So you decided to visit Lagos, Nigeria, on your December tour. No need to waste time, let’s go straight to all the essential spots, food and restaurant, activitie,s and parties you need to have on your itinerary..

Key Takeaways

• More than just the usual spots: Beaches, yes, but also art houses, wellness hubs, and creative pop-ups you won’t see in every Lagos travel list.
• December is high season: Plan your route so you’re not stuck in gridlock instead of soaking up the city.
• Daytime → Afternoon → Nighttime flow keeps you exploring without doubling back or wasting time in traffic.

Daytime: Culture, Heritage & Calm

Start your morning in Lekki/Oniru before 10 a.m. for easy access to most daytime gems. I repeat, start your day before 10 AM. Otherwise, you will be stuck in traffic for the rest of the day and unable to move around in gridlock.

1. Nike Art Gallery (Lekki)

A multi-floor gallery bursting with paintings, sculptures, and textiles from Nigerian artists. A feast for art lovers and photographers. Route tip: 5–10 min to Lekki Conservation Centre after your visit.

2. Lekki Conservation Centre (Lekki)

Home to Africa’s longest canopy walk and tranquil nature trails. Go early for fewer crowds and cooler air. Route tip: 15 min to DEW Centre or 10 min to Landmark.

3. POP Landmark (Water Corporation Drive)

Interactive games, quirky installations, and group challenges-think indoor fun with a Lagos twist. Route tip: 2–5 min to Landmark Beach.

4. Landmark Leisure Beach (Oniru)

Daybeds, calm surf, and beach bars with DJs warming up for the evening. Route tip: Stay in the area for lunch before heading toward Ikoyi.

5. DEW Centre (Lekki)

A wellness escape offering yoga, pottery, massage, and quiet reading spaces. Route tip: 10 min to Alliance Française in Ikoyi.

Afternoon: Creative Play, Food & Slow Socials

Move toward Ikoyi via the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge between 11 a.m.–3 p.m. for the smoothest ride.

1. Alliance Française Café & Ice Cream Corner (Ikoyi)

Cozy lunch spot with an in-house gelato stand (₦1,650 per scoop). Perfect for recharging.

2. Jaekel House Museum (Ebute Metta)

A restored colonial-era home with railway history and vintage photography exhibits. Route tip: Plan this before rush hour or pair it with mainland heritage days.

3. Welcome to Lagos (Aro Meta) Statue

Quick cultural landmark stop for photos and history in motion.

4. Cozy Rooftop & Brew House Pop-Ups

Rotating events with coffee, cocktails, and lowkey DJ sets in daylight; follow Awe Lagos for weekly updates.

Nighttime: Beats, Art & Celebration

From Ikoyi, cross into Victoria Island and settle in for the evening. Avoid late-night crossings back to Lekki if possible and stay on the island until after midnight or book nearby accommodation.

1. Afro Nights at Obi’s House and Nest (Lekki)

Live Afro-fusion music, spoken word, games, and food. You can find high energy and plenty of December spirit at Nest.

Obi’s House is a popular favorite, especially during December that locals and tourist like to frequent. It happens every Monday and includes random pop-ups from your favorite Afrobeats artists, and all the band tickets sell out quickly, as well as tables, so if you’re considering it, get your tickets earlier!

2. Lagos Trivia Night (Victoria Island)

Pop culture, Lagos history, and prize-worthy fun hosted in buzzing lounges.

3. Intimate Dining & Comedy Pop-Ups

Secret dinners, themed comedy shows, or art-led evenings are often announced at the last minute.

4. New Year’s Eve Fireworks: Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge

The most iconic way to end Detty December. Pair with a VIP after-party at Athena.

December Hidden Gems + Easy Movement Plan

Start in Lekki/Oniru – Morning

Perfect for most daytime activities since many cultural spots and calm escapes are here.

• Nike Art Gallery → Lekki Conservation Centre (10–15 min by Bolt/Uber before noon traffic builds)
• POP Landmark or Landmark Leisure Beach → both on Water Corporation Drive, 2–5 min apart.
• If you’re in the mood for wellness, DEW Centre is also in Lekki and can be reached in 10 minutes from most spots here.

Tip: Arrive in Lekki before 10 a.m. to avoid the worst of rush hour.

Head into Ikoyi – Midday to Afternoon

Works well after Lekki activities because it’s a short drive across the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge.

• Alliance Française Café or Ice Cream Corner (Ikoyi) for a calm lunch.
• Quick photo stop at the Welcome to Lagos (Aro Meta) Statue (if coming from Ikoyi toward the mainland).
• Optional: Jaekel House Museum is ~20–25 minutes away from Ikoyi without peak traffic.

Tip: Use the bridge between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to avoid evening gridlock.

Victoria Island – Evening

Easy to hit after Ikoyi for nighttime activities or later-afternoon hangouts.

• Afro Nights at Nest for music, games, and food.
• Lagos Trivia Night or themed events at creative lounges (many in VI).
• Dinner & art pop-ups; check Awe Lagos for the week’s lineup.

Tip: Stay in Victoria Island after 7 p.m. if you’re planning late-night events-crossing back to Lekki or mainland areas can be slow after concerts or big parties.

Mainland (Optional Day Trip)

For heritage-heavy days, start early and commit a half day to avoid multiple crossings.

• Badagry Historical Tour (Slave Museum, Point of No Return) – leave before 7 a.m., return by late afternoon.
• Or Jaekel House & CCA Lagos combo if you’re keeping it within the mainland city.

Ride Notes:

• Bolt and Uber are your best bet for convenience and safety.
• For short Lekki or VI trips, keke (tricycle) rides can be faster if you’re okay with open-air transport.
• If you want a guide who knows the flow, hire a private driver for a day: ~₦25,000–₦35,000 for 8–10 hours is typical in December.

How To Enjoy Your Detty December

Detty December in Nigeria and Ghana is all about fun, music, family, and community. But if you’re new to the experience, you’ll want to keep a few practical tips in mind so you can enjoy yourself without stress.

Key Tips for Detty December (from the Pros)

• Watch what you eat – If your stomach isn’t used to local spices or street food, take it slow to avoid food poisoning.
• Stay smart with water – Only drink bottled water. Tap or sachet water may not sit well with you.
• Know when you need security – Popular areas in the cities are fine, but if you’re traveling between rural towns or across state lines, it’s safer to have an escort.
• Blend in when possible – Don’t always stand out. If you can switch up your accent, it might make things easier.
• Tip with sense – Generosity is good, but don’t overdo it with big tips that set unrealistic expectations for locals.
• Negotiate prices – Bargaining is normal. Don’t overpay just because you’re a tourist, and be willing to walk away.
• Give back – Donate to a local charity before you leave. It’s a small way to make a big impact.
• Travel documents – Nigerians, get your NIN number before leaving. Expired passports can be used to enter, but bring your valid one to exit.
• ‘Follow who know road‘ – Link with locals or friends who know how to move around and avoid wasting your trip stuck in traffic.
• Airport hacks – You don’t need to pay someone to carry your bags. Use a trolley and clarify its price to avoid being overcharged.
• Don’t go solo your first time – Traveling with friends or family makes it easier, safer, and more fun.
• Confidence matters – Negotiate firmly, move wisely, and trust your common sense.

Transport Tips

• Bolt/Uber for comfort and safety.
• Private driver: ~₦25,000–₦35,000 for 8–10 hours in December.
• Keke (tricycle): Fastest for short inner-Lekki or VI hops, but open-air.
• Always check event times on Awe Lagos before heading out—pop-ups shift quickly in December.