I'm about to spend a wek in Lagos - any tips on what to do / where to go / what to avoid ???

thanks, Ian

I have been to Lagos many times, usually for just one night on my way somewhere else. It is a dangerous place by just about any standard. Other west Africans are afraid of Lagos. Having said that, my advice is always travel with a local, and don't go out at all late at night.

Thanks, Faraway, that just about reflects what colleagues tell me. But they said the same about Rio , so I was hoping there might be something to brighten up the stay.

I was about to be a smart alec and suggest a lightbulb to "brighten" up your stay - then I realised that the frequent electricity cuts wouldn't even permit that.... It really is that kinda depressing place.

I always find something positive about all places I travel to .. even if I don't really like that place .. but Lagos is the exception. The only good thing about it ... is leaving!

.. but then the Sheraton generator kicks in and sets that bulb aflickering again.

The most engaging thing about the place is the good humour and relentless high spirits of the people, in spite of all the bad stuff going on around them.

The helicopter service from Victoria Island to the airport is definitely a Good Thing.....

I have been there 32 times in last 3 years. It does get better the more you know it. Protea Hotel Kurano Waters is like a blessed Oasis. Still on VI but like a million miles away.

There are some decent restarants now. The Steak Hosue. Saipans. Ocean View.

Pats Bar (near Embassys) and a new nightclub next door.

In Lagos it's all about the traffic. It's not safe to walk anywhere so you get driven and you don't wan to get stuck in jams. It's very stressful.

There are 2 parts to Lagos: the mainland and Victoria Island, separated by the Third Mainland Bridge, the longest bridge in Africa. This bridge is pandemonium every morning and evening when people commute. If you want to cross the bridge, make sure you're going towards the mainland in the morning, or towards the island in the evening. This is probably the most important thing you need to know: otherwise, you're with the traffic and the jams are horrendous. And don't cross the bridge late at night ever. There are bandits.

Best to stay on Victoria Island. I'd recommend the Eko hotel. There's enough entertainment there that you don't really need to go out if you don't want to and there's a nice big resort-style pool. If you do want to go out there are plenty of good restaurants nearby. If you're going to stay on the mainland I'd recommend the Sheraton, not far from the airport.

Good luck! You can have a lot of fun in Lagos, but it's true, I'm afraid, that the best thing about the place is the departure lounge at the airport.

Hope this is some help.