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Lilongwe

Lilongwe is the capital city of Malawi, located in the heart of southern Africa. This dynamic urban centre serves as the country's administrative and cultural hub.

Photo: Felixfeld (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Quick facts

Population
781,538 (city)
Currency
Malawian kwacha (MWK)
Language
English, Chewa
Timezone
CAT (UTC+2)
Local time now
19:14:15

Hotels in Lilongwe

Lilongwe offers a range of accommodation options to suit different travellers. From established hotels like Imperial Town Hotel and Lilongwe Hotel to lodges such as Korea Garden Lodge and Area 3 Lodge, you'll find comfortable places to stay throughout the city. See all hotels →

Airports in Lilongwe

We're still gathering airports listings for Lilongwe — check back soon.

Car Hire in Lilongwe

Lilongwe offers several car hire options for visitors and residents needing vehicle rentals. Local providers such as SS Rent A Car, Planet Car Hire, PLANT AND VEHICLE HIRE ORGANISATION, and Sputonik car hire are available to suit your transportation needs. See all car hire →

SS Rent A Car
325 m from centre
Planet Car Hire
516 m from centre
PLANT AND VEHICLE HIRE ORGANISATION 
801 m from centre
Sputonik car hire
819 m from centre

Things to Do in Lilongwe

Lilongwe offers visitors a range of activities to explore the capital's culture and character. From bustling markets like Ziboliboli and the Wood market to entertainment venues such as Pirate's Casino, there's plenty to discover in this vibrant city. See all things to do →

Market eatery (Ziboliboli)
7 m from centre
Airtel
290 m from centre
Graveyard
678 m from centre
Pirate's Casino
1.0 km from centre
Wood market
1.2 km from centre
Chitenge shops
1.2 km from centre

Restaurants in Lilongwe

Lilongwe offers a diverse selection of dining establishments catering to various tastes and cuisines. From local and international options, restaurants like Courtyard By Imperial Hotels, Ali Baba, Circle and Square, Papaya, and Bombay Palace provide visitors and residents with quality dining experiences throughout the city. See all restaurants →

Courtyard -By Imperial Hotels
indian · 65 m from centre
Ali Baba
146 m from centre
Circle and Square
korean;crepe;tea;coffee_shop · 158 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Lilongwe

Lilongwe offers several swimming pool facilities for residents and visitors. Options include the Golden Peacock swimming pool, pools at the Lilongwe Hotel, Bishop Mackenzie International School, and other recreational facilities across the city. See all swimming pools →

Lilongwe Hotel
321 m from centre
Bishop Mackenzie International School
2.0 km from centre
Golden Peacock swimming pool
4.4 km from centre

Spas in Lilongwe

We're still gathering spas listings for Lilongwe — check back soon.

Nightlife in Lilongwe

Lilongwe offers evening entertainment options for visitors and locals alike. Club Discorium is among the venues where you can experience the city's nightlife offerings. See all nightlife →

Club Discorium
6.0 km from centre

Bars in Lilongwe

Lilongwe's bar scene offers a variety of venues for evening entertainment and social gatherings. Whether you're looking for established spots like Alexander's and Harry's Bar or newer venues such as Nocturne and Woody Wood Pecker Bar, you'll find options to suit different tastes and atmospheres. See all bars →

Nocturne
145 m from centre
Alexander's
375 m from centre
Woody Wood Pecker Bar
1.2 km from centre

Cafes in Lilongwe

Lilongwe has a growing café culture with options ranging from casual coffee stops to lifestyle venues. Whether you're looking for quality coffee at Uka Coffee, a relaxed atmosphere at Serendipity Lifestyle Cafe, or fusion dining at Cuneco, the city offers a variety of cafes to explore. See all cafes →

Ras Café
african;asian · 127 m from centre
Serendipity Lifestyle Cafe
coffee_shop · 638 m from centre
Mugg & Bean
2.0 km from centre

Shopping in Lilongwe

Lilongwe offers a variety of shopping options for visitors and residents alike. From modern shopping malls like Alliance Mall and Old Town Mall to established retailers such as lidi Department store, Globe Star Eletronics, and Trust Auctioneers, the city provides diverse retail experiences across different neighbourhoods. See all shopping →

lidi Department store
373 m from centre
Alliance Mall
416 m from centre
Globe Star Eletronics
621 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Lilongwe

Lilongwe offers several natural attractions for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visit the Lilongwe Wildlife Center and Lilongwe Nature Reserve to experience the region's biodiversity, or explore the scenic grounds at Asamez Gardens & Events. See all nature & wildlife →

Lilongwe Wildlife Center
2.4 km from centre
Asamez Gardens & Events
2.4 km from centre
Lilongwe Nature Reserve
2.9 km from centre
Lilongwe Nature Reserve
3.0 km from centre
City Centre Roundabout
4.4 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Lilongwe experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The rainy season brings warm, humid conditions, while the dry season offers cooler temperatures and clearer skies. Visitors can expect warm weather year-round with variations in rainfall throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lilongwe

What currency is used in Lilongwe?

The currency used in Lilongwe and throughout Malawi is the Malawian Kwacha. It is recommended to exchange money at banks or authorized currency exchange services.

What language is spoken in Lilongwe?

The primary language spoken in Lilongwe is Chichewa, though English is widely used in business, tourism, and official settings.

What is the population of Lilongwe?

Lilongwe has a population of approximately 781,538 residents, making it Malawi's largest city and capital.

What region of Africa is Lilongwe in?

Lilongwe is located in southern Africa and serves as the capital of Malawi, positioned in the country's central region.

What timezone is Lilongwe in?

Lilongwe operates on the Africa/Blantyre timezone, which is Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC+2).

Map of Lilongwe

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