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Vibrant. Fast-paced. Chaotic. Lagos is all three 鈥� and then some.

Nigeria鈥檚 most populous city one that never sleeps, one where the locals live boldly and loudly. The energy here is through the roof 鈥� and frankly contagious. And while some first-time visitors often feel overwhelmed by it all, stay long enough, and you鈥檒l soon come to love Lagos鈥� sheer exuberance.

Hands down, the best part about visiting this metropolitan city is the people you鈥檒l meet. In between encounters, there鈥檚 plenty to see and experience. These are the top 10 things to do in Lagos.

1. Take in the best of Nigerian art at Nike Art Gallery

Founded by textile artist and impresario Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, Nike Art Gallery (pronounced 鈥淣EE-keh鈥�) is a Lagos must-visit. Exhibiting thousands of eye-catching pieces from artists across the country, the gallery provides a rich look into Nigerian culture and traditions as expressed through art.

Visit at any time to admire the rotating displays of artworks. Better still, time your visit to a special event 鈥� and expect a captivating cultural experience that might involve songs, dances and the donning of traditional Yoruba outfits. Such events are organized occasionally for guests, or on request from large groups of travelers ( ahead of your visit to see what鈥檚 happening). Chief Nike often oversees the proceedings herself 鈥� and the storyteller and artist enthusiastically brings visitors into the experience. Interacting with her is one of the highlights of any visit here.

2. Go shopping for fabrics at Balogun Market

If you don鈥檛 mind crowds, a visit to Balogun Market might be the most memorable experience you can have in Lagos. Occupying multiple streets on Lagos Island, the market is a symphony of organized chaos. Here, you will find fabrics and other items in abundance 鈥� and, if you鈥檙e game to bargain, for a great price.

For more-relaxed shopping, try Lekki Arts and Crafts Market, which has a maze of stalls that brim with unique works of art and handmade accessories. The atmosphere here is much quieter than at Balogun 鈥� meaning you can stroll around at your own pace, striking up conversations with vendors.

3. Tackle the Lekki Conservation Centre canopy walkway

A serene and centrally located nature park, the Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) provides a welcome respite from the surrounding clamor. The LCC, which was founded in 1990, aims to preserve the biodiversity of Lagos鈥� native flora and fauna.

Get here early or visit during off-peak hours to enjoy a quiet and pleasant stroll on the boardwalk across the mangroves. You will likely run into several monkeys during your walk, and might even spot a reptile or two. If you鈥檙e feeling adventurous, head up to the 401m-long, 22.5m-high canopy walkway that takes you through the treetops. Your reward? Bird鈥檚-eye views of the park and city beyond.

4. Soak up the sun at Landmark Beach

Located on Africa鈥檚 west coast, Lagos is home to a number of beachside resorts. Landmark Beach on Victoria Island is located within the city limits, making it one of the most accessible spots for visitors. Its strip of beach is pristine and perfect for sunbathing, while the surrounding area is lined with a few upscale cafes and restaurants. During the day, you鈥檒l encounter a family-friendly vibe, with an inflatable water park and a children鈥檚 play area.

After the sun sets, the beach caters more to partygoers. From concerts and comedy shows to silent disco parties and game nights, Landmark Beach gives visitors the opportunity to experience Lagos鈥� sizzling nightlife. There鈥檚 a good chance you鈥檒l prefer this beach after dark.

5. Let the local cuisine delight your taste buds

No trip to Lagos is complete without trying the local food. Nigerians take great pride in their cuisine, and often spend a considerable amount of time preparing meals. This translates to delicious, deeply spice-infused meals that will tingle your taste buds. An essential dish to try is jollof rice, cooked in tomato sauce and spices. Another local favorite is suya, a street delicacy consisting of thin strips of skewered grilled meat.

If you want to eat like a Nigerian, try out one of the staple foods known as 鈥渟wallow鈥� 鈥� so called because chunks of each are meant to be swallowed whole rather than chewed, then washed down with soup. Pounded yam and amala 鈥� both made from yam flour and served with such leafy vegetable soups as efo riro and ewedu 鈥� are delicious swallow meals to sample.

6. Catch a show at Terra Kulture

Terra Kulture brings together the best of Nigerian culture and art under one roof, hosting well-produced Nigerian stage plays and musicals that are guaranteed to thrill. A live theatrical performance here is a great way to understand Nigerian culture more deeply.

Look out for local favorites such as Saro, the Musical, Wakaa! The Musical, Fela鈥檚 Republic and the Kalakuta Queens and Wole Soyinka鈥檚 Death and the King鈥檚 Horseman. Such critically acclaimed shows are excellent examples of Nigerian theater: educating, entertaining and even electrifying.

Planning tip:  puts on performances most weekends, with many of the Broadway-type plays and musicals produced during public holidays.

7. Tour the Kalakuta Republic Museum

An homage to the famous Afrobeats musician and activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the three-story Kalakuta Republic Museum is where the legend called home until his passing in 1997. Inside, visitors will find many of the artist鈥檚 musical instruments and personal belongings, showcasing his atypical lifestyle. Inside the museum, visitors can view historical photographs that follow Fela鈥檚 life from childhood to adulthood, as well as his musical career and activism.

During his lifetime, Fela was a vocal critic of the mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and corruption within the government. Often penalized for his views, he remained outspoken in his message of social justice, continually speaking truth to power. His political views were often expressed in his music, at nightclub sessions and in newspapers, snapshots of which can also be found hanging on the museum walls.

The museum offers guided tours to visitors who wish to learn about Fela鈥檚 work. In addition, at the nearby  guests can enjoy live performances by Fela鈥檚 descendants, providing a hint of what it must have felt like to see the legend himself live.

8. Let your hair down at an Owambe

No activity captures the spirit of Lagos more than attending an Owambe. These extravagant parties take place every weekend in Lagos, and are designed for those who love to have a good time. Expect well-dressed guests in Aso-Ebi (matching attire), lots of food and drink, and 鈥� of course 鈥� lively music and dancing. In other words, the best of Nigerian culture.

While visiting Lagos, chances are you鈥檒l meet someone who is organizing or attending an Owambe. Most Owambe do not enforce a strict invitation-only policy: for, traditionally, the higher the guest count, the more successful the party. So if you do get invited or asked to tag along to one, do not pass up the opportunity to attend. 

9. Drift through the Epe Mangroves in a canoe

A 70km drive from the center of Lagos, the Epe Mangroves are a lovely respite from the city, and a visit here makes an excellent day trip. Hop in a canoe and drift down the still channel past grasses and mangrove trees, as an expert oarsman propels the vessel in near silence. You might stop in to the small settlement of Iba Oloja to observe the process of making garri (fried cassava flakes).

After your taste of rural Nigerian life, head to the Epe Fish Market, the largest in Lagos State, to see vendors hawking freshly caught prawns, crayfish, crabs and huge fish 鈥� as well as bushmeat and even crocodiles.