Ultimate Guide: What to Do and What to See in Lagos

After a month living in Lagos I had the opportunity to visit every corner of the city and meet local people who told me about everything there is to see in Lagos first hand. Here I am going to tell you the main attractions to see in Lagos and details that will help you make the most of your visit.

Beaches to see in Lagos

If you go to Lagos, one of the most likely reason of your visit is going to the beach. Lagos has 14 different beaches located along the coast. I have a full article talking about all the beaches of lagos. In any case, if you want to get to the point, here are the ones you can't miss:

• Praia Batata and Praia Meira: These two beaches are the ones I recommend the most to see the sunrise. They are located right next to the old part of the city and walking will not take you more than 5 minutes.

• Praia dos Estudiantes: This beach has an amazing rock bridge, spectacular, it is perfect if you want to take amazing pictures and it is also next to the center.

• Praia do Camilo: It is located in the middle of the route to Ponta da Piedade, it is one of the most well known and has 200 stairs on its wooden walkway. It is also perfect for taking good pictures, although it has become very touristy.

• Dona Ana Beach: This beach is located at the beginning of the Ponta da Piedade route and is one of the most popular in Lagos because it is surrounded by rock formations. It is perfect for water activities, including paddle surfing or snorkeling.

• Praia da Balança: If you are looking for something more intimate and adventurous this is your beach. Located halfway to Ponta da Piedade, it is accessible through a tunnel in the cliffs.

Hiking to Ponta da Piedade

Another thing you must do in Lagos is the hike to Ponta da Piedade. It is a walking route along the cliffs of the Lagos coastline. During the walk, which has a wooden footbridge, there are numerous viewpoints and the some restaurants.

What is impressive about this walk are the views of these cliffs, especially at sunset. This is when most people take this route that culminates at the Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse. This route is perfect to enjoy the sunset. Also, I remind you in Portugal you can drink in the streets. It is the perfect opportunity to buy a bottle of port wine and have a drink alcohol while watching the sunset with your friends or partner in such a beautiful place.

This is a must do activity in Lagos if you are planning your trip. Read my article about the Ponta da Piedade Hike in case you want to know the details of the walk.

Do a Kayak Tour in Lagos

Another activity not to be missed in Lagos is the Kayak Tour. The tour will take you from Praia Batata to Ponta da Piedade going through all the caves and grottoes of the coast.

The perspective you have of the caves from the sea, when you can access them from the inside, is very different from the one you see from above on the cliffs. This is why you have to do it, it is totally worth it.

The tour I recommend is the one of Kayak Tours company. In Lagos I met the owners, Thiago and David, and did the tour several times with their guides. The good thing about Kayak Tours is that you always go in a group with a guide and when you arrive at Ponta Da Piedade, if you are tired, you will be towed by boat to the departure point. In addition, depending on sea conditions, they often stop at a beach accessible only by sea.

Visiting the Old Town of Lagos

Other thing to see in Lagos is the old town. But don't worry, you will most likely stay there. The old town is surrounded by a 17th century wall. Here you will find the main attractions of the city.

Strolling through the old town you will find all the stores selling local products and handicrafts. Likewise, there are plenty of options to try the local Portuguese cuisine. Lagos is located on the coast and it will give you the feeling that you are in a hippie village. The stores, the streets, the local people have a very simple lifestyle and that is something unique about Lagos you will fall in love with.

Within the old town you will see Praça Luís de Camões, Praça Gil Eannes, Santa Maria Church and the Slaves Market.

Stroll around Praça Luís de Camões

• This square is named after the Portuguese poet Luís de Camões, known for his epic work "Os Lusíadas", which celebrates the achievements of Portuguese explorers.
• It is a central square in Lagos and is located in the heart of the old town.
• The square is a popular meeting point for locals and tourists. It is surrounded by charming historic buildings, restaurants and cafes.
• In the center of the square, you will find a statue of Luís de Camões.
• It is a pleasant place to stroll around and enjoy the architecture and atmosphere of the old town of Lagos.

Stroll around Praça Gil Eannes

• This square is named after Gil Eannes. He was a 15th century Portuguese navigator known for his role in the maritime exploration of the African coast.
• Praça Gil Eannes is located near the port of Lagos.
• In the square, you will find a statue of Gil Eannes and a restored historic fishing boat called "Santa Bernarda", which is used for boat trips along the coast of Lagos.

Igreja de Santa Maria de Lagos

The Church of Santa Maria features a mixture of architectural styles including Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Its history and decoration, which includes hand-painted tiles, make this church a place of cultural interest in the old town of Lagos. It also has a Chapel of the Slaves. It is a must-see if you are interested in exploring the history and culture of the region.

The Caves of Benagil are a must-see destination in the Algarve because of their spectacular natural beauty. They were formed by the erosion of water over limestone, a process that has taken place over thousands of years.

These caves offer a unique experience with impressive rock formations and hidden beaches accessible only by sea. Although it is close to several cities, Lagos is a popular starting point for tours, with the option of guided boat tours.

These tours not only provide you with safe and direct access to the caves but also a historical perspective on the Algarve coast. It is it is advisable to book an early tour in the daytime to avoid crowds and enjoy a more genuine experience.

Slave Market Museum

The Lagos slave market, known as "Mercado de Escravos" in Portuguese, was one of the first slaves marketplace stablished in Europe, it was exclusively dedicated to the purchase and sale of African slaves. It was founded in 1444 when Lançarote de Freitas captured a group of Africans in the Cape Verde region. This event marked the beginning of the slave trade in Europe.

