Lagos is Nigeria's largest city and its commercial centre. It was the capital until 1991, when the administrative seat moved to Abuja, but the weight of population and economy stayed here. The city is made of a mainland section and islands inside the lagoon: the business district and galleries sit on Victoria Island and in Ikoyi, while the historic fabric lies around Lagos Island. Lagos is also where Afrobeats is made; the afrobeat tradition Fela Kuti founded in the 1970s has become the continent's most exported popular music.
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See flights to Lagos →When to visit Lagos
November to February is the dry season and the best time to travel. April to July is the main rainy season and flooding can occur. Temperatures stay between 26C and 32C all year with high humidity in every season.
Things to do in Lagos
Lekki Conservation Centre
This 78 hectare wetland and forest inside the city is protected along with its monkeys and birds. The canopy walkway running through the treetops is among the longest in Africa.
Nike Art Gallery
The five storey gallery founded by the artist Nike Davies-Okundaye holds thousands of works by Nigerian painters, sculptors and textile artists. Entry is free and it gives the widest view of the city's contemporary art scene.
Freedom Park
The park on Lagos Island was laid out on the site of a colonial era prison, with parts of its walls preserved. Today it is the city's cultural ground, with open air concerts and theatre.
Tarkwa Bay
Reached only by boat, this sheltered cove is protected from the open ocean swell and is suitable for swimming. Boats from the jetties on Victoria Island make the crossing in about twenty minutes.
National Museum Lagos
The museum in Onikan gathers the country's art history in an archaeological collection running from Nok terracottas to Benin bronzes. It is one of Nigeria's oldest museums.
Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge
Opened in 2013, this cable stayed bridge links the two sides of the lagoon and is the city's best known modern structure. The Ikoyi skyline is visible from its walkway at sunset.
Flights from Turkey to Lagos
The flight from Istanbul to Lagos is about 6 hours 25 minutes on the great circle route, operated by Turkish Airlines. The domestic and international terminals at Murtala Muhammed Airport are separate, so allow time for the transfer between them if you are connecting.
Lagos FAQ
How many days do you need in Lagos?
Three days cover the islands, the galleries and the museum. Adding Tarkwa Bay and Lekki makes four days a comfortable pace, and because of city traffic it is wise not to plan more than two districts a day.
How far is the airport from the city centre?
Murtala Muhammed International Airport is about 22 kilometres from Victoria Island. The journey ranges from 45 minutes to two hours depending on traffic.
What do you need to enter Nigeria?
A visa is required for a Turkish passport and the application is completed before travel. A yellow fever certificate is checked on arrival, and a doctor should be consulted about malaria protection before the trip.
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