Lagos Traveler Essentials
- Safety rating
- 4.2/10
- Best time to visit
- The dry season from November to March, especially the festive 'Detty December', is the liveliest time to visit.
- Population
- 15.4M
Overview
Nigeria's pulsating megacity is Africa's commercial dynamo, an electric sprawl of skyscrapers, gridlocked bridges, beaches and an unstoppable music and fashion scene. From the glitz of Victoria Island to the energy of the mainland, Lagos never slows down.
Getting around
Yellow danfo minibuses, the new Blue and Red rail lines, BRT buses, ferries and ride-hailing all serve the traffic-clogged city.
Local etiquette
Greet respectfully and use titles, dress sharply for the social scene, and negotiate prices firmly but with good humor.
Safety
Lagos requires street smarts: avoid displaying valuables, beware of scams and 'area boys', use trusted drivers or ride-hailing, and steer clear of unfamiliar areas after dark.