Steal my Itinerary: Five Awesome Things I did in Lagos, Nigeria

Nigeria, often referred to as “the Giant of Africa” is home to over 190 million people and Africa’s most populous nation. It also happens to be my birth country and it was with so much enthusiasm that I made it down there this November.

After four years of not visiting, I headed over to Nigeria to attend my sister’s traditional wedding and catch up with old friends and family. I had an amazing time. If you are planning a trip to Lagos, Nigeria, feel free to steal my itinerary.

1.) I attended a Traditional Nigerian Wedding

One of the most amazing things you can experience in Nigeria is a traditional  wedding. I believe Nigerian weddings are an entire production, an art. Nigerian weddings are vibrant, energetic and full of life.  It was my sister’s wedding and I got to see the setup from an insider perspective and it is such a massive industry and one to experience for sure. The traditional ceremony was a fusion of the Benin and Delta traditions which gave it even more life.

Photos: Keziie Photography

2.) I went Restaurant Hopping

The food in Nigeria is top-notch and really one of the best in the world (no bias!) So it made sense to channel my inner foodie and set out on a foodie adventure. From fanciful restaurants, to budget restaurants and street food, I ate to my heart’s content. Some of my favorite places were: Ofada boy (Surulere), House Cafe Lekki and Glover Court Suya, Lekki. 

3.) Shopping spree at the Lekki Arts and Craft Market

In a bid to be a tourist in my country (and explore my city like a foreigner), I headed over to what is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lagos; Lekki Conservation Centre. I loved the ambiance of it as I am very much into nature and the outdoors. While I think there’s still a lot of improvements to be made there, it is definitely still worth a visit.

4.) Sunday Local Food Market

There’s no other place to truly see the hustle and bustle spirit of Lagos than at a local market, especially on a Sunday. You know it is real when people leave the comfort of their homes on a slow weekend to earn a living. I accompanied my mum to the market as she bought some fresh food produce and chatted and laughed with a few of her market friends. Some of these people she has known for ages and it was great to see the genuine interaction. I took my camera along and caught a few portraits. 

5.) I visited the Lekki Conservation Centre

In a bid to be a tourist in my country (and explore my city like a foreigner), I headed over to what is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lagos; Lekki Conservation Centre. I loved the ambiance of it as I am very much into nature and the outdoors. While I think there’s still a lot of improvements to be made there, it is definitely still worth a visit.

BONUS: Photographed Lagos

I loved taking photos of Lagos in all its element. From the famous Lekki Bridge, to Lagosians going about their business, it was so special capturing candid moments of people for my personal photo stash. In the past, I struggled to get photos of Lagos as there aren’t that many photos online (besides the usual depressing hungry-african-kids photos.) and it gave me great joy to be able to do so.

There’s still a lot I want to do in Lagos – like a beach day at Tarkwa Bay, a day out at the Omu Resort, the Nike Art gallery, and so much more. But I guess this means one thing – I should revisit soon.

Thank you, Lagos! And thank you for reading this post. I hope you steal my itinerary the next time you visit Lagos. Also, please subscribe to my blog to stay in touch.

Emotional post-script: It is a joy to share my hometown with you. I have been blogging and documenting my journey around the world (31 countries and counting!) and it means so much to finally share Lagos with you. I hope you are inspired to visit. 

Thank you for reading. Talk soon.