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While the usual beaches and tourist attractions are available, there are plenty of other sights that capture the spirit of Lagos. For art-lovers, a visit to the African Artist’s Foundation is an excellent introduction to the continent’s rising stars, while the National Museum has an adjacent crafts village, where visitors can watch artisans at work.

For a change of pace during your trip to Lagos, book a trip around the coast’s grottos – a series of beguiling inlets hidden between dramatic edifices sculpted by the sea.

Back on land, Lagos still has much of its original city walls intact, and these dramatic structures are certainly worth your time. There are also plenty of museums, as well as other locations that hark back to colonial times.

The Lekki Conservation Centre is an extensive park that typifies the Nigerian landscape and it is easy to spend a lazy afternoon getting lost in its restful atmosphere. The beaches of Lagos are popular for swimming, water-sports or simple recreation. Hop on a boat trip to Tarkwa Beach, which is devoid of the usual souvenir-sellers and the ideal spot for a peaceful picnic.

Lagos has its fair share of galleries and museums to explore. Of particular note, is the Nike Art Gallery, which showcases both contemporary and traditional Nigerian arts and crafts. The National Theatre of Arts & Culture is located about an hour from Lagos at Iganmu, in the Surulere district. It is the venue of choice, if you are looking for the best in Nigerian dance, theatre and performing arts.

Lagos draws its culinary inspiration from a variety of sources. Nigerian favourites such as tsire (meat kebabs that have a coating of peanut, or chilli and spices) and international cuisine from France, the Arab peninsula and India, all jostle for attention.

Food in Lagos is all about a shared experience, and plenty of flavour. Look for restaurants that offer diners the chance to taste a variety of Nigerian dishes. Expect plenty of side dishes that include dodo (fried plantain), coconut flavoured rice and millet pancakes known as funkaso.

Lagos offers air-conditioned, modern malls alongside bustling markets. For souvenirs with a distinctly Nigerian theme, search out boutique shops and markets, for carvings and calabashes.

Njoku St, on the western side of Falomo Shopping Centre in Ikoyi, is the place to buy batik cloth and clothing from street vendors. For mall shopping, Palms Shopping Centre has almost 70 outlets, selling everything from high-end stores selling luxury goods and brands, to local independent boutiques.