10 Extremely productive places where you can read and write in Lagos

I have the perfect desk, the perfect bed and infact a comfy chair of my dreams at home for reading and writing.

While reading and writing indoor may be fun, Lagos is delightful and reading outside is very important.

Literary landscapes are all around us–gardens, lagoon, area boys parks, beaches, awesome landscapes.

1. Inside the BRT bus/ Danfo Bus

Although, Lagos traffic is usually a mess but reading inside the BRT bus is bliss. Let the rural landscape, CMS sky scrapers and suburban homes catapult you into an entirely different world. And did I tell you I met my new book club member inside the BRT? Yeah I did, we struck a conversation after she saw me reading 'All our names' by Dinaw Mengestu. Also, reading inside the Bus allows you to pick up on the buzz of conversation around you.

2. Jazzhole, Ikoyi

Jazz Hole is primarily a book, music and African artwork store. This is different from other bookshops in Nigeria with a restaurant and a bar plus an amazing range of Nigerian music and great books. You can purchase coffee as you sit and read one of the books, just make sure you are with enough cash when you visit.

3. Ikeja City Mall

If you need a new book and a place to read it in, a visit to Glendora at the Ikeja City Mall is a must. Also, make sure you visit between 7am to 11am, you can relax at the garden at the back of the Mall or upstairs at any of the stores.  This is completely a charming and most certainly a comfy place to settle in with a recommended read.

4. Unilag water front

Read by the waterfront in Unilag. Get away from the hustle and bustle of Yaba with a nip into this friendly and quiet little waterfront. In fact, all of Unilag is full of grassy spots, benches, and stair and ledges so that you can find your own private space to get some air and some reading in.

5. Yaba public library

This vintage spot for book lovers is the perfect place to spend the day out with your current read. With tons of old newspaper, books, a splendid courtyard, and a stunning view of the streets. you’ll be inspire to gobble up the book your own and find another while you’re there.

Please come with a handkerchief or nose cover, public libraries are usually dusty.

6. GRA Ikeja

This spot is inside old secretariat, just beside Archbishop Vining memorial, this reading spot has a stunning view, and fairy tale atmosphere, perfect for sinking deeper into the pages of your book.

7. CMS waterfront

Just beside the CMS BRT stop, if you need a quick reading fix in Lagos, a visit to this place is just what the doctor ordered. Facing the lagoon, this place offers plenty of secluded spots to be alone with a drink and your book, even with all of the traffic and agbero chaos near you.

8. Cafés/Restaurants/Eateries

Like libraries, restaurants, eateries and cafés create the perfect atmosphere to escape into the pages of a good book. Buy a food at any KFC, chicken republic, Domino Pizza, Café Neo etc. Bring your books along for a perfect little getaway. Make sure you buy something, Lagos restaurant owners are not too nice.

9. Beaches

A little cliché? Take time out to visit any of the beach in Lagos to read, there is no denying that beaches are perfect places for musing things over. They inspire breathtaking and creative ideas.

Also, participate in some activities on the beach and who knows you can make awesome bookish friends.

10. Muri Okunola park, Freedom park, Gani Fawehinmi park and Nduibuisi Kanu

Parks in Lagos are full of secret spots where you can hide out in while you escape into your book, but the gardens, with its gorgeous landscaping and atmosphere takes the cake.

The magic hour is also one damn fine time to read in a park. That last snap of sunshine across the horizon makes everything richer, and, indeed, adds a little more magic to the proceedings.

Where is the perfect place to read in Lagos? Please share yours.

READ: 7 amazing bookstores where you can get books for as low as 100 Naira