Just outside Lagos is Badagry, known locally as ‘The Point of No Return’, which was founded by the Portuguese in 1452 as a slave port. Although many of the buildings are decrepit, the town offers an interesting insight into the transatlantic slave trade.

One of Lagos’ nicer beaches, Lighthouse Beach is a glittering golden stretch of sand overlooked by a 110-year-old lighthouse and with good views of the container ships easing into the main port.

Owned and run by local artist, Nike Davies Okundaye, this gallery is the best place for a taste of the local art scene which, along with painting, includes gorgeous batik-work and handicrafts.

Set within a private home, the DIDI Museum was founded in 1983 by Dr Newton Jibunoh to provide a platform for traditional Nigerian art. The main collection includes paintings, sculpture and photography, as well as some unusual snaps of visiting heads of state.

Lagos’ central square is home to some impressively large monuments, among them a series of gigantic horses and touching memorials to the Nigerian soldiers who died fighting for the UK in WWI and WWII.

This fascinating museum charts Nigeria’s history from prehistoric times to the modern day. Among the star exhibits are the ancient Nok Terracottas and a huge collection of ivory crowns, as well as the bullet-ridden car in which military ruler Murtala Mohammed was gunned down in 1976.

A picturesque stretch of wetland just outside Lagos, Lekki was set aside by the government for local wildlife in 1987. Raised walkways allow you to see crocodiles, monkeys and huge flocks of colourful birds up close.

The former home of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, this quirky museum is dedicated to the life and times of the great man. Along with a complete discography, it contains scores of his personal possessions.

Enormously popular with well-heeled locals, Funtopia boasts three huge swimming pools, water slides, a games room, gorgeous sea views and a convenient swim-up bar for adults.

A stylish art gallery that houses a selection of painting and sculpture by some of Nigeria’s best contemporary artists, as well as a rooftop bar and an auction house.

A cheerful sports bar that’s packed with locals come the weekend.

An upmarket party spot with live DJs and regular theme nights.

Come weekends, this Lagos beach transforms into an alfresco nightclub; keep a close eye on your purse and don’t go alone.

Dedicated to the music of the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, this is the place to hear real Nigerian tunes.

A glitzy bar popular with local A-listers, Likwid does the best cocktails in Lagos.

A smart Nigerian restaurant serving well-presented local fare popular with city businessmen.

Popular with local bigwigs, Saffron serves up an eclectic menu of dishes drawn from all over the world.

A South African seafood chain that makes the most of the rich seas off Lagos’ coastline.

One of the few restaurants to cater for vegetarians, Sherlaton specialises in veg-heavy Indian food.

Tasty, reasonably authentic Lebanese food served up takeaway style.