For the best of Lagos’s creative and rebellious spirit, head to its ‘third places,’ says writer and Lagos native Ayomide Aborowa.
Lagos is not a city that gently introduces itself: It grabs you from the moment you arrive—the air, thick with a blend of heat, humidity, and the unmistakable hum of life moving at breakneck speed. It’s a blur of noise, color, and relentless ambition—ever-enticing yet overwhelming. But beneath its chaotic exterior, a different Lagos breathes, one that is not solely about survival or hustle. This Lagos is about community, connection, and creation. It is the Lagos of third places.
It’s a humid Saturday evening on Lagos Island when I meet Jomi Marcus-Bello, a cofounder of Waf.lagos, a streetwear brand and skating collective, at its much anticipated Skate Noise festival hosted in collaboration with Spotify Africa. The park is alive, a symphony of music, clattering boards, and high spirits. Jomi, skateboard in hand, glides through the crowd like a local hero, pausing to cheer on skaters as they perform tricks. He tells me about his childhood and the love that gave birth to this place—not just a love for skateboarding but also for his neighborhood, the kids on the streets, and the city itself.
“I grew up like these kids,” Jomi tells me, gesturing toward a group of teens lining up for their turn. “But I didn’t have a space like this. Now I’m living the life I used to dream about but right here in my city.” What began out of a passion for skateboarding and the desire for community has evolved into a full-fledged cultural movement. For Jomi, Waf.Skatepark is more than a skate park; it’s a communal hub where different subcultures meet and thrive. For visitors, Waf offers a glimpse into Lagos’s creative and rebellious spirit, where youth are not merely participating but also reshaping the culture of the city.
“Waf represents inclusivity,” says Adedolapo, a photographer and loyal member of the community. Nearby, Aisha, another regular, shares, “It’s a home for like-minded individuals, a space for those with niche interests.” She introduces me to Mohammed, a creative who recently moved to Lagos from Abuja, the nation’s capital. “For newcomers like me, places like Waf offer a sense of belonging,” he explains. “Lagos is a city of opportunity, but it’s communities like this that make you feel part of its fabric.” In a city of over 30 million, it’s the sense of belonging that many seek, even if just for an evening.
Waf’s influence extends beyond the skatepark, inspiring initiatives like Dencity—a collective founded by Blessing Ewona to create safe spaces for femme and queer skaters. “What started as a small group has grown into a movement,” Jomi reflects. “We’re not just skating; we’re building infrastructure, creating jobs, and shaping a new industry in Nigeria. It’s hard work, but it’s fun; it’s worth it."
Boutique hotel 16/16 also serves as a gathering space for Lagos creatives and travelers looking to meet locals. Photo: Mimi Aborowa | The craft-forward rooms at 16/16 are designed by local artists. Photo: Michael Iloba/16/16
In the heart of Victoria Island in the city is 16/16, another safe space for travelers and creatives alike. When I enter the boutique hotel and gathering space, Chris, a staff member, greets me with a hug that feels like an old friendship rekindled, embodying the welcoming spirit of the space. There, I meet Kanyinsola Ajayi, a writer and stage director who just moved back to Lagos from Boston to immerse herself in the city’s creative energy while she works on her upcoming play. Kanyinsola, now part of the Friends of 16, a membership for creatives and cultural thinkers, reflects: “After attending a workshop by a South African art critic post–Art X Lagos, I felt a wave of creativity forming in the city—a current that 16/16 nurtures. To me, 16/16 represents the belief that Lagos could be the center of an artistic renaissance.”
As the sun dips, I join guests in its cozy eighth-floor communal space, surrounded by curated art, dainty trinkets, and lush greenery. Conversations flow, touching on everything from art shows to photography. These spontaneous exchanges form the essence of 16/16, a space where travelers connect with the city’s artistic heart.
Founder Tushar introduces me to more Friends of 16—Fabio, a solar entrepreneur, and Dami, a project manager. Tushar’s vision for 16/16 extends beyond hospitality. It’s a creative incubator, a space where talent is nurtured and collaboration thrives. Local designers like Iamisigo curated the design-forward rooms, while the zero-waste cocktail bar draws ingredients from their sister restaurant, Thai Thai. “We want travelers to experience the real Lagos,” Tushar explains, “to immerse in our creative scene.”
