Lagos: Old Town Walking Tour with Local Stories & Sweets

Summary

Walk Lagos old town with a longtime resident for stories, food tips, and laughs

You’ll wander Lagos’ old town with someone who’s lived every corner — hearing stories you won’t find in guidebooks, picking up real tips on food and bars, pausing for small moments most tours skip. The walk ends with local sweets you might never try otherwise. If you want history mixed with laughter (and maybe a little sunburn), this is your kind of day.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this echo you hear in Lagos old town — shoes on the cobbles, a bit uneven underfoot, voices bouncing off white walls. We started near that statue by the marina (I always forget his name), and Brodie was already waving at someone across the square. He’s lived here forever, or close enough — 18 years he said — and it shows. Every corner seemed to have some half-told story or weird detail he’d picked up from locals. I liked how nothing felt rushed; if we stopped for a minute to watch an old man feeding pigeons, that was fine.

Brodie pointed out churches I’d walked past three times without noticing the little tile saints above the doors. He told us about Lagos’ days as a port town and something about pirates — I’m not sure I got all the facts straight but it made me look at those narrow lanes differently. The air smelled faintly of grilled sardines from somewhere nearby (it was almost lunchtime), and there were bursts of bougainvillea over the walls. At one point he gave us tips on where to get cheap vinho verde or which bar not to bother with (“trust me, just don’t”).

We ended up sampling these Portuguese sweets at a tiny bakery tucked behind the main street — I can’t pronounce what they’re called but they were sticky and good, and Brodie laughed when I tried to say it in Portuguese (definitely butchered it). It felt less like a tour and more like tagging along with someone who knows everyone in town. Even now, when I think of Lagos, it’s that mix of salt air, tiled streets, and Brodie’s stories that sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lagos old town historical walking tour

• Walk through Lagos old town
• Visit statues and churches
• Explore local beaches
• Learn about town history
• Get tips on restaurants and bars
• Sample Portuguese delicacies

Top questions

How long is the Lagos walking tour?

The walking tour lasts about two hours through Lagos old town.

Does the tour include food or drinks?

Yes, you’ll sample some Portuguese delicacies or sweets at the end of the tour.

Is this Lagos walking tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the walking tour.

Will we visit churches or beaches during the walk?

You’ll visit statues, churches, beaches, and other points of interest in Lagos old town.

Does the tour provide local tips on restaurants or bars?

Yes, your guide shares plenty of local tips for restaurants and bars along the way.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes a relaxed two-hour stroll through Lagos’ historic center with a longtime local guide sharing stories and practical tips along the way. To finish off, you’ll try traditional Portuguese delicacies or sweets at a neighborhood bakery before heading off on your own adventures.