Three Days in Victoria Island and Lekki: A Practical Itinerary for a Lagos Stay

Day 1: Settle into Lekki and cross to Victoria Island

Arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport and take the Lekki-Epe Expressway east; traffic permitting, the drive to Lekki Phase 1 takes 45–90 minutes. Check into your Lekki hotel—options cluster around Admiralty Way and Freedom Way, with mid-range rooms typically N25,000–N45,000 per night. After settling in, head to the Lekki Conservation Centre on the Lekki-Epe Expressway for a gentle canopy walkway stroll (allow 1–2 hours).

In the late afternoon, cross the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge (toll applies) to Victoria Island. Start at the Landmark Village on Water Corporation Road, where you can walk the waterfront and have an early dinner. The complex includes a cinema and several restaurants; it is a convenient, low-stress introduction to the area. Return to Lekki before peak evening traffic builds on the bridge.

Day 2: Markets, museums and the Victoria Island core

Begin with the Lekki Market on Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue (actually on Victoria Island, but a 10–15 minute drive from Lekki Phase 1). Go early—by 9am—for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. The market is known for crafts, fabrics and souvenirs; bargaining is expected. From there, continue to the National Museum Lagos on Onikan Road (30–40 minutes from Lekki depending on traffic); it offers a compact collection of Nigerian art and artefacts and is a worthwhile 1–2 hour stop.

After lunch, explore the commercial heart of Victoria Island around Adeola Odeku Street and the surrounding blocks. This is a good area for banking, SIM cards and picking up supplies. For a change of pace, visit the Jazzhole bookstore on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi—a short drive from Victoria Island—for a coffee and a browse. End the day with dinner at one of the restaurants along Akin Adesola Street before returning to Lekki.

Day 3: Lekki Peninsula and a slower pace

Spend your final day closer to your Lekki base. Start with a morning visit to the Lekki Arts and Crafts Market on the Lekki-Epe Expressway (near the Jakande roundabout), which is less hectic than the Victoria Island market and good for last-minute gifts. Then head to Elegushi Beach or Oniru Beach (both a 20–30 minute drive from Lekki Phase 1) for a few hours by the water; beach access fees vary, so carry cash.

In the afternoon, explore the Lekki Phase 1 neighbourhood itself—the streets around Admiralty Way have a growing number of cafes and small shops. If you prefer a structured activity, the Nike Art Gallery on Lekki-Epe Expressway is a large, free private gallery showcasing contemporary Nigerian art (donations welcome). For your final dinner, consider one of the relaxed restaurants along Freedom Way. Pack and rest before your departure the next day.

Practical points for booking a Lekki hotel

When choosing a hotel in Lekki, prioritise proximity to the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge if you plan multiple trips to Victoria Island. Properties on Admiralty Way and Freedom Way are well placed for both the bridge and local amenities. Budget hotels start around N20,000 per night, while mid-range options with reliable power and Wi-Fi are typically N30,000–N50,000. Confirm that your hotel has a backup generator, as grid power can be intermittent.

Transport: ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber are widely used and generally more convenient than negotiating with roadside taxis. Fares from Lekki Phase 1 to Victoria Island range from N2,500 to N4,500 depending on traffic and time of day. Avoid the evening rush hour (5–7pm) when the bridge and expressway are congested. The dry season (November–March) is the most comfortable for walking and beach visits; the rainy season (June–September) brings heavy showers, so plan indoor activities for afternoons.