Okay, first things first, if it is your first time visiting the city, you’d definitely need a guide, no negotiations! Lagos is one of Africa’s most popular travel destinations, but many visitors don’t want to linger too long in a city due to its frustrating traffic. It is practically impossible to navigate Africa’s most populous, bustling and imposing city all on your own as a newcomer, especially if you have just 24 hours. That said, after getting used to the burning heat or endless rainfall (depending on the season of the year you visit), your next 24 hours could be filled with points of interest and stories to tell your family and friends for years to come. Also known simply as ‘Gidi’, the city is buzzing energy of a rapidly developing city with many options to enjoy your leisure time. If you’re short on time, here’s a guide on how to spend 24 hours in Lagos, Nigeria.
Visit Lekki Conservation Centre
Head over to the Lekki Conservation Centre to do the canopy walk. This is Africa’s longest canopy walkway at 401 metres long. It’s quite the experience walking among the tree tops and admiring the view. A little distance from the canopy is a very high ladder leading to a cute treehouse. When you get up the treehouse, you’ll be able to see monkeys jumping from tree to tree! The ambience of the conservation centre is nice and peaceful, making it a good way to spend a couple of hours away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Some monkeys and peacocks can be seen at the entrance too.
Eat Nigerian Jollof at a local buka
Nigerian jollof rice or Nigerian jollof, as it’s more popularly known is one of the most delicious foods you can encounter in the whole of Africa. Debates have been going on for years on which of the African countries make the best jollof, but Nigeria keeps coming out on top! So yeah, you’d definitely want to try it. Your palates will definitely thank you for the experience.
Shop at the Balogun Market
Whether you’re on the island or mainland, there are lots of local markets you can spend the day shopping at, but if you’re at the Island, you could check out Balogun Market (with your guide of course), a top-rated destination for clothes and fabrics in West Africa. You could try out the various Nigerian tribal outfits and take those pictures for the gram, and interact with the friendly locals.
Cross the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge
Walk across the extensive, magnificent cable-stayed bridge, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. As a visitor, walking through would give you quite the experience. Make sure you have a ride waiting for you at the other end to ease the weight off your feet.
Attend an event at Eko Hotels and suites
If you’re visiting towards the end of the year, the city usually has a plethora of entertainment activities and most of them hold at the prestigious Eko Hotels & Suites, a 5-star hotel in the heart of Lagos Island. There you can meet up and mingle with your favourite celebrities and some of the greatest African music acts. Watching their live performances is quite a good way to end the day. You may even be lucky enough to get a couple of amazing selfies for the gram.
We also recommend our guide to the best movie cinemas in Lagos, Nigeria.
