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Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide


Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide


Nestoil Towers - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide

Victoria Island makes for a great place to relax as well as an ideal neighbourhood to settle down with the family. You will find a wide variety of exclusive clubs, homes, nice beaches and the famous Eko Atlantic City; a planned city of Lagos State constructed on land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean.

Map of Victoria Island

Victoria Island map photo - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Map of Victoria Island | Photo credit: Google Maps
History
Victoria Island once belonged to the Oniru family in Lagos. In 1948, the Lagos Executive Development Board paid 250,000 pounds as compensation for the land acquired from the family and an additional 150,000 pounds as compensation for the inhabitants and shrines destroyed.
V.I, as it is fondly called by locals, was originally surrounded entirely by water. However, the colonial government began the process of filling in the eastern swamps to reduce mosquito breeding areas and this created a land bridge between Victoria Island and Lekki Peninsula, thus, ending its existence as an island.
Character
Victoria Island is a healthy mix of a quiet residential neighbourhood, a growing business hub, lots of outdoor space and the most expensive restaurants in the Lagos metropolis. The convenience brought about by its extensive road and water transport network is one of the reasons why a lot of businesses have their headquarters based here. It is perfect for families looking to settle in Lagos or those who desire the peace and comfort that comes with living in a posh neighbourhood. If you fancy the warm beach weather, Victoria Island is where you want to be.
Victoria Island photo - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Victoria Island in Lagos | Photo credit: Jumia Travel
Olawale talks about living in Victoria Island - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide

Who Lives in Victoria Island?

Victoria Island is home to individuals and families that have a taste for a lifestyle characterised by affluence, comfort and luxury. Celebrities, socialites and government officials own homes in the safety of this popular neighbourhood.
Who lives in Victoria Island in Lagos - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
The cheerful bar goers of Victoria Island | Photo credit: Shaunz Bar & Lounge

Essential Amenities

Victoria Island boasts of some of best amenities in Lagos given the calibre of individuals and families who own homes here.
Eko Courts - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Eko Courts in Victoria Island in Lagos | Photo credit: Modamo
Schools
This is the haven of some of the best schools in Lagos. The National Open University of Nigeria is the only tertiary institution that has branches in all states of the federation. The Victoria Island campus is in a very secure location given its proximity to the military barracks.
The Corona Schools have been around for a while. They were founded in 1967 and are open to children between 3 and 11 years. The British International School in Lagos is often praised as one of the most elite and exclusive schools in Nigeria. The school has continually raised the bar of excellence in education by taking credit for some of the best results across Nigeria.
National Open University of Nigeria - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
The National Open University of Nigeria in Victoria Island | Photo credit: Private Property
Libraries, Coworking Spaces & Study Rooms:
Terra Kulture in Victoria stands as the sole library the neighbourhood has to offer. The mini library, also known as the information centre, is stocked with books, contemporary journals, magazines, wireless internet facilities and flat screen computers for its members. It is largely popular amongst the expatriate community and it offers visitors and locals an opportunity to see Nigerian arts and crafts on display, for those wanting to learn about Nigerian cultures and languages. It also features a fine restaurant, which serves rich Nigerian cuisines. Terra Kulture is easily accessible from the neighbouring Lagos suburbs of Ikoyi and Lekki.
Meanwhile, Victoria Island has quite a number of coworking spaces. Some of these include Cre8 SpaceCranium OneWorkBox and Work Station.
Terra Kulture - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Terra Kulture | Photo credit: The 234 Project
Cre8 Space - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Cre8 Space | Photo credit: Cre8 Space
Work Box space - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Work Box in Victoria Island | Photo credit: Topsy.one
Healthcare Providers
Health takes a very prominent position in Victoria Island. In addition to hospitals, you’ll find clinics and medical centres. Some of the health care providers on Victoria Island include Elite Health SystemsLakeshore Cancer CentreSouth Shore Women’s ClinicPaelon Memorial ClinicIdeal Eagle HospitalEye Foundation HospitalFaithcity HospitalsAve Maria HospitalRenaissance MedicalSaint Nicholas HospitalLagoon HospitalsReddington HospitalVantage Medical Centre and Premier Specialists Medical Centre.
Saint Nicholas Hospital - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Saint Nicholas Hospital in Victoria Island | Photo credit: Saint Nicholas Hospital

