Lagos, Nigeria
Best places to shop in Lagos
4 markets, malls and shopping districts in Lagos — what to buy, when to go, and the tourist traps to avoid at each one.
Last updated 2026-08-09
1. Lekki Arts and Crafts Market
Photo: Abdullahi Santuraki · Pexels License · source
The main craft market — carvings, beads, textiles, leather and art from across Nigeria and West Africa.
- Where: Market
- Map: Open in Maps
- Best time: Daily 09:00–18:00
- Cost: Budget–Mid
Watch outOpening prices to visitors run four to five times the settling price. Bargaining is expected and vigorous; walking away is part of it.
2. Balogun Market and Idumota
Photo: David Iloba · Pexels License · source
The vast island market — textiles, wax print, lace, jewellery and everything wholesale, in one of West Africa's busiest trading districts.
- Where: Market
- Map: Open in Maps
- Best time: Monday to Saturday 08:00–18:00
- Cost: Budget
Watch outExtremely crowded and pickpocketed, with heavy traffic. Go with someone who knows it, carry a little cash and nothing else.
3. Victoria Island and Ikoyi boutiques
Photo: Taiwo Samson · Pexels License · source
The upmarket districts — Nigerian designers, Alara concept store, galleries and the country's growing fashion scene.
- Where: Luxury
- Map: Open in Maps
- Best time: Monday to Saturday 10:00–19:00
- Cost: Luxury
- Tip: Nigerian fashion is genuinely world-class and Lagos is its centre. Alara and the Lekki designer studios are where to see it.
4. Ikeja City Mall and Palms Shopping Mall
Photo: Crisostomo M. Arenio Jr. · Pexels License · source
The modern malls — international and Nigerian brands, supermarkets and cinemas at fixed prices.
- Where: Mall
- Map: Open in Maps
- Best time: Daily 09:00–21:00
- Cost: Mid-range
More about Lagos
