Lagos

The Ofada on their menu and Jollof rice.

So the house is a nice chill spot in VI (Victoria Island). They’ve got really good Nigerian dishes like the ofada I mentioned which is local rice and also continental dishes. They open till late daily so you can really have a good time there.


King fisher is a seafood restaurant in Lekki, it’s got some scenic views and they open late as well.

It’s a lounge in VI, I go there because they’ve got really nice cocktails at decent prices and good music too.

Foodies is in lekki, they’ve got all sorts of Nigerian dishes and they’re affordable.

The burg is a joint in Ikeja and as you can tell by the name they’ve got great burgers. You don’t have to break the bank to eat there and their milkshakes are top notch.

Yellow Chilli are on mainland and island. They have really good African dishes with a homely vibe.

They are barbecue joint in VI with great grills and they are affordable too.

So olaiya is a hub for all sorts of Nigerian dishes, I tend to order take out from there most time.

Eating out in Lagos with BOJ

Tushar 

Needs no introduction. This David Adjaye-built concept store is a visionary space and a must visit for anyone who comes to Lagos. Their restaurant in the back, NOK, is popping on Fridays

Lagos’ first non-profit artist residency program. They have brilliant artists coming in to work 3 sessions a year. It’s always great to go hang out on open days and talk to artists about their projects. They also have presentations of the artists’ work once the residency sessions are over

This is the showroom space for Bubu Ogisi’s IAMISIGO brand. Go here to shop, hang out and sip some rum agricole or, on special days and if you’re invited, party at the best raves in Lagos. Fashion Week season is always mighty eventful at this space

This concept space in Lekki is a collaboration project between a bunch of young creatives. They have a publication, a gallery space, a fashion label, and God knows what else. Their exhibitions focus on showcasing the process and use of technology

Located in the top flat of a seven-story building in Lagos and founded by artist Wura-Natasha Ogunji, The Treehouse supports creative experimentation, artistic investigation and the asking of radical and open questions. With views of creek and lagoon, prison and polo fields, it provides a perfect platform for thinking about how spaces, architecture, and community influence and inform how we move, feel, and imagine the world

Set up with the purpose of using creativity to engage with the community in Lagos Island, hFACTOR is a space and also a collective (of which I am a part). Through exhibitions, talks, gatherings and other engagements, we hope to have conversations opening people's minds to new possibilities

Creative Spaces with Tushar

Wavy the Creator

This is probably one of my favorite places to eat, coupled with the fact that it basically gives the vibe of you being in a house based on the variety of “rooms” you can go to.
Their jollof rice, peppered turkey and plantain? Never a miss

This is a new fashion store that appeals to the younger crowd in Nigeria. I first came across them on social media and was very pleased when i went to their online store and saw how well they cater to what the young people like. They have variety of options from shoes, to accessory They recently just opened a store at the Palms mall in Lekki, which is very convenient.

When I heard about Rufus and Bee, a fun house in Lagos, I was excited. The sense of freedom and nostalgia from the experience could make your inner child come alive. It is located in a building with 3 restaurants, a movie theater and an amazing rooftop view.

I feel this is a recreational haven for music and art lovers. It is a strategic site for the country, it was created around a decommissioned prison. From getting an insight into prison life in the 80’s to seeing a sample size of a cell as well as the gallows kind of motivates my process.
You sense immediately the love that transformed this former prison and place of hate and misery of colonial times into a venue where everyone is welcome. The park is beautiful

This bay is the ideal spot for ocean lovers, tourists and unarguably one of the best places to go to and have fun and relax. It’s my go to for the perfect “daycation”.

The main attraction for me was the 400m long canopy walkway (longest in Africa) as it gives a full view of the unique wildlife inhabiting the centre.

My first time at Bogobiri, I felt like I was at a spa in a treehouse. The art and decor are placed together to help you relax. The restaurant, the hotel and the art center make it a hub for everyone. You definitely know I do not miss Thursday’s open mic night.

A fine dining restaurant placed in an eye-catching environment with bamboo structures, use of shapes, contemporary art pieces and lest I forget, a contemporary fashion design store. My friends know it's the luxury Amala for me, to me it’s Amala that went to Yale.

This gallery is arguably the largest of its kind in West Africa with over 8,000 diverse works of art. Getting to see a wealth of artworks and be inspired by the thoughts behind the art. My favorite part of the first experience was how receptive and accommodating it feels once you’re in.

