Top travel locations to visit in Lagos, Nigeria with short let apartments options? Thinking about taking your nightlife escapades to the next level? Then think Fela Shrine a.k.a The New Afrika Shrine. From the genre of music to the inspirational story-telling lyrics, not forgetting the sacrosanct palm-wine, get ready to get a political education, a lesson in ‘shakin-it’ and a contact high! The New Afrika Shrine is an open-air entertainment centre located in Ikeja, Lagos State. It serves as the host location of the annual Felabration music festival. Currently managed by Femi Kuti and Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti, it is the replacement of the old Afrika Shrine created in 1970 by Fela Kuti until it was burnt down in 1977. The New Afrika Shrine showcases photo galleries of Fela and musical performances by Femi Kuti and Seun Kuti, thus making it a tourist attraction.

Whether or not you’re familiar with the music and life story of Fela Kuti, a beloved Nigerian musician and activist who pioneered the Afrobeat genre, the Kalakuta Republic Museum is worth a visit. The museum is Kuti’s family home (and final resting place), where personal artifacts and items relating to his career are on display, as is the late megastar’s bedroom, which has been left intact. The museum is run by Kuti’s children, who are often present and willing to discuss Fela’s life and legacy with visitors. The string of islands across which Lagos is built are characterized today by skyscrapers and busy highways, but you can still catch glimpses of the undeveloped lagoons and mangroves that greeted Portuguese explorers in the 15th century. A handful of parks and nature reserves present quiet spots to escape the buzz of Lagos city, as do sandy beaches besides crashing Atlantic waves. Lagos, Ikoyi and Victoria islands all have their own vibe and their own attractions to discover.

Just outside of the flashy wealth of Lagos Island you’ll find the severely economically challenged community of Makoko, which is by some definitions the largest floating slum in the world. Definitely the most eye-opening thing to do in Lagos, you’ll witness a hugely marginalized but remarkably resilient community that subsists off the ocean and its own will power. A visit to the Makoko floating village requires some preparation to be sure you’re interacting with the community in a way that is respectful and not voyeuristic. To that end, it’s best to go with a local tour guide, though admittedly that can be a challenge to arrange. I went on a tour with the incredible Nigerian travel group Naija Nomads, who arranged for a boat tour through the village guided by the son of the head of the Makoko community. Note they arrange tours on a custom basis, so you can book a tour through them and see not only Makoko but a few of the other places on this list of things to do in Lagos too! Click here to check out their tours. See extra info on Shorts stays in Lagos Nigeria.

Feeling intimidated with the fancy products displaced around the Ikeja Shopping Mall? No need to be! You can visit the mall and enjoy the aesthetics that come with these magnificent malls and galleries. There are lots of places to visit in this shopping mall; from the 5-screen Silverbird Cinemas, to Africa’s largest supermarket chain, Shoprite, Mr Price, Apple restaurants, Mango, Wrangler, Casabella, Essenza, Rhapsody, Barcelós, beauty shops/salons, banks and lots more. To have some fun, go round, window shop at the stores and then treat yourself to a meal and cold drink at Mr Biggs restaurant located in the mall. You can find some hotels in Ikeja if you are planning on staying the night. Top destinations in Lagos with holiday rental options?