Onikan is in Lagos State.

Understand

Get in

Get around

There are different means of transportation in Onikan; Taxi, Commercial Buses, Motorcycle popularly known as Okada, and Tricycle (Keke)

You should hire a tricycle or a motorcycle which usually comes with a driver, tricycles are best for touring the various streets within Onikan environs, for the major roads it is advisable to take a commercial bus or a Taxi for your safety.

See

• National Museum. The National Museum is a must-visit attraction in Onikan. It houses a vast collection of Nigerian artifacts, including traditional art, archaeological exhibits, ethnographic displays, and historical artifacts. It provides a glimpse into Nigeria's rich cultural heritage and history. (updated Jul 2023)

• 🌍 Tafawa Balewa Square. Tafawa Balewa Square is a significant landmark and public square located in Onikan. It has hosted numerous important events, such as political rallies, Independence Day celebrations, and cultural festivals. The square is also home to the Independence Fountain, a popular spot for photography. (updated Jul 2023)

• 🌍 Freedom Park. Situated in the heart of Lagos Island, Freedom Park is a recreational park and historical site. It was once a colonial-era prison but has now been transformed into a cultural center. The park features lush green spaces, art installations, live music performances, art galleries, and various food stalls. (updated Jul 2023)

• Lagos City Hall. The Lagos City Hall, located in Onikan, is an architectural marvel and historical building. Built during the colonial era, it reflects a fusion of European and Nigerian architectural styles. The building serves as the administrative headquarters of the Lagos Island local government. (updated Jul 2023)

• Nigerian Institute of Medical Research. While not strictly a tourist attraction, the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research in Onikan is worth mentioning. If you have an interest in medical research and health, you may arrange a visit or explore the institute's public health library. (updated Jul 2023)

Do

Dive into Balogun Market, which sprawls in ever-changing locations across Lagos Island – just ask someone for directions. Lagosian markets are notorious for being heady on the senses, but a calm approach to them can reveal many hidden secrets. Once you’re done, seek refuge at contemporary art space Rele Gallery and women-only co-working space Tribe XX Lab, both on Military Street.

• 🌍 Onikan Stadium. The original stadium on this site was built in the 1930s. Watch soccer here. (updated Jan 2022)

Buy

There are shopping options available in and around Onikan. While the neighbourhood itself may not be known for extensive shopping centers, you can find a variety of shops and markets in the nearby areas. Here are a few options:

• Lagos Island Market: Located in close proximity to Onikan, Lagos Island Market is a bustling marketplace where you can find a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, fabrics, household items, and traditional Nigerian crafts. It's a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking for affordable goods.

• Balogun Market: Situated in the heart of Lagos Island, Balogun Market is one of the largest markets in Nigeria. It offers an extensive selection of items, including clothing, textiles, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, and more. It's a vibrant market known for its energetic atmosphere and bargaining culture.

• City Mall. City Mall Onikan is a shopping center located in the vicinity of Onikan. It features a mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. While relatively smaller than other malls in Lagos, it offers convenience and a selection of retail outlets. (updated Jul 2023)

• Marina Mall: Marina Mall, situated along the Lagos Marina, is another shopping destination near Onikan. It hosts a range of shops, including fashion stores, electronics retailers, and supermarkets. The mall also provides a pleasant waterfront view.

• The Palms Shopping Mall: While not in Onikan itself, The Palms Shopping Mall in Lekki is a popular retail destination in Lagos. It houses a variety of stores, including fashion boutiques, electronics shops, bookstores, and supermarkets. You can find both local and international brands here.

Eat

The number one place, hands down is Ghana High. This stalwart from the ’80s, at 15 Macarthy Street, serves up the best jollof rice, plantain and beans with your choice of protein. Go before 4 pm – they sell out quickly.

Drink

For a local experience, grab a local brew (Trophy, Star or Orijin) at Fisto Bar, 18 Berkeley Street. And you haven’t lived until you’ve been to hFACTOR’s rooftop at 26 Moloney Street for one of their STROBE safe space parties.

Sleep

Located at 30 Ajasa Street, Plan B is a B&B and cultural hub that shares its space with social impact accelerator Mitsio Motu. Or head over to Victoria Island where you’ll find many accommodation choices.

Connect

You would most likely find a reliable coverage of the 2G/3G/4G mobile networks in most locations in Onikan. Signal strength is adequate at almost every point in the city, and you are less likely to experience network outage for any of the mobile phone service providers in any of the areas of the city. Bear in mind that different networks tend to be more stable and reliable in different locations of the city at different times, though all will almost perform satisfactory well in any location. MTN, 9Mobile, Airtel (Zain) and GLO are all available service providers. So if you are planning a visit to Onikan, you might not have to be so much concerned about the service provider to choose from as they all are reasonably reliable. But from observed indications, MTN seems to perform well than the others, though its rates may be high and its offers and services might be stringent, but you are less likely to be concerned of erratic voice and data connection compared to others. Airtel is another service provider which is fairly satisfactory for all you might need to connect to the world, including rates and network reliability. Of course, Glo (or Globacom) boasts of fast network speed for internet browsing activities, only that you might not be able to enjoy the privilege in some locations. And 9Mobile (formerly Etisalat) usually also performs well in internet browsing speed too but with locational limitations as well, plus data rate is fairly higher.

Go next

• Lekki
• Ajah
• Ibadan
• Victoria Island (V.I.)
• Benin