Ultimate 3-Day Lagos Itinerary (2025): Things to Do, Best & Affordable Hotels in Victoria Island and Lekki, Beaches, Nightlife + Insider Tips

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Key Takeaways – Lagos Itinerary

This 3-Day Lagos itinerary moves from historic Lagos Island to beach-side Victoria Island and leafy Lekki.
Includes culture, markets, art, beaches, nightlife, and hotel tips for every budget.
Hotel Book Wise links help you grab discount rooms across Victoria Island and Lekki.
Dry season (Nov–Mar) is the best time to visit Lagos if you want fewer downpours.
Ride-hailing apps (Bolt & Uber) and ferries make short hops easy; budget ₦600–₦7,000 per ride.

Introduction – Lagos Itinerary

This 3-day Lagos itinerary is built for first-timers and seasoned travellers who want a compact yet rich taste of Nigeria’s buzzing coastal city in 2025. Over seventy-two hours you will wander past centuries-old artefacts on Lagos Island, feel the Atlantic breeze on Victoria Island, trek leafy walkways in Lekki, and dance to Afrobeat rhythms after sunset. With markets, art, beaches, skyline dining, and insider hotel deals, this guide balances vivid storytelling and straight-to-the-point logistics so you can plan with ease.

Fast Facts – Lagos Itinerary

Currency: Nigerian Naira (₦) – carry small notes for markets, use cards in hotels.
Language: English is official; Yoruba is widely spoken.
Plug Type: Type D (three round pins) – pack a universal adapter.
Visa: Many nationalities need a pre-arranged visa – check embassy guidelines.
Climate: Two seasons – dry (Nov–Mar) is beach-friendly, rainy (Apr–Oct) is hotter with downpours.
Transport: Bolt/Uber city-wide; ferries link islands; sample Bolt fare VI–Lekki ~₦1,500.
Safety: Avoid flashy jewellery, stick to ride-shares at night, withdraw cash in daylight.
Health: Yellow-fever proof may be required; malaria prophylaxis recommended.

Day 1 – 3-Day Lagos Itinerary: Museums, Freedom Park & Historic Core

Morning – Lagos Island History Walk

Kick-off your 3-Day Lagos itinerary where the story began – Lagos Island. Even in the bustle, pockets of calm heritage await.

National Museum Lagos – Spend 90 minutes wandering past Benin bronzes and Nok terracotta. Entry ≈ ₦200. Slow down, read labels, imagine ancient court life.
Oba’s Palace (Iga Idunganran) – Visits require prior permission. Dress modestly, remove hats, and book a guide through your hotel for smooth entry.

National Museum Lagos Artefact

Afternoon – Markets & Music

Freedom Park – A former colonial prison turned art garden. Grab iced zobo (hibiscus) at the café while live drums echo off the walls.
Tinubu Square & Idumota Market – Colourful stalls overflow with Ankara fabric and brass beads. Bargain gently; morning is cooler and safer.

Evening – Local Flavours & Skyline Glow

Dinner at Yellow Chilli or Bukha Hut. Must-try: Jollof rice, Pounded yam & Egusi.
Optional sunset at Tafawa Balewa Square flagpole – watch city lights flicker on.
Recharge in your Victoria Island hotel; most affordable picks via Hotel Book Wise are 15 minutes away.

Day 2 – 3-Day Lagos Itinerary: Beaches, Art & Nightlife on Victoria Island and Lekki

Morning – Sand & Sculpture

Oniru Private Beach – Entry ≈ ₦1,000. Rent a cabana, swim where lifeguards patrol, and join impromptu beach soccer games.
Nike Art Gallery – Over 8,000 works inside a five-storey white building. Free entry, adire workshops, and often a warm greeting from founder Nike Davies-Okundaye herself.

Afternoon – Mall Cool-Down & Canopy Walk

The Palms Shopping Mall – Air-conditioned pause for lunch, ATM and SIM card errands.
Lekki Conservation Centre – Africa’s longest canopy walkway at 401 metres. Fee ≈ ₦3,000. Walk above mangroves, spot monkeys, and snap panoramic selfies.

Lekki Conservation Centre Canopy Walk

Evening – Nightlife Circuit

RSVP Lounge for inventive cocktails, Hard Rock Café for live bands, or Sailor’s Lounge for water-edge chill.
Budget: beers ₦800–₦2,500, cocktails ₦3,500+, cover charges ₦2,000–₦10,000.
Safety: Ride-share after dark, keep valuables in sight, confirm prices before ordering.
Stay close by: Check availability at Protea Hotel Kuramo Waters or Eko Hotel.

Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge at Night

Day 3 – 3-Day Lagos Itinerary: Markets, Culture & Lagoon Life

Morning – Craft Hunt

Lekki Arts & Crafts Market – Arrive 9 am. Haggle 30–40 % off opening price, always with a smile.
Missed yesterday’s canopy? Circle back to Lekki Conservation Centre early when it’s cooler.

Afternoon – Water Worlds

Makoko Floating Community – Book an accredited canoe tour. Respect privacy, ask before photos, buy crafts to support residents.
Alternate: Kayak Five Cowries Creek – paddle alongside gleaming banks and mangroves.

