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Guide to Lagos, Nigeria
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Lagos
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Lagos Lagos is a world-renowned Nigerian tourist destination, which was once inhabited by settlers from around the world at different periods throughout its history. Lagos is said to have been made famous by the caravel industries that Henry the Navigator and Vasco de Gama created after discovering the city. Must of the remaining historic sites around the region were destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. This massive disruption in Lagos led the rulers of Nigeria to take Lagoss capital city status and give it to a city further inland, Abuja. Most travelers visit Lagos for the spectacular beaches and clear ocean water, but there are plenty of notable attractions that make the city suitable for any type of visitors for historic means or for vacationing. Despite its modern faade, Lagos still holds onto its roots quite well.
When to go:
Temperatures in Lagos consistently stay above 80F, and days are usually long, with clear skies and calm ocean breezes by the shore. Lagos gets its fair share of rain, but if you book your flight for the winter-spring period, there is much less of a chance that youll run into conditions forcing you to stay indoors. Not many festivals take place in Lagos, so you wont be miss out on anything. One thing to keep in mind is that prices go up when more people book hotels, so try to avoid high-season if youre feeling frugal.
Getting there and around:
Murtala Mohammed International Airport is quite far from the city center, roughly 16mi (26km) and your only transportation options to the city are buses or taxis. We prefer taxis simply for their speediness, but buses are cheaper, and if you dont mind the small space, itll suit you fine (youll save a few dollars while youre at it, and thatll certainly perk your mood up a bit).
Getting around Lagos is done mostly by bus and taxi too, but you can opt for a moped rental, or bicycle to make things exciting and different. Lagos is, of course, a port city, so you can spend a day on a boat trip up and down the coast too! Travel around the city may not be the smoothest or the quickest, but the sense of adventure you get brings all elements of the experience into great perspective.
Attractions:
The Old Customs House is a place of somber tone, but deep historical importance. Lagos used to be one of the centers of the slave trade, and youll find that the Old Customs House, while restored, and looking quite nice, was where Lagoss slave market was held. The arcaded square has four Romanesque arches underneath which slaves were showcased to the general public and/or merchants. In the center of the square stands a statue of Henry the Navigator, an influential character in Lagoss history.
The Igreja de Santo Antonio more appealing on the inside than the outside, but the exterior holds some architectural significance. Since Lagos experienced numerous invasions by different nations throughout its history, the Church was built by a multitude of artisans. Though it was finished in the 18^th century, it holds many different architectural aspects that make it quite a unique structure. It sits by the waterfront, giving it a beautiful setting, and on the inside, the altar has baroque gilt carvings in gold. The altar was damaged in the earthquake, but was pieced back together.
Visit the Museu Municipal, where you can see some beautiful displays of ecclesiastical crafts, and other treasures dating back to ancient times, and be sure to stop by two of Lagoss famous beaches: Meia Praia, and Praia do Pinhao. Youll find that the rock formations on the shore and out at sea provide picturesque settings for picnics on the sand.
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