3 Days in Lagos: Itinerary + Where to Stay

Lagos is big, loud and brilliant — and the single most important decision you'll make is where to stay, because crossing the city at rush hour can take longer than your flight's last leg. This plan groups each day around one part of the city so you spend your time seeing Lagos, not sitting in it.

Before you go: 4 things to sort out

• Entry: most visitors need a visa arranged before travel, and Nigeria requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check the current rules for your passport before booking.
• Arrival: international flights land at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Ikeja, on the mainland. Allow plenty of time to reach the island side.
• Money: the currency is the Nigerian naira (NGN). Cards and bank transfers are common in hotels, malls and restaurants; carry some cash for markets and small vendors.
• Getting around: ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt operate in Lagos and are the easiest option for visitors. Avoid crossing between the mainland and the island at peak hours if you can.

Where to stay in Lagos

Victoria Island — best for a first visit and business trips. Central to restaurants, nightlife and offices, with many of the city's international hotels.

Ikoyi — best for a quieter, upscale stay. Leafy streets and good restaurants, right next to Victoria Island.

Lekki — best for longer stays, apartments and beach access. Newer, more spread out, and handy for the Lekki Conservation Centre and art galleries.

Ikeja — best for short stopovers and early flights. Close to the airport, and home to Lagos's music history.

Day 1: Lekki — nature, art and crafts

• Morning: Lekki Conservation Centre. Go early for the canopy walkway above the forest before the heat builds.
• Midday: Nike Art Gallery in Lekki — several floors of Nigerian painting, sculpture and textiles.
• Afternoon: Lekki Arts & Crafts Market for fabrics, beads and carvings. Bargaining is expected; keep it friendly.
• Evening: dinner on Victoria Island. Order jollof rice, suya (spiced grilled meat) and pounded yam with egusi soup.

Day 2: Lagos Island — history and markets

• Morning: the National Museum in Onikan for an overview of Nigerian history and art.
• Late morning: Freedom Park, a former colonial prison turned cultural park with a café and regular events.
• Afternoon: Balogun Market — vast, crowded and full of fabrics. Go with a local if you can, and keep valuables close.
• Evening: back to Victoria Island or Ikoyi for dinner and a rooftop drink.

Day 3: Beach or Afrobeat — choose one

For the beach: take a boat from the island side to Tarkwa Bay, a sheltered beach only reachable by water — go in the morning and agree the return time with your boat operator. For music: head to Ikeja for the Kalakuta Republic Museum, Fela Kuti's former home, and if the schedule lines up, an evening show at the New Afrika Shrine. A guided tour is the easiest way to combine either with a city overview.

When to go

November to March is the drier season. December is the busiest month, with homecoming trips, weddings and festivals pushing fares up — book early if you're flying home for the holidays. If your dates are flexible, January, April and September are among the cheaper months to fly to Lagos according to our Nigeria guide.

Book your trip

Compare fares on the main routes into Lagos, then book your room on the side of the city where you'll spend most of your time.