Lekki, Lagos real estate listings: How Much One Must Know: Another fantasy is that one has to know a lot about real estate before making a move. Contrary to this well-known perception, many people begin out with solely basic or minimal understanding of the market. After all of the analysis is completed, experience continues to be the primary teacher.

Representing a country overflowing with diverse cultural heritage, the Nigerian national museum is the perfect expo of Nigerian history. Showcasing works of art dating back to the pre-independence era, the museum tells the story of Nigeria’s journey through years of progressive growth. The museum also houses the bullet-riddled car in which the country’s former Head of State – late General Murtala Mohammed – was assassinated in 1976. The museum is also home to a fine range of intricately decorated calabashes from across Nigeria. The National Museum Lagos has a small crafts village with woodcarvings and other handicrafts for sale at fixed prices; you might also see a demonstration of adire – cloth-making from Abeokuta.

One of Lagos’ famous landmarks is Freedom Park, a former colonial prison transformed into a park with ponds and fountains, food vendors, an open-air concert stage and a venue for art exhibitions. Some permanent displays detail the history of the location, formerly a slave trading port as well as historic prison. The park is located in the heart of Lagos Island and is one of the most popular hangout spots in Lagos, serving as a gathering place for the community. Evenings are buzzing, with live music attracting a crowd almost every night. Jhalobia Recreation Park and Gardens is one of the most serene spaces in Lagos, an immaculately landscaped, 2-acre green space featuring topiaries, sculptures, fountains, ponds and flower gardens. Various gazebos offer seating and shade.

Hire an agent. Hiring a real estate professional to help you with the buying process will not only save you time but also stress. It might seem logical to look for houses alone but a buyer’s agent will help protect your interest and also guide you through the maze of being a homeowner in Nigeria. An agent can send you listings directly that fit your parameters, and you won’t waste time looking at houses you have no business with. Agents often know of new listings coming up that are not yet on the market. An agent can generally spot overpriced listings and advise you accordingly. A realtor will also help you negotiate, just because it is the first-time you have bought a home doesn’t mean you should go in unaware of what is too much for an asking price. See a few extra details on PropertyPro.NG.

Just outside of the flashy wealth of Lagos Island you’ll find the severely economically challenged community of Makoko, which is by some definitions the largest floating slum in the world. Definitely the most eye-opening thing to do in Lagos, you’ll witness a hugely marginalized but remarkably resilient community that subsists off the ocean and its own will power. A visit to the Makoko floating village requires some preparation to be sure you’re interacting with the community in a way that is respectful and not voyeuristic. To that end, it’s best to go with a local tour guide, though admittedly that can be a challenge to arrange. I went on a tour with the incredible Nigerian travel group Naija Nomads, who arranged for a boat tour through the village guided by the son of the head of the Makoko community. Note they arrange tours on a custom basis, so you can book a tour through them and see not only Makoko but a few of the other places on this list of things to do in Lagos too! Click here to check out their tours.

You may not know a lot about the history of Nigeria until you take a trip to the National Museum located around the Muson Centre in Onikan. The National Museum is a destination of historical and cultural significance in the country, as it has a notable collection of Nigerian art, including statuary, carvings, archaeological, and ethnographic exhibits. Plus, this is a chance to take great selfies here if you are the picture taking type. Located at Lekki Conservation Centre Road in Lekki Peninsula, Lekki Conservation Centre is the best place to see natural savannah habitats and swamp that have wildlife activities.