If you had to describe Lagos in three words, there is a high chance that “stressful” or its variant would be in the mix. From the endless traffic to the polluted and overcrowded streets, everyone knows that Lagos can be quite an exhausting place.
In light of this, it is important to know the happening places for when you need an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Although the mainland is a viable option for having fun, the island does it better. It is the business hub for popular domestic and multinational companies like UBA, Dangote Group, Globacom Limited, Chevron, etc., as they are headquartered there. The island also has the best clubs, arcades, cinemas, and beaches.
As the centre of luxury living, it makes sense that entertainment hotspots are more prevalent on the island. Although there are a lot to choose from, these are the notable ones;
Twinwaters
Address: Road Water, Okunde Bluewater Zone Off Remi Olowude, Corporation Road, Lekki
The TwinWaters Tower is a very modern place to relax with a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. Because of the ocean waves crashing against its bottom, the tower has a cool breeze that makes you want to lay your bed there and be lost in time.
The Tower is the only one of its kind in Nigeria, as it offers a wide range of recreation and entertainment. It houses the Chai Tang, 788 on the Sea, Rufus & Bee, The View Rooftop, and the Filmhouse.
With its fine dining restaurants, in-house arcade, rooftop bar, and cinema, the Tower is the perfect relaxation spot whether you are alone or in a group.
Chai Tang
One of the fine dining restaurants in the TwinWaters Tower at Lekki is Chai Tang. It is an aesthetically pleasing restaurant that gives a glimpse of Asian-themed fine dining.
One of the few restaurants in Lagos with a visual menu, Chai Tang serves Chinese and Oriental dishes that cater to different palates.
You may either dine at the restaurant or have your meal delivered.
If you do decide to eat at the restaurant, you can step it down with any domestic or imported cocktail and wine at the bar.
The restaurant has a calm atmosphere because of the beautiful view of the water, the gentle breeze from the Atlantic, and the soft music that plays in the background.
You can decide to enjoy your meal in the private dining rooms or have a cocktail on the outdoor terrace and enjoy the view.
If you are considering checking out the restaurant, consider making reservations.
The restaurant opens on Tuesdays to Sundays between the hours of 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm. There is also a dress code, as diners are expected to be in casual but smart clothing. This means that shorts, sandals, and shoes are allowed, but not ripped clothing, rubber slippers, or sportswear.
788 on the Sea
788 on the Sea is a fancy seafood restaurant known for its Italian food and other intercontinental dishes. It also has a full bar with the best wines and beers. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its numerous seating options. You may decide to sit at the table, in the booths, or on the terrace.
Backed by the large body of the Atlantic Ocean, the restaurant enjoys the cool breeze that the ocean waves afford when they crash against the rocks. Classical music played by the resident pianist adds to the peaceful atmosphere. It would totally sweep you off your feet and serenade you.
The decor of 788 on the Sea is one that immediately jumps out at you as you enter the dining space. From the carefully picked furniture to the similar clothing of the waiters, even down to their shoes, it is not hard to tell that attention was paid to the tiniest detail of the interior decor.
788 on the Sea opens its doors to diners six days a week, from Tuesdays to Sundays, between the hours of 12 p.m. and 10.30 p.m. Another thing to keep in mind if this restaurant is on your bucket list is that you should make reservations in advance.
Just like the Chai Tang, the dress code is relaxed but should be smart. Jeans, shorts, and sandals are allowed for lunch and dinner.
Rufus & Bee
An arcade center with over 100 exciting games is another entertainment option at the TwinWaters Tower. From the bowling alley to the sports bar, snooker, and basketball, there is no doubt that Rufus & Bee is suitable for both the old and young crowds.
To access any game at Rufus and Bee, you would need to get a buzz card, which costs N1,000, and load it with chips. You can load it with as many chips as you want, ranging from 55 to 405 chips, which cost N5000 and N30000, respectively. Each go at a game averages around eight chips.
Rufus & Bee is not just about the fun; there are rewards too. You might want to watch out for the games where you can win tickets. Depending on the number of tickets you win, you can get drones, teddy bears, scrabble boards, etc. as rewards.
Of course, the impressive rewards, like cameras and drones, require a high number of tickets, like 15,000 and above.
Unlike the fine dining establishments listed above, there is no regulated dress code to visit Rufus & Bee, so you can just dress down.
Meanwhile, it operates on the same schedule as fine-dining restaurants.
The View Rooftop Lounge
The View Rooftop Lounge is a scenic location you want to experience, especially if you have a thing for the sound of crashing waves and the feel of the ocean breeze against your face.
The Rooftop, which is at the top of the five-story TwinWaters Tower, is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Lagos. It offers a tempting selection of delicious meals, cocktails, and mouth-watering finger bites.
