Lagos can sometimes feel like too much to handle. However, taking a break from the city and exploring a new environment can be extremely beneficial for your well-being. Fortunately, there are several affordable day trips from Lagos that can provide the perfect getaway.
Whether you call Lagos home or are just visiting, here are seven affordable city breaks that you can enjoy!
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Without further ado, let’s jump right in, starting with Badadry.
Day Trips from Lagos Nigeria – Badagry
Badagry is a historic coastal town in Nigeria, situated between Lagos and the Seme border. It has a rich cultural heritage, being the home to various age-old museums, buildings and artefacts. The town also served as an important port for exporting slaves and visitors to Badagry will find remnants of this dark chapter preserved all around the town.
Away from the historical sites, Badagry embraces its natural beauty with its picturesque beaches. The coastline offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, providing a serene and tranquil atmosphere for relaxation and an all-around excellent day trip from Lagos.
Day Trips from Lagos Nigeria – Olumo Rock, Abeokuta
Olumo Rock is located in the city of Abeokuta. The rock is notable for the significant role it played during the 19th-century inter-tribal war involving the Egba people.
The city itself is also famous for its Adire merchants and exploring the markets makes for a good add-on destination. Olumo Rock is located less than two hours away from Lagos, on a good traffic day and it can be reached by either car or train.
Day Trips from Lagos Nigeria – Ibadan
Ibadan is another city that makes for an excellent day trip from Lagos. The city offers a unique blend of history and culture and is home to beautiful landmarks such as the University of Ibadan, Cocoa House, and the Mapo Hall.
Even though Ibadan can technically be done as a day trip due to its proximity to Lagos and the availability of a train route there, I recommend allocating at least 2 days in the city. This will allow you to explore a bit more of the city’s attractions, including its famous traditional restaurants, gardens, hiking trails and waterfalls, situated just outside the city.
Lesser Known Beaches of Lagos
Lagos is known for having some beaches near the city centre, however, they are often crowded and quite noisy. An option to avoid the crowd is to visit lesser-known beaches and resorts located a little outside the city centres.
These less explored places offer a more tranquil atmosphere, where you can enjoy the natural beauty and relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Some of my favourite beach destinations in Lagos include Jara Beach Resort (they offer day passes for guests who don’t want to stay overnight) and Laguna Beach.
Day Trips from Lagos Nigeria – Olumirin Waterfalls/Ikogosi/Arinta Waterfalls
Osun and Ekiti states are located about three to four hours away from Lagos so this one is a bit of a long shot. But with proper planning and if you’re quite short on time, visiting either one of these states and their waterfalls can be and has been done in a day.
The waterfalls are best visited during the rainy season, or just afterwards. This is when you can truly get to appreciate their beauty. I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting Arinta and Erin Ijesha Waterfalls in the past and believe that these are some of the stunning natural destinations in the country.
There you have it -some of the best day trips from Lagos! Have you been to any of these destinations?
Let me know your favourite ones in the comment section below! If you’ve also taken a wonderful day trip from Lagos, please share that as well!
Lovely list. ☺️. I have done: Badagry and Abeokuta as day trips. My different visits to Ibadan were usually a couple of days. I have been to Laguna beach as well. Loved Loved all of it. Don’t know why the first comment sent as anonymous, lol
That’s wonderful. I love seeing Nigerians explore the country and glad to know you’ve enjoyed all your trips!
Yeah, I started to notice many of the comments coming through were anon; I made a few changes, should be fine.