So, you recently moved to Lagos from another state, country, or even continent. The only ‘friends’ you know are your colleagues. And suddenly, you notice you’re living a triangular lifestyle - from work to a restaurant/market, and back to the house. Very boring, right?
Expat life in Lagos can be boring sometimes. Finding friends, meeting people, and making connections aren’t always easy. This is why many expats spend a lot of time locked away in their apartments most weekends. And not to mention the discouraging traffic.
However, it doesn't always have to be this way.
If you’re feeling bored in Lagos or looking for some fun places to hang out, check out our list of 7 great locations to visit as an expat living in Lagos!
7 Amazing Hang-out Spots for Expats in Lagos
Lagos is a great place for expats who love the outdoors. There are so many scenic places that you can explore in your free time, such as beaches, parks, and other natural reserves. You just need to know where to look to find all these fun places! Below are 7 amazing places to visit in Lagos as an expat.
1. Landmark Beach
If there’s one thing that Lagosians love, it’s going to the beach. And if you’re an expat living in Lagos, there are few better places to go than Landmark Beach. It’s one of the best private beaches in Lagos, so you’re sure to run into plenty of other expatriates there.
Landmark Beach offers various fun activities like boat rides, gun fights, kayaking, etc., and the meals are to die for. The beach has a classy and serene environment with a beautiful view of the ocean.If you visit on the weekend, you’ll be in for a treat, as there’s a vibrant nightlife scene at Landmark Beach that you’re sure to love.
Landmark Beach charges a gate fee of #2000 to access the beach on weekdays, while you pay #3500 for adults on weekends and #1000 for kids below 13. Every other activity or spot on the beach come with their own prices.
2. Lekki Conservation Centre
The Lekki Conservation Centre is a nature reserve and sight seeing spot for people who love to enjoy nature in its essence. The place is famous for its abundance of monkeys, different species of trees and reptiles.
The 401 metres long canopy walk - a long rope walkway is one of the longest canopy walk in Africa. And allows you to see the base of the trees and its surroundings from a vantage point. If you’re an artist or photographer, the Lekki Conservation Centre is sure to provide you with some new creative inspiration. The
Lekki Conservation Centre is open to the public every day, and even more fun on weekend so you’re sure to have a great time visiting this interesting space in Lagos.
Lekki Concervation Center charges a gate fee of #1000 for adults and to access the environment except the canopy walk. To use the canopy walk, adults are charged #1500, while kids below 10 are charged #300.
3. The Omu Resort
If you’re feeling adventurous, you should definitely check out the Omu Resort. The Omu Resort is an all-in-one rainforest resort which provides a variety of fun activities for adult and kids. From the amusement park to the Zoo, down to the the Waterpark, and Chateau de Delice.
The Omu Resort is sure to make you feel like you’ve escaped the hustle and bustle of the city. You can enjoy the car race, or visit the animals at the Zoo. You can even explore the freshwater Seaworld or the wax museum. If you’re looking for a place to unwind and have fun, the Omu Resort comes highly recommended.
4. Nike Art Gallery
If you’re interested in contemporary art from around the world, the Nike Art Gallery is the best place to be. The Nike Art Gallery exhibits and sells works from a diverse range of artists, including new and established artists.
The gallery is open to the public every day of the week and is free to visit. There are often special exhibitions as well, so you’re sure to find something that interests you. You can find anything art - statues, wood carvings, sculptures, paintings, etc.,in diverse forms, shapes and sizes.
If you’re an expat living in Lagos, visiting the Nike Art Gallery is a great way to experience modern African art.
5. Rufus and Bee
If you’re looking for a cool new fun spot in Lagos, look no further than Rufus and Bee. Rufus and Bee is the largest game arcade in Nigeria. Offering over 100 different arcade games for kids and adults. Also known as Twin Waters, Rufus and Bee offers everything sports, fun, food and drinks.
The American met-ex restaurant offers different international delicacies. If you love classic Asian dishes like noodles and dumplings, you can also get that at Chai Tang Chinese restaurant. Rufus and Bee is a great place to meet friends and enjoy a tasty meal, and is sure to become one of your favorite spots in Lagos.
6. Fela Shrine
Also known as the new Afrika Shrine, The Fela Shrine is a tourist attraction centre located on Lagos Mainland. The Fela Shrine is an interesting, vibrant, and colorful place and is sure to give you a new perspective on Lagos and Nigerian culture.
The shrine was built in memory of Late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, one of Africa’s greatest Afro music singer. The place offers an entertainment centre with open-air music, live stage performances and soul-lifting African dishes. If you are lucky to visit around the Felabration - (a music festival in honour of Fela), you will get to watch great African music artists perform on stage at an affordable price.
7. Hard Rock Cafe
The Hard Rock Cafe offers great dining and entertainment activities for adults and kids. With the classic American menu offering delicious cuisines from around the world, to the happy hour live music, there’s just so much to keep you entertained.
You can explore a variety of cocktails, wines and beer. Or take a device into the refreshing swimming pool. The Hard Rock Cafe is a perfect spot to spend your evening and enjoy a whole new-level of fun and relaxation.
Conclusion
Lagos is a very busy city. In fact, one of the busiest cities in Africa. Making it easy for one to get drowned in the hustle and bustle. However, “all work and no play, they say, makes jack a dull boy.”
With that said. We have listed 7 great locations to visit as an expat living in Lagos. These places will surely provide you with a great social experience and make your time in Lagos much more fun. So, if you’re feeling looking for fun things to do as an expat, you can take this opportunity to leave your bed, have fun and meet new people?
