One of the biggest cities in the world, and growing every day, Lagos is home to an exploding arts and culture scene. Combined with some of the best beaches in Nigeria, this pulsating city really draws you in.

When to book flights to Lagos

The best time to visit Lagos is very much dependent on the climate. Hot and dry for much of the year, the rainy season is when things get very wet. The rains are a welcome break from the humidity of the tropical south but can make visits a little more problematic and generally less convenient. Rainy season usually runs from March to November.

One of the best times to visit is from December through to January when the drying harmattan wind reduces humidity. But on the whole, the cultural powerhouse that is Lagos is a year-round destination. Whatever the time of year, it’s generally hot and humid, and there’s enough to see and do no matter what’s going on with the weather.

How to find the best flight deals to Lagos

If you really want to find cheap flights to Lagos, you are advised to book as early as possible. However, this is not the only way to get great deals on tickets. Expedia allows you to search smarter to save money when you book your flights.

When searching for flights to Lagos, use the ‘Nearby airports’ option. This expands your choice of departure and return points, letting you see if better deals are available from other convenient airports.

You can also click the ‘Show flexible dates’ button to see what else is on offer. Being flexible about the exact dates of your flights lets you find the cheapest airline tickets.

These include:

Main airports in Lagos

Murtala Muhammed International Airport is the main airport serving the city, named after the fourth military ruler of Nigeria. Around 40 airlines fly in and out of the airport, to around 60 destinations around the world.

While the services in the airport don’t quite reach European or American levels, they are catching up quickly. There are lounges, a bank, a post office and duty-free options.

Public transport isn’t great, so it’s recommended that you take a cab or book a private transfer. It can take between 30 and 60 minutes to reach the airport depending on traffic, so leave plenty of time to make your return flight.

Which airlines fly to Lagos?

Direct and indirect Lagos flights are available from numerous carriers.

These include:

• British Airways
• Virgin Atlantic
• Lufthansa
• Turkish Airlines
• Royal Air Maroc

How to get around in Lagos

The best way of getting around is to hire a car with a driver, if you have the budget. They will know the best routes and also have the inside knowledge of the most interesting places to visit.

The Bus Rapid Transit scheme runs many services but these can be slow moving thanks to traffic. It’s a good idea to buy tickets in bulk before travelling.

Getting around in Lagos is generally much easier now than in the past, with good road signs making it easy to locate landmarks.

The city is safe enough to get around during the day, but despite efforts to reduce crime it can be a little risky in some places at night.

What are the must-sees in Lagos?

The main highlight of any visit to Lagos is the choice of more than a dozen beaches. Lagos Bar Beach is perhaps the most famous, with myriad bars and restaurants running along its length. Although it’s close to the city, it provides a welcome break from the bustle of the urban areas. Other beaches include Eleko beach, Lekki beach and Badgary.

Badgary is also where you’ll find the ancient slave port known as the ‘Point of No Return’. It was from here that countless thousands of people were forcibly sent to the New World to live a life of slavery.

Tips for travelling in Lagos

Some business travellers might be able to get a visa on arrival, but in general you are advised to apply for entry permission before you travel. You should also check whether you need a yellow fever certificate.

Swimming in the waters off the coast can also be dangerous due to strong currents and tides, so look out for warnings if you’re visiting the beach.