Without a doubt, Lagos is one of the most happening cities in Nigeria. If there’s just one, then Lagos it is. If Nigeria has no happening places, then it must be that Lagos has been dropped from the list of 36 states.
The point is this: Lagos is it—the one fun and exciting city. It has an awe-inspiring urban life that caters to all kinds of fun appetites. Like a versatile queen, Lagos balances everything quite well. Whatever your fun fetish is—gaming, sailing, gambling, or singing (even if it’s off-key), Lagos has you covered.
It, therefore, comes as no surprise that people come from other cities to Lagos just to chill and have a good time.
Lagos mainland is pretty chilled, but if you get a pass to the island, even better! There are some entertainment hot spots near Ikoyi that must make it onto your bucket list.
Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel
Address: 1a Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, 101241, Lagos
You must be familiar with the expression “a world on its own.” Well, if you are searching for a visual representation of what this expression means, look no further than the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel.
Radisson Blu is an entertainment hotspot that really sustains itself. You can stay here for a whole week without having to step out of the hotel environment. And for that one week, be assured of a new experience each day.
To begin with, there are several chilled restaurants and bars to explore, each with its own unique selling point. The Voyage Restaurant is known for its menu, which has a great mix of dishes from around the world and local ones. Whether you want to have Caesar salad or Nigerian beef soup, the Voyage Restaurant can tease your taste buds with these dishes.
The View Bar also boasts a variety of beers, expertly-mixed cocktails, spirits, and desserts. If you’re more of a coffee head, you can try their crème brulée or espresso.
The Surface Bar and Grill on its end is your go-to for a cool evening hangout. The vibe there is one of warmth. With the evening breeze gently stroking your face, you can sip your glass of wine matched to a bowl of peppered snails or chicken suya.
Another experience to look forward to is having your pent-up body stress relieved at the spa in the hotel. Together with this, there is a wellness area to relax in and a well-equipped fitness centre where you can work towards achieving your body goals.
Whatever nice experience you might have at the Radisson Blu is enhanced by the soothing ambience that the waterfront view creates.
One characteristic that helps the Radisson Blu earn some extra points is its proximity to other major entertainment hotspots. The hotel is close to other entertainment hotspots like Muri Okunola Park, Kalakuta Museum, Lekki Conservation Centre, Freedom Park, and the National Museum, among others.
The Jazzhole, Lagos
Address: 168 Awolowo Rd, Ikoyi 106104, Lagos
The Jazzhole is a lot of interesting things at the same time. It’s like a Jack of all trades. But unlike the proverbial Jack, the Jazzhole is a master of all its trades.
For one, it is a record shop—some sort of museum, actually, but for music. It has an extensive record collection, especially of retro music that dates as far back as the 1970s.
It is not your typical fast-paced modern music scene, where most of the records can be found on the internet. No, at Jazzhole, you’ll find songs that preach about values and culture burned onto CDs, vinyl, and DVDs.
The Jazzhole also doubles as a bookstore. Whatever genre of books you are into, no matter how vintage, you will most likely find them on the rustic shelves there.
There is no denying that Nigeria has a rich cultural and literary history, and the Jazzhole is the perfect place to rediscover this through the lens of books and music.
Far from being just a record store and bookshop, the Jazzhole is also a cultural symbol. It gets you closer to the heart of our culture. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that renowned literary forces like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie go there often.
And because artists frequent this place, guests sometimes get to enjoy the luxury of live music
In fact, to glimpse the cultural effect that this hotspot has on the Nigerian story, it was referenced in Chimamanda Adichie’s “Americanah.” It also holds exhibitions every month to celebrate African music, art, and literature.
If you are one to appreciate art, you will agree that the music and literature combo is sweet harmony and the perfect soul food.
To create an even more soothing ambience, there is a café within the store. Boasting varying kinds of fresh juices, tea, coffee, and cakes, the café sets the perfect mood for diving into a world of books as the music in the background rocks you gently.
Mr Chang Chinese Restaurant
Address: 126, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos
In a city with too many restaurants that serve food that is inspired by Africa, Mr. Chang Restaurant is a nice change of pace. Whether you’re a food critic or you’re on a food exploration journey, Mr. Chang is worth your coin.
From the carefully chosen decor to the food, it’s easy to see that this fine restaurant tries to recreate the traditional Chinese dining experience and does so very well.
As expected from a Chinese-themed restaurant, Mr. Chang features little private rooms where guests and their company can enjoy their meals.
If you are just trying new foods, you should expect some of the foods here to be quite spicy, so brace your tongue.
At Mr. Chang’s, you may decide to dine at the fancy restaurant or order takeout.
