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.
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 Aiyegbusi 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.
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.
For more Africa travel inspiration, head to our guide to the Best Places to Go in Africa in 2025.
