Lagos Island is the old city: the Oba’s palace, the colonial Marina, the houses the returnees from Brazil built, and the busiest markets in the country. It is best seen on foot, early, with someone who knows it.
A route
- Tinubu Square, named after Madam Efunroye Tinubu, the nineteenth century trader and political figure.
- The Brazilian quarter, around Campos Square and Popo Aguda, where freed people returning from Brazil built houses in the style they knew. A few still stand.
- Iga Idunganran, the Oba of Lagos’s palace, whose oldest parts date back centuries. You see it from outside unless you have arranged a visit.
- Freedom Park, a public park and arts venue on the site of the colonial Broad Street prison, with exhibitions, music and food.
- The Cathedral Church of Christ and the Central Mosque, two of the city’s landmark places of worship.
- The Marina, the old waterfront, and Tafawa Balewa Square.
- The National Museum, at Onikan, with collections from across Nigeria.
Balogun market and Idumota are in the same streets, if you want to add the markets.
Doing it safely
- Go early on a weekend morning, when the streets are quieter and cooler.
- Go with a guide or a friend who knows the Island. It is easy to get lost, and a guide brings the buildings to life.
- Carry little, keep your phone in a front pocket, and photograph people only with their permission.
- Wear good shoes and carry water.