Over the years, guests have complimented the quality of food and service at Mr. Chang’s Restaurant.
W Bar Lounge
Address: CCRG+VVP Cowries Terminal LASWA Yard, 5 Falomo Bridge, Ikoyi 110233, Lagos
Doubling as a restaurant bar and a club, the W Bar lounge is the one place to look if you are desirous of a good nightlife experience around Ikoyi.
From the restaurant arm, be sure to get mouthwatering plates of seafood that are well simmered in herbal spices and creamy sauce. You can push this down with a different array of drinks at the bar.
As a place of attraction, the lounge gives off a bubbling vibe you cannot help but succumb to. With music artists giving live performances every other week, it is a cool spot you do not want to miss.
At the restaurant section, your taste buds also get taken care of really well. There is an exotic collection of cocktails and wines to choose from, and spicy contemporary dishes to go with them.
The ambience is much cooler in the evenings, and the retractable roof further complements this. The ocean waves gently caress guests as they sit directly under the sky, enjoying their drinks, on the terrace.
In the club section, there is a fully-stocked bar and music. When there are no live performances, the top-notch DJ does his thing.
All in all, the W Bar Lounge creates a thick atmosphere of fun that you want to experience over and over again.
When visiting the W Bar Lounge, make sure you have reservations before that time. Otherwise, you might not be able to access the lounge, as it often gets overbooked.
Fun Factory
Address: 10 Lai Yusuf Crescent, Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lekki
Family-oriented people deserve to have fun too, and that’s why there is Fun Factory. Situated in Lekki, it is an amusement park with a lot of attractions. From the carousels to the train rides, swimming pool, and bouncing castles, this family-themed park has what it takes to keep every member of a team entertained.
Fun Factory is not only a recreational facility but also an event center. It has an aesthetical pleasing environment that can be used for special ceremonies like corporate dinners, birthdays, reunions etc.
In fact, this entertainment hotspot organizes interesting events like school Christmas outings and excursions, where children get to enjoy exciting games in a safe setting. For children’s activities, guards are stationed at strategic points to ensure their safety.
Meanwhile, adults are not left out of the fun. They can go rope climbing, join programs that teach swimming to adults, or partake in the Mother and Child Trade Fairs.
Individuals can also throw themed parties and do face painting, and school staff can also hold their end-of-year parties at the facility.
Fun Factory has facilities that cater to children between the ages of one and ten, as well as to teenagers and adults.
To access all the games at Fun Factory, you will be required to pay an entrance fee of three thousand naira (N3000). The facility is opened to guests all days in a week between the hours of 9:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m.
National Museum Lagos
Address: Onikan Road, Ikoyi, 102273, Lagos
If there is one thing to know about Nigeria, it’s that it’s a country flowing with art and culture.
Cultural and historical artifacts like these ought to be preserved not just for the moment but for the education of posterity. To reach this goal, an English archaeologist named Kenneth Murray opened the National Museum of Lagos in 1957.
One of the oldest museums of its kind in Lagos, the National Museum effortlessly tells the Nigerian story through art, archaeology, and ethnography. The museum tells a lot about Nigerian history and culture because it has so many artifacts from different ethnic groups all over the country.
The artifacts are classified by culture and ethnic group. As such, there is a Yoruba section where you’d find materials like clay pots used in ancient households as well as masquerade costumes, or Egungun costumes, as they are commonly known.
In the Nok culture section, there is the popular Jemma Head, made from terracotta and shaped like a human head. The Head dates as far back as 900 to 200 BC.
There are Mumuye figures and divination bowls representing Adamawa State’s communities. and And traceable to the Calabar folk, there are Ekpo masks as well as the Gẹlẹdẹ wooden masks
There are also statutes, textiles, carvings, jewelries, textiles, dane guns, ancient crowns, and other archaeological residues.
Even though the museum is brimming with historical artefacts, there are also displays of contemporary art created by artists like Nike Davies-Okundaye,
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments is in charge of the museum, which was set up mainly to keep Nigerian culture alive.
Periodically, the National Museum organizes art exhibitions that feature works by several artists. Meanwhile, you should know that you won’t be allowed to take pictures. The gate fee at the museum is five hundred naira (N500) per head, which is a reasonable price.
All in all, visiting the museum is an experience you want to have, even with your children. and it is one experience you will cherish, as it is the perfect blend of fun and education.
Barazahi
Address: 16, Fola Osibo Street, Phase 1, Lekki Phase I, Lagos
Considering the hustle and bustle of Lagos alone, everyone who lives there deserves massage therapy now and then. And if you’re looking for a massage spot anywhere near Ikoyi, don’t look beyond Barazahi.