Food and Drinks

Victoria Island prides itself in having a vibrant nightlife and restaurants with more options on their menu than you can eat in a week. At the Hard Rock Cafe, you can do more than just getting something nice to eat. The cafe features over 200 seats, a stage for live performances, and a swimming pool area for adults and kids. It also offers a wonderful experience with a great view of the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re looking to settle into this neighbourhood, some of the restaurants you want to make sure you check out include Bungalow’sSpice RouteLagoon Restaurant (Churrasco and Fusion)Yellow ChilliCraft Gourmet By Lou BakerMetisse RestaurantB.L. RestaurantRSVP LagosPattaya Oriental RestaurantCrust and CreamIzanagi Japanese CuisinePrime Chinese RestaurantChinaville Chinese RestaurantCasper and Gambini’sTalindo Steak House RestaurantNOK RestaurantMichael Restaurant Nigeria LimitedCactus Restaurant, Chicken Republic, Tastee Fried Chicken, Mr Bigg’s, Kilimanjaro, Debonaires, and Jevinik Restaurant.
If you’re in the mood for some Karaoke, check out Shaunz Bar and Lounge. You even get to download a video of your performance. Guess what? It’s quite popular for really romantic marriage proposals.
Karaoke at Shaunz Bar and Lounge - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Karaoke at Shaunz Bar and Lounge | Photo credit: Shaunz Bar and Lounge
In Victoria Island, hotels like Protea HotelIntercontinental LagosEko Hotel and Suites and Oriental Hotel are considered some of the best the neighbourhood has to offer in terms of class, style and the quality of services they render. Radisson Blu hotel is popular for anyone visiting Victoria Island for the first time and looks forward to enjoying the fantastic views of boats plying the waterways. Nightclubs and bars also offer a steady supply of fun in Victoria Island. You’ll find bars and clubs like QuiloxMovidaEscape NightlifeNitroThe Soul LoungeMetropolitan Club and TribecaTroy very appealing and offer a classy night out.
VIctoria Island boats and waterways - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
A boat speeding across the waterway in Victoria Island | Photo credit: Private Property
A plate of food-at a food court in Victoria Island - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
A plate of food at a food court in Victoria Island | Photo credit: Private Property

Kilimanjaro - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Kilimanjaro in Victoria Island | Photo credit: Private Property

Oriental Hotel - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Oriental Hotel | Photo credit: Private Property
Kilimanjaro meal - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
A plate of food at Kilimanjaro | Photo credit: Trip Advisor
Tastee Fried Chicken - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Tastee Fried Chicken in Victoria Island | Photo credit: Private Property
A plate of Tastee Fried Chicken - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
A plate of Tastee Fried Chicken | Photo credit: Lagos Pages
Twisted Shakes at Hard Rock Cafe - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Twisted Shakes at Hard Rock Cafe | Photo credit: Hard Rock Cafe
Shaunz Bar and Lounge Karaoke - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Karaoke session at Shaunz Bar and Lounge | Photo credit: Shaunz Bar and Lounge
The famous Eko Hotels and Suites - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
The famous Eko Hotels and Suites | Photo credit: Private Property

How to Get Around in Victoria Island

The roads and street layout are just as good as the buildings and the weather on Victoria Island. It has its fair share of traffic during peak periods but can offer you an array of alternatives. Most locals own cars but those who don’t have cars can choose from commercial buses, taxis, commercial motorcycles and even the waterways. The driving distance between Victoria Island and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport is 29.2 kilometres if you link through Lagos Island and Ikorodu Road. Without any heavy traffic, this is a two-hour ride.
Road connecting Victoria Island with Lekki - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Road connecting Victoria Island with Lekki | Photo credit: Private Property
By Commercial Bus: Buses are painted white and are extremely affordable. They are safe and easily link Victoria Island to neighbouring districts like Lekki, Ikoyi and Lagos Island.The best time to use them if you want to avoid getting held up in traffic is early in the morning and late in the evening. They have conductors who repeatedly call out the bus’ destination in quick succession.
Some white commercial buses - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Some white commercial buses in Victoria Island | Photo credit: Private Property
By Motorcycles: Okada as they are mostly called, are commercial motorcycles that help you get to your destination pretty fast.
Important to Note: Motorcycles are officially banned from the highways across the state by the state government but they are not illegal. Within Victoria Island, they serve the purpose of quick transportation but operate with restrictions. For instance, they are not allowed to ply major highways. Instead, you can settle for a commercial bus ride or a taxi.
Commercial motorcycles - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Commercial motorcycles operating in Victoria Island | Photo credit: Private Property

By Car: The gradual transformation of Victoria Island from the mostly residential neighbourhood that it once was, into a commercial hub has seen car owners experience more traffic than they used to, in the past. However, apart from peak periods when traffic builds up, driving through Victoria Island is a pleasurable experience. From this district, you can easily connect to Lekki, Ikoyi, Lagos Island and Apapa.
By Uber/Cabs/Taxis: They are popular within the Victoria Island district and require a level of negotiation with the driver for the fare. If you are planning to link Lekki through Victoria Island, you should ensure you reach an agreement with the driver on who would pay the charge at the toll gate. This helps you avoid unnecessary arguments.
Oga Taxi - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Oga Taxi | Photo credit: Review Naija
The Lagos Metro Taxi - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
The Lagos Metro Taxi | Photo credit: Private Property

