Where to Eat, Party, and See Art in Lagos

"Nok by Alara stands out in the Lagos restaurant scene when it comes to both the aesthetics and the menu. The bright red walls pop against almost any outfit, making it a perfect backdrop for an Instagram, and the dishes on offer include some of the best jollof rice and amala, as well as options with Northern Nigerian influences. Try the jollof rice with beef dambu nama and beef suya."

"Situated on the popular Admiralty Way, Atmosphere Rooftop is an open-roof restaurant that strikes a rare balance between a fine-dining restaurant experience and the casual feel you would expect from a Nigerian bar off the street. The dark green and black decor conjures a sense of luxury, the service is excellent (ask the wait staff for advice on what to order), and you’ll likely find the general manager seated next to you. Order the spicy goat meat or their Egusi soup with assorted beef if you are committed to having a good time."

"It takes a fifteen-minute drive from Federal Palace Hotel, the location of Lagos Fashion Week this year, to get to South Social House. The one-story building is fitted with a well-stocked bar and attendants that famously make some of the best Long Island Iced Tea in Lagos. Every other Friday, dubbed “South Fridays,” the venue throws parties that include a happy hour with discounted drinks, a DJ shuffling between the most popular afrobeat jams of today, and a steady flow of the Lagos creative community arriving until the early hours of the morning. It’s the perfect place to party surrounded by creatives and veterans of the Lagos fashion industry."

"A glitzy, bright space with lines that can go across the street on certain days, Cubana is easily the most famous club in Lagos and maybe Nigeria. Step in on a Friday night, order a beer and their famous grilled fish brought to your table, and enjoy the very best the Lagos clubbing scene has to offer."

"Simply put: If you and your friends want to enjoy great cocktails, run into a Nigerian celebrity, and stare at the ocean, WBar is the place to go. It is quintessential Lagos on multiple levels: loud, rhythmic, and filled with good cheer."

"Looking to bask in the work of Nigerian and international artists while in Lagos for Lagos Fashion Week? Then look no further than Nike Art Gallery. Located in a five-story tall building in Lekki, a suburban area on Lagos Island, it features thousands of artworks, making it one of the largest gallery collections in West Africa. It is a favorite in Lagos for art lovers and those seeking a place to meet fellow enthusiasts."

"Located in the same building as Nok, Alara is a concept store that has become earmarked as simply the best place to shop in Lagos. The store stocks several famous and beloved designers like Maki Oh, making it perfect for a fashion or art appreciator dropping in from Lagos Fashion Week looking to do a bit of shopping."

"For a bit of history and culture, head down to Kalakuta Museum, located in the building that once housed the legendary king of afrobeat himself, Fela Kuti. It is also the compound Fela had declared as the Kalakuta Republic, an independent state away from Nigeria. While a bit far from all the other spots on this list, it is definitely worth the trip for a greater understanding of Lagos's past."