Top places to see in Lagos, Nigeria plus short let apartments offers? Representing a country overflowing with diverse cultural heritage, the Nigerian national museum is the perfect expo of Nigerian history. Showcasing works of art dating back to the pre-independence era, the museum tells the story of Nigeria’s journey through years of progressive growth. The museum also houses the bullet-riddled car in which the country’s former Head of State – late General Murtala Mohammed – was assassinated in 1976. The museum is also home to a fine range of intricately decorated calabashes from across Nigeria. The National Museum Lagos has a small crafts village with woodcarvings and other handicrafts for sale at fixed prices; you might also see a demonstration of adire – cloth-making from Abeokuta.

Lagos, Nigeria, is a port city built across a series of islands, with numerous sandy beaches in its vicinity as well as opportunities for boat trips and water sports. You can rent chairs, raffia shades and beach huts at most of the beaches in Lagos city, which all charge a nominal entrance fee, and some offer rentals of surf boards, jet skis and pedal boats. Tarkwa Bay, accessible only by boat. Boat trips to Tarkwa Bay depart from jetties in town and take about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the boat. The beach is popular because it has some of the gentlest waves in Lagos, ideal for both swimming and learning to surf. Be prepared to wade through the shallows when your boat arrives at the beach; the alternative is a piggyback ride.

Just outside of the flashy wealth of Lagos Island you’ll find the severely economically challenged community of Makoko, which is by some definitions the largest floating slum in the world. Definitely the most eye-opening thing to do in Lagos, you’ll witness a hugely marginalized but remarkably resilient community that subsists off the ocean and its own will power. A visit to the Makoko floating village requires some preparation to be sure you’re interacting with the community in a way that is respectful and not voyeuristic. To that end, it’s best to go with a local tour guide, though admittedly that can be a challenge to arrange. I went on a tour with the incredible Nigerian travel group Naija Nomads, who arranged for a boat tour through the village guided by the son of the head of the Makoko community. Note they arrange tours on a custom basis, so you can book a tour through them and see not only Makoko but a few of the other places on this list of things to do in Lagos too! Click here to check out their tours. Discover extra details at Shorts stays in Lagos Nigeria.

Watch Hollywood and Nollywood movies at the different cinemas in the Lagos. There’s Ozone Cinemas in Yaba, Silverbird Galleria in Victoria Island, and Filmhouse in Surulere. The malls also have cinemas in them. There is no better place to sit back and watch the latest box office movies in Lagos than these cinema houses. The Atlantic Ocean overlooks this ideal destination for fun seeking people with little money. There are horses to ride, spaces for a romantic getaway and a free Atlantic Ocean to swim around for the adventurous type. Located in a tropical rain-forest in the outskirts of Lagos, there are lots of places for picnic, kids’ playground and open grasslands for animals like bushbucks, mongooses, hogs and lots more. The lush vegetation and boulevard of coconut trees makes it perfect for a romantic stroll. 5 top attractions in Lagos plus short stays options?