Sustainability is at the core of 16/16. From using rice water from mango sticky rice for cocktails to incorporating eco-conscious design choices, every detail reflects its commitment to the environment. As Tushar and I sit in the vibrant space, he speaks of backward integration. “Hospitality and craft can coexist,” he says, highlighting eggshell ceramics and bamboo cups. It’s a place that he hopes will invite travelers to not only stay but also to engage with Lagos’s artistic pulse through walking tours, indigo-dyeing workshops, and maker markets.
Today creatives are reclaiming the city’s overlooked corners, building spaces where contemporary art, music, fashion, and culture collide. These aren’t just places to visit—they are sanctuaries of connection. In these third spaces, Lagos reveals its soul, offering travelers a chance to see the city beyond its surface and into its heart.
Àjọjẹ is more than just dining; its connects people through food, culture, and community. Photo: S.EA Consulting/Àjọjẹ Lagos | Àjọjẹ serves seasonal, family-style menus in a space that straddles traditional design and contemporary flair. Photo: S.EA Consulting/Àjọjẹ Lagos
New to Lagos’s community scene, Àjọjẹ offers a unique culinary experience. Named after the Yoruba word for sharing a meal, Àjọjẹ began as Kewa’s Kitchen, a successful catering business, before evolving into an intimate supper club with pop-up brunches and dinners. The ethos is simple yet profound: Àjọjẹ lo n dun (“A meal shared with friends is always sweeter.”)
Rooted in West African hospitality, Àjọjẹ serves a seasonal family-style menu, blending Nigeria’s finest ingredients into contemporary dishes. Guests gather around a communal table, guided by conversation cards designed to spark dialogue and connection. “It’s incredible how much you learn about someone over a meal,” says Yewande, a steadfast supporter of Kewa’s Kitchen, who comments on the magic of breaking bread with strangers.
Founder Feyikewa Animashaun smiles as she explains, “The magic happens when people come together, share food, and leave with new bonds.” As the evening progresses, laughter fills the room, and by the end of the night, the strangers you dine with feel like old friends.
TY, a skater I met at Waf.Skatepark, emphasizes how these communities make living in Lagos more manageable. “The city can be overwhelming, but in places like these, you find your people,” she says. For travelers, these spaces offer more than just a glimpse into the city—they offer a deep, authentic connection to its creative subcultures. From film screenings at Nomad Theatre and poetry slams at Bogobiri to pottery workshops at the Dew Centre, there’s a niche for everyone to tuck themselves into.
Bogobiri House is a 16-room boutique hotel in the neighborhood of Ikoyi that hosts weekly poetry slams and live-music sessions. Sebastian Barros/Bogobiri House
Lagos can feel like a city that’s too fast to catch, too big to know, but in its community hubs, everything slows down. These spaces—whether a skatepark, a communal table, or an art gallery—are where Lagos reveals its softer side, the side that travelers rarely get to see but should seek out. So when you come to Lagos—because you must—step off the beaten path and seek out these sanctuaries of connection. In doing so, you won’t just see Lagos: You’ll feel it, you’ll understand it, and for that brief time, you’ll become a part of the city’s ever-evolving story.
How to experience Lagos like a local
Stay at 16/16: Book a room or drop by for Lagos Island walking tours and creative workshops that showcase the city’s artistic pulse.
Dine at Àjọjẹ: Enjoy communal dining experiences with locals. Check Instagram for supper club dates and meet new friends over a shared meal.
Enjoy live jazz at Bogobiri House: Experience soulful live jazz performances.
Bike with Bikaholics of Lagos: Join their sunset ride across the city every last Sunday of the month.
Skate and connect at Waf.Skatepark: Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a curious spectator, this park is a must-visit. Attend an event, chat with locals, and soak in the energy.
Shop at the Gather Market: Discover curated pop-ups of women-led brands by Gather Growth Club.
Read the original article on Condé Nast Traveler.
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