Lagos is renowned as a vibrant and dynamic city, where culture, fun, hustle, and bustle seamlessly blend to create an unparalleled urban experience. As a lifelong resident of Lagos, I can attest to its status as the Nigerian city that never sleeps. However, the common misconception about Lagos being a city with limited activities, only revolving around dining out or enjoying the nightlife, is far from the truth.
Beyond the typical portrayal in social media posts, Lagos is ready to offer a plethora of diverse and unforgettable experiences for both locals and tourists. There is no better time to explore these nine adventures and anticipate an exciting year ahead.
Bowling
Bowling, a group activity involving trying to knock down 10 pins with a heavy ball, originated in the United States of America and is popular in the western regions of the world. But in recent times, Lagosians have embraced this activity with enthusiasm. Rufus and Bee, located in Twin Waters on Victoria Island, is a multifaceted establishment that serves as an arcade, sports bar, and bowling alley.
Operating every day except Monday, they offer a state-of-the-art bowling experience that seamlessly combines the thrill of the game with a vibrant social atmosphere, allowing bowlers to order food and drinks while playing. The lively ambiance and upbeat music at Rufus and Bee enhances the overall excitement of bowling with friends, creating the perfect setting for a fun-filled outing. The cost for a bowling session is ₦8,500, which includes one bowling game and rental bowling shoes.
Paint and Bake
If you’ve lived in Lagos for a while, Chocolat Royal, a picturesque multi-faceted bakery in Victoria Island, may be a familiar name, having graced the city for almost three decades. What you might not have noticed is the adjacent space known as Paint and Bake, which has also been a part of the scene for nearly as long. Paint and Bake proudly holds the distinction of being the first ceramic café in Nigeria, securing its place among our favourite spots on this list for various reasons.
Firstly, it offers an immersive experience where participants engage in the entire process of painting ceramic pieces. From selecting your preferred piece (a plate, vase, trinket box, or other options), to choosing colours, painting, and branding your creation with your name, you are actively involved from start to finish. The second noteworthy aspect is the affordability, particularly when compared to other paint and sip workshops in Lagos, which can cost anywhere from ₦15,000 to ₦30,000. At Paint and Bake, the cost of your session depends on the ceramic piece you choose, with prices starting as low as ₦8,000.
Finally, what makes this activity stand out is its functionality. There’s a unique satisfaction in spending money on something both physically tangible and practical. Paint and Bake allows you to personalise plates, flower pots, jewellery boxes, mugs, and more, and we love that.
Arts & Crafts
Speaking about immersive experiences, Lagos unfolds a host of arts and crafts activities, providing lots of opportunities to unlock your creativity. Throughout the city, studios and workshops beckon enthusiasts to explore their artistic inclinations under the guidance of skilled artisans.
Among these creative spaces is Breather NG, an authentic African arts and crafts facilitator specialising in diverse workshops, encompassing pottery, candle making, bead crafting, and even cane basket weaving, starting from ₦15,000. Another intriguing arts and crafts venture recently discovered in Lagos is the rug tufting workshop offered by Mo Rugs, allowing participants to craft their own rugs for ₦55,000.
Picnics
For most of the year, the weather in Lagos is too good to stay indoors all the time. The warm and inviting weather sets an ideal stage for picnics, providing an opportunity for friends and families to gather, enjoy good food, share laughter, and bask in the camaraderie of shared moments.
Lagos’ diverse landscape showcases numerous picturesque picnic spots, available both free and paid, allowing you to bring your own food and drinks to enhance your outdoor experience. With stunning scenery serving as your backdrop, indulging in outdoor picnics is a highly recommended and rejuvenating activity for 2024.
Beach Activities
As a coastal city, Lagos showcases an abundance of stunning beaches, each possessing its own unique charm and an array of beach activities, providing the perfect setting for a day of sun-soaked enjoyment. Landmark Beach, The Good Beach, Sol Beach Oniru, the ever-popular Tarkwa Bay, and several smaller private beach resorts beckon with their golden sands and azure waters, inviting everyone to partake in a plethora of exciting activities.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, quad biking along the shore and jet skiing across the waves stand out as thrilling options for adventure enthusiasts. Alternatively, boat rides along the coastline offer a more leisurely experience, providing an opportunity to appreciate Lagos from a different and serene perspective. The entry fees to these beaches vary, ranging from free to ₦7,000, with engagement in the mentioned activities typically falling within the ₦5,000 to ₦25,000 range. The diverse offerings of Lagos’ beaches ensure there’s something for everyone, making them an essential destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation this year.
Perfume Making
Debunking the myth that Lagos offers little beyond dining at restaurants and partying, here is a unique sensory experience that rightfully claims its place on this list. Perfume making at the Abela Centre for Olfactory Arts transcends the ordinary, providing participants with a close look into the intricate world of fragrances.
Under the guidance of skilled perfumers, visitors have the opportunity to explore different scent families and notes. The highlight of the experience lies in the hands-on creation of a personalised perfume, where individuals blend and refine various scents until they discover a fragrance that resonates with their individual taste and style.
The ‘sniff’ experience itself is priced at ₦5,000, while the cost of crafting a personalised perfume is determined by the size of the chosen bottle and the notes used.
Wine Tasting
No you’re not reading an article about things to do in Cape Town, South Africa, and yes, you’re discovering that you can enjoy a great wine tasting experience in Lagos. While Lagos is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, often associated solely with visiting restaurants, there’s much more excitement beyond food in the city’s restaurants. The Wine Lab, situated in Victoria Island, emerges as a haven for wine enthusiasts, providing captivating wine-tasting experiences.
This venue allows visitors not only to savour exquisite wines but also to deepen their understanding of the intricate art of wine appreciation. The ambiance at The Wine Lab, coupled with the expertise of sommeliers, seamlessly transforms a casual evening into a sophisticated exploration of the world of viticulture. The delightful and memorable experience offered at The Wine Lab positions wine tasting as an essential addition to our top 10 things to do in Lagos list.
Escape Room
Ever watched the movie “Escape Room”? Well, this is a less scary version of that movie, and escape rooms have evolved into a thrilling real-life adventure for Lagosians, providing participants with the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world of mystery and intrigue. Escape Room 33, located in Victoria Island, is the ideal destination for those seeking interactive puzzles and challenges that transcend the ordinary.
Escape Room 33 offers three distinct themes, ranging from historical mysteries to fun-filled adventures, each priced at ₦6,000 per person. It’s an experience that not only entertains but also promotes teamwork and problem-solving. Therefore, it’s best enjoyed with a group of friends, family, or colleagues. The intricately crafted scenarios within each escape room transport participants into a realm where every clue, code, and hidden secret brings them closer to the ultimate goal: freedom.
Whether you are drawn to the thrill of adventure, the tranquillity of nature, or cultural richness, it’s evident that the vibrant city of Lagos has an eclectic array of experiences to offer. Lagos welcomes everyone with open arms, and so do we. So the next time you’re looking for something fun to do anywhere, check us out on Instagram.
