THE SHORT VERSION / Things to do in Lagos in December
The best things to do in Lagos in December, beyond the parties, are Nike Art Gallery, the Lekki Conservation Centre canopy walk, Freedom Park, the New Afrika Shrine, a boat to Tarkwa Bay, Balogun Market, Terra Kulture, and a day trip to Badagry's slave-route heritage sites.
- Top art stop
- Nike Art Gallery
- Nature
- Lekki canopy walk
- Music history
- New Afrika Shrine
- Beach
- Tarkwa Bay
- Heritage day trip
- Badagry
- Best time
- Mornings
The 15 best things to do in Lagos in December
Art and culture
- Nike Art Gallery (Lekki): four floors of Nigerian art, from textiles to paintings. One of the largest galleries in West Africa.
- Terra Kulture (Victoria Island): an arts centre with theatre shows, exhibitions and Nigerian food.
- Freedom Park (Lagos Island): a former colonial prison turned into a culture park with live music and events.
- National Museum Lagos (Onikan): Nigerian history and artefacts.
- Kalakuta Museum: Fela Kuti's former home in Ikeja, now a museum.
Music and nightlife history
- New Afrika Shrine (Ikeja): the home of Afrobeat's legacy, with live shows and special December nights.
- Live band nights: Lagos hotels and lounges host live highlife and Afrobeat bands through December.
Nature and outdoors
- Lekki Conservation Centre: home to one of Africa's longest canopy walkways. Go early to beat the heat.
- Tarkwa Bay: a sheltered beach reached by boat. See our Lagos beaches guide.
- Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge at sunset: the classic Lagos skyline photo.
Markets and shopping
- Balogun Market (Lagos Island): fabric, aso-oke and everything else. Go with a local and hold your bag close.
- Lekki Arts and Crafts Market: carvings, beads, paintings and gifts. Haggle politely.
- Designer boutiques in Lekki and VI: Nigerian fashion labels for your December looks.
Day trips
- Badagry: about 2 hours west, with slave-route heritage sites including the "Point of No Return". A powerful visit for diaspora travellers.
- Olumo Rock, Abeokuta: a historic rock fortress about 2 hours north.
Best things to do in Lagos by type of traveller
| You are… | Do this |
|---|---|
| First-timer | Nike Art Gallery, Lekki canopy walk, Tarkwa Bay |
| Diaspora heritage traveller | Badagry, National Museum, Freedom Park |
| Music lover | New Afrika Shrine, Kalakuta Museum, live band nights |
| Shopper | Lekki Arts Market, Balogun, Lekki boutiques |
| Family with kids | Lekki Conservation Centre, beach day, cinema |
Tips for sightseeing in Lagos in December
- Go in the morning: traffic and heat both build after noon.
- Group nearby sights: Lekki (Nike, canopy walk, Arts Market) in one day, Lagos Island (Freedom Park, Balogun, museum) in another.
- Hire a driver for day trips to Badagry or Abeokuta.
- Carry naira cash for entry fees and markets.
THE PRACTICAL DETAILS
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Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Lagos besides partying?
Visit Nike Art Gallery, walk the Lekki canopy walkway, explore Freedom Park and the National Museum, see the New Afrika Shrine, take a boat to Tarkwa Bay, shop at Lekki Arts Market, and day-trip to Badagry's heritage sites.
How far is Badagry from Lagos?
Badagry is about 60 to 70 km west of central Lagos, roughly 2 hours by road depending on traffic.
Is the Lekki canopy walk worth it?
Yes. The canopy walkway at Lekki Conservation Centre is one of Africa's longest and gives a rare quiet nature break in the city. Go early in the morning.
Keep planning
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