This rooftop restaurant and bar has a cool environment and is the perfect spot for a date night, a meeting with friends, or an afternoon business meeting. In the case of unfavorable weather, there is an indoor lounge.
Aside from these incredible sights, telescopes are available for viewing the moon and stars.
The lounge opens on Tuesdays to Thursdays from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm, and Fridays to Sundays, between 12:00 pm to 12:00 am. While it is advisable to make reservations before visiting, you can get lucky without them if there are not so many people.
Nike Centre for Art and Culture
Address: 2 Ikate Elegushi Rd, Lekki Phase I 106104, Lekki, Lagos
The Nike Art Centre is a four-story art reservoir with over 8,000 pieces of traditional and contemporary artwork that proudly promotes Nigerian culture. Adorned with different forms of art, from paintings to carvings, welding, sculptures, and walls of beading and textiles, the Center is a sight for sore eyes. Though privately owned, the Center is open to the public to appreciate the art for free, all seven days a week.
The Nike Art Center houses an art gallery and a textile museum. It also has a coffee shop.
Arguably the biggest in Lagos, the Nike Art Gallery contains a diverse collection of art, celebrating Nigerian creatives and telling the Nigerian story through art. Some of these stories are told through paintings on Adire fabric, embroidery, beadwork, etc.
To better enjoy the view, you can contract the service of a tour guide who would educate you about the displayed art
Asides from the art, visitors are occasionally entertained with dance from the dance troops at the gallery
Marcopolo Oriental Cuisine
Address: Lekki waterfront @ 1 Wole Olateju Crescent, Lekki Phase 1, Lekki
The Marcopolo Oriental Cuisine is also known as the Waterfront Restaurant. The menu of this fine dining establishment offers a gustatory exploration of Chinese and Cantonese food cultures. If you have a sweet tooth and would love to experience fine dining with the sweetest selection of wine and beer, the bar section of the restaurant has you covered.
The Marcopolo Oriental Cuisine has been around for quite some time—since the 1980s—and this says a lot about the quality of service it must render. Luckily, it is not location-restricted, as there are branches at Ibeju Lekki, Eti Osa, V.I., and Lekki Phase 1.
This restaurant is suitable for any crowd, whether for a special anniversary dinner, a simple business lunch, or a family night out. The restaurant has its opening hours from Mondays to Sundays between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
You can choose to dine in, order takeout, or have your food delivered to your home.
Oniru Private Beach
Address: 1 Ligali Ayorinde Street, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Oniru Beach gets its name from its owners, the Oniru Royal Family. If you are a nature lover, a social butterfly, or a tourist, this is a great spot for you. With the serenity that the ocean view brings, it is easy to get lost in nature.
The beach is a hub for anything entertainment-related. There are a series of sports activities to choose from: horseback riding, beach ball, jet skiing, boat riding, etc. Oftentimes, live shows and parties are also organised at the beach.
Having a picnic at the beach is also a welcome idea, and there are rental spots for cabanas and chairs. Otherwise, you may bring your beach mats and umbrellas
Getting Nigerian delicacies is not a big deal, as several restaurants serve specials like peppered suya, grilled fish, asun, pepper soup etc.
Oniru Private Beach opens round the clock and has a gate of N1000 for adults and free entry for children. Meanwhile, there is a midnight curfew in place, during which no one is allowed entry or exit until the morning.
More often than not, the beach is loud and crowded during weekends. If you just want to go there for the quiet though, you should consider going on a weekday.
Sailors’ Lounge
Address: PLot 1 block 12, admiralty road, Lekki phase 1 Lekki, 101253, Lagos
Sailors’ Lounge is easily among the top dogs in the hospitality sector. Established with three things in mind: sailing, dining, and entertainment, you cannot deny that this facility stands out.
The lounge also has an appealing aesthetic, which will help your photo ops if you would like to build your Instagram cred or you simply love documenting your experiences.
Three sections make up the Sailors’ Lounge: the Captain’s Deck, the Sailor’s Bar, and the Captain’s Cabin.
The Captain’s Deck prides itself on being the first floating bar in Nigeria, which was inspired by the desire to help diners capture the sensation of floating atop the ocean while dining.
With an architectural design so dramatic, it makes sense for the menu to also be a bit extra. Indeed, the menu at Captain’s Deck is a unique blend of seafood, intercontinental and local dishes.
The Sailors’ Bar is popularly dubbed the Lekki sports bar. Usually, people would gather around and watch the football matches of their favourite clubs while sipping a glass of beer.
The Captain’s Cabin, meanwhile, is mostly used for corporate events and get-togethers. It has enough room for 80 people
To experience Sailors’ Lounge in its element, you want to watch out for Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Cocktails are served on Wednesdays, Thursdays are for comedy shows, and there are live band cruise performances on Sundays.
