It is hard to believe that Lagos, Nigeria's biggest, busiest city (with a population of roughly 15 million and counting) originated as a small Yoruba settlement. Spread over the mainland near the Gulf of Guinea and several large islands on the vast lagoon that gives Lagos its name, the city is Nigeria's principal port and its commercial and cultural centre.<br /><br /> The former capital grew to prominence when it became a central trading post for the Portuguese in the late 1400s, also serving as a major hub for the international slave trade. When the British annexed the city in 1861, they effectively put a stop to the slave trade, but took control of trade and industry. Once Nigeria gained independence in 1960, Lagos experienced a boom, which swelled the city's population considerably, and today Lagos is one of the world's fastest-growing cities, home to a complex tapestry of religious and ethnic groups. The sprawling city is chaotic, crowded and lacks any major tourism infrastructure, though the government is investing millions in upgrades to security and public transport.<br /><br /> Most visitors travel to Lagos for business, and there are few tourist attractions in the city; however, those willing to put in some effort will have a unique and memorable experience. Streets are congested, drivers are maniacal and blackouts are common, but the complex history of the city, and Nigeria as a whole, contributes to its exotic flavour. Lagos has an interesting National Museum, National Theatre, several colourful markets and some decent beaches to explore.<br /><br />

National Museum

Address: Awolowo Rd, Lagos Island Lagos

Telephone: +234 (0)1 263 6005

Occupying prime position on Lagos Island in the centre of the city, the National Museum contains a number of treasures and cultural relics of great interest. Take your diary along to record the experience as photography is not allowed.<br /><br /> Highlights include the exhibit 'Treasures of Ancient Nigeria: Legacy of Two Thousand Years' and the bullet-ridden black Mercedes in which former president Murtala Mohammed was assassinated in 1973. Also not be missed is the gallery of Benin brasses and the crafts village, where you can haggles for souvenirs.<br /><br />

Lekki Conservation Centre

Address: Km-19, Lagos-Epe Expressway, Lekki Lagos

Telephone: +234 (0)1 264 2498

Head out to the Lekki Penninsula to see and experience the fauna and flora of this region's delicate ecosystems. You can see Mona monkeys, crocodiles, bush bucks, Maxwell duikers and giant rats, among other fascinating creatures.<br /><br /> There are trails and tree platforms to maximise your viewing pleasure. Visit in the early morning as this is when the animals are most active.<br /><br />

Sungbos Eredo

Address: Lagos

Take a taxi one hour north of Lagos to see Sungbo's Eredo, Africa's largest pre-colonial construction and a sight rated by experts as an unknown 'Wonder of the World'. The Eredo is a rampart that is 1,050 years old, 100 miles (160km) long, and 70ft (20m) high. Locals will need to guide you in and out, as the structure is rapidly being covered by encroaching forest.<br /><br /> The enigmatic Eredo has been linked to the myths and legends of various tribes and religions. According to the local Ijebu clan, the Eredo may have been built as a memorial to noblewoman Oloye Bilikisu Sungbo, a childless widow, whose grave is located nearby.<br /><br />

Lekki Market

Address: Lagos

For a taste of the real Lagos, head to the bustling, chaotic and always fascinating Lekki Market. Intrepid shoppers that make the trip here will be rewarded with a wonderful selection of African masks, Nigerian beadwork and traditional cloth.<br /><br /> The Lekki Market is located about 6 miles (10km) from the centre of Victoria Island, and is a popular taxi route. Bargain hard, but keep smiling. Get a local to help you navigate the market; for about NGN 50, the will be money well spent.<br /><br />

Eleko Beach

Address: Lagos

The best beach for Lagos-based visitors is Eleko Beach, located one hour away from Nigeria's frenetic economic heartland. It's clean and peaceful, with good waves and beach huts for hire, and is currently free of the traders and hawkers that can irritate visitors on beaches around Lagos Island<br /><br /> Eleko Beach is a welcome relief from the grime and congestion of the metropolis. To get there, head out east on Lekki Expressway for about 19 miles (30km) and turn right at the Total petrol service station.<br /><br />

Osun-Osogbo

Address: Lagos

One of Nigeria's top tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove holds a deeply special place in the hearts and minds of the Yoruba people, and will delight visitors looking for some insight into one of Nigeria's indigenous cultures. Located on the outskirts of the city of Osogbo, in one of the last remaining areas of pristine forest in southern Nigeria, the grove is said to be the home of Osun, the Yoruba goddess of fertility.<br /><br /> In addition to a gorgeous meandering river surrounded by lush forest, visitors will see numerous shrines and sanctuaries that have been built in honour of Osun; including some stirring sculptures done by Austrian national Suzanne Wenger, who lived in the area in the 1950s and earned herself the local name Aduni Olosa ('the Adored One'). If at all possible, time your visit to coincide with the Osun-Osogbo Festival (late July to August), a 12-day celebration of significant cultural interest, where thousands of locals congregate to invoke ancestral spirits and to rededicate their energies to living in harmony with the deity Osun.<br /><br />

