Lagos, Nigeria
What 90% of solo women don't know about staying safe in Lagos.
Lagos's wealthiest neighborhood with heavy security, high-end dining, and large expat community. Quieter than Victoria Island with less nightlife, but very safe if you can afford the premium prices.
Ikoyi is where Nigeria's wealthiest people live - diplomats, business elite, and the biggest expat community in Lagos. Tree-lined streets with mansions, high-end boutiques, and restaurants where a meal costs what average Nigerians earn in a week. Security is heavy with private guards at every building, regular police patrols, and the Netherlands Embassy adding to security presence. Banana Island within Ikoyi is called 'billionaire's paradise' and has its own bridge and gates. Quieter than Victoria Island with less nightlife, but that quiet comes with better safety day and evening. Awolowo Road has restaurants like Ìtàn Test Kitchen (115,000 NGN for a set menu), cafes, and lounges. You'll see other people eating alone - it's normal here. English is universally spoken. The downside is cost and isolation from the city's energy. It can feel sterile. But for safety, Ikoyi rivals Victoria Island as the best base in Lagos.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
LowScam Risk
LowPolice Visibility
ExcellentEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
LowGetting By in English
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"Felt very safe but also very expensive and somewhat boring"
"Best security in Lagos - guards everywhere you look"
"Great restaurants but limited nightlife compared to VI"
"Wealthy neighborhood where I stood out less as a foreigner"
"Quiet and safe but isolated from the real Lagos experience"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Safest mainland neighborhood with heavy police presence from government facilities. Quiet, residential, and near the airport with good restaurants at lower prices than the islands. Best mainland option on a budget.
VI has the best security in Lagos with heavy embassy and corporate presence. It's expensive and westernized, but has the best infrastructure and dining options in the city.
Beach area with modern development and gated communities. Lekki Phase 1 is relatively safe during the day, but night security is moderate and gets worse as you move east. Better for daytime visits than as a main base.
Help other women stay safe in Ikoyi
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.