Lagos is the economic engine of Africa. It is loud, chaotic, and unapologetically fast. Navigating Nigeria's largest city requires a strategy to beat the traffic and find the pockets of calm. This 3 day Lagos itinerary focuses on the main hubs: Victoria Island, Lekki, and the historic mainland. You will experience the elevated canopy walk at the Lekki Conservation Centre, the creative energy of the Nike Art Gallery, and the heavy history of Badagry. Prepare for humidity, intense flavors, and a nightlife scene that doesn’t peak until 2:00 AM. Bring cash and a high threshold for noise.
Day 1: Art, Nature, and Island Living
Start your 3 day Lagos itinerary on the "Islands"—Victoria Island and Lekki. This is the modern face of the city. Roads here are better maintained than the mainland, but traffic remains a factor. Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt for all movements.
Morning
- Lekki Conservation Centre: Arrive at 9:00 AM to beat the heat and the crowds. This 78-hectare reserve is home to the longest canopy walkway in Africa. The walk is high and narrow; skip it if you possess a fear of heights. Keep your eyes open for mona monkeys and peacocks near the entrance.
- Nike Art Gallery: Located a short drive from the conservation centre, this four-story white building houses thousands of pieces of contemporary and traditional Nigerian art. Nike Davies-Okundaye, the owner, is often there to greet guests. Entrance is free, but you will likely buy a textile or painting.
Afternoon
- Tarkwa Bay Beach: Head to the Lagos Oriental Hotel jetty or Fiki Marine to catch a 20-minute water taxi to Tarkwa Bay. It is a sheltered beach accessible only by boat. It is quieter than other city beaches and popular with surfers. Rent a beach chair and order grilled fish from the local vendors.
- Landmark Beach: Return to the mainland and head to Landmark. This is a private, managed beach. It is cleaner and more organized than public stretches. It features a boardwalk with several food stalls and bars.
Evening
- Dinner at RSVP: This Victoria Island spot offers a minimalist, industrial-chic vibe. The menu is international, but the execution is top-tier. It is a prime spot for people-watching the Lagos elite.
- W Bar: Located nearby on the waterfront, this is the place to settle in for drinks. The music is loud, the decor is upscale, and the breeze off the water helps with the Lagos humidity.
Day 2: History and the Mainland
Day two moves from the glitz of the islands to the grit and history of the Mainland and the outskirts. This day involves the most travel, so start early.
Morning
- Badagry Slave Route: This is a long drive (2-3 hours depending on traffic), but essential. Hire a private driver for the day. Visit the Mobee Slave Relics Museum and the Vlekete Slave Market. You will see the chains and cells used during the transatlantic slave trade.
- Point of No Return: Take a short boat ride across the Gberefu Peninsula and walk the path the enslaved took to the Atlantic. It is a sobering, quiet contrast to the rest of the city.
Afternoon
- Kalakuta Republic Museum: Drive back toward Ikeja. This was the home of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. It is now a museum showcasing his life, musical instruments, and his bedroom, which has been preserved as he left it. There is a rooftop bar where you can grab a quick drink and listen to Fela’s discography.
- Ikeja City Mall (ICM): If you need a break from the heat, this is the main commercial hub of the mainland. It is a standard shopping mall but serves as a great spot to see daily life for Lagosian middle-class families.
Evening
- The New Afrika Shrine: You cannot visit Lagos without going to the Shrine. Founded by Fela Kuti's children, it is a massive open-air entertainment center. Thursday nights are usually free and feature rehearsals by Femi Kuti. Sunday nights are "Family Day" but get rowdy later. Eat spicy "suya" from the street vendors outside the gates.
- Yellow Chilli: Head back toward Victoria Island for dinner. This restaurant specializes in gourmet Nigerian cuisine. Order the Jollof Rice or the Seafood Okra if you want an authentic introduction to local heat levels.
Day 3: Markets and Luxury
On the final day of your 3 day Lagos itinerary, lean into the city's commercial spirit. This involves navigating one of the largest markets in the city followed by a high-end farewell.
Morning
- Lekki Arts and Crafts Market: Also known as the Jakande Market. Unlike the Nike Art Gallery, this is a traditional market where you must haggle. It’s the best place for leather goods, carved masks, and beadwork. Push for at least 40% off the initial asking price.
- Freedom Park: Located on Lagos Island, this site was formerly a colonial-era prison. It has been converted into a cultural center and park. The old cell blocks are still visible, now serving as small galleries and shops.
Afternoon
- Lagos Motor Boat Club: If you can get a member to sign you in, this is the most prestigious club in the city. If not, head to Sea Lounge in Lekki for a similar waterfront experience. Order a Chapman (Nigeria’s signature non-alcoholic cocktail) and watch the boats traverse the Five Cowries Creek.
- Terra Kulture: This is a cultural powerhouse. It features a library, a theater, and a gallery. Check their schedule for a matinee play or a book reading. The attached restaurant serves excellent "Pounded Yam and Egusi soup."
Evening
- Dinner at La Veranda: Located in the Blowfish Hotel, this restaurant offers some of the best Italian food in West Africa with an outdoor terrace overlooking a pool. It is quieter than the usual Lagos hotspots, making it good for reflecting on the trip.
- Zaza Lagos: Finish your trip at a "Lagos Lounge." This means high-volume music, sparklers on champagne bottles, and high-fashion outfits. It’s the quintessential end to the Lagos experience—expensive, flashy, and energetic.
Where to stay for this itinerary
Stick to Victoria Island (VI) or Lekki Phase 1. These areas are the most secure and offer the easiest access to the restaurants and galleries in this guide. The Eko Hotels & Suites is the city’s landmark stay. For a boutique feel, try The Wheatbaker in Ikoyi or Ziba Beach Resort if you want to stay on the water.
Add a day if you have time
If you have a fourth day, leave the city limits and head to La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Ibeju-Lekki. It is a 2-3 hour drive from the city center. It offers a clean, private beach, kayaking in a freshwater lagoon, and traditional African-themed chalets. It is the only way to truly escape the noise of Lagos without catching a flight. Alternatively, spend a full morning at Lufasi Nature Park for forest bathing.