One of the largest markets in the city located in the heart of Lagos island. I enjoy thrifting a lot so this is like thrifting heaven

Exploring Lagos with Wavy the Creator

Jazzhole is one of my favorite corners of Lagos. I can spend hours there, flipping through vinyls, sipping tea, surrounded by books and old sounds. It’s one of those rare places that still holds the soul of the city. You can find the best of the best Nigerian music classics in vinyls here. 

No matter where I travel, nothing beats the taste of home. Akanke Alamala is my spot for amala, gbegiri, and ewedu, hot and fresh. It reminds me of simpler times. They have 2 spots, I usually go to the one in Lekki and my favourite thing about this spot is that they also have traditional singers and drummers who go around to every table to perform for you. Apart from the food, the music here is A1. 

This place means a lot to me because it keeps our culture alive. Every visit feels like stepping into a living story, the language, the art, the drums, the spirit. It’s a space everyone needs to visit to learn about Yoruba history and culture when they visit Lagos. 

This is my family palace, my great great great ancestor King Kosoko was the King of Lagos in the 1800’s. The palace houses the Kosoko Memorial Museum and walking through it always feels powerful. It’s a reminder of my heritage, the resilience that I carry, and how much strength and legacy lives in my family history. This is my favourite place for inspiration and to gather my thoughts. 

After a long hard week, this is where I dance, unwind, and just have a great time with my guys. The music is always great, the crowd has style, and it’s just great vibes in Boho. Might be my favourite club in Lagos and my friend Fresh L runs the best nights there. 

Inside the Family Palace: Adekunle Gold's Guide to Lagos

Kida Kudz

I love the ambience here, it’s literally full of culture and the hospitality is like none other. If you’re looking for Palmwine, Terra Kulture is the spot!

I love the view of the ocean. I come here often to take a walk on the beach side and clear my head. It helps me meditate. 
The food at "TRUTH", one of the spots at Landmark beach is also amazing. If you go there you have to get the platter, you get so many tasty options and can choose between the seafood or the beef platter.

They serve the best Nigerian dishes here, it’s like a home away from home. I especially love their starters… ALL OF THEM! I would definitely recommend the Ram Roll and Puff Puff - it’s not a meal that you get everywhere. 

Come for the cocktails… stay for more! My favourite is the Fruit Punch (mocktail), I have it every time. The Okoloko is also a Top Memba on their menu for sure!
They play great music and have a playlist which you can listen to when you want to experience those vibes from home.

My favourite thing about New Afrika Shrine is the heritage and culture, it’s everywhere from the music, the locals and the roadside meals - it’s simply inspiring, a real taste of Nigeria.

Explore Lagos with Kida Kudz

Alani Adenle

If you want a relaxed day and a nice meal out

Lagos with Alani

Orange Culture

For great breakfast, pop by craft gourmet.

If you want to enjoy an amazing time bouncing - stop by the indoor trampoline park and connect with your inner child.

Fun arcade games, bowling and the option of three different restaurants including one with a rooftop view.

Stop by or order in for great shawarma and fries.

Discover Nigerian contemporary art at its best at Rele in the heart of Lagos.

Catch a beautiful history, beautiful Adire and beautiful conversations with Mama Nike at the Nike Art Gallery. It is truly an experience.

If you want to try delicious suya for the first time, stop by Bukka Hut in the evening.

For super facials, mani peds and relaxing massages, pop by Bnatural in Victoria island, Lagos.

For great spoken word, live bands and delicious food, stop by Bogobiri to enjoy a rich artistic and Afrocentric experience.

If you want to enjoy Nigerian food in a beautiful, architectural space with great vibes stop by NOK. Weekends are great with DJs and bands sometimes hosted while you enjoy great food.

Try the longest bridge walk/canopy walk and also enjoy a nice picnic outside during dry season. Stay hydrated and carry your camera to capture the beautiful experience.

Amazing Japanese food and the option of a beautiful beach view while you sip on a delicious cocktail. Shiro is definitely the spot. At night the music gets really good and you have Hard Rock Cafe in the same compound for a great night out.

Fine dining - this is the place to visit. Steak is amazing.

