Lagos - Experience
Chaotic and congested, Lagos can be totally overwhelming. Despite its dangerous areas, those that visit will find a pulsating, intense African city with an infectious personality.
Learn about Nigeria's complicated but fascinating history at the National Museum, which covers everything from mythical religion to military dictatorship. Explore the heaving blanket of markets on Lagos Island and the Lekki Peninsular, or browse the galleries of traditional and modern art at the National Theatre and Gallery.
Visit the African art galleries dotted around Victoria Island and along Ikoyi's Awolowo Road, bargain hard for jewellery and crafts at the curio markets, or shop in style at the Nike Art Centre. For imported items from a bar of soap to a washing machine, the Mega Plaza has everything on offer, but at a price.
Escape the city for the afternoon and wander through the mangrove forest at the Lekki Conservation Centre, home to monkeys and reptiles. From the elevated boardwalk you may see monitor lizards and small crocodiles in the swamps and mona monkeys, cuckoos, kingfishers and kites in the trees. Dodge the oil tankers in Lagos Harbour in a speed boat to Tarkwa Bay and spend relaxed hours on the beach overlooking the harbour and Atlantic.
Nigeria is famous for its highlife, juju and afro-beat music. Jazzy and very danceable, there are live performances at venues such as New Afrika Shrine and Motherlan' on the mainland, but only go accompanied. The excellent JazzHole bookshop hosts regular live events and has CDs for sale from all over West Africa.
Lagos holds a huge choice of cuisines. The string of restaurants on Ikoyi's Awolowo Road offers Nigerian starch and fiery pepper soups, plus Italian, Chinese, Lebanese and Tex-mex. Victoria Island has the best eateries dotted around in large houses, from French to Indian and a couple of superb deli/sandwich shops.
A landmark skyscraper on Victoria Island, the Federal Palace Hotel has a fine terrace and cocktail bar overlooking Lagos Harbour. Sip a cold Nigerian Star beer and watch the tiny fishing canoes weave their way through the giant rusting hulks of abandoned ships in the harbour.
