I can not count the number of questions I get about how to explore Lagos. Lemme start off by saying, Lagos isn’t for the weak, lol. I’m joking but I’m also being serious. Maneuvering through Lagos isn’t easy, traffic will always be your enemy, but if you’re someone that plans out their day in advance, you can make Lagos your playground!

Lagos in December is an annual thing for most people. Everyone from everywhere is flying to Lagos, and because of this tickets prices are ridiculously high, no matter how much in advance you purchase them. The prices on those flights is usually the main reason why some people don’t make it. But I am really happy to introduce and put you guys on to Layaway Tickets . Layaway Tickets, is exactly what it sounds like, you put your flight ticket on layaway! Which means you can book now and pay later for your flights to anywhere in the world. With their flight plans you can book your flight and pay in bi-weekly or monthly installments. And the best part about it is that they price match! I think the concept is amazing and will open the door to traveling for people who have a budget that they stick to. So for my fellow Nigerians in diaspora that would like to go to Lagos in December, this is a great way to go about it. Head to https://www.layawaytickets.com/ for more info or to book a flight!

Lagos in December before use to mostly focus on partying from sun up to sun down but now with some many new developments in Lagos, people really want to explore and try hot new places. Below is the run down on locations, food and self care options I went to. All I ask after reading this blog is to please share with me a place in Lagos you’d recommend I try on my next trip!

Beautiful Locations

Nike Art Gallery

Nike Art Gallery has an abundance of beautiful art. It’s a great stop for art lovers. The alligator made out of tires, that sits right outside the entrance has become insta-famous.

 

Alara Lagos

Alara Lagos in my opinion is the most beautifully made store in Lagos. It’s a luxury clothing/ shoe store so its a great stop for fashion lovers. You can snap a pic anywhere because everywhere is beautiful.

 

The Blowfish Hotel

The Blowfish Hotel is pretty in pink hotel. You guys know I am an ambassador for the color pink so the hotel immediately won over my heart. The pool area is a great location for hanging out and having a refreshing Chapman.

 

Balogun Market

Balogun Market is like Target but next level because you can’t buy a puppy at Target, lol. You can find almost anything at this market to buy. Its a great opportunity for candid images of the locals. I don’t advise going to Balogun alone because it is ridiculously crowded. Go with someone who knows the area and how to bargain for the best price on things. And remember, everything is negotiable!

 

Pots On Admiratly Road

If you’re on the island often and you go through Lekki phase 1 main gate, how often have you drove past these pots on admiralty road? Very Often! This is great example of opening to your eyes to the beauty of what Lagos is. You can tell a story with a photo almost anywhere.

 

Beach Day

You can’t go to Lagos without having a beach day. A typical beach day requires a boat of some sort to get you to the beach. Don’t have a boat? No problem! All you need are friends. Don’t have friends? Sorry, can’t help you there.

 

Food

Nok by Alara Lagos

Nok by Alara is the restaurant behind Alara. The restaurant is just a beautiful as the store. The interior and ambience is nothing short of trendy and chic. I had a couple of passion sunrise drinks, non alcoholic, but really good. As for the food, I had the boneless braised oxtail and mashed beans stew and till this day I still dream about it!

 

 

JamRock Caribbean Cuisine

I’m a Brooklyn girl so that means I grew up eating a lot of Caribbean food. When I was living in Lagos in 2014-16, I couldn’t find one Caribbean restaurant. But now there’s a few and JamRock is worth mentioning. Aside from the fact that the oxtail literally falls off the bone, they also have fresh coconuts. Who doesn’t love coconuts?

Jamski

Jamski is another Caribbean restaurant I fell in love with. The restaurant gives you authentic Jamaican vibes. I had a banana punch while I was there eating and I took one to go home. And then I came back a few days later to order a banana punch! By now you’ll realize oxtail is one of my favorite things to eat so I had oxtail there with a side of mac-pie. Also, the outside bar is super cute for pics.

 

XO Bakery

Xo Bakery is a hidden gem in Victoria Island. If it wasn’t for my friend taking me there, I would have never known about it. Aside from it being insta-worthy the pastries are worth every penny. I left licking my fingers.

 

Craft Gourmet By Lou Baker

Craft gourmet is for my brunchers, people who love to brunch. It honestly made me feel like I was back in New York with the interior and menu options. Craft is great place to visit for breakfast lovers.

 

 

Brass and Copper

Brass and Copper is a restaurant/ lounge that recently opened and it has quickly become a hot spot. The interior is dope, the chairs are super comfy, the music is always on point. When you go there, make sure you look your best. Brass and Copper is a great place to go to for the drinks, the vibes and the cute guys, lol.

 

The Backyard Lagos

The Backyard Lagos is super popular on Instagram because of it’s insta-famous swing. So I made my way to it, but to my surprise there was so much more to offer. There’s art work, games, a dope bar, and good food. It’s a great stop for a chilled happy hour with the girls or guys.

 

Ocean Basket Nigeria

Chai! this place, omgosh! This place has the best seafood in Lagos and you can argue with yourself. They have a Bailey’s Shake that is worth buying another round of. Ocean Basket is on top of my list for places to go to as soon as I’m back in Lagos. It is also the BEST customer service I’ve ever received in Lagos. The staff is AMAZING. 10’s across the board, long story short, please go here! Unfortunately I don’t have any images of the actual set up of the place or the food because I was on a date when I went for the first time and taking tons of pictures while on a date is tacky lol.

Sugar Cane Nigeria

Sugar Cane Lagos is very beautiful, unfortunately I don’t have any images of the actual set up of the place because once again I was on a date when I went for the first time and taking tons of pictures while on a date is tacky lol. But the food was good, I would recommend ordering something you’re not use to here. It’s a safe place for exploring. The devil eggs weren’t only gorgeously presented but they tasted amazing.

Self Care

The Beauty Box Lagos

The Beauty Box Lagos is a cute little salon in Ikoyi. I recommend taking a picture in front of the place before going in. I loved that pink is a major color in their decor. The staff was friendly, attentive and great with directions.

 

Doranne Beauty Salon

The make up game in Lagos is no joke! So I’ve been going to Doranne Beauty Salon for years. Aside from the fact that my face is on the walls, I love the minimalist of the set up. The lighting is perfect for all your much needed selfies after getting your face beat.

 

Oriki Group Spa

Oriki Group Spa is the real deal when it comes to self love. You know the place is gorgeous as soon as you get in front of the door. But aside from this being a really great place for cool pics, its an phenomenal place for true relaxation. I had a 30min body scrub, 30 min body mask and a 30 min body massage. You couldn’t tell me I wasn’t Beyonce when I left that place.

 

Good Hair Space

Good Hair Space took insta-worthy to the next level when they opened their new renovated salon. Every corner of that place is perfect for a beautiful photo, they even have selfie lighting! The Good Hair Space offers everything in self care from hair, makeup, eye lashes and nails. I’ve been getting my hair done here when I’m in Lagos for some years now.

Mazelle Perfumery

Mazella Perfumery is something I discovered last December in Lagos. When I went there they created an oil based perfume for me, till this day I regret not paying perfect attention to what the ingredients are because that perfume is banging! I only use it for special occasions. I can’t wait to go back and get more.

Enjoyed this post? Please like, share and comment you thoughts. And if you have any recommendations for places to go to in Lagos this December. Please let me know!