Growing upwards and outwards from a clutch of islands peppering the Atlantic Ocean on the West African panhandle, Nigeria’s great megalopolis (and the largest city in Africa no less) is a veritable tumult of life and energy. From the sprawling tin-shack slums of Ebute Metta on the mainland, to the shimmering high rises of the Lagos CBD and the endless entertainments of Victoria Island, this ever-growing hodgepodge of skyscrapers, mechanised ports, oil depots, and chaotic traffic rarely fails to overwhelm.

Once the stomping ground of the British and then the Portuguese, Lagos still plays host to the remnants of Africa’s darker days, more notably at the old Broad Street Prison that has been fantastically converted into the Freedom Park. A popular city park with locals and expats alike, it comes equipped with food stalls, a museum and concerts galore, indicative of the city’s booming arts and cultural scene all over. Lagos’ coastal location affords much more wholesome pleasures too, with Lagos tour guides recommending lazy days at the Eleko beach and thrumming weekend nights on Elegushi beach. These, coupled with bustling markets, a medley of Indian, Chinese and African eateries, and wilder attractions like the Lekki Conservation Centre (home to turtles and monitor lizards) round up the urban sights!