Ikoyi, Lagos’ most exclusive neighborhood

It is natural to be fascinated with the rich, to look at a big nice house with some pretty cars parked in front and wonder about that lifestyle. Unless you are extremely affluent, you will be filled with wonder as you walk or drive through the street of Lagos’ most revered neighborhood, Ikoyi.

Ikoyi, located in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Lagos, is one of the city’s most luxurious locales. There’s no question that this neighborhood has its special allure as it is thought to have the most expensive real estate on the entire African continent. Boasting of one of the highest average house prices in the county with the average home setting you back $75,000,  the residents of Ikoyi are certainly well off, including the very wealthy, expatriates staffs and high-class professionals.

Ikoyi includes the newer suburbs of Banana Island, Parkview Estate, Dolphin Estate and other luxurious blocks of flats that are springing up. Jovago.com, Africa’s largest hotl booking portal shares the details on this pristine urban neighbourhood.

TOP THREE TOURIST SITES

Awolowo Road

A major attraction in Ikoyi due to its proximity to Victoria Island and Lagos Island, it is a high street lined with upscale shops, boutiques and restaurants. Much of Lagos’s business tourism is centered on this road.

“Dodan” Barracks

A military barracks occupying a large area located off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Dodan Barracks was the residence of the heads of state of various Military Governments in Nigeria, and also the Supreme Military Headquarters from 1966 until the move to Abuja in 1991.

Ikoyi Club

A product of two clubs, the European Club and The Lagos Golf Club, Ikoyi Club is a popular venue in the neighbourhood where sporting events that can be enjoyed, including Golf, Swimming, Lawn Tennis, Squash, Badminton, Table Tennis and Billiards/Snooker.

LODGING

Ikoyi is home to some of the Lagos’ leading luxury hotels, as well as a good range of value and budget hotels offering guests a bit of luxury for less. Enjoy the five-star luxury of The George, Ikoyi, the beauty of The Moore House M Gallery, or the artistic grandeur of Bogobiri House. For those looking for a smaller hotel that is still big on luxury, why not try Ikoyi Fairview apartments or the ambassador’s hotel.

SHOPPING

If you are in Lagos and you are a fan of the latest fashions, big name brands and a few more unusual ones, then Ikoyi has to be at the top of the list for your next shopping trip.From the cobbled boulevards of Ikoyi’s iconic streets, to the chic shopping centers offering everything under one roof, Ikoyi is a shoppers` paradise for anyone seeking a spot of retail therapy.

DINING

With its fair share of restaurants, cafes,pubs and bistros, Ikoyi is home to some of the finest eating spots in Lagos. Offering cuisines from around the globe, as well as exquisite local and traditional fare, Ikoyi serves up a diverse selection of restaurants to suit everyone’s palate and purse strings.

From high street favourites such as Golden gates and Casa Lydia to the hottest new names on the block, like Samantha’s, you are sure to find more on the menu in Ikoyi  than you’d bargained for.

FUN FACT

Ikoyi is one of the regions with the highest amount of rainfall in Lagos, with rain often exceeding 300cm every year.