Things To Do
in Ikeja
Ikeja is the capital of Lagos State and a major commercial and administrative hub on Lagos Mainland. It mixes leafy residential areas (notably the GRA) with busy markets, tech clusters and shopping centers such as Ikeja City Mall and Computer Village. The neighborhood is well connected to Murtala Muhammed International Airport and serves as a practical base for exploring greater Lagos.
Visitors should expect urban energy, frequent traffic, and many options for dining, shopping and nightlife.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the National Museum of Nigeria, where you can marvel at the rich history and cultural artifacts of Nigeria. Engage with knowledgeable guides who will share fascinating stories about the ancient civilizations and traditions that shaped the country. Don’t forget to take a stroll through the museum's beautiful gardens, where you can enjoy a peaceful moment amidst nature.
After a hearty lunch at a local restaurant, head over to the Kalakuta Republic Museum, the former home of the legendary Fela Kuti. Explore the vibrant history of Afrobeat music through an array of personal items, photographs, and memorabilia that reflect Fela's life and struggles. You'll leave with a deeper appreciation for Nigeria's musical heritage and the impact of Fela's activism.
As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Nigerian dinner at a local eatery, savoring dishes like jollof rice and suya. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as you listen to live music performances from local artists. Wrap up your day by exploring the bustling nightlife at nearby bars and lounges, where you can unwind with a drink and meet new friends.
Begin your day with a visit to the popular Ikeja City Mall, where you can shop for both local and international brands. Enjoy a breakfast of local delicacies at one of the food stalls within the mall, experiencing the fusion of flavors that Nigerian cuisine offers. As you wander through the mall, take note of the vibrant art and crafts on display, showcasing the talents of local artisans.
After shopping, head to the popular Balogun Market, known for its colorful array of textiles and crafts. Engage with the friendly vendors, haggle for unique souvenirs, and truly immerse yourself in the bustling market atmosphere. You might also want to sample some street food, from chin chin to puff-puff, allowing your taste buds to explore local flavors.
As the day winds down, treat yourself to a relaxing dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city. Enjoy the beautiful views while indulging in a fusion of traditional and modern Nigerian cuisine. Conclude your evening with a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets of Ikeja, soaking in the lively evening atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-8 |
| ☕Coffee or soft drink | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi/ride-hailing trip (5–10 km) | $2-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-100 |
| 📶Local SIM card and data bundle | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Convenient base near Murtala Muhammed International Airport
- Diverse food scene with strong local and street-food culture
- Good mix of shopping (malls and markets) and nightlife options
- Close access to other Lagos attractions and day trips
- Heavy traffic and congestion can make travel slow
- Petty crime and safety concerns if you are careless
- Heat and humidity year-round may be uncomfortable for some
- Some services (card acceptance, reliable ATMs) can be inconsistent
- "E kaaro" - Good morning (Yoruba)
- "Bawo ni?" - How are you? (Yoruba)
- "E se / O se" - Thank you (Yoruba)
- "How far?" - What's up? / Casual greeting (Nigerian Pidgin)
- "No wahala" - No problem (Nigerian Pidgin)
- "E jowo" - Please (Yoruba)
Places to Visit in Ikeja
Visit one of these nice places.
Chaotic, colorful electronics market with energetic street scenes, vendors, and layered storefronts — excellent for candid market photography and vibrant urban shots.
Modern shopping center with architectural lines, food courts and nearby commercial streets ideal for people-watching and urban lifestyle photos.
Tree-lined avenues, colonial-era houses and landscaped properties offer quieter, more polished compositions, especially at golden hour.
Opportunity for aviation and plane-spotting photos; exercise caution and remain in public spaces without entering restricted areas.
Close-up food photography, colorful produce displays and portraits of vendors — bring a friendly attitude and ask permission before photographing people.
Food in Ikeja
Ikeja Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A West African spiced tomato-and-pepper rice often served with fried plantain and protein; available at most restaurants and street vendors.
Must-Try!
Starchy pounded yam paired with a rich melon-seed (egusi) soup often containing leafy greens and meat or fish; a filling, traditional meal found in local eateries.
Spicy skewered grilled beef or chicken, seasoned with peanut-chili rub; sold by roadside grills in the evening and a must-try for meat lovers.
