Lagos

Lagos is Nigeria's largest city and economic centre, stretched along the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Guinea in the country's southwest. Fast-paced, crowded and constantly changing, it combines a major port, a thriving financial district and one of Africa's most influential cultural scenes.

The city grew from Èkó, a Yoruba Awori fishing settlement, and took its Portuguese name in the 15th century before developing into a British colonial port and Nigeria's capital until 1991. Its layered history appears in landmarks such as Tafawa Balewa Square, Freedom Park, the National Museum and the Brazilian-influenced architecture around Lagos Island, while newer icons include the National Theatre, Nike Art Gallery and the Lekki Conservation Centre.

Districts differ sharply across the metropolis. Lagos Island holds the historic core and busy markets, Victoria Island and Ikoyi are the main business and upscale areas, and Lekki spreads along the coast with malls, beaches and fast-growing residential estates. Yaba is known for its tech and creative energy, Ikeja is the state capital around the airport, and Surulere mixes residential life with entertainment and sport.

As West Africa's commercial hub, Lagos drives banking, trade, manufacturing and logistics through its ports and the Lekki Free Zone. It is also home to Nollywood, a major Afrobeats music scene and a growing start-up ecosystem, with events, clubs, restaurants and street food ranging from jollof rice and suya to pepper soup across the city.

For travellers, Lagos offers a compelling mix of business access, waterfront leisure, heritage and round-the-clock urban energy. Visitors come for trade and conferences as much as for its beaches, galleries, music and food, making the city a key gateway to Nigeria and the wider region.