Top 10 Places to enjoy yourself in Lagos, Nigeria
Here are ten places to vacation in and around Lagos, Nigeria, with what you might expect to spend and enjoy your and have a swell time. Costs are estimates and can vary depending on choices of transport, food, lodging, and how “touristy” you go. The List below will give you an insight on places and spots you and your family could make the best of your day.
1. Tarkwa Bay Beach
What it is: A sheltered beach on an island, accessible only by boat. Popular for swimming, beach relaxation, water-sports, boats.
Typical costs:
- Boat fare (round-trip): ~ ₦2,000–₦5,000 depending on departure point.
- Entrance / gate fee: ~ ₦200 to ₦1,000.
- Chair / tent / table rentals: ₦100-₦1,000 depending on what you want.
- Food & drinks: variable, say ₦2,000-₦5,000 to eat on-site.
Daily budget for a comfortable day: ₦6,000 – ₦15,000 per person.
2. Lekki Conservation Centre
What it is: A large urban nature reserve with boardwalks, a canopy walkway, treehouses, picnic huts. Great escape into nature.
Typical costs:
- Gate fee for adults: ~ ₦1,000-₦1,500.
- Children/teens lower rates: ~ ₦200-₦500.
- Canopy walk extra: ~ ₦1,000-₦1,500.
- Transport: depends on where you are in Lagos; Uber / Bolt / taxi to Lekki; maybe ₦1,000-₦3,000 one-way depending.
Daily budget: ₦4,000-₦10,000 depending on transport, snacks, extras.
3. National Museum, Onikan, Lagos
What it is: Historic museum housing Nigerian cultural artifacts, royal regalia, precolonial art, etc.
Typical costs:
- Entry / gate fee: ~ ₦200-₦500 per person.
- Transport: depending on where you are, maybe ₦500-₦2,000.
- Some extra if you hire a guide, or pay for special exhibits.
Daily budget: ₦1,000-₦3,000.
4. Kalakuta Republic Museum (Fela’s House), Ikeja
What it is: The former home of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti converted into a museum celebrating Afrobeat, music history, art, memorabilia.
Typical costs:
- Entrance / tour fee: ~ ₦1,000-₦2,000.
- If you want to access rooftop bar etc: extra fees may apply (~ N1,000).
- Transport within Lagos + food etc.
Daily budget: ₦2,000-₦6,000.
5. Nike Art Gallery, Lekki
What it is: One of the largest private art galleries in Nigeria; lots of artwork, craft, cultural ambiance, photo opportunities.
Typical costs:
- Entry is generally free, but guided tours cost. For example, guided tour for group of 1-10 people is about ₦20,000.
- Costume rental (Yoruba costume) for photos or experience: ~ ₦3,000.
- Food / drinks around area etc.
Daily budget: If casual (just walking around, buying little), maybe ₦2,000-₦5,000; if doing guided tours / costume etc: ₦25,000-₦35,000.
6. Freedom Park, Lagos Island
What it is: Former colonial prison converted into a cultural space: concerts, events, art, performances, places to sit and relax.
Typical costs:
- Entry often low or free for casual visitors; charges when there is an event.
- Transport, snacks, tickets for events vary.
Daily budget: ₦1,000-₦10,000 depending on how much you do.
7. Oniru / Elegushi Beach
What it is: Beaches more commercial / lively, with beachside bars, music, restaurants. Perfect for evening or weekend outing.
Typical costs:
- Entry: some beaches charge ~ ₦1,000 or more.
- Food, drinks: can be pricey in beach bars.
- Parking / transport.
Daily budget: ₦5,000-₦20,000 depending on your style.
8. Badagry and its historical sites
What it is: More out from central Lagos, the Badagry area offers history (slave trade sites, colonial relics), beaches (e.g. Suntan Beach), more relaxed pace.
Typical costs:
- Transport (bus or car) could be more, perhaps ₦3,000-₦7,000 depending on distance.
- Entry fees to museums/sites: maybe ₦500-₦2,000.
- Accommodation if staying overnight.
Daily budget (if staying overnight): ₦10,000-₦30,000.
9. Ikoyi, Victoria Island & Lekki area relaxation / luxury stays
What it is: High-end hotels, upscale restaurants, luxury beach clubs, spa days.
Typical costs:
- Hotel per night: anywhere from ~ ₦50,000 to well over ₦300,000+ depending on luxury.
- Meals: similar, expensive in fine dining / upscale places.
- Transport: Uber/Bolt or private car.
Daily budget: ₦30,000-₦300,000+ if luxury.
10. Weekend getaways around Lagos (resorts, beach houses)
What it is: Beach resorts, private beach houses, camps near the water, sometimes islands or quiet spots a little away from city noise.
Typical costs:
- Resort or beach house rental: could be ₦20,000-₦80,000+ per night, depending on quality and amenities.
- Food, transport, activities extra.
Daily budget: ₦25,000-₦100,000+, depending on how fancy you go.
Summary: Typical Budget Ranges
To help you plan, here are rough total budgets for different styles of vacation in Lagos for, say, 3 days / 2 nights:
| Style | Low/ Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
| Accommodation | ~ ₦10,000-₦25,000/night | ₦30,000-₦70,000/night | ₦100,000+ / night |
| Food & Drinks | ~ ₦3,000-₦8,000/day | ₦10,000-₦20,000/day | ₦30,000+ / day |
| Transport (intra-city) | ~ ₦1,000-₦3,000/day | ₦5,000-₦15,000/day | ₦20,000+ / day |
| Activities / Entry Fees | ~ ₦1,000-₦5,000/day | ₦5,000-₦20,000/day | ₦20,000+ / day |
So a budget 3-day trip might cost you ~ ₦25,000-₦60,000; mid-range maybe ₦100,000-₦200,000; luxury easily ₦300,000+ depending on hotel, dinners, choice of activities.