Lagos with Orange Culture

Stephen Tayo

Interesting food. Climb Snake Island there's a nice view from the top. It's quiet, people are amazing, beautiful, and welcoming. You can surf here too

2-in-1 situation, Alara concept store with a restaurant, Knock by Alara, inside. It's all about promoting African luxury. Carefully created. Great atmosphere, great smells, great people. If you eat at Knock, try the Amala, it is so so good here

Two spaces in one building again. Great Thai food and an exhibition space promoting African artists. Amazing views and relaxed ambience

Very beautiful, with tons of roadside brands. One thing that’s really cool here is the amazing and beautiful fabric. It’s really big so eat before and go early!

Very cool and beautiful gallery in Lagos. It's inside Eko Hotel on the seafront

I go here to watch basketball and walk around, observe people and learn

Lagos with Stephen Tayo

Teezee

Live music, palm wine artists/ creatives hang out

Teezee's Top Lagos Spots

Vivendii

Family owned gallery started by Ms Nike herself with some of the most amazing paintings, sculptures and other artwork in Lagos. Instagram heaven for all yall social media addicts. Real nice to just have reflective time away from the hustle and just appreciate art. It's fire

One of my favourite places in Lagos to go to. Pick a chilled day to pull up to the market to find amazing artwork, jewellery, painting, models, sculptures, leather products and a bunch of other fire shit. Cultural explosion all available for sale. Come with your bargaining shoes on because none of these cool pieces come without a fight

Exactly what it says it is, a centre promoting the welfare of the environment and its conservation. Monkeys and other animals running around and has Africa's highest foot path over the trees with amazing views. Great time with a bunch of people. Bring some food, drinks and have a picnic in the large open spaces

Amazing Italian/Peruvian (I think) fusion restaurant/chill spot/motel lol. Spot of a vibe and some of my best ideas have come just chilling outside enjoying their sangria. They also have a bakery with some of the best donuts in Lagos NO CAP

An authentic Nigerian beach experience. Pull up with a bunch of friends and enjoy the serenity away from the crazy streets of Lagos. Either go full local and take a banana boat from some of the docks such as Bonny Camp or BICS in Lekki or take a boat/yacht from one of the beach clubs and enjoy the vibe

Shrine is one of the most authentic spots in the city, a celebration of Fela's life and everything he was about. Fire spot you can smoke, drink, eat and watch some amazing performances from artists including his sons, Femi and Seun Kuti

Late food spot open nearly 24/7. Top 3 best chicken wings in the city. After nearly every night at the club, pull up to Maroccaine

Go on the day of exhibitions with great local artists. Get the tequila beer salitos with a slice of lime. SENSATIONAL in the heat. I think it actually tastes better in Lagos. Also, try 16 by 16's twist on zobo, a traditional blackcurrant drink

Vivendii's Top Spots In Lagos

Zamir

Iconic Building. Home of Fela. No negative vibes, no judgement, great Palm wine, somewhere I like to go to find inspiration sometimes.

Great place to have cocktails, create a vibe with close friends, connect with other creatives.

I only go here with people I consider family. Amazing pizza, pasta and wine.

Best pick up suya spot in Lagos. You can’t come to Lagos without buying suya from here.

Only nightclub you ever see Zamir in Lagos.

Great place to learn about Nigerian Art & Culture.

For the munchiesss. Nothing better than spicy bbq wings right before or in the middle of a studio session.

Lagos with Zamir

LADIPOE

A quirky afrocentric boutique hotel with a small gallery and a serious vinyl collection of vintage Nigerian music. They host an open mic night every Thursday and this is where I first began to hone my skill as a performer. The food is great too.

This was once a prison during colonial times, but it’s now a centre that celebrates art and culture. It’s home to quite a few festivals and live events, but Afropolitan Vibes is the one that offered me and many others a platform to perform to a big crowd of regulars.

It’s hard to describe hFACTOR. It’s this really cool space in the heart of Lagos Island. They often collaborate with different people to throw some amazing parties and you get to meet the most unique characters. It’s a completely different vibe each time.

It’s the tea for me. However, it is first and foremost a library of vinyl records, CDs, DVDs and books. The proprietors are also a great source of knowledge about Lagos, and Nigeria in general. Also, as mentioned earlier, the tea is excellent. I performed there once, as a member of a group called the Collectiv3.

So many of us have been excluded from places because of our fashion sense, musical leanings and unique way we present ourselves to the world, but at Island Block Party (and its progenitor - mainland block party), everyone is welcome. My favourite thing about it is the exchange of culture between dissimilar yet like-minds. It’s what makes this monthly party a must to attend. It’s also a great place for upcoming and established acts to perform.