Lekki Beach Resort

Address: D16 Eko Court, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island Lagos

A favourite among business travellers to Lagos and expatriates living in the area of Victoria Island, Lekki Beach Resort is a new establishment offering well-heeled tourists the opportunity to experience some refinement and luxury in the midst of the often chaotic and ramshackle city.<br /><br /> Built along 1.6 miles (2.5km) of the pristine Lekki Beach shoreline, and covering an area of 157 hectares (388 acres), the Lekki Beach Resort is a major operation - featuring luxury accommodation, an 18-hole golf course designed by Ron Garl, and a clubhouse with a fine restaurant and bar. There are also numerous family-oriented amenities, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, exercise rooms, and a health spa. Undoubtedly the premier place to play golf in Nigeria, the course is also quite a beautiful sight in its own right, blending seamlessly into its natural surroundings and boasting fantastic Atlantic Ocean views.<br /><br />

Yellow Chili

Address: 27 Oju Olobun Close off, Bishop Oluwole St, Victoria Island, Lagos

Food Type: Local

One of the best and most stylish places for contemporary Nigerian cuisine in Lagos. This popular restaurant draws a big lunchtime crowd of professionals and expats.<br /><br />

Bottles

Address: 8 Imam Agusta Close, off Olosa Street, VI. Behind Mobil, near Victoria Island Hospital. Lagos

Food Type: Mexican

place for Mexican-American food like burritos, fajitas and tacos, and home to the best Margaritas in Lagos. It's a welcoming, friendly and relaxing place that hosts live bands a couple of nights a week.<br /><br />

Churrasco

Address: 1C Ozumba Mbadiwe Ave, Victoria Island Lagos

Food Type: International

The first Brazilian restaurant in Nigeria has now developed into one of Lagos' best eateries. The menu is all about the eponymous - barbecued meat on skewers that are sliced onto your plate. The restaurant is set on the lagoon and has great views. Surprisingly, the menu and salad bar are suitable for vegetarians too.<br /><br />

Bungalow Restaurant

Address: Akin Adisola Street, Victoria Island Lagos

Food Type: International

Bungalow serves up an array of great food options, including sizzling steaks, tasty marinated ribs, mixed meat skewers, prawns and fajitas. Bungalow Restaurant is definitely the place to go if you're after familiarity and western-style meat dishes.<br /><br />

Piccolo Mondo Restaurant

Address: 19B Idejo Street, Victoria Island Lagos

Food Type: International

Piccolo Mondo Restaurant is a tastefully decorated restaurant just off Adeola Adeku Street. This great eatery has a wide range of international dishes on offer, from fresh grilled kebabs and Lebanese specialities to tasty pastas and decadent desserts that will have you coming back for more.<br /><br />

With pumping discos, late night bars and live music venues, Lagos has firmly established itself as the nightlife capital of Nigeria.<br /><br /> The nightlife scene tends to start late in the evening and keep going until the sun rises, with most clubs only beginning to fill up at about 11pm. A variety of late-night restaurants, nightclubs, and live music venues keep the city's under-forty crowd busy until the wee hours of the morning.<br /><br /> The main nightlife destinations in Lagos include Victoria Island and Ikoyi. Mainland Lagos has a couple of great bars, but these are only for the more adventurous as safety can be an issue. A few upmarket hotels host pool parties, which are a great way to beat the heat and soak up the Lagos nightlife. Awolowo Road attracts a number of diners and late night drinkers, while Nigeria's resident expat population tend to migrate toward Pat's Place.<br /><br /> Finally, no Lagos nightlife experience is complete without a visit to the New Afrika Shrine - a Lagos institution. The original Afrika Shrine was the spiritual home of Afrobeat, owned by Lagos legend Fela Kuti. After it burned down, the musician's son Femi Kuti built the New Afrika Shrine to carry on the tradition, and still plays there when he is in town.<br /><br />

Shopping in Lagos is a colourful affair. Whether it's a market, mall or boutique store, the city has something for all shoppers. When planning your trip to Lagos, it is best to put aside at least a day for exploring the various shopping opportunities on offer.<br /><br /> The larger shopping malls are located on Lagos Island and the Lekki Peninsula. Shoppers wishing to find clothes, jewellery, electronics and high-end souvenirs should head to Victoria Island's Palms Mall, Megaplaza and Park 'n Shop. Lagos has a great selection of mementos and gifts for friends and family back home. Keep in mind that virtually no shops will accept foreign credit cards, and deal only in cash.<br /><br /> Visitors wishing to buy masks, crafts, paintings, statues and local jewellery will be in their element at Oyubo Market, which is located eight miles (14km) from the city centre. The market is divided into a food section and a handicraft area. Many of the city's hotels, particularly the Meridien Eko Hotel, have great gift shops, and traders stationed outside the hotels.<br /><br /> Counterfeit goods are widely available in the informal markets, and can be had for extremely low prices. Bargaining is essential: a general rule of thumb is to offer a third of the asking price. Most seasoned hagglers will agree that starting at a third of the asking price and settling at half is the best way to get the item you are after.<br /><br />