Four fun activities to enjoy in Lagos for less than N5k

To be fair, it’s not unusual to feel intimidated about hanging out at certain high-brow areas in Lagos but having fun doesn’t always require breaking the bank.

Although certain luxurious locations exist, it is very possible to engage in fun activities on a budget on either the Mainland or Island areas of Lagos.

Whether you’re a game nerd, bookworm, adventurer or foodie, there are more than enough places to visit and have the time of your life. Some of these places include:

Unknown to many, Jazzhole, a book and record store of over 40 years, sits quietly tucked away on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi.

This cozy store offers an array of amazing books for sale, an impressive collection of musical records, artworks and a café tucked away at the end of the store.

Jazzhole was mentioned by Chimamanda Adichie in her 2013 novel, Americanah.

Entry to the store is free and books sell at very affordable prices.

If you ever find yourself in Ikeja area of Lagos and in need of some fresh air, grab some lunch in a basket, call up some friends, and head over to the Ndubuisi Kanu Park located at Mobolaji Johnson Avenue Ikeja.

Surprisingly, the park which is older overlooks a newer park spotting a beautiful fountain and a large statue of the Eyo masquerade. Entry into both parks is free.

Ndubuisi Kanu Park has a selection of kiosks selling food, pastries, ice creams, candy floss and sandwiches for as low as N500.

The park has well-maintained grass spaces to spread a picnic blanket as well as well-maintained restrooms. Individuals are also permitted to rent spaces to host parties for a fee.

Note that the park closes operation by 6pm and opens by 9am.

Against popular belief, one mustn’t necessarily travel out of Nigeria to zip line. Located at Lekki, the lake offers ziplining activities for less than N5,000 as well as other fun activities like Kayaking, and surfing.

If you love thrift-shopping and are brave enough to handle a really busy crowd, try some shopping at either Katangua Market at Abule Egba or Balogun Market located at Lagos Island.

Both markets are famous for stocking cheap clothing items ranging from dresses, shirts, jeans, shoes, scarfs and food items. The only precautions one must adapt to is to brave the shoving crowd and to fully harness their bargaining skills.

Take a friend with you and explore the crazy side of Lagos while marvelling at crazy deals on shopping clothing items.

The best days to get great deals at Katangua Market are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. In the case of both markets, it is best to go as early as possible as items arrive early and will be cheaper.

Again, bear in mind that shopping at these markets is no ordeal for the faint-hearted.

If you’re a foodie then you’ll be in for a lot of surprises at either Ikeja City Mall (ICM) located at Allen Avenue Ikeja or The Palms Shopping Mall located at Maroko, Lekki. Both malls have a wide selection of restaurants; popular and unpopular for you to choose from.

From Chicken Republic, Mr Biggs, Krispy Kreme, KFC, Dominos Pizza, and Debonairs Pizza, there’s no denying you’ll find a right fix in no time.

Other activities like seeing a movie at the cinema, experiencing a bit of nature at Lekki Conservation Centre, visiting art galleries, visiting the famous beaches like Oniru Beach, Tarkwa Bay, and Elegushi Beach, cost less than N5,000 in Lagos.