TL;DR – Lagos Shopping in a Nutshell
This is your guide to the best shopping destinations in Lagos, complete with real reviews, tips, and up-to-date info.
Whether you love sprawling malls, unique boutiques, or lively local markets, you’ll discover exactly where to shop for fashion, tech, gifts, and culture. Jump directly to sections for detailed reviews, Google Maps locations, price and hours, and insightful tips from my own shopping adventures across Lagos.
- Direct, authoritative advice on Lagos’s top shopping spots
- Expert breakdown of hours, prices, pros, and authentic user reviews
- Stacked, mobile-ready cards with clickable directions and contacts
- Voice search-friendly FAQs—get answers instantly
Quick Answer: Where Are Lagos’s Best Shopping Spots?
From the massive, all-in-one Ikeja City Mall and beachside stores at Landmark Boulevard, to the upscale Temple Muse and bustling Balogun Market, Lagos’s shopping scene offers choices for every taste, budget, and experience level. My personal favorites combine accessibility, memorable ambiance, local flavor, and strong curation of brands and experiences. This list is curated from over a decade of hands-on Lagos shopping, reader feedback, and the freshest user ratings across platforms.
THE BEST Places to Go Shopping in Lagos
Ikeja City Mall
Ikeja City Mall (ICM) is easily the heartbeat of retail on the mainland. I’ve spent countless Saturdays browsing global brands like Shoprite, Mango, and Cinemas, then unwinding with suya from a street vendor outside. With over 100 shops, an actual ice-skating rink, vast parking, beauty salons, and entertainment zones for kids, it’s the most complete mall experience in Lagos.
Open: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
The Palms Shopping Mall
Located in Oniru, The Palms is synonymous with quality and variety. My go-to for genuine branded apparel—Lacoste, Hugo Boss, Celio—and tech at the Apple store. You’ll find Shoprite, Game, cinemas, great parking, and a food court that never disappoints. I love the direct access to Victoria Island’s best restaurants post-shopping. Security is excellent; ambience is airy but expect weekend crowds.
Open: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
Website: Official Website |
Landmark Boulevard Oniru
The ultimate destination if you want shopping with a side of beach! Landmark’s eclectic mix of fashion, books, breweries, cinemas, and pop-up stalls is unique—plus, you can end your shopping spree with a sunset at Landmark Beach, which I highly recommend after a long day on your feet.
Open: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
Novare Lekki Mall
Located in Sangotedo, this is THE retail giant of Lekki. Think Shoprite, Game, Genesis Cinemas, and high-end boutiques. I often drive here when I want selection and air-conditioned comfort, plus there’s a fun playground and slots arcade, so families can shop in peace.
Open: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
Maryland Mall
Locally known as “The Big Black Box,” Maryland Mall is your best bet for chic boutiques, family-friendly restaurants, and a super-accessible location. I love coming here for casual hangouts—try the game arcades and chill at the cinema after a shopping spree.
Open: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
Ebonylife Place
This upscale boutique resort is pure luxury—from fine dining to designer pop-ups, galleries, and an exclusive cinema. I highly recommend it if you want the Lagos “soft life”—think curated events, special screenings, and pop culture showcases. Prices trend higher, but the ambience is hard to beat.
Open: 8:00 AM – 12:00 midnight daily|
Website: Official Site
Festival Mall, Festac
Situated in Festac, Festival Mall is famous for electronics, art, clothing, and especially affordable gifts. Saturday mornings here are a feast for the eyes—fashion, music, kids’ game zones, and a lively crowd that truly feels like real Lagos. Miniso and Vento (luxury furniture) are standouts—you’ll easily spot me there, bags in hand.
Open: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
Temple Muse
Temple Muse is a world-class concept store—think luxury fashion, design, gifts, and art, all under one roof. If you want a taste of the high life in Lagos and love discovering emerging designers alongside global brands, this is a must. I appreciate the staff’s deep product knowledge and the chance to browse installations and seasonal edits.
Open: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Mon-Sat|
Instagram: @templemuse
The Arena – Nigerian Army Shopping Arena
For the real “market” Lagos flavor in a semi-organized space, Arena is unbeatable. I love the bargain-hunter’s energy—clothes, tech gadgets, accessories, and local food stalls abound. Prices are negotiable, and there’s nothing you can’t find, especially for traditional wear or gadgets.
Open: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Mega Plaza Century 21 Mall
This old-school Victoria Island favourite has a loyal following for imported groceries, electronics, stationery, and toys. I appreciate the relaxed feeling—less hectic than the larger malls and perfect for those searching for specific imports or luxury provisions.
Open: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM daily
Balogun Market
No Lagos shopping list is complete without Balogun—the sprawling, ever-busy open-air market on Lagos Island. It’s where I go for textiles, Aso Ebi, jewelry, fabric, and everything “Lagos” at its colorful best. Prepare for chaos and adventure, and keep your valuables close! Bring cash, bargain hard, and savor Uganda’s (yam and beans) from vendors when you get peckish.
Open: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Mon-Sat
Key Takeaways – Making the Most of Lagos Shopping
- Lagos offers shopping for everyone—from glitzy malls to open-air markets rich in culture.
- Always check real-time hours and reviews as weekends and public holidays can get extremely busy.
- Most malls take cards, but bring cash for markets.
- If you love bargains or want Nigerian fabrics and fashion, visit Balogun or Arena for a real Lagos experience.
- For luxury, art, and celeb sightings, Temple Muse and Ebonylife Place stand out.
- Retailers often host weekend events—check social media for pop-up markets and fashion shows.
Frequently Asked Questions – Lagos Shopping
What is the biggest shopping mall in Lagos?
Ikeja City Mall is widely considered the largest and most complete shopping mall in Lagos, with over 100 stores, restaurants, entertainment options, and easy parking. Novare Lekki is the biggest in the Lekki axis.
Which is better: Lagos markets or malls?
It depends! Malls offer convenience, safety, and modern amenities—ideal for families, international brands, and casual hangouts. Markets like Balogun and Arena deliver local flavor, bargains, and the chance to discover unique items not found in malls.
Is it safe to shop in Lagos?
Major malls are secure, with plenty of parking and security presence. Take standard precautions in open-air markets (keep wallets close, avoid displaying valuables), and always shop during daylight for comfort.
Where can I buy Nigerian fabrics and Aso Ebi in Lagos?
Balogun Market is #1 for fabrics and custom outfits. You’ll find thousands of stalls specializing in gorgeous Ankara, lace, and George fabric at competitive prices.
Do I need cash or can I pay with cards?
All major malls accept cards (naira, some even dollar cards). Open-air markets and Arena prefer cash, though some vendors accept transfers.
Best time to shop in Lagos?
Mornings and weekdays are least crowded. Weekends and holidays bring a lively crowd and fun events but longer queues.
Disclaimer:
WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors such as pricing, hours, or location details.
Please consult official websites or social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