Omu Resort
Address: 1 Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Wy, Ibeju 105101, Lekki, Lagos
Nestled in a rainforest environment, Omu Resort is a recreational hub that brings you close to nature and caters to varying levels of entertainment appetites. It has a zoo, a wax museum, a freshwater seaworld, amusement rides, quad biking, and a lot more.
The gate fee of N3000 or N5000 is a one-off, as you don’t need to make subsequent payments for the use of the facilities. The N3000 fee grants you access to most of the facilities in the resort, like archery, horseback riding, go-karting, paintballing, roller skating, etc.
On the other hand, the N5000 fee grants you access to every facility at the resort, with the extra benefit being the freedom to play mini-golf and go quad biking.
The resort is family-friendly, as there are activities for adults and young children, so no one feels left out. There is a bouncing castle for children and different karts for all ages.
The resort is also a popular destination for corporate gatherings, which can be held there.
Omu Resort is said to have the first wax museum in Africa, and there are three wax sculptures in the museum. One of the sculptures is that of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua; another is that of the former Governor of Lagos, Babatunde Raji Fashola; and the last is that of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
While visitors are allowed to bring their own food, they are required to pay a corkage fee. The amount to be paid depends on the number of people in the group.
Lufasi Nature Park
Address: KM 41 Lekki Epe Expressway, Majek 1st Gate, beside Fara Park Estate, Eti-Osa 106104, Lagos
If you are a lover of nature, then Lufasi Nature Park is the perfect hangout spot for you. From the entrance of the park, you can see lots of green: plants and flowers, and butterflies perched in the gardens. You can tell that the air would be different from the polluted one that travels around Lagos.
The Lekki Urban Forest and Animal Sanctuary Initiative (LUFASI) works to keep natural habitats in good shape. As such, it is a nature preserve that is home to endangered forest species such as the African Pied Hornbill, Hooded Vulture, and Iron Wood tree.
The park has a zoo where you can see pangolins, donkeys, Nigerian dwarf goats, horses, and a civet. There is also a forest, which serves as a home to different kinds of birds like hornbills, vultures, kingfishers, etc.
The LUFASI Nature Park is a perfect blend of recreational and conservative centers. It is perfect for school excursions since the forest tour can teach young ones about the wildlife they never thought existed.
It is also a family-themed park, so you can have a nice time with your family there. Since visitors are allowed to bring in their food, there could be a family picnic. The children can then proceed to the children’s playground while adults pick up whatever sport activities catches their fancy, from volleyball to football, sightseeing, board games and aerobics etc.
Other activities to busy yourself with at Lufasi are bird watching, camping, fishing, kayaking etc.
Tarkwa Bay Beach
Address: Onisiwo Island, near the Lagos harbour, Lagos.
Tarkwa Bay is a quiet, artificial island that has been around since the 1960s. It is surrounded by a residential community, most of whom are farmers and traders. It is safely tucked away from the noisiness of Lagos and can only be accessed by boat and water taxis.
For an easy commute, you can get a round-trip ticket on a luxury boat for a fee of around N4000. The banana boats, meanwhile, are a more economical choice.
With Tarkwa Bay, the fun starts even before you arrive at the destination; the boat ride from the community to the destination is exciting. You can only truly enjoy it if you’re not aquaphobic, though. There might be nothing to fear since tourists are each given a life jacket before the ride.
One thing that sets the beach apart from other major public beaches is its reclusiveness, which accounts for its serenity and lack of crowds. As such, Tarkwa Bay Beach is less crowded than other beaches, and this gives it a classy vibe. Because of this, it appears to be the perfect spot for a romantic getaway.
Also, the waves at Tarkwa Bay Beach are a lot calmer, largely because of the Eko Atlantic Harbor. This makes it easy for swimmers and surfers to be in their element at the beach without the fear of drowning. Tourists who decide to jet ski or water ski are also allowed some freedom.
Silverbird Galleria
Address: Silverbird Galleria, 133 Ahmadu Bello Way, VI 100211, Lagos
One other spot to tick off your bucket list is the four-story historic building of the Silverbird Galleria. People often say that the Galleria started the movie culture in Nigeria. It also has the country’s first cinema with multiplex screens.
Silverbird Galleria doubles as a shopping mall and an entertainment center. On the ground floor are a café and a broadcast studio. The second floor has arcades and food services, while the famous Silverbird Cinema, a lounge, and a beauty shop can be found on the topmost floor.
There is also the Saffron Restaurant within the building. It offers local and international dishes. A must-mention is the nightclub there, which is simply known as Cubes.
The Galleria is also often used as an event center for shows, competitions, awareness campaigns, and exhibitions.
