Lagos

Wildlife Reserve

Run by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, this centre has a huge tract of wetlands set aside for wildlife viewing. Canopy walkways enable you to see monkeys, crocodiles and various birds; early morning is the best time to visit. There is a conservation centre and a library.

Gallery

One of Nigeria's most important artists, Nike Okundaye, runs this enormous gallery full of contemporary and traditional Nigerian arts. Nike herself is practically an incarnation of love and beauty, which is reflected in this astonishing four-storey space. If you're lucky she'll be there and may grace you with a new Yoruba name. There's a small cafe in the grounds.

Gallery

Close to Bar Beach, this welcoming arts centre with a high bamboo roof has a traditional restaurant which is one of the best and most attractive places to eat in town: try the catfish with pounded yam and spicy soup. There's an art gallery, a bookshop with funky crafts, literary readings and events, and a theatre.

Market

A rich variety of crafts from all around Nigeria and West Africa: this is a brilliant place to wander and look for affordable gifts. You can also buy fabrics and get clothes run up on the spot here.

Museum

Legendary musician Fela Kuti's former house and revolutionary headquarters is now a fascinating museum with everything intact from Fela's bedroom to his (very small) underwear. Breath deep and you may even catch a high. And hang around on the rooftop terrace and you might catch a band rehearsal or performance.

Gallery

An organisation supporting young African and international artists with a great gallery of contemporary Nigerian art.

Museum

The museum has some amazing artefacts, though the presentation is a little dishevelled. The Cycle of Life exhibit explores traditional Nigerian life, from birth to death to afterlife. Exhibits include a clay Yoruba pot to bury an umbilical cord and an Egungun masquerade costume used for dancing during a chief's funeral; the voluminous orange cape has sequins, coins and beads attached.

Square

Named for Nigeria's first prime minister, this is Lagos' commercial heart and has some remarkable monuments. They include statues of gargantuan horses, the Remembrance Arcade (with memorials to WWI, WWII and civil-war victims) and the 26-storey Independence House, built in 1963.

Beach

The favourite with fashionable Lagosians is Eleko Beach, a big 60km trip east of the city. You can rent a beach hut for the day here, and get someone to make a barbeque for you. There's also a small market selling interesting art. You'll need to hire a drop taxi to get there.