An essential city guide to Lagos

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The home of numerous music genres such as afrobeat, juju, fuji, sakara music and Nigerian hip hop, the city of Lagos is a place with a clubland culture all its own. Following the musical musings of the legendary Fela Kuti and the rise of Nigerian psych-rock in the late '60s, Lagos' rich nightlife scene has always been a consistent point of pride for the country’s capital.

Using traditional rhythmic structures and fusing them with various forms of hip hop, dancehall, funk, jazz and a whole host of other genres, the dance music coming out of Lagos is some of the most diverse and unique in all of Africa.

Filled with hustle, energy and extravagance, Lagos is a city with a spirit of positivism that gets expressed through its every move, both on and off the dancefloor. If you find yourself planning a trip to this bustling metropolis, check out this guide for hotspots to see.

Club Quilox

One of the biggest and most luxurious clubs in all of West Africa, Club Quilox is Lagos' most prominent nightlife destination. Opened in 2013 on Victoria Island (Lagos' most affluent area), this nightclub is teeming with electrifying vibes and is consistently visited by some of the city's most elite party purveyors. Shrouded in a fine red, gold and black theme and powered by an over-the-roof sound system, Club Quilox - in all its glitz and glory - is truly one of a kind.

Sip Lounge

When looking for an intimate setting for your night on the town with a nice club feel and great music, Sip Lounge is the place to be. Located on Victoria Island, this classy establishment is a fine dining establishment by day and transforms into one Lagos' most lively and sociable hotspots both during the week and on weekends. Beautifully decorated with its ornate furnishing, lounge chairs, and great bar service, Sip lounge offers a club experience in a more relaxed manner.

New Afrika Shrine

An open-air entertainment center dedicated to the great Fela Kuti, New Afrika Shrine honors the world-famous Nigerian musician and human rights activist’s legacy through awe-inspiring afrobeat performance. It's a huge shed with big, lively shows that blow off the roof and is consistently revered as a perfect destination for any traveler interested in getting wild on the dancefloor and exploring Nigeria's rich musical roots.

Bogobiri House

Located in the heart of the Ikoyi's Awolowo Road, Bogobiri House is Nigeria's foremost Afrocentric hotel. The charming spot is filled with paintings and sculptures by local artists and serves as a marketplace and hub for the city's vibrant art and cultural scene. The Bamboo Bar & Restaurant in the hotel is one of the most beloved dining locations in the city that often offers excellent live music.

Nike Art Gallery

The Nike Art Gallery, owned by the famous Nigerian batik and textile designer Nike Davies-Okundaye, the gallery is a five-story tall building that boasts a collection of 8,000 diverse works of art from various Nigerian painters, sculptures, photographers and more. It has been referred to as "Lagos' best-kept secret" and provides an enabling environment for the growth of African cultural heritage in Nigeria.

The Jazz Hole

A book store, café and record shop all rolled into one, The Jazz Hole in downtown Lagos is a hub of archived African music and literature that also prides itself on its ability to offer multiple forms of international music to its patrons. This small, iconic shop hosts regular jazz performances on a weekly basis and is the perfect place to go if you are looking for a William Onyeabor record or want to dig for that next tasty sample that will give your production the edge you are looking for.

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