Victoria Island, usually called VI, is the business and financial district of Lagos. Bank headquarters, offices, hotels, embassies and consulates line its main roads, and it sits between Lagos Island, Ikoyi and the start of the Lekki Peninsula.
After work, VI turns into one of the busiest places in the city to eat and go out. Its streets hold restaurants serving Nigerian and international food, rooftop lounges, nightclubs and event spaces, and the Atlantic beachfront is only minutes away.
Top things to do in Victoria Island
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Eat and go out on the island
Adeola Odeku, Akin Adesola, Ajose Adeogun and the streets around them are packed with restaurants, cafes, lounges and clubs. You will find Nigerian, Lebanese, Chinese, Indian, Italian and seafood menus within a few blocks, and many places stay open late at weekends.
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Head to the beach
Beaches along the Oniru and Lekki coastline are a short drive from VI. Boats to Tarkwa Bay, a sheltered beach near the harbour mouth, leave from jetties on and around the island.
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Walk the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge
The cable-stayed bridge between Ikoyi and Lekki, close to VI, is popular with walkers, joggers and photographers, especially on weekend mornings and at sunset when the lagoon views are at their best.
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Visit contemporary art galleries
Victoria Island and neighbouring Ikoyi have many of the city's contemporary art galleries, showing painting, photography and sculpture by Nigerian and African artists. Lagos also holds a major international art fair every November.
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Spend an afternoon in a park
Muri Okunola Park is one of the few large green spaces on the island. It is used for picnics, fitness sessions, food fairs and open-air concerts.
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Go out for New Year's Eve
VI is at the centre of Lagos's December season, with concerts, beach parties, brunches and club nights running until New Year's Eve, when parties and fireworks continue past midnight.
Festivals and culture
The year ends with "Detty December", the city's busiest stretch of concerts, parties and festivals, much of it on and around Victoria Island. The island also hosts fashion shows, art fairs, food festivals, product launches and business conferences through the year.
Food to try
Try fresh seafood such as grilled croaker and prawns, pepper soup, jollof rice and suya, and look for small chops at events and lounges. Weekend brunches are popular, and international restaurants make VI one of the easiest places in Lagos to find food from other countries.
Best time to visit
November to March is dry and warm, and December has the most events. Expect rain from about April to October, with the heaviest falls in June and July, when some streets on the island flood.
Getting around
Ride-hailing apps and taxis are the easiest way around. Traffic is heavy on Ahmadu Bello Way, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue and the bridges at rush hour and on Friday evenings. Boats and ferries link jetties around the island to other parts of the lagoon.
Questions about Victoria Island
What is Victoria Island known for?
Victoria Island is known as the business district of Lagos and for its restaurants, lounges, nightlife and December events.
Is there a beach near Victoria Island?
Yes. Beaches on the Oniru and Lekki coast are a short drive away, and boats to Tarkwa Bay leave from jetties near the island.
When is the best time for nightlife in Victoria Island?
Thursday to Saturday nights are the busiest all year, and December is the peak month for concerts and parties.
How do I find events in Victoria Island?
Browse upcoming parties, concerts, brunches, conferences and free events in Victoria Island on Shows.ng, and filter by today, this weekend or this month.
