Lagos – Getting lost in some of its amazing places!

Lagos is Africa’s second and world’s seventh fastest growing city. The former capital and most populous city of Nigeria offer some amazing places to visit to its quintessential visitors. If you are planning your next vacation to Lagos, here are some of the popular hotspots in the city that you might consider visiting. These places include National Theatre, Coconut Beach, Lekki Conservation Center, The Jazzhole and Ikeja Shopping Mall. Let us undertake a virtual tour of these places and get an insight prior to your sojourn.

National Theatre
The National Theatre is situated at Iganmu in the heart of Lagos. It’s an architectural masterpiece and a prominent cultural landmark in the city. This place will be a source of major attraction for particularly those who are arts and culture aficionados. The imposing building stands tall at over 31 meters and covers an area of nearly 23,000 square meters. This multi-purpose theater was founded in 1976 with the purpose of preserving and promoting Nigerian arts and culture. The design of the building where the theater is presently housed is based on the Palace of Culture and Sports at Varna in Bulgaria. The theatre has many galleries of modern Nigerian crafts, Nigerian Art and other African arts. The building also has a bar, a restaurant and two cinema halls. The National Theater is also venue for workshops, conventions, exhibitions, symposia, film shows, dramas, international music concerts, and even sports events. The best time to visit the theater is from Tuesdays to Saturdays between 10 am and 3 pm.

Coconut Beach
The fabulous Coconut Beach is situated in the coastal town of Badagry in the western part of Lagos. The amazing setting of the beach surrounded by coconut trees makes it picturesque. The coconut trees have thus given it the name ‘Coconut Beach’. The beach is quite historic as well. The slave trade in the 1880s was carried out from this beach and therefore makes it a place of historical importance. This fascinating and pleasant beach is undoubtedly the best place in Lagos for an excellent holiday. If you are visiting the Coconut Beach and not accustomed to the tropical sun then do remember to wear hats as it could be rather warm during mid-day.

Lekki Conservation Center
The Lekki Conservation Center is situated on Lekki Peninsula near the Chevron complex. This is the perfect place to experience Nigeria’s biodiversity and see wildlife closely. The peninsula where the center is situated mostly consists of swamp and savannah habitats. The centre also has a 1.8 km-long nature trail. You can get panoramic views of the entire reserve from the 21 meter high Tree House. The bird hide overlooking the swamp is also home to monitor lizards and crocodiles. The wildlife species found here include mongooses, hogs, giant rats, Maxwell’s duikers, bushbucks and Mona monkeys. Many birdlife species can also be seen here. A children’s playground as well as a picnic area is also found here. This beautiful nature reserve can be visited either on your own or through a guided tour with the help of park rangers.
 
The Jazzhole
The Jazzhole is a haven for the lovers of African artwork, and good music and books. The Jazzhole Records was created along with the Glendora Book library in the 1990s. It is considered as among the best music shop and cultural center in Nigeria. It is not only the place to browse through some of the largest collection of books, but also to relax in this African lounge with endless jazz music. This is also a venue for monthly art exhibitions where African arts, music and literature are prominently showcased. There is also a snack bar where you can savor delicious sandwiches, cakes, fresh coffee, and sip different types of tea. A live jazz band is there to regale you in the evenings.

Ikeja Shopping Mall
The Ikeja Shopping Mall is the perfect spot for the shopaholics. This huge shopping center in Lagos is home to the 5-screen Silverbird Cinemas. The Shoprite Supermarket here has many department stores, beauty shops and salons, restaurants, bars, cafes and banks. This is the best place in the city to shop and hang out with your family and friends.

With these prominent attractions and several others, Lagos will keep you engaged and entertained. If you are planning to visit an African destination, make this former Nigerian capital city top on your itinerary.