Central Lagos features colonial sites like Freedom Park, the historical slave trade sites and preservation cells (barracoons) in Lagos State are centered in Badagry, located along the coastal corridor just west of central Lagos.
Point of No Return Badagry
Located on Gberefu Island, this historical path marks the route enslaved people walked from the slave market and barracoons to the waiting ships on the Atlantic shore.
Boat trip across the Badagry Creek, the walk along the historical trail, the Attenuation Well (Well of Memory Loss), and the memorial gateway at the oceanfront.
A solemn, reflective walking experience similar to the slave route trails found across coastal West Africa.
Badagry Heritage Museum
Housed in a former 1863 British District Officer's building, this museum displays galleries detailing the slave trade eras in West Africa.
Highlights: Relics, shackles, original slave trade documents, historical photos, and curated exhibitions covering early contact through abolition.
Provides a comprehensive chronological background before visiting the barracoons or coastal routes.
Seriki Faremi Williams Abass Slave Museum, Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria.
This site preserves original 19th-century slave barracoons (small cells where enslaved people were held before shipment across the Atlantic).
Highlights: Original preserved cells, historical artifacts, chains, and detailed guided explanations of how enslaved people were detained in the compound.
Built in the 1840s by Chief Seriki Williams Abass, offering direct historical insight into local slave trade operations.
Tarkwa Bay Beach
A sheltered island beach accessible only by water taxi or speedboat from Victoria Island/CMS.
Boat ride across the Lagos harbor, swimming, beach lounge rentals, and fresh coconut water by the water.
Lekki Conservation Centre
A coastal rainforest reserve offering a quiet escape from the bustle of the city center.
Longest canopy walkway in Africa, nature trails, monkees, tortoise viewings, and picnic spots.
National Museum Lagos
An essential stop for dive into Nigeria's ancient civilizations, archeology, and royal heritage.
Famous Nok terracottas, Benin bronzes, and traditional carved wooden artifacts.
Freedom Park Lagos
A former colonial prison turned cultural arts center and heritage park on Lagos Island.
Historical monuments, open-air performance spaces, local food stalls, and evening live music events.
Nike Art Gallery
A four-story gallery packed with thousands of contemporary and traditional Nigerian artworks, textile exhibits, and sculptures.
Massive collection of African art, live drumming/dance welcomes on select days, and traditional craft displays.
Makoko Community
A local boat guide can take Erica through the stilt village waterways to experience the local fishing culture and community life up close.
Wooden canoe rides through the canals, local fish-smoking hubs, and community landmarks like the Hope for the slum floating school, Makoko.