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Lilongwe

Lilongwe is the capital and largest city of Malawi, located in the central region near the borders with Mozambique and Zambia. As an important economic and transportation hub, it serves as a gateway to exploring central Malawi.

Quick facts

Population
781,538 (city)
Currency
Malawian kwacha (MWK)
Language
English, Chewa
Timezone
CAT (UTC+2)
Local time now
23:19:32

Hotels in Lilongwe

Lilongwe offers a range of hotel accommodation choices for visitors to Malawi's capital city. Options include establishments such as Imperial Town Hotel, Lilongwe Hotel, Crown Hotel, Korea Garden Lodge, and Area 3 Lodge. See all hotels →

Airports in Lilongwe

Lilongwe is served by two airports: Kamuzu International Airport, the main gateway for international flights, and Old Lilongwe Airport. These facilities connect visitors and residents to Malawi's capital city. See all airports →

Old Lilongwe Airport
7.5 km from centre
Kamuzu International Airport
22.1 km from centre

Car Hire in Lilongwe

Lilongwe offers several car hire options for visitors and residents needing vehicle rentals. Companies such as SS Rent A Car, Planet Car Hire, PLANT AND VEHICLE HIRE ORGANISATION, and Sputonik car hire operate in the city, providing flexible transportation solutions for exploring Malawi. 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 experience local culture and entertainment. From the bustling Market eatery at Ziboliboli and the Wood market to gaming at Pirate's Casino, there are plenty of ways to spend your time in Malawi's capital 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 variety of dining experiences to suit different tastes and preferences. From established venues like Courtyard by Imperial Hotels to international cuisine at restaurants such as Ali Baba, Circle and Square, Papaya, and Bombay Palace, you'll find several options to explore 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 pools at established venues such as Lilongwe Hotel and Golden Peacock swimming pool, as well as facilities at institutions like Bishop Mackenzie International School. 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 looking to experience the city's nightlife. Venues such as Club Discorium provide spaces to enjoy music and social gatherings in the capital. See all nightlife →

Club Discorium
6.0 km from centre

Bars in Lilongwe

Lilongwe offers a variety of bars where you can enjoy drinks and socialise with locals and fellow travellers. Popular venues include Nocturne, Alexander's, Woody Wood Pecker Bar, Centre Point, and Harry's Bar, each offering their own atmosphere for an evening out. 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 offers a diverse café scene where locals and visitors can enjoy quality coffee and casual dining. From Ras Café and Uka Coffee to unique spots like Cuneco - a fusion cafe - and Serendipity Lifestyle Cafe, there are plenty of welcoming venues to explore throughout the city. 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 locals alike. From modern shopping centers like Alliance Mall and Old Town Mall to established retailers such as lidi Department store and Globe Star Electronics, the city provides diverse places to browse and purchase goods. 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 visitors a range of natural attractions and wildlife experiences. From the Lilongwe Wildlife Center to the Lilongwe Nature Reserve and Asamez Gardens & Events, the city provides opportunities to connect with Malawi's biodiversity and green spaces. 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 subtropical climate typical of central Malawi. The city enjoys warm temperatures throughout the year, with a rainy season bringing lush vegetation and a drier season offering clearer skies.

Interesting Facts About Lilongwe — Weird & Wonderful

  • Lilongwe is named after the Lilongwe River, which runs through the city.
  • The city's population has grown significantly, reaching 1,122,000 in 2020, more than doubling since 2008.
  • Lilongwe serves as a crucial economic and transportation hub for central Malawi.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lilongwe

What is the official language spoken in Lilongwe?

Chichewa is the primary language spoken in Lilongwe, Malawi's capital city.

What currency is used in Lilongwe?

The Malawian Kwacha (MWK) is the official currency used in Lilongwe.

What is Lilongwe's status in Malawi?

Lilongwe is the capital and largest city of Malawi, serving as the country's primary economic and transportation hub.

Where is Lilongwe located?

Lilongwe is located in the central region of Malawi, in the Lilongwe district, near the borders with Mozambique and Zambia.

How large is Lilongwe?

According to the 2018 Census, Lilongwe had a population of 989,318, growing to approximately 1,122,000 by 2020.

Map of Lilongwe

View larger map · © OpenStreetMap contributors