The vibe
Ikate Elegushi sits just east of Lekki Phase 1 and has become the peninsula's fastest-growing tourist base — a wall of mid-rise apartments, some good hotels and an outrageous concentration of new restaurants. It's cheaper than Phase 1, buzzier than Phase 2, and closer to the good stuff than anywhere beyond Chevron. The downside: constant construction, patchy roads inside the estates, and generator noise at night. Pick a building that says inverter, not just generator.
Where to stay
Short-let apartments dominate — expect $80 to $180 a night for a one-bedroom, $150 to $280 for two. Book on Nigerian short-let platforms rather than international aggregators, prices are cleaner. Hotels: Bolton White Apartments, Signature Suites, Craft&Draught's little upstairs suites and BON Hotel Sundura in the $130 to $200 range. Ikate is where I’d send a returning visitor who already knows Lagos — cheaper than Phase 1 with better food.
Eating and drinking
Ikate is the food scene. Craft & Draught for burgers and beer ($15 a head), Cilantro for pan-Asian ($25), Zagat for Lebanese, Nok by Alara for high-end art-and-dinner ($60 a head with drinks), plus dozens of shawarma spots for $4. Nightlife runs through Cactus, Radisson bar, Escape Lagos and a rolling series of pop-up rooftop parties. Sunday mornings, everyone's at Bature Brewery's brunch. Two days here and you’ll have your favourite jollof spot forever.
Bon à savoir
How does Ikate compare to Lekki Phase 1?+
Ikate is newer, cheaper, denser and has better new restaurants. Phase 1 is more established, quieter and has slightly better hotels. For a first visit, Phase 1. For a repeat, Ikate.
Any drawbacks?+
The internal estate roads flood in heavy rain — a 15cm downpour can make some streets impassable. Ikate Elegushi Palace area gets loud during traditional festivals; check dates if you want quiet.