Barazahi is a boutique spa that is invested in beauty therapies and body rejuvenation. This massage place uses essential oil treatments in its massage therapy sessions to make sure that stress and tension slip away slowly and that clients feel refreshed.
You can be sure that you will get the best care and healing, but the extent of the service will depend on the package you choose.
Barazahi has different arms. There is a well-equipped gym for people who like to work out, and there are hair salons where women can get special hair care.
After the calming massage session, you can relax by the poolside.
Barazahi doesn’t just work on women; it also has special facials and treatments for men that help them feel better. Of course, children are not left out. In fact, there is an arm of Barazahi known as Ujana. Ujana has a salon and a mini spa for children because they, too, can be stressed and thus deserve the best care.
At Barahazi, there is a policy that guests who require a treatment plan that stretches beyond one and a half hours should make reservations for their appointments.
R.S.V.P. Lagos
Address: 9 Eletu Ogabi St, Victoria Island 101001, Lagos
Another entertainment hotspot near Ikoyi that you want to strike off your bucket list is R.S.V.P. Lagos. The decor of this fine dining restaurant is based on bars and restaurants in Manhattan, New York City, during the Prohibition era. The food is a good mix of European and American cuisines. The menus also have special consideration for vegetarians and those who prefer gluten-free foods.
Although you can decide to be spontaneous and show up at R.S.V.P., you should make reservations. You never know when it’ll be full. And there’s nothing more disappointing than dressing up to go have a nice time and being disappointed just because.
Apart from being a restaurant, R.S.V.P. also has halls that can be booked for private events, small gatherings, soirees, romantic dinners, etc. Private events are held at the outdoor lounge behind the restaurant, known as the Poolside.
The seating structure at this restaurant is a private booth system. This affords guests some privacy as they dine. Also, past guests have complimented the quality of the service and food.
Another fancy feature of R.S.V.P. is the chalk wall where they scribble the restaurant’s menu for the day. If you’re big on photo aesthetics, you can also use this as a photo palette.
The restaurant is considerate of people with disabilities and has facilities that show them some consideration. For instance, the restrooms and seating entrances are wheelchair-accessible.
Thought Pyramid Art Center, Lagos
Address: 96 Norman Williams St., Ikoyi, 106104, Lagos
A brainchild of Jeff Ajeushi, the Thought Pyramid Art Center was established in 2008 and was borne from the deep desire to collect, conserve, and study modern and contemporary art of Africa and the African Diaspora.
The idea was to have a meeting point for craft, art, and design, and art thinkers could brainstorm and deliver innovative ideas on directions for African art.
This art conservatory features different art statements from notable figures like Jim Braimoh, Tola Wewe, Ben Osawe, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Sam Ovraiti, Twin Seven Seven, and a host of others.
Some of these art pieces include, but are not limited to:
- Bead Art
- Modern Paintings
- Expressionist Art
- Contemporary Oil Canvases
- Acrylic Paintings
- Metal Statues of animals like ostrich, horse, raging bull, etc.
Aside from being a Center for the display of beautiful art pieces, the Thought Pyramid Art Center also holds exhibitions, workshops, theater performances etc.
With the aim of teaching children to appreciate, nurture, and preserve our cultural heritage through artistic expression, the center also holds educational events like M.A.P. (Music, Art, and Poetry Program (M.A.P. ), where the children learn poetry, music, and art.
Over the years, the Center has given art lovers a place to share their ideas and creativity. Its influence was so widespread that dignitaries such as the Duchess of Cornwall, HRH Camilla, and Joachim Gauch, the former President of Germany, attended.
There is also a restaurant within the premises, called the Spice Platter Restaurant.
All in all, the Thought Pyramid is an entertainment hotspot you really must visit, especially if you have an eye for art and its expressions.
The Federal Palace Hotel and Casino
Address: 6-8 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, 101241, Lagos
In Lagos, all work and no play make you worn out. And that is why you need relaxing centers like the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino to balance yourself out.
The Federal is a 5-star hotel with an in-house casino that caters to all kinds of guests; the corporate traveller, the gamer, the fun seeker etc.
The Federal Palace Hotel and Casino is not only a popular place to have fun, but it also has a lot of historical value. With a view overlooking the Atlantic, it is among the country’s oldest hotels.
It was established in 1960 and is renowned for having been the setting for the signing of Nigeria’s Declaration of Independence.
The subsequent celebration of independence was also held in the hotel’s Independence Hall, which also hosted the African Union (formerly the Organization of African Unity) summit and the Festival of African Arts and Culture (FESTAC) in 1977.
