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By Faith Ijeh
Lagos State is arguably the most economically important state in Nigeria and the nation’s largest urban area. It is a major financial centre and would be the fifth-largest economy in Africa if it were a country.
Lagos State is blessed with a lot of allure and beautiful places that individuals, friends and families can go for relaxation.
Whether you are looking for a get together; a weekend getaway; trying to escape the stress of the city, or just a place with a difference, there are several beautiful places to unwind.
Below are some of the places to visit and relax in Lagos;
1. La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort.
This is a private beach located in Ikegun, Ibeju-Lekki. The resort lies at the edge of the Atlantic ocean, so one should wear light clothes. And if one isn’t a fan of the water, they offer hangout spots with tasty meals. It is a great escape from the regular Lagos hustle and bustle and a great place to wind off during the weekends or holidays. They also have well furnished lodges for guests.
2. National Theatre
It is the cultural center for performing arts in Nigeria. It was built in 1976 and the well-equipped hall has 30,000 capacity. It hosted the Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) in 1977. The building has a bar, a restaurant, and 2 grand cinema halls. The great cultural performances coupled with the theatre’s architectural grandeur have pulled the attention of people from various walks of life.
3. Lekki Leisure Lake This place is enjoyable for both kids and adults. It encourages children to get active and engage their muscles by jumping on the quad bikes. They can also get on the Jet Ski with a guide. It is a great place to visit on weekends and holidays.
4. Nike Art Gallery
The Gallery is owned by Nike Davies Okundaye. Her inspiring story from humble beginnings without a university degree to delivering lectures at Harvard University has increased the popularity of the gallery. It is a great place with paintings, drawings, stones, beads, adire and wholesome arts.
5. Lekki Conservation Centre
The Lekki Conservation Centre is run by the Nigerian conservation Foundation (NCF). It is a place you must visit if you enjoy watching and studying plants and animals in their natural habitat. There is a lot of exploration themed activities, one of which is the fearless canopy walk.
6. New Afrika Shrine
The shrine is located at Ikeja and it is definitely one of the fun spots to visit in Lagos. It the host home of the annual Felabration music festival-an event held yearly in honour of afro beat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. It displays photo galleries of Fela and there are musical performances from different musicians, especially Femi and Seun Kuti. The New Afrika Shrine is the place to visit if you need a break from regular hip hop.
7. Epe Resort and Spa
This is located in Epe and is an exquisite Spa where you can experience great services from body care professionals and beauticians. Their services include body massage, pedicure, manicure, and skin treatment. It is the perfect spot to get pampered, calm your nerves, and revitalise your body after a long trip or a stressful week.
8. Kalakuta Museum.
Kalakuta Republic was the name of the place where musical legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, alongside his band and family members lived. On February 18, 1977, the house was attacked by military officials and burnt down. It has been turned into a museum to honour Fela and his impact on Nigeria and the world at large. Kalakuta Museum is a place for people who want an insight into the world of Fela and one of the top spots to visit in Lagos.
9. Terra Kulture
This is an art gallery, theatre, arts and craft store mashed up in one building. It was founded by Bolanle Austen-Peters. They have occasional art exhibitions and feature numerous stage plays. It is the location of the popular Nigerian stage play ‘Waka the musical.’ It also have a food lounge that serves many delicacies.
10. GET Arena.
It is located directly opposite the Palms shopping mall. Go-karting is a typical example of a break from the norm and children will also attest to this while they enjoy it. They also have a bar and an arcade with a wall climbing section.