My third trip this year, my siblings describe me as a Lagos addict lol... perhaps some of the things listed below might explain why...
5. Pounds & Naira
One of the good things about visiting Nigeria is the exchange rate. The current rate is one GBP to 280 naira but this could give or take a few naira depending on the vendor. That's a happy tourist for you, especially if you're on the mainland as the cost of living is relatively cheaper.In the districts of Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki expect prices to be within a similar region as those in London (once exchange rates have been calculated)
4. Food
You really don't have to look far to find what you like in Lagos.My two favorite choices are suya and shawarma.
If visiting Nigeria for the first time, these are a must try! Not particularly healthy to say the least although I am yet to find anywhere else in the world where it tastes as good as it does in Las Gidi (another name for Lagos.) Make sure you purchase from a reputable vendor and If you are vegetarian opt for seafood suya.
Lagos has a handful of transnational restaurants; Dominoes and KFC are of the expected standard however service may be slow. Then there's your traditional Nigerian cuisine in the form of small roadside shacks which we call 'bukkas'. Here a variety of swallows (pounded yam, eba, amala, ground rice, semolina, wheat, and tuwo) are served with a selection of stews (egbono, efo, egusi, ewedu, gbegiri) and assorted meat or fish.
For intercontinental dishes such as sushi or steak and chips, I recommend Bungalows in Victoria island.
Prices range from N350 at local bukkas for a plate of; rice, beans, plantain and stew, to N2,000 naira for a combo meal at KFC.
3. Location
As the island districts of Lagos are coastal that can only mean one thing.BEACHES!
Lagos is home to several public and private beaches where you can enjoy activities including; boat trips, horse riding, fishing, swimming, even surfing and scuba diving! It's a perfect day out for anyone and everyone. For those who are keen on water sports I recommend tarkwa bay, there are plenty of friendly expats that use the beach for recreation.
EKO Atlantic is a new development under construction where reclaimed sand from the Atlantic has been used to create an extension of land, which will be home to the new CBD (central business district) of the Victoria island axis.
2. Nightlife
Lagosians are merry people. Your average Lagosian incorporates a high percentage of social activity into their lifestyle regardless of work commitments. That's just the way it is...I myself am certainly not exempt...when in Lagos you do as Lagosians do :)You haven't experienced club hopping until you visit Lagos, it doesn't even come close to my university benders. At the upmarket clubs, heels are a MUST (for females) else no entry, so party feet cushions will probably come in handy. In certain clubs, VIP means VIP... literally.
Generally, there are fewer rules with clubbing in Lagos... smoking is pretty common, you can take your heels off, dance on the roof top if you wish, and parking attendants give you a really good space (for a small fee of course). You are pretty much permitted to do as you please as long as you're not disturbing anyone and you have the cash to pay for it. I'm sure you are questioning health and safety now with a raised eyebrow... Funny enough I have never experienced any problems. If drinks are spilled they are mopped up promptly and bouncers keep a watchful eye for troublemakers. Some clubs check belongings upon entry, some do not. The clubs usually go on till 5/6AM so are not for the fainthearted.
I would recommend Quilox, and prive both of which are located in Victoria island. Sip do nice cocktails. I found the alcohol content slightly stronger than the cocktails back in London... You have been warned *sips tea*
1. Weather
The best thing about Lagos has to be the weather!No freezing winters with daylight cut short at 4 pm :D
An equatorial climate means Heat all year round. Lagos has a dry and rainy season. There is also a period of weather known as hammatarn where north-eastern trade winds blow from the Sahara down to the gulf of guinea. The wind brings dry dusty spells which are usually cooler. The wettest months are June and July and the average day temperature is 27 degrees Celsius.
I can't really say the best time of year to visit O. I was around in April for two weeks, despite being the rainy season it rained on just two occasions. I usually enjoy Christmas time the most, my fellow IJGB's will know what I mean.
Thanks for reading, please read and share.
To keep up to date with my Lagos adventures follow @folatheexplora on Instagram