Since there are so many things to do at the Galleria, it is no surprise that it makes the list of entertainment hotspots.
Eko Hotels & Suites
Address: Plot 1415 Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island 106104, Lagos
Every happening babe and guy is familiar with the famous Eko Hotels and Suites. Even if you live vicariously through your friends or your Twitter feeds, the name should not sound strange to you, and understandably so.
Eko Hotels and Suites is the largest convention center for notable events in Nigeria. As such, it is used for music concerts, movie premieres, standup comedy performances, international exhibitions, etc.
Meanwhile, this hotel is more than just a gathering place for events, as the mainstream media portrays it. Within Eko Hotels and Suites, there are some recreational services you can busy yourself with.
For instance, there is a spa where you can have your body pampered, as well as a saloon and a nail studio. There are also volleyball, lawn tennis, and basketball courts.
You may also decide to have a swim at the outdoor pool or simply relax in its surroundings.
If you are already a guest at the hotel, you may have free access to these facilities. If you are an outside guest, on the other hand, using the facilities would attract an additional cost. You can also use the free parking, WiFi, and wired Internet in some public areas.
A must-try are the dining spots at the hotel. Sky Restaurant is known for its perfect Asian fusion menu delicacies, and Lagoon Breeze Restaurant for its grilled food. With dishes like Asun pizza and plantain coquettes, it’s clear that the 88 Restaurant’s menu is heavily influenced by African food culture.
Slay Karaoke Bar
Address: Penny Mall, 1 The Providence St, Lekki Phase 1 101233, Lekki, Lagos
What is a fun night in Lagos without a trip to the karaoke bar? Music soothes the soul, and nothing feels more liberating at the moment than singing along with your favourite artist, whether or not you have the vocal range.
The Slay Karaoke Bar gives visitors a new kind of experience by having multiple HD monitor screens that are controlled by an interactive karaoke machine made by Microsoft that lets people choose songs and sing them.
The tastefully designed lounge also works to assure visitors of comfort.
Apart from being a karaoke bar, Slay is also a sports viewing bar. This means that when you’re not singing your heart out, you can relax on the rooftop with a cold beer and grilled foods like barbeque and ram suya.
You also get to hear live bands perform and get in line to play snooker.
Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate
Address: Km 40 Lekki – Epe Expy, 105101, Lagos
The Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate is another place where people can get away from the usual stress of Lagos and have fun. The refreshing smell of nature from the lush green grasses and the cool breeze from the artificial lakes create a relaxing ambience away from the noise and stress of urban life.
The estate’s beautiful design shows that it is meant to help people relax and feel better.
The estate has two major arms, which are hospitality and golf.
It has a championship golf course with 18 holes where golfers can show off their skills. Even if you’re new to golf, the golf lessons provided at the estate have you covered.
After a long game on the course, you can retire to the apartments to shower and rest. You may then decide to treat yourself to a massage at the spa or tease your tongue at the restaurant, both of which are within the property.
The Lakowe Lakes Golf apartment not only has a washing machine; it also offers a free parking facility.
FAQs
What is Lagos Island Known For?
Lagos Island is known for having the best places to have fun and relax, the biggest shopping centers, the headquarters of many companies, and the most expensive homes.
Where Do Millionaires Live in Lagos?
Many Lagos millionaires live on Banana Island, where homes are extremely expensive. There is also an unsaid rule that the island is set up to sort out the crème de la crème of society.
Where Do Millionaires Live in Lagos?Where Can I Hang Out Alone in Lagos?
Some centers of attraction where you can hang out by yourself include:
. Lagos National Museum
. Freedom Park
. Terra Kulture
Where Can I Find Rich Dates?
The easiest way to meet and interact with rich men in Lagos is by hooking them up at their usual scene, which is sporting events, charity balls, and auctions. Other scenes include art exhibitions, gallery openings, and upscale bars and lounges.
Who is the King of Lagos Island?
The King of Lagos Island is HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal. He doubles as the Oniru of Iruland.
What Can Couples Do at Night Together?
Couples may decide to Netflix and Chill, have a date at a fine dining restaurant, or try stargazing, among other things.
What is a Girls Night In?
A girls’ night in is a night set aside by girlfriends to unwind, catch up, and have fun together. The girls may decide to have a movie night, a game night, or any other activity that will help them bond and relax.
Parting Thoughts
These hot spots are a must-visit if you want to have a taste of fun and entertainment in Lagos State. You cannot even beat your chest to say that you are familiar with Lagos nightlife if you have not exhausted at least 50% of this list.
Although this is not an exhaustive list, it is a good starting point, even for the introvert.
Visiting these places will not only relieve the pent-up stress from staying in Lagos, but it will also help you build relationships and connections. You already know that you need a little bit of both to survive in Lagos—or really anywhere.
