Arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport and take a pre-booked taxi or hotel transfer to the Borough Hotel. Expect Lagos traffic — allow 45–90 minutes depending on time and location of your flight.
Check in at the Borough Hotel and settle into your room; use this first evening to rest and adapt to the city. The hotel reception can recommend nearby dinner spots and arrange transfers for the week.
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at the Borough Hotel restaurant or a short walk to a nearby eatery serving Nigerian and international dishes — a light first meal after travel. Most hotel restaurants serve until around 10pm; confirm closing time with reception.
If you're not too tired, have a nightcap on a nearby rooftop bar — great for a first glimpse of Lagos lights; many venues stay open to midnight. Check opening hours locally; some close earlier on weekdays.
Start with a hearty hotel breakfast to fuel a full day; many hotels open breakfast from 7am. Try local options (plantain, akara, pap) alongside continental choices.
Head to Lekki Conservation Centre for a nature walk and Africa's longest urban canopy walkway (open roughly 9:00–18:00). It’s a peaceful contrast to city bustle and excellent for birdlife and photography.
Enjoy modern Nigerian classics at The Yellow Chilli — a reliable spot for jollof, ofada stew and other favourites; typically open through lunch until late afternoon. A good introduction to local cuisine done well.
Browse crafts, textiles and souvenirs at Lekki Market (popular with visitors; open around 10:00–19:00). Haggling is expected — bring cash and small notes for purchases.
Dine at Shiro for elevated Asian-fusion cuisine and a stylish atmosphere; great for an elegant first full-night dinner (usually open to late evening). Reserve ahead for weekends.
Visit the National Museum (Onikan) to see Nigerian art, ethnographic displays and historical artefacts; typical opening hours are 10:00–16:00 (check for closures or public holidays). This is useful context before deeper art visits.
Lunch at Terra Kulture — a cultural centre with a bistro, gallery space and evening theatre events (open daytime until late). Great spot to sample Nigerian dishes and see contemporary theatre/arts listings.
Explore Nike Art Gallery for a wide selection of Nigerian paintings, textiles and crafts; it’s one of West Africa’s largest private art galleries (open about 10:00–18:00). Excellent for photos and buying original work.
Head to Freedom Park (Broad Street) for an evening atmosphere — live music, bars and food kiosks often operate later into the evening; the park is a converted colonial prison with historic interest. Check event listings for concerts or markets.
Choose a late dinner near Freedom Park or return to Victoria Island for a quieter meal at the hotel. Many restaurants in the city stay open late, but confirm last orders.
An early breakfast will let you catch a morning boat to Tarkwa Bay; boats usually start trips from Marina or nearby jetties from 8:00–9:00. Bring sun protection and cash for beach vendors.
Take the boat from Marina to Tarkwa Bay — a sheltered beach popular with swimmers and surfers. Boat schedules vary; confirm with your hotel or jetty operator and expect a 20–40 minute ride.
Relax, swim or rent a small chair at the beach; local vendors provide fresh grilled fish and snacks. The beach is informal — plan for a laid-back day and bring cash.
Enjoy fresh seafood from a beach shack — simple, tasty and local. If you prefer a formal setting, ask your driver to take you back to Victoria Island for a restaurant lunch.
For an upmarket seafood and grilled menu in Ikoyi, try Bungalow or a similar Ikoyi restaurant; reservation recommended for dinner. A pleasant spot to enjoy Lagos fine dining.
Leave early for Badagry (west of central Lagos) — travel time is typically 60–120 minutes depending on traffic. This historic town is important for understanding Nigeria’s colonial and slave-trade history.
Visit the Badagry Slave Museum and Point of No Return to learn about the region’s history. The museum and heritage sites usually open by mid-morning; guided tours give deeper context.
Have a local lunch — small restaurants offer fresh fish, soups and rice meals. Badagry is a good place to try coastal Nigerian dishes away from the city rush.
Walk the historic town centre, visit monuments and the local crafts market for souvenirs. Badagry is relaxed in the afternoon but wear comfortable shoes for short walks.
Head to Balogun Market (island) or Tejuosho (mainland) for fabrics, fashion and souvenirs; markets open early and run through the afternoon. Bring small notes, be prepared to haggle and travel light.
Stop for lunch at The Palms (Lekki) food court or a local restaurant for a variety of options and a break from the market bustle. Malls are handy for ATMs and conveniences.
Check the live-music schedule at the New Afrika Shrine for Afrobeat concerts — it’s an iconic Lagos live-music venue (evening events vary; confirm dates/times). Enjoy a high-energy cultural night if there’s a performance.
Take a late brunch at a favourite spot (The Yellow Chilli or hotel restaurant) and savour any dishes you’ve missed. Brunch is a great time to reflect on the trip and plan last-minute shopping.
Head to a modern mall like The Palms or Lekki City Mall for duty-free gifts, toiletries, or packaged souvenirs before departure. Malls provide reliable opening hours and secure parking.
Take a late-afternoon walk at a nearby beach or waterfront promenade to enjoy a final seaside sunset (be mindful of safety and daylight). Beach access hours vary; plan to return before dark if alone.
Enjoy a memorable farewell dinner with city views at a rooftop or waterfront restaurant; book ahead to secure a table. This is your last chance for a refined Lagos dining experience.
Have an early breakfast at the hotel and complete check-out formalities; confirm any baggage storage or late-check-out arrangements in advance if needed.
Allow extra time for traffic — book hotel transfer or a reputable taxi for a stress-free trip to the airport; aim to arrive at least 2–3 hours before an international flight.