When people think of Lagos, the bustling metropolis of Nigeria, they often picture its buzzing nightlife, crowded markets, and famous beaches like Tarkwa Bay or Elegushi. Yet beyond the mainstream attractions, Lagos is filled with hidden gems waiting to be explored by curious travelers who want a deeper and more authentic experience of the city. From quiet islands to secret gardens, these lesser-known spots showcase Lagos in a new light.
1. Omu Resort
Tucked away in Ibeju Lekki, Omu Resort is a hidden wonderland combining nature, fun, and relaxation. With a zoo, go karting, a wax museum, and a mini water park, it’s a family friendly escape from the city’s chaos.
2. Epe Mangrove & Fish Market
Epe town offers a raw cultural experience. Its mangroves are perfect for canoe rides, while the bustling fish market gives a glimpse of local life, complete with freshly caught seafood.
3. Whispering Palms Resort
Located in Badagry, Whispering Palms offers serenity with palm lined beaches, cultural statues, and a mini zoo. Its tranquil vibe makes it a perfect romantic hideaway.
4. Nike Art Gallery Courtyard
While Nike Art Gallery itself is famous, its courtyard remains underrated. The open air space hosts sculptures, fabric dyeing demos, and traditional storytelling sessions.
5. Lekki Conservation Centre Canopy Walk
Though known to some, many tourists skip this eco gem. Its iconic canopy walkway is the longest in Africa and gives bird’s eye views of Lagos’ wetlands.
6. Eko Tourist Beach Resort
Often overshadowed by popular beaches, this Akodo treasure is quieter and lined with coconut trees, offering pristine sands and calm waves.
7. Kalakuta Museum
Once the home of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, this museum in Ikeja is a pilgrimage for music lovers. The less publicized museum preserves his life, instruments, and activism.
8. Jaekel House (Railway Compound Museum)
A colonial era gem hidden in Ebute-Metta, Jaekel House showcases Nigeria’s railway history with vintage photographs and well preserved architecture.
9. Inagbe Grand Resort & Island
Accessible only by boat, this resort blends natural beauty with luxury. Hidden away from the mainland’s rush, it’s ideal for relaxation, horseback riding, and beach games.
10. Bogobiri House
Nestled in Ikoyi, Bogobiri is an Afrocentric cultural hub. Beyond its boutique hotel, it hosts live music nights, art exhibitions, and poetry slams.
11. Takwa Bay Hidden Lagoons
Beyond the main beach, Takwa Bay has secret lagoons perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding, offering peace away from the crowds.
12. Terra Kulture
While popular among Lagos creatives, many tourists overlook Terra Kulture. It’s a cultural powerhouse with a theatre, art gallery, and Nigerian food restaurant.
13. Ijeh Market (Obalende)
For a true Lagosian experience, this seafood market is unmatched. Watching locals haggle for prawns, crabs, and fresh fish is as much a spectacle as a shopping trip.
14. Jhalobia Recreation Park & Gardens
Near the airport, this hidden botanical park is filled with fountains, sculptures, and manicured gardens, perfect for picnics and photoshoots.
15. Lufasi Nature Park
Hidden along the Lekki Epe Expressway, Lufasi is an eco friendly park that shelters endangered species, offers hiking trails, and has a peaceful lake for reflection.
16. National Museum (Onikan)
Though not as promoted as beaches and nightlife, this museum holds Nigeria’s richest cultural artifacts, including Nok terracotta and Benin bronzes.
17. Freedom Park
Once a colonial prison, this transformed space is now a cultural hub with open air concerts, art installations, and historic monuments.
18. Elegushi Royal Beach Annex
Different from the main Elegushi Beach, the annex is calmer and lined with hidden shacks serving grilled seafood and suya under thatched huts.
19. Badagry Heritage Museum
This lesser known museum tells the harrowing story of the transatlantic slave trade with preserved relics and guides who narrate the history vividly.
20. Makoko Floating Community
Though controversial, a guided canoe tour of Makoko reveals an extraordinary floating settlement, giving a unique perspective of Lagos’ resilience and innovation.
Final Thoughts
Lagos is more than the traffic and the nightlife; it is a vibrant city layered with history, culture, nature, and hidden beauty. These 20 lesser known tourist spots remind us that adventure often lies off the beaten path. For travelers seeking authenticity, Lagos’ hidden gems offer unforgettable stories and memories.
