Lagos
Nigeria · Country profile
Lagos is the enormous, irrepressible megacity of the coast of Nigeria, the largest city of the sub-Saharan continent and the throbbing economic capital of the most populous nation of Africa. It spreads across the islands and the lagoons of the Atlantic coast, from the colonial core of the Lagos Island through the financial towers of the Victoria Island to the endless red-roofed sprawl of the mainland. The music, the films, the markets and the traffic of the city set the pace of a continent, and the beaches, the nightclubs and the truly monumental street life give it a reputation that no other capital of the region matches. Wild, fast, loud and restlessly creative, Lagos is the capital of the future of Africa.
About Lagos
Lagos is a city in Nigeria. The city's documented population is around 15,400,000 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the Nigerian Naira (NGN) and English is spoken; the dialling code is +234. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The Megacity of the Lagoon and the Bridge of the Third Mainland
Lagos throws itself at the visitor with the famous traffic, the technicolor markets and the ceaseless hustle of the streets, and the classic days move between the National Theatre, the Lagos Island of the old city and the restaurants of the Victoria Island. The Third Mainland bridge, the longest of the continent, carries the daily tide of the commuters across the lagoon, and the islands of the coast hold the beaches and the nightlife that the city is famous for. The art galleries of the island and the cinema of the Nollywood industry anchor the cultural route. It is demanding, loud and utterly alive, and the city repays the visitor with the energy of a whole continent.
The Heat of the Coast, the Traffic and the Nights of the Strip
The climate of the coast is hot and very humid, with the rains of the spring and the autumn bringing the heaviest of the storms and the harmattan winds of the winter cooling the dry season. The naira is the currency, the English the official language, with the pidgin filling the streets and the markets of the town. The islands of the city, the beaches and the museums make the core circuit, and movement between them follows the drivers and the advice of the locals. Light breathable clothing, a dependable phone and the patience of a large African metropolis complete the practical preparation for Lagos.
The National Theatre, the Markets of the Island and the Boats of the Water
The National Theatre of Nigeria, the great white dome on a man-made island of the lagoon, is the monumental emblem of the arts of the country and the home of the theatre and the festivals of the capital. The old core of the Lagos Island, with its colonial buildings, its skyline of the nineteenth century and its markets running under the bridges, preserves the historic stage of the megacity, while the beaches of the Lekki, the amusement parks of the coast and the gallery of the contemporary art show the modern faces of the town. The boat trips of the lagoons and the markets of the water, together with the jazz of the clubs of the island, complete the rich, endless, relentless rhythm of Lagos.
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- Country
- Nigeria
- Population
- 15,400,000
- Coordinates
- 6.5774, 3.3212
- Capital
- Abuja
- Region
- Africa
- Currency
- Nigerian Naira (NGN)
- Languages
- English
- Calling code
- +234
- Country code
- NG
Entry requirements for Nigeria
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting Nigeria for tourism.
Getting to Lagos
Airports we list for Lagos:
Cities in Nigeria
Other cities we cover in Nigeria:
Frequently asked questions
Is Lagos the capital of Nigeria?
No — the capital of Nigeria is Abuja.
What currency do I need in Lagos?
The local currency is the Nigerian Naira (NGN). Languages spoken in Nigeria include English.
What is the dialling code for Nigeria?
The international dialling code for Nigeria is +234.
Which airport should I fly into for Lagos?
Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) is the airport we list for Lagos.
Do I need a visa to visit Nigeria?
It depends on your passport. For the origins we track, the current tourism visa status is Morocco (visa required). Check the entry requirements tool for your own nationality.
Flying out of Lagos? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.