The market functioned as a place where African slaves were exhibited and sold to European buyers. Lagos became an important center for slave traffic to other parts of Europe.

Nowadays, the Slave Market in Lagos has been converted into a museum. It seeks to educate about the history and atrocities of slavery. The museum houses exhibits documenting the slave trade and its impacts on Africa and the world. It serves as an important reminder of the grim history of the slave trade and the struggle for equality and human rights.

Municipal Market

Known as "Mercado de Santo Amaro," it is a traditional market located in the center of Lagos, Portugal. At the market you can find a wide range of fresh products, such as fruits, vegetables and fish. It is a meeting point for locals and an opportunity for visitors to sample authentic local cuisine. In addition to fresh food, the market also hosts stalls selling handicrafts and souvenirs.

Itinerary to see Lagos in 1 day

• Sunrise at Praia Batata or Praia Meia: Start your day early admiring the sunrise at Praia Batata or Praia Meia. Both beaches offer spectacular views and the choice depends on your preference. If you don't want to walk too much, stay at Praia Batata.

• Breakfast at Black and White Coffee: Head to Black and White Coffee for breakfast before continuing your day. This is a good place to recharge your batteries.

• Kayak Tour to Ponta da Piedade: After breakfast, take a kayak tour that will led you to Ponta da Piedade. You will encounter rock formations and caves along the way. This will occupy the morning until approximately 11:30 am.

• Traditional Portuguese lunch: After the kayak tour, you will probably be hungry. Head to the center of Lagos and enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal at one of the local restaurants.

• Old town and beach exploration: After lunch, explore the old town of Lagos, home to historical and cultural attractions. Then, relax on one of the nearby beaches to enjoy the sun and sea.

• Walking route to Ponta da Piedade for the sunset: In the afternoon, get ready for a hike to Ponta da Piedade to witness the sunset. This hike will take approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

Nightlife in Lagos

Lagos is not known for being particularly large, you can find all the party area in the old town. All the bars and pubs are in the same area. After a month living in Lagos I recommend you not to go drink in the main street pubs. Those are more expensive and much more touristy. This are my recommendations:

• The Tavern: Have you ever been to an Irish pub? I'm sure you have. Well, this is the closest thing you will find in Lagos. Drinks are cheap, there is a pool table and a stage.

• Joe's Garage: It's not the bar I would go into, but if you are looking for a crazy night this is the place for you. It has Karaoke in the middle of the bar and the bartenders will encourage you to keep drinking. At Joe's Garage you will find tourists eager to have another drink and sing another song.

• Three Monkeys: The drinks are super cheap and even the waiters will drink with you, but don't worry, it's not a mess either. There is an area to play pool and it is not usually crowded. In my opinion much better than The Tavern.

• Inside Out: This is the only decent disco or club in Lagos. The space is minimal and it's easy to get overwhelmed, but the music is very good. They usually play techno and some days commercial music. The good part of Inside Out is that they stay open late, depending on the day it can go until 6 am. The drawback is that when everything closes, the only option available is Inside Out and all the people will go there.

Restaurants to see in Lagos

• For breakfast black and white coffee is the perfect place, but you'll have to get there early if you want to find a seat. This is because it is the best coffee shop in town. It has the best coffee in Lagos and the most elaborate breakfasts.

• If you are looking for traditional Portuguese cuisine O Pescador is the restaurant of reference in the city. I highly recommend you to order the classic Algarve shrimp rice.

• For hamburgers Nah Nah Bah is the best. One of their burgers has been the award-winning in several contests, it is the Toucan.

• The Green Room undoubtedly takes the award for best Mexican restaurant. It has a great variety of options, among them you must try the nachos and without a doubt the green enchiladas.

• If you are looking for for something quick to eat stop by Beat&Burritos. They make amazing burrito bowls, and it's a perfect place if you're in a hurry, as they have take away service.

• If you want to sushi you must go to Mysushi. This restaurant has the best value for money sushi I have ever had in my life. 12 pieces of sushi will cost you 5,35€, there is also the option of free buffet for a little more than 10€. And you will think that the quality is bad, but you are wrong. It was my friend Mati, a local from Lagos who discovered this place and since then I never stopped going there.

Where to Stay in Lagos

During my visit to Lagos I stayed at Tag Hostel Lagos. A family hostel, in which the owner, Filipa, Mati at the reception and Carmencinha from the cleaning staff, will make you feel like one member of the family. There, I was able to practice my Portuguese and meet other international travelers. They support the local community of Lagos and it is perfect for digital nomads. This hostel is located right in the Old Town of Lagos and it has a perfect location, being away from the clubs area you will be able to rest peacefully.

In addition, they always organize family dinners for people to integrate, in which they themselves take part. They will help you in case you need anything. You can also rent goggles for diving or beach towels in case you need them.

My Experience in Lagos, Portugal

Lagos is a lovely city. I had already visited Lagos before I made the decision to stay and live there for a month. The local people will make you feel like home, more than a city it seems like a village where the pace of life is slower, you can tell that people of Lagos are happy. It's a feeling you probably understand, when you travel every place leaves a footprint, a feeling. In my case, Lagos had a very positive impact on me, it is a perfect combination of nature and wild beaches with tranquility and peace. Without a doubt, Lagos is your place if you are looking for relaxation.

However, although it is not what I was looking for, I realized that it is also a tourist and party place, specially in summer. If you are looking for this kind of experience, you will find it too. That's the great thing about Lagos, you choose how you want to experience the visit.