Written by Kayla Doris

Welcome to Lagos, Nigeria’s frenetic megacity, the most populated city in Africa that’s eight times the size of NYC. As the social and economic heartbeat of the country, it’s home to millions of local migrants, internationals, entrepreneurs, hustlers, socialites, and creatives, living and working together from the city’s bustling districts. “It’s chaos,” says Omolola Adele-Oso, founder of Lagos-based travel company, LOS Lifestyle. “But there's a rhythm to the chaos. That level of frenzy has its own beauty, much like Mumbai.” It’s no wonder then that this energizing city has played muse to generations of creatives. It’s the birthplace of Afrobeat and Afrobeats (there’s a difference), the world’s second-largest film industry ‘Nollywood’, a troupe of talented literary writers, and a vibrant fashion and art scene. Though brilliant, its pulsing energy is not for everyone. “If you’re the type of traveler that likes everything to be perfect and timely, then we are not the place for you,” says Omolola. “You will either love it or hate it.” She echoes the sentiments shared by filmmaker, Arieta Mujay Bärg, in our ECT event: “Lagos is not for the faint-hearted. You will either have the time of your life, or a nightmare. There is no in-between.”

Divided into two parts—Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island—most tourist hotspots will be found on the Island in the wealthier districts of Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki. But don’t spend all of your time there. As local expert Omolola Adele-Oso says, “the heartbeat and vibrancy of Lagos really comes from the mainland where most of the residents live. That’s where the slang and Afrobeats originate from, and then once it reaches the island it becomes more accepted.” Ready for the ride?

We’ve covered the best of the city with the help of Omolola Adele-Oso  and Dolapo Olayoriju from LOS Lifestyle, a travel concierge and tours company based in Lagos. We’ve also sourced recommendations from friends of ECT, Mimi Aborowa, founder of Ìrìn Journal, Lagos native and filmmaker, Arieta Mujay Bärg, and ECT Clubhouse member Norma O .

Eat

• Sample new African cuisine at NOK by Alára, a restaurant that serves delicious dishes from a gorgeous venue in Victoria Island. “Nok is my favorite restaurant,” says Mimi Aborowa, founder of Ìrìn Journal. “They were one of the first to start playing with African and Nigerian food in the way it’s presented. They also have a concept store where they sell clothes from African and Nigerian designers.” The dishes include Ghanian waakye, Senegalese burgers, grilled fish with plantains, and red red stew. Take your pick and enjoy your meal with a selection from the extensive cocktail list.

Also included in the guide:

• An innovative kitchen that's reshaping the narrative around Nigerian food

• Where to find the best jollof (and the key thing to look out for so that you know it’s good)

• A bohemian brasserie where you can snack on Latin-inspired tacos, tostadas, and smashed plantains.

Shop

• Discover designer fashion and luxury homeware at Temple Muse in Victoria Island. The concept store describes itself as having a dreamy Afro-Parisian aesthetic, stocking African designers and artisans, as well as luxury brands from around the globe. Once you’ve finished perusing the clothing, perfumes, and gifts, check out the in-house gallery and champagne bar.

Also included in the guide:

• A fashion designer who has gained recognition for her unique swimwear and travel-inspired collections

• A creative hotspot that’s filled to the brim with contemporary novels, second-hand reads, coffee-table books, vintage magazines, and stacks of records.

Join the ECT Clubhouse—our digital community of well-traveled experts and women—to access the full guide. Get a two-week free trial to get inside and start exploring right away.

Do

• “I highly recommend spending a day at the Nike Art Gallery,” says ECT Clubhouse member Norma O. “If you are lucky enough you'll meet Nike (quite the legend) and she'll invite you to stay for a meal. It’s an amazing experience.” The gallery is a four-story building with floor-to-ceiling art from multiple generations of artists, owned by artist and social entrepreneur, Chief Oyenike Monica Okundaye. Based in Lekki, it’s West Africa’s largest art gallery and was initially launched to encourage and empower local youth and women to embrace their cultural heritage. Spend an afternoon being inspired by the wealth of art that’s on display.

Also included in the guide:

• A private glamping and surfing experience on a small island

• A cultural hub that celebrates Nigerian arts, culture, and languages, through plays, art exhibitions, book readings, cultural events, and cooking classes.

Join the Clubhouse.