let’s get the bad stuff out of the way. It’s no secret that Lagos has, in certain areas, a tad of a criminal touch. Make smart decisions. Connect with local friends who are willing to serve as hosts. Move around in registered transportation. If it doesn’t look or feel right, then it most likely isn’t.
Where to Sleep
There are a plethora of hotels in Lagos that meet international standards and are closely located to the Landmark Centre on Victoria Island (venue of Social Media Week). With the current currency fluctuation, the rates are pretty favorable for out-of-towners. Let the Nigerian-owned travel site Wakanow spoil you with choices based on location, price, ratings, recommendations, and reviews.
Owned by the Nigerian business conglomerate, The Chagoury Group, the Eko Hotel & Suites is safe, affordable and convenient.
Moving Around
It’s the dry season now so it’s hot like Hades. Bring loads of sunscreen. For those coming in from out of town, look no further than Uber or Ryno (The official transportation option for #SMWLagos) for a clean, reliable and air conditioned vehicle that is also safe and inexpensive. These companies have been in Nigeria for a couple of years and they have revolutionized the taxi game in Lagos.
For the adventurous, you can risk it all on a mini motor bike otherwise known as okadas. Rider beware: this is not your mom’s Harley. You’ll be seated behind the driver and whisked anywhere for next-to-nothing. Highly innovative tricycles have been transformed into passenger vehicles known as “Keke Napep”. They are a step-up from the okadas and “safer,” said with air quotes.
Places to Grub
With such a large population, feeding Lagos is an industry of epic proportions. You can get anything from a five-star meal at Tolindos Steak House to a freshly made plate of local delicacies on the side of the road. Grab a cheap meal at the local fast food joints, Chicken Republic and Tastee Fried Chicken. For an international flare, eat at Bungalows, Samantha’s Restaurant, Casper & Gamibini’s.
If you are looking for a truly Nigerian experience with high quality food, we set these three places to our watch:
- Yellow Chilli
- Natives Restaurant
- Jevnik Restaurant
When your schedule is tight or you’re unable to move about freely, order freshly made meals that are delivered to your door from Akoni Kitchen. Their burgers, wraps, and hot dogs are delicious. Daily menus are posted on their Instagram @AkoniKitchen.
Places to Shop
The fashion scene in Lagos is booming and retailers are almost exclusively stocking made-in-Naija wares. Your best bet for high brow stores are at The Palms Shopping Centre, Mega Plaza, Ikeja Mall, and The City Mall. Stop in Da Viva for luxurious African fabrics.
If you really want to stunt, we recommend finding a local tailor to custom fit a Naija outfit to your specifications. The FIA Factory (women) and Jaxn Wears (fellas) are our top choices.
You’ve NEVER been to a market until you’ve been to Balogun Market. First off, wear comfortable shoes and a negotiators spirit. Secondly, go with a local guide. Third, and most important, there are no rules. You were warned.
To step up your African art game, take in the equally wondrous Nike Art Gallery and Lekki Market. You’ll spend all of your money.
Last, but Most Important…..NIGHTLIFE!
Lagos rivals New York as the city that never sleeps. For a younger crowd (or if you don’t mind being the old-head at the club), our top three picks will get your life right:
- Quilox Nightclub
- Vapors
- Likwid
If you’re looking for a low-key and quiet evening by the Lagoon, go to the Radisson Blu Anchorage, Sailors or Casper & Gambini’s.
Final Words
The best way to experience Lagos is to roll with a local. Lagosians are very friendly. Use Social Media Week as an opportunity to network your way into some fun. As the local saying goes, “Eko O Ni Baje”. Lagos will not spoil.
