Lifestyle in Lagos

Lagos is a vibrant city, and when you first arrive, you’ll likely find your senses overwhelmed by the chaos, noise, and constant traffic. The lifestyle in Lagos moves quickly, and with an exploding population, it is now the largest city in Africa. In Lagos, hustle and bustle are part of the daily experience.

There are pros and cons to living in Lagos. Lagos is considered one of the world’s least liveable cities in terms of healthcare, infrastructure, political stability, and education. As you explore, you’ll encounter drastic wealth inequality that you may never get used to.

Despite the challenges, Nigerians are known for their warmth, and Lagosians are no exception. They have immense pride in their cultural heritage and are often eager to share stories about their country. Even (or especially) in the city’s sprawling slum areas, there’s a palpable energy and creativity as locals strive to make a living and build their future.

Moving to Lagos undoubtedly presents obstacles, and expats view it as a hardship post. That said, once you adjust to the inevitable culture shock, there is much more to discover beyond the power cuts, traffic jams, and overcrowding. Lagos is brimming with experiences, offering exciting cultures and unmissable opportunities to discover.

Shopping in Lagos

Shopping in Lagos is an eclectic and colourful experience, whether you’re browsing vibrant markets, sprawling malls, or small boutique shops. If you venture into the local markets, be prepared to haggle. Experienced shoppers agree the best tactic is to start with a third of the asking price and negotiate towards a fair middle ground, around half of the original price.

The city’s modern malls are stocked with both local and international brands. Fashion here is a unique mix of African and Western styles, and it’s quite common to have custom clothing made by tailors. Among the most popular malls is Ikeja City Mall on the Lagos mainland, one of the largest in Nigeria. Other great shopping spots near well-known expat neighbourhoods include the Kingsway Mall, Festival Mall, and The Palms Shopping Mall.

Eating out in Lagos

Lagos is a cosmopolitan city, a melting pot where African, Asian, and Western influences come together, especially in its culinary scene. You’ll find plenty of modern, upscale restaurants offering various dishes, from traditional Nigerian cuisine to international favourites. Indian, Chinese, Lebanese, and West African restaurants are concentrated in the more affluent parts of town, particularly Victoria Island and Ikoyi. 

Meanwhile, the city's commercial streets are buzzing with food vendors serving local flavours. The city’s traditional staples include leafy green vegetables, hearty rice dishes like jollof rice, and richly flavoured stews, typically served with cassava or yam flour.

Nightlife and entertainment in Lagos

If you’re moving to Lagos, adjusting to living in such a large, lively city might take some time. You may find yourself in gated communities, somewhat insulated from everyday life in Lagos. But if you step out of the bubble, you’ll be rewarded with a true taste of African culture, energy, and excitement that only Lagos can offer.

Art, entertainment, and music are woven into the fabric of Lagos culture, and you’ll find a thriving nightlife in this bustling city. Popular areas for nightlife include Victoria Island and Lekki. Lagos is known across West Africa for its vibrant music scene, where nightclubs and live music venues are everywhere. Whether you’re a fan of Afrobeats, Western pop, or traditional African rhythms, you’ll have plenty of options to enjoy.

Lagos is also the beating heart of Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood. It’s Africa’s largest film industry, producing many movies every year. If you’re interested in the arts, you’ll be excited to know that the city hosts major film festivals like the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), drawing local talent and international attention.

Sports and outdoor activities

Lagos offers a wide range of sports and outdoor activities, so if you’re a tennis, swimming, football, or basketball fan, you’ll find plenty of places to play. The city is rapidly developing its sports infrastructure, with new stadiums constantly popping up to provide more venues for local teams and sporting events.

For a more laid-back experience, country clubs are ideal for swimming, squash, and table tennis, or simply socialising with friends. If golf is more your speed, you’ll find popular clubs in both Ikoyi and Ikeja, offering beautiful courses amidst the urban landscape.

Lagos’s coastal location means the city is full of hidden gems like Landmark Beach and Tarkwa Bay, perfect for relaxing or enjoying water sports. Tarkwa Bay, accessible only by boat, is a favourite for swimming and surfing, while Landmark Beach provides more leisure activities in a lively environment.

Despite its rapid urbanisation, Lagos is also making strides in preserving its natural habitats. The Lekki Conservation Centre is an impressive example of ecotourism, offering a canopy walkway that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the wetlands. Here, you can enjoy peaceful nature walks, birdwatching, or even a picnic, all while learning about conservation efforts in the area.

Where to meet people and make friends in Lagos

Moving to a new city can often feel isolating, especially when you’re learning how to get around a bustling metropolis like Lagos. Meeting people and making friends is an essential part of settling in. Fortunately, Lagos offers a range of social clubs, interest groups, and expat communities that can help you build connections and feel more at home.

Book Club, Lagos

If you’re an avid reader, The Book Club, Lagos, provides a relaxed environment where literature lovers can discuss their favourite books and discover new reads. It’s a great place to share recommendations and meet people with similar interests.

Lagos International Women’s Society

Lagos International Women’s Society is a vibrant community for women from all backgrounds to connect, share experiences, and support each other. They organise social events, charity projects, and professional networking opportunities, making it a great way to meet women in Lagos.

Lagos Food Bank Initiative

If you’re passionate about giving back to the community, the Lagos Food Bank Initiative provides an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded individuals while contributing to charitable causes. The organisation focuses on fighting hunger and malnutrition in Lagos, with regular volunteer events where expats and locals can connect.

Ikoyi Club 1938

Ikoyi Club is one of the most prestigious and historical social clubs in Lagos, offering various recreational and networking opportunities. The club caters to a diverse membership of professionals and families, providing sports facilities, events, and social gatherings.

Lagos Polo Club

Lagos Polo Club is a prestigious venue for polo enthusiasts and a popular spot for networking. Whether you play polo or just enjoy the sport, the club hosts social events that provide opportunities to meet both locals and expats.

Business Club Ikeja

Focused on professional development and business networking, Business Club Ikeja is where entrepreneurs and business professionals meet to discuss trends, share insights, and collaborate. The club organises events that foster a productive environment for career growth.