Traveling to Lagos Advice

🕝

This guide is current as of late 2024

Context

Hi! I’m Chris – an American living and working in Lagos. I wrote this guide because Nigeria can feel inaccessible if you don’t already know people here. Don’t let that stop you! The first time I came to Lagos in 2016, I didn’t know anyone here either. I booked an AirBnB in Yaba because the host mentioned working in tech and had a wonderful time.

I wrote this guide in the hope that it will ease other people’s travels here. I love Lagos and want more people to experience this vibrant city full of amazing people.

When to Visit?

Anytime is a good time to visit! The weather is warm and sunny year round. Most people come around a specific work or family event, but if you’re looking for an excuse, consider Art X Lagos, Fashion Week, the marathon, or the infamous Detty December.

Caveats

In Lagos, people often talk about the Island vs the Mainland. If you’re familiar with New York City, this divide is roughly analogous to Manhattan (the Island) vs. the Outer Boroughs (the Mainland).

The Island (Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki) is where most business people and tourists spend time. In contrast, The Mainland (Yaba, Surulere, Gbagada, Ikeja, etc) are where most people live.

Because this guide is targeted at tourists and businesspeople, it’s focused on The Island and is by no means representative of greater Lagos. Following the advice in this guide will help you have an easy trip here, but not necessarily an authentic one.

Next → Visas and Arrival