The truth is that Lagos is one of those cities that can blow up your wallet before you even get the most out of an experience. But most of the time, this only happens when you don’t know where to go or what affordable activities you can engage in during your stay.
Many people won’t say it, but you actually don’t need billionaire money to have a good time here. When you see those hidden gem location reviews, it’s not because influencers like to chase clout. It’s actually because there are so many things to do in Lagos without emptying your bank account, and they don’t involve underwhelming experiences.
So if you’re ready to chop life without chopping your savings, let’s get into the affordable activities you can engage in in Lagos.
1. Visit beaches in Lagos
Spending time by the waterfront is one of the most affordable activities to explore in Lagos. It’s the kind of activity that works for every mood, and you can even organize a group of friends to share the experience with.
Plus, unlike most Lagos outings, you won’t be ambushed by surprise bills, just entry fees (if any) and transport. And if you get hungry, there are always plenty of food vendors, so you can find one that suits your budget.
Beaches to visit in Lagos:
- Elegushi Beach – Elegushi, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
- Iceland Beach Resort—Okun-Ajah Road, Lagos.
- West Side Beach – 34 Mopo Akindele Road, off Abraham Adesanya Roundabout, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki, Lagos.
- Tarkwa Bay Beach—Tarkwa Bay, Lagos.
- Eleko Beach—56 km, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos.
Budget range: ₦500 – ₦3000 for the entry fee
2. See artworks
In Lagos, the only thing that comes close to restaurants in terms of popularity is the different spots where you can see artworks but it still falls under affordable activities you can explore because of how relatively cheap it is to visit one. You can see beautiful works like paintings, sculptures, and murals, plus, most of these exhibitions are free, and they happen every week in different locations. You can also take pictures, both of yourself and the art, in most of these places.
Now, even though exhibitions are the more boujee way to see art in Lagos, you can still go to popular museums, Art galleries, or some arts and crafts markets on any day, and you’d get the full experience.
Here are some top spots we recommend for viewing art in Lagos:
- Nike Art Gallery – 2 Nike Art Gallery Road, Ikate by Legacy Place, Lekki‑Epe Expressway, Lagos
- Omenka Gallery – 24 Modupe Alakija Crescent, Ikoyi, Lagos
- kó Art Space – Flat 1A, 36 Cameron Road, Ikoyi, Lagos
- Rele Gallery – 32 Thompson Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos
- Terra Kulture – Plot 1376, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Budget range: ₦0 – ₦3000 for the entry fee
3. Street food and food trucks
Lagos people are very popular for their food, but it’s not the kind you’d find in fine-dining restaurants. We’re talking about the bukkas, food trucks, and local food spots sitting in tiny corners or even by the side of the road.
And don’t worry about your steeze. Lagos found a way to upgrade street food so you can eat your food on vintage benches in front of the vendor’s stall or in local-style restaurants. The best part is that you don’t have to pay as much as you would in high-end restaurants.
Below are some top native food options to try:
- Norma by The Banjos – Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
- Wings Bistro – Penthouse, EAN Hangar Jet Center, FAAN Transit Camp Road, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
- Ilé Iyán – Plot 6 Dr. Muiz Banire Street, off Bisola Durosinmi Street, Lekki Phase 1.
- Ofada Boy – 90 Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Surulere, Lagos.
- Calabar Kitchen—27 Oluwaleyimu Street, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.
Budget range: ₦5000 – ₦20000 for meals
4. See movies in Cinemas
If you’re tired of Netflix and chilling with your phone and your bed, you should definitely visit a cinema in Lagos. While it sounds cliché, going to the cinema to see a movie feels completely different from watching it at home.
The visuals and sound are better, so you get the full experience, and most times the ticket comes with free popcorn. But if you’re still hungry after the show, most cinemas are within malls where you can easily get food from different vendors.
Here are the top and most affordable cinemas to go see a movie in Lagos:
- Ozone cinema – E‑Centre, 1‑11 Commercial Avenue, Sabo‑Yaba, Lagos
- Genesis Deluxe Cinema – Funtasticaland, Ikorodu‑Ososun Road, Maryland/Ikeja, Lagos
- Filmhouse Cinemas – Leisure Mall, 30B Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Surulere, Lagos
- Silverbird Cinemas – 133 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Budget range: ₦7000 – ₦15,000 for tickets
5. Karaoke and outdoor music or performances
You can catch live music in Lagos or even join a karaoke session without paying a dime if you know where to look. Street performers, local bands, and small outdoor gigs happen all over the place; some restaurants even combine these performances with the services they offer.
Even though they’re so popular, you have to do some groundwork to know which ones are happening closest to you. To do this, following choplYfe on Instagram is the best thing to do. These are some top locations to look out for:
- Shaunz Karaoke Bar & Lounge – Murphis Plaza, Lagos Island.
- Sonic Room—27 Castle Rock Ave, Osapa London, Lagos.
- New Afrika Shrine—Lagos Mainland, Ikeja, Lagos.
- Afefeyeye Restaurant & Bar – 41 Ogundana Street Off Allen, Ikeja
Budget range: ₦0 – ₦3000 for entry
How to keep your outing budget-friendly
We’ve found that even though many of these fun locations in Lagos really are budget-friendly, the extra billing around them makes it impossible to retain the affordable experience. Things like transport, food, and even outfit planning can make your budget-friendly experience more expensive, and that defeats the purpose. To avoid this, here are some things you should do:
- Always plan ahead. This would allow you time to do some research on the cost of transportation and options for extra spending.
- Go on Weekdays because many places offer discounted rates during this time due to fewer crowds.
- Pack snacks and water, especially if you’re going to the beach. It’ll save you some money.
- Public transport will save your life.
- If you’re really concerned about safety and comfort, you can carpool with friends to save costs.
In all, with a little planning, you can experience some affordable activities in Lagos, enjoy great food, discover hidden gems, and still keep your wallet happy. Fun is everywhere, so don’t be shy to check out these locations and plan your next budget-friendly outing.