Evening – Farewell Feast

Dinner with a view at Sky Restaurant (Eko Hotel) or Level 8 Lounge Thirty-Eight. Book ahead for window seats.
Optional Afrobeat encore at New Afrika Shrine – live music most weekends.
Sleep easy in calm Ikoyi-Lekki border hotels like Parkview Astoria.

Where to Stay – Lagos Itinerary

Choosing the right bed can shape your whole 3-Day Lagos itinerary. Below is a snapshot across budgets, all bookable on Hotel Book Wise.

Hotel	Unique Features	Category	Drive to VI Nightlife / Lekki Conservation
Eko Hotel Main Building (5★ 7.1)	Multiple pools, many restaurants, beach-adjacent	Luxury / Mid-range	8–15 mins / 35–45 mins
Protea Hotel by Marriott Kuramo Waters (4★ 7.3)	Lagoon-facing, business amenities	Mid-range	10–20 mins / 30–40 mins
Parkview Astoria Hotel (4★ 7.5)	Quiet Ikoyi border, free parking	Mid-range	12–20 mins / 40–50 mins
Maison Fahrenheit (4★ 7.4)	Rooftop terrace, boutique vibe	Mid-range	8–15 mins / 35–45 mins
Definite Destiny Hotel by YOTRAD (3★ 8.6)	Budget-friendly, pool, airport transfer	Affordable	10–20 mins / 30–40 mins

Quick-links: Eko Hotel | Protea Kuramo Waters | Definite Destiny Hotel

Food & Drink – Lagos Itinerary

Jollof Rice – tomato-spiced icon; best enjoyed at Yellow Chilli.
Suya – spicy peanut-rubbed beef skewers from roadside stands.
Puff-Puff – sweet dough balls, perfect with morning coffee.
Efo Riro – leafy stew rich with palm oil and peppers.
Palm Wine – lightly fermented sap, low-alcohol, enjoy chilled.

Markets & Souvenirs – Lagos Itinerary

Lekki Arts & Crafts Market – Textiles, woodcarvings, bead jewellery.
Balogun Market – Lagos’ fabric super-store; bring cash and patience.
Epe Fish Market – Smoked fish, woven baskets, sea-shell crafts.
Bargaining tip: start at 50 % of opening price, settle around 60–70 % of your counter.

Beaches & Nightlife – Lagos Itinerary

Tarkwa Bay – Reach by boat (~₦2,000 return). Calmer waves, ideal for families.
Eleko Beach – Surf shacks, relaxed reggae beats, fresh coconut water.
Landmark Beach – Private, groomed sand, occasional concerts.
Nightlife hot-spots: RSVP Lounge, Quilox, Sailor’s Lounge, New Afrika Shrine.
The nightlife industry was valued at around ₦140 billion in 2023 by industry sources, fuelling polished venues and music-fashion crossovers.

Day-Trip Inspiration – Lagos Itinerary

Confused conversations often happen between Lagos, Nigeria and Lagos, Portugal. If your holiday stretches, hop to the Algarve for sea caves and golden cliffs.

Boat tour to Ponta da Piedade headland – towering arches and turquoise water.
Benagil Sea Caves visit – iconic photo spot reachable by kayak or speedboat.

Practical Tips – Lagos Itinerary

SIM Cards: MTN & Glo kiosks inside malls – ~₦2,000 for starter packs.
Cash vs Card: Cards fine in hotels/malls; markets need small cash.
Dress Codes: Smart casual for clubs; cover shoulders/knees at palaces.
Health: Yellow-fever certificate may be checked; pack malaria meds.
Transport Safety: Confirm driver & plate, sit in back seat, lock doors.

Responsible Travel – Lagos Itinerary

Buy direct from artisans or women’s co-ops at Lekki Market.
Carry a refill water bottle; skip single-use plastics.
Ask before photographing people, especially in Makoko or markets.
Pick up a few pieces of litter on beaches – small acts matter.

FAQ – Lagos Itinerary

Is Lagos safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, with common-sense steps. Stay in reviewed hotels, move with ride-hailing apps after dark, dress modestly in traditional areas, and trust your instincts.

Can I use international credit cards everywhere?
Hotels, upscale restaurants, and malls accept them, but small vendors and street food stalls are cash-only.

What plug type does Nigeria use?
Type D (three round pins). Many hotels loan adapters, yet bringing your own is safest.

How much is a beer in Victoria Island?
Between ₦800 and ₦2,500 depending on venue. Clubs charge more – ask for prices before ordering.

Conclusion – Lagos Itinerary

In just three days Lagos gifts you history walks, palm-fringed beaches, canopy adventures, craft hunts, Afrobeat nights, and skyline dinners. Anchor your stay in Victoria Island or Lekki, lean on Hotel Book Wise for discount rooms, and let the city’s warmth guide you. Pack curiosity, respect local customs, and dance to the ever-present rhythm of Nigeria’s cultural capital. Questions? Drop them below – the Hotel Book Wise team is ready to help plan your 2025 trip.

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Hotel Book Wise

3-Day Lagos Itinerary + Where to Stay: Best Lagos Hotels on Victoria Island