By Tricycles: Commercial Tricycles are also essential in this neighbourhood. Visitors and locals consider them quick means of transportation. The yellow colour makes them stand out as a safe and approved means of transportation within the neighbourhood.
Tricycles - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Tricycles in Victoria Island | Photo credit: Private Property

By Boat: The waterway in Victoria is one smooth way to make your exit or entry into this exciting neighbourhood. From Victoria Island, you can enjoy boat rides to destinations like Ikorodu, Ikoyi, Lekki and Apapa. They cost about the same fare it takes to use taxis and is very fast since the possibility of getting stuck in traffic is completely eliminated.
Boat ride in Victoria Island in Lagos - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Water transportation in Victoria Island | Photo credit: DealDey

Outdoors

Victoria Island is littered with endless fun outdoor activities. Get Arena is one such spot, giving you the chance to get immersed in arcade games and its famous Go Karting, which offers regular races, Knight Races and Corporate Races. Victoria Island is also big on fitness. Gyms and health clubs are quite popular within and around the neighbourhood. Fitness centres like Lotus Fitness and Health,  Proflex Gym and Eko Gym and Spa offer deep tissue massage, facial treatments and skin glow therapeutics.
If you ever feel like going to the beach without totally leaving Victoria Island, Atlas beach and Takwa Bay are two places you should consider. Takwa Bay cannot be accessed directly by road, so you get to relax in a 15-minute boat ride that connects you to the beach. The Aquamarine Boat Club in Civic Centre is another big attraction on Victoria Island. With its exclusive private membership, it offers an impressive array of services. Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel also features as a favourite outdoor option for its outdoor pool, spa and wellness centre. The Muri Okunola Park is quite popular for the ambience and calmness it offers visitors, especially in the evening. It is also often used for events.
Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
The outdoor side of Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel | Photo credit: Radisson Blu
Go Karting at the Get Arena - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Go Karting at the famous Get Arena | Photo credit: Get Arena

Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel in Lagos - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Experience the outdoor haven of Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel | Photo credit: Radisson Blu
Muri Okunola Park photo - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Muri Okunola Park | Photo credit: Private Property
Muri Okunola Park - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Muri Okunola Park | Photo credit: Oga Venue
Get Arena - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Race cars at the Get Arena | Photo credit: ispot Around
Samson talks about Victoria Island - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide

Shopping in Victoria Island

If you ever need to go shopping in VI, be prepared to be thrilled by the wonderful assortment of malls and supermarkets that this neighbourhood has in store for you. The malls are easy to find and there are enough of them to choose from regardless of what you’re shopping for. Shoprite is known for its heavily discounted products, selling at wholesale prices and the wide range of products it offers. If you’re shopping for fashion wears and accessories in Victoria Island, stores like The Great Room, Joe Fashionistas Collection, Hugo BossInglotDa Viva and Celio have you covered. Mega Plaza (Century 21) has a food court with several restaurants and fast-fast outlets serving Chinese, continental and Nigerian dishes. The Lagos City Mall is a modern shopping centre with 50 shops, including designer and high street boutiques, 3 restaurants, a children’s play area and parking space for about 300 cars. The likes of Silverbird GalleriaNars SupermarketThe Palms shopping mallMurphis PlazaGameand Mac also offer you fun and interesting shopping opportunities.
Murphies Plaza Victoria Island - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Murphis Plaza | Photo credit: Murphis Plaza
Deinte jewelry store at the-Lagos City Mall - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Deinte Jewelry store at the Lagos City Mall | Photo credit: Lagos City Mall
The Palms shopping mall - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
The Palms shopping mall in Victoria Island | Photo credit: The Palms shopping mall
Shoprite - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
The fruit section in a shopping mall | Photo credit: Private Property

Silverbird Galleria - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
The famous Silverbird Galleria | Photo credit: Private Property
Shopite photo - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
Shoprite in Victoria Island | Photo credit: Private Property
NARS Supermarket - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
NARS Supermarket | Photo credit: Private Property

Mac store - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
A Mac Store in Victoria Island | Photo credit: Private Property
Celio store - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
A Celio store in Victoria Island | Photo credit: Private Property
The Great Room furniture - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
A bedroom sample at The Great Room | Photo credit: The Great Room

Victoria Island Fun Fact

Victoria Island is where the Great Wall of Lagos is erected. This is the wall that protects Victoria Island and the Eko Atlantic City from the natural forces of the Atlantic Ocean.
Great Wall of Lagos - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
The Great Wall of Lagos in Victoria Island | Photo credit: Nigerian Reporter
Great Wall of Lagos photo - Victoria Island Neighbourhood Guide
What the Great Wall of Lagos looks like underwater | Photo credit: Eko Atlantic City
You can’t miss the luxurious lifestyle and opulence that comes with living in Victoria Island. The best thing about Victoria Island isn’t just the comfort and security it offers. It is about the promise of excitement that it holds with the development of the Eko Atlantic City; a planned city within Victoria Island.

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