A spicy, aromatic broth usually made with fish, goat or chicken — popular as a light meal or hangover remedy and easy to find at local joints.
Steamed bean pudding often eaten as a snack or side dish, sold in markets and by street vendors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small neighborhood markets and open stalls where you can find fresh produce, snacks, roasted plantain (dodo) and akara (bean fritters); great for tasting affordable local foods.
Beyond electronics, the busy streets around Computer Village have vendors selling quick snacks and roasted suya — good for lively street photography and tasting street fare.
A cleaner, air-conditioned spot to sample a range of Nigerian and international dishes if you prefer a more formal setting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings matter — a simple 'Good morning' or a Yoruba greeting like 'E kaaro' goes a long way. Shake hands when introduced, and use formal greetings with elders.
Dress modestly in public, especially when visiting religious sites or conservative neighborhoods. Respect local religious customs, particularly during Ramadan and other observances.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and market vendors. Some places and officials may refuse photography.
Bargaining is expected in markets and with street vendors; be friendly and polite when negotiating prices.
Safety
Tipping in Ikeja
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. In restaurants a 5–10% tip is customary if service charge is not included. For taxis and ride-hailing, rounding up is common. Hotel porters and helpful guides may expect small tips.
Cash (Nigerian Naira) is widely used, especially for markets and street food. Major hotels, malls and many restaurants accept cards (Visa/Mastercard), but card acceptance is not universal. Mobile payment apps, POS machines and bank transfers are common for local transactions; carry some cash for small purchases.
ATMs are common in Ikeja but can run out of cash or be temporarily offline — withdraw during daytime and notify your bank about travel. Small denominations (₦50, ₦100, ₦200) are handy for street vendors and tipping.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Generally sunny and less humid with cooler mornings; Harmattan (late November–February) can bring dusty winds, reduced visibility and cooler nights — bring a light layer and protect camera gear from dust.
Frequent heavy rains and thunderstorms, especially from June to September; expect flooded streets after intense downpours and slower travel times — waterproof footwear and a rain jacket are useful.
April and October can be unpredictable with a mix of sunny and rainy days; plan flexible outdoor activities and check local forecasts.
Ikeja at Night
Hiking in Ikeja
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
About 1–1.5 hours from Ikeja by car; offers a canopy walkway, trails through mangrove and coastal forest and wildlife viewing — more of a nature walk than a strenuous hike, but a popular outdoor escape.
Approximately 1.5–2 hours by car, Olumo Rock provides climbing, panoramic views and cultural history — a well-known nearby destination for a half- or full-day trip with moderate hiking.
Further afield (several hours drive), Idanre Hills offers more strenuous hiking and dramatic landscapes for travelers willing to plan an extended day trip or overnight visit.
Airports
How to reach Ikeja by plane.
The main international and domestic airport serving Lagos, very close to Ikeja with multiple terminals; easy access by taxi or ride-hailing and the quickest entry point for international arrivals.
The domestic terminal handling many internal flights around Nigeria; convenient for onward domestic travel and located within the same airport complex.
A regional airport approximately 3–4 hours by road; useful as an alternate for travel to parts of Ondo State and beyond.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The dominant ethnic group in the region, with deep cultural roots and many traditional customs visible in daily life.
People from various Nigerian states living and working in Ikeja, contributing to a multicultural urban population engaged in commerce, tech and services.
A smaller community of foreign workers and professionals, centered around diplomatic, corporate and international business functions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport — local matches, street football and televised national and international fixtures draw large crowds and passionate fans.
Growing in popularity among youth with local courts and clubs in the metropolitan area.
Running, gym culture and informal games are common among residents looking to stay active in urban parks and recreational centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ikeja.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available (rice dishes, moi moi, bean stews, vegetable soups) but many soups and sauces may contain fish stock or shrimp paste; always ask staff to confirm ingredients and request meat-free preparation.
Vegan choices are more limited but possible — starches (yam, plantain, rice) and some vegetable stews work; confirm use of animal broths or fish-based seasonings.
Many traditional Nigerian staples (rice, yams, plantains) are naturally gluten-free; processed foods and some sauces may contain wheat-based thickeners, so ask about preparation if you have celiac disease.
When eating street food, choose busy stalls with high turnover and freshly cooked items; avoid raw salads or ice from questionable sources if you have a sensitive stomach.