The hotel has 150 rooms, and each one has air conditioning and a terrace. In the rooms, guests get to enjoy free WiFi and housekeeping services. Each morning, guests are served a buffet breakfast.
The other part of the hotel, which is a casino, is also a crowd magnet. The reason it stands out might be connected to the fact that casinos are not common sights in Lagos.
A Lagos State Lotteries Board Outstanding Contribution Award was given to the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino, which showed that it was one of the best casinos in the area. So, this should tell you a few things about the quality of service rendered there.
As a player, you might be interested in the Black Jack, Poker, and American Roulette tables. You can also go for the slot machine, which you can use for as little as US$0.01.
Apart from the hotel to relax at and the casino to game at, there are also restaurants to indulge yourself with.
At the Explorers Restaurant, you can explore European food culture or sample Nigerian cuisine cooked with artistry. You can top it off with a sweet collection of cocktails and wines from the Ancestors Spirits and Wine Bar.
The Federal Palace Hotel and Casino also has a pool club that is perfect for a romantic getaway or family outing.
Although membership in the club is exclusive, you can get a special rate if you’re staying at the hotel.
These are some of the facilities you would get to enjoy at the Pool Club:
- Games Room
- Tennis courts
- Play Parks for Children
- Children’s Pool
- Jogging Track
- Waterslide
Nok by Alara
Address: 12A Akin Olugbade St., Victoria Island, Lagos 106104
If you need to catch a break from the westernized food always being served in restaurants, then Nok by Alara is a good bet.
It is an African-themed restaurant that serves varying dishes of African cuisine. It redefines traditional foods like the Nigerian amala, Ghana’s Waaky, and the Senegalese Thiéboudienne.
On a first visit, though, you might want to try its widely acclaimed Abula dish. You can complement your plate of abula with a bowl of ewedu and gbegiri that is stocked up with assorted meat, ponmo, and cow leg.
Nok is not your regular Iya Basirat amala place, even though Iya Basirat is awesome! especially when she’s awfully rude. If you know, you know.
Now, Nok is different because of the artistic expression it makes through food. This “fine dining for local foods” explores local dishes and comes up with aesthetically pleasing and pleasant results you never thought possible. From oxtail hotpot to Chicken, and poisson braisé, etc., it’s a whole culinary journey.
As expected, you can step down your food with any of their mocktail options.
Nok creates a cosy dining ambience which is improved by its strategic display of African art
An experience at Nok can give you a glimpse of their end goal. The general idea is to celebrate African culture through food and art. If its expertise in reinventing classic African foods with grace and sophistication is anything to go by, you can tell it’s doing a great job.
Nok by Alara opens its doors to guests on Tuesday through Saturday between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. On Sundays, though, it happens between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Advisably, you should make reservations.
Nok by Alara is known for its exciting blend of African flavors with new ways of presenting food and a touch of luxury.
In all, Nok by Alara has redefined the preparation and presentation of African foods. With a note of luxury as well as a perfect blend of Africanism and modernism, it is an experience you really want to have.
FAQs
Names of Places in Ikoyi?
Some places in Ikoyi are Dolphin Estate, Parkview Estate, and Banana Island, among others.
Fun Places in Victoria Island, Lagos?
Fun places on Victoria Island that should make it to your bucket list are:
. Terra Kulture
. Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel
. EbonyLife Cinemas
What is the meaning of Ikoyi?
The term “Ikoyi” has its roots in the Yoruba language, and the full phrase is Èsó Ìkòyí.
“Èsó Ìkòyí” is often used for persons of royalty or nobility
What is the Popular Street in Ikoyi?
The busiest and most popular street in Ikoyi is Awolowo Road. It is also the business hub of the area.
Where is the richest area in Lagos?
The wealthiest area in Lagos State is Ikoyi. Ikoyi has a lot of estates where homes are the most expensive and, therefore, only occupied by the creme de la creme of society.
What Streets Are in Ikoyi, Lagos?
There are a handful of streets in Ikoyi, but some of them are:
. Glover Rd
. Funsho Martins St
. Okotie Eboh Street
. Park View Estate
. Ikoyi Club 1938 Rd
. Awolowo Rd
. Ruxton Rd
. Rosewood Cl
. Bankole Cardoso Ave
Parting Thoughts
With its island status, Ikoyi is a perfect spot to unwind and relieve yourself of the typical Lagos stress. Even if you’re not stressed (which is unlikely if you stay in Lagos), these entertainment hotspots are exciting options for fun dates.
Also, some places on the list are worth experiencing, if for nothing else than their pedagogical attributes. For instance, Nok by Alara gives an insight into Yoruba traditional foods, while the National Museum tells Nigerian history through art and sculpture.
