Overview
Lagos is Africa's most populous city with 8.8 million residents (16 million in the metro area), overtaking Cairo as the continent's largest urban conurbation. Formerly Nigeria's capital from 1914 to 1991, it remains the country's financial and economic hub, famous throughout Africa for its music scene and vibrant nightlife centered on Victoria Island.
Budget Travel · Culture · Festivals · Nightlife · Transit Hub
Before you go
Connectivity
Local SIM ₦1,000. GSM: 9Mobile, Airtel, MTN, Glo. 4G/LTE: SWIFT, Spectranet, SMILE. Network can be erratic; consider dual-SIM phone.
Culture
Lagos is Nollywood's home and Africa's largest city. Victoria Island is nightlife hub. Yoruba is the main local language alongside English.
Food
Mr Bigg's and Tantalizers chains serve Nigerian staples like jollof rice. Budget meals ₦500-2,000. Upscale restaurants on Victoria Island and Ikoyi.
Money
ATMs accept Visa (Standard Chartered), MasterCard/Maestro (Ecobank, Zenith Bank). Foreign currency exchange near hotels and airport requires negotiation. Count money carefully and be wary of your surroundings.
Safety
City has improved security with patrols and CCTV. Violent crime rare for tourists but avoid flaunting possessions. Travel in groups at night. Some corrupt police; use trusted guides.
Transport
Car and driver ₦1,000-2,000/hour from hotels. Street signs on every corner. At night, go in groups only. Taxi services include Red Cab, Corporate Cabs, Orange Cabs.
Weather
Tropical climate year-round, average 26.7°C. Wet season May-October (June heaviest rainfall at 434mm). Dry season Nov-March is driest for travel.