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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 for central Malawi, it serves as the country's main gateway and cultural heart.

Quick facts

Population
781,538 (city)
Currency
Malawian kwacha (MWK)
Language
English, Chewa
Timezone
CAT (UTC+2)
Local time now
21:07:26

Hotels in Lilongwe

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

Airports in Lilongwe

Lilongwe is served by Kamuzu International Airport, the main hub for air travel to and from the city. The city is also home to Old Lilongwe Airport, which remains an important part of the local aviation infrastructure. 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. Services such as SS Rent A Car, Planet Car Hire, PLANT AND VEHICLE HIRE ORGANISATION, and Sputonik car hire are available to help you arrange transportation throughout the city and beyond. 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 a variety of activities for visitors, from exploring local markets like the Wood market and Ziboliboli Market eatery to entertainment venues such as Pirate's Casino. Whether you're interested in shopping, dining, or experiencