LAGOS CITY GUIDE
Lagos isn’t just a city: it’s a current, a rhythm, a way of moving through the world. To understand it, you have to go beyond the skyline and the headlines. You have to know where to eat pepper soup at midnight, where the music plays long after the lights go out, where to shop for pieces that carry the pulse of the streets, and where to slow down, in a city that rarely does. This guide brings you Lagos as told by those who live it. Designers, musicians, artists and insiders opened their address books and let us in on their favourite spots: hidden gems, iconic haunts, and new classics. No filters, no algorithms. Just the real Lagos, from the inside out.
FOOD & DRINK
01 - Ìtàn Test Kitchen
“Michael Elegbede worked at Eleven Madison Park and The French Laundry before launching Ìtàn Test Kitchen, where even Naomi Campbell and Kehinde Wiley have dined. It’s elevated Nigerian cuisine: reimagined, seasonal, rooted in heritage.”
Mazzi Odu, writer
02 - Brisk
A lively brunch and bar getaway in the heart of Ikoyi: “it’s quick, the service is sharp.”
Ugo Monye, fashion designer
1 Alfred Rewane Rd, Ikoyi - brisklagos.com
03 - Yellow Chilli
“It is a great place for a more traditional Nigerian vibe.”
Ugo Monye, fashion designer
35 Joel Ogunnaike Street, GRA Ikeja - yellowchilling.com
04 - Ilé Eros
“A restaurant owned by a friend, a very famous chef who is also a promoter of African culture and creating a contemporary perspective of Africanism.”
Ejike Egbuagu, cultural entrepreneur
14b Kafayat Abdulrazaq, Lekki - ile.eros
05 - Quays
The new era of Lagos vibes, in a stylish spot designed by architect Françoise Akinosho.
3 Tokunbo Omisore Street, Lekki Phase 1 - quayslagos
06 - Bature Brewery
“It’s quite a cool place, it is actually a microbrewery. I am playing there in November this year.”
Keziah Jones, musician
256 Etim Inyang Cres, Victoria Island
07 - Farmcity
“It is a place where me and my friends would kind of chill, drink, have fun, and just forget all our worries.”
Ken Nwadiogbu, artist
Admiralty Way, Beside Post Office, Lekki Phase1 - _officialfarmcity
CULTURE
08 - Jazzhole
“I love Jazzhole. It has books, music, good coffee, good cake: all the essentials.”
Ade Bantu, musician
09 - New Africa Shrine
The temple of afrobeat, preserving the legacy and life of Fela Kuti, culture, music heritage and Pan Africanism. Felabration 2025 is scheduled to take place from October 13th to October 19th.
NERDC Rd, Agidingbi, Ikeja - afrikashrine
10 - QDance Center
A creative incubator run by Qudus Onikeku, showcasing Nigerian culture to the world through dance, music and cultural engagements.
33 Hawley St, Lagos Island
11 - John Randle Center
For a profound exploration of Yoruba culture, history, and philosophy.
Onikan Round About, Lagos Island @jrandlecenter
12 - Bloom
“An unusual art space: it is not a gallery; it is an art salon. It's a home covered with art.” Ejike Egbuagu, cultural entrepreneur
275 Kofo Abayomi St, Victoria Island
FASHION
13 - Alára
West Africa's first fashion, luxury & lifestyle concept store, founded by Reni Folawiyo. Here is the best of everything, especially from Nigeria: WAFFLESNCREAM, Kenneth Ize, This Is Us…
12A Akin Olugbade Street, Victoria Island
14 - Fusion Concepts
A refined retail haven, in a great building designed by architect Françoise Akinosho.
17 Glover Road, Ikoyi
PLACES TO CHILL
15 - Ikaare Beach
“You take a 35-minute boat ride to get there. It’s peaceful, with beach houses and silence. I have insomnia, but there, I sleep. It’s magic.” Ugo Monye, fashion designer
Ikaare, private Island +234 902 557 4292
16 - Freedom Park
“It's a calm place that enables artists to express their art.” Broda Shaggi, comedian
Old Prison Ground,1, Hospital Road, adjacent St' Nicholas Hospital, Lagos Island, Lagos
17 - Lufasi Park
“One of the few nature reserves left. Lagos is loud. You need places to breathe.” Ade Bantu, musician
Eti-Osa, Lekki 106104, Lagos, Nigeria
18 - 16 by 16
“It’s a not-so-secret members club with a beautiful veranda overlooking the creek, zero-waste cocktails, and rooms designed by Nigerian creatives. It’s calm, immersive.” Mazzi Odu, writer
16 Kofo Abayomi St, Victoria Island, Lagos
19 - Miliki
“It is private members lounge. You go there and you find Africans who are global and appreciate the finest aspects of life from an African perspective.” Ejike Egbuagu, cultural entrepreneur
7B Etim Inyang Cresent, Victoria Island
@miliki.ng
20 - Ikoyi Club
“It is a sports club here in Lagos, founded in 1938. It has a golf course, a nice swimming arena, badminton, tennis, gym, barbing salon, massage, spa. Everything.” Charles Emembolu, entrepreneur
1938 Road, Ikoyi
WHERE TO SLEEP IN LAGOS?
21 - Nordic Hotel
Very central, quite peaceful, with a quiet swimming pool and a gym.
258 Kofo Abayomi St, Victoria Island
22 - Bogobiri House
A 16-room boutique hotel, afrocentric, artistic and laidback, with an art gallery and an outdoor pool.
South-West, 9 Maitama Sule St, Ikoyi
