Known as the commercial capital of Nigeria, Lagos is a particularly bubbling city with so many things to do and see. This city has its peculiar lifestyle and perfect for people of all classes. If you are visiting Lagos for the first time, here are 10 memorable things to do and see in order to have the best experience.

1. Visit a beach

There are so many beach options to choose from in this city. Exploring should be top on your list. From private to public beaches as well as the themed resorts you will definitely have a great time in this city.  Some of the beach options in Lagos include Landmark Beach, Ilashe Beach, La Campagne Tropicana Resort. For the public, private beaches and resort, you may need to pay an entrance fee to gain access.

2. National Theatre

The National Theatre is one of the top places to visit if you’re particularly interested in Nigeria’s history. This tourist attraction holds relics that give deep insights into the diverse culture and resources of the country. You will enjoy getting to know about Nigeria’s history from the pieces stored in this edifice and exploring the edifice itself. National Theatre Iganmu is open to tourists, and there are no entry fees.

3. Freedom Park

Freedom Park is a cultural hub in downtown Lagos repurposed from a colonial prison ground. The park offers a mix of arts, culture, and relaxation. You are sure to catch any of the regular activities held at Freedom Park. You can also visit its museums and galleries. There are also food courts where you can enjoy fine Nigerian dining.

4. Nike Center for Art and Culture

Nike Center for Art and Culture is a top spot to visit in Lagos for art lovers. It holds what is perhaps the largest collection of the work of Nigerian and African artists. The different levels of this art and cultural center are filled with art itself or artists working. Access to Nike Center for Art and Culture is free. It is also open to the public. Visit Nike Center for Art and Culture and explore the beautiful world of Nigerian and African art.

5. Tafawa Balewa Square

Tafawa Balewa Square, popularly called TBS, is another location you can visit in Lagos to learn about Nigeria’s history, as regards to the civil war. The 26-storey Nigeria’s Republic House is located at TBS. The square also has a remembrance arcade and gargantuan houses. The remembrance arcade is a memorial to the victims of the civil war. A visit to TBS will get you better acquainted with Nigeria’s history and culture. TBS is open to the public, and there are no entrance fees.

6. Lekki Conservation Center

Lekki Conservation Center is home to Africa’s longest canopy walk and a great place to visit in Lagos for a mix of adventure and nature exploration. The location contrasts the busyness of the city that never sleeps. At Lekki Conservation Center, you get to experience the peace and tranquillity of nature. You also get to experience wildlife. Take a guided tour of this expanse of nature’s goodness. Lekki Conservation Center is open to the public. Entrance fees are charged for both adults and kids. There is an extra fee for the canopy walk.

7. Explore the nightlife

As you would expect from a city that never sleeps, Lagos has an active nightlife. The nightlife is one of the best experiences the city has to offer. Lagos will usher you into its active and vibrant nightlife through bars and nightclubs. The party never ends as you can pick your choice from all the numerous options on the island and mainland. The people of Lagos work hard and play even harder. Weekend nights are especially a blast at the different bars and nightclubs. You will find the party popping during the weekdays. Lagos’ nightlife works for everyone, from the party lover to the person that wants to have chilled drinks with friends and families.

8. Try Nigerian dishes

The best of Nigerian culture is expressed through the dishes. The diversity of cultures in Nigeria is particularly impressive. Each culture has contributed to the country and city’s gastronomy. You will enjoy the spicy Nigerian dishes, from the well-known jollof rice to the street food, suya. Visit restaurants to enjoy the diverse Nigerian dishes. You can look forward to enjoying jollof rice as a main meal or with side dishes like moin-moin. The soups and stews and “swallows” from Nigeria are other combinations you should particularly look forward to.

9. New Afrika Shrine/Felabration

The shrine was established in the 1970s by renowned Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti. It is the home of the most electric form of entertainment in the city and country. You can visit the shrine to experience entertainment that pays homage to Fela. In October, during the week-long Felabration, you would want to visit a festival especially dedicated to electric entertainment.

10. Badagry

Located on Lagos’ outskirts, this town tells the history of the slave trade in West Africa. Visit the town for a trip down memory lane of the darkest period in Nigerian and global history. Relics of the slave trade in the area include Badagry Black Heritage Museum. The town offers more than the history of the slave trade in Africa. You can also enjoy the local beaches after learning about history from a dark time.

There are so many things to see and do in Lagos. You can also explore the city’s nightlife if you are one for adventure. If you prefer a chilled experience, there are options such as beach days and visits to historical centers for you.