Lagos, a metropolis that spreads across multiple islands and peninsulas, has some of Nigeria’s most eye-catching landmarks. While most of these landmarks are man-made, they are must-sees for tourists and visitors. Jovago.com, Nigeria’s No. 1 online hotel booking portal, presents 11 of Lagos’ famous landmarks:

National Stadium


A multi-use stadium in Surulere, Lagos, the National Stadium was built in 1972 with a capacity of over 50,000. The stadium has hosted several international competitions and memorable matches in the past, the last major competition being the African Nations Cup in 2000. Having endured a measure of dilapidation over the years, the National Sports Commission has begun a concerted effort to bring the facility back to world class status.

National Arts Theatre


Primary center for the performing arts in Nigeria, the National Arts Theatre located in Iganmu, Lagos State was built and commissioned in 1977, to mark the Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC). The theatre although not well managed is one of Nigeria’s most culturally historic entertainment spots.

Taiwo Olowo’s monument


Built to commemorate Chief Daniel Conrad Taiwo, who died in 1901, this eventful central square in Lagos is used for all sorts of festivities and official functions. The building is on Broad Street in the central part of the city, neatly lodged between the Mandilas House and the Continental House. Visitors are welcome to view the monument, but discretion demands that they take permission from the guards around the monument before taking photos.

Lagos Lagoon


The lagoon, more than 50 km long and 3 to 13 km wide, is a major landmark in Lagos. Separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a long sand spit 2 to 5 km wide, the Lagoon is fairly shallow and is only used by smaller barges and boats rather than ocean-going ships.

Tafawa Balewa Square


Lagos’ commercial heart, Tafawa Balewa Square (popularly called TBS) was built in honor of the first Prime Minister of the country. Constructed in 1972 over the area that was previously the track for horse racing. With a capacity to accommodate over 50,000 persons, the square has monuments which include statues of gargantuan horses, the Remembrance Arcade (with memorials to WWI, WWII and civil-war victims) and the 26-storey Independence House, built in 1963. Major national functions as well as other events like musical jamborees and religious gatherings are held there.

National Museum of Lagos


Located on Awolowo Road, Onikan, Lagos (very close to the massive Tafawa Balewa Square), the National Museum tells the culture and history of Nigeria as it houses ancient sculptures and artifacts from the different Nigerian tribes and peoples. The National Museum, established in 1957, is open Monday through Sunday, typically opening at 9 a.m. and closing at either 4 or 5 p.m.

Bookshop House & Herbert Macaulay Statute


Built in 1973 by G. Cappa and designed by architects Godwin and Hopwood, Bookshop House is still one of the few buildings in Nigeria correctly designed to exclude direct sunlight between 9am and 5pm. It is a magnificent building located on Broad Street, Lagos.

Murtala Muhammed International Airport


Visitors who arrive by air, usually have the advantage of exploring this landmark before heading to their destination. Originally known as Lagos International Airport, it was renamed in the mid-1970s, after a former Nigerian military head of state – Murtala Muhammed. It consists of an international and a domestic terminal, located about one kilometer from each other.

The Third Mainland Bridge


Famously referred to as the longest bridge in Africa until 1996 when the October Bridge in Cairo was completed, the third mainland bridge was built by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC and opened by President Ibrahim Babangida in 1990. The bridge connects Lagos mainland to Lagos Island. Although an eight lane bridge, it records very high traffic per day.

Freedom Park Lagos


Freedom Park is a memorial leisure park dedicated to conserving the Lagos colonial heritage and history of the Old Broad Street prison. Located in Lagos Island, Lagos, the park offers venues for events and recreational entertainment. A national memorial, a historical landmark, a cultural site and an arts and recreation center, the Freedom Park is a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Civic Centre


Not nearly as old as the other listed landmarks, Civic Centre is one of the largest and most important convention centers in the city. Located on Victoria Island, Lagos, It has been the venue for many national and international events in the past and offers state of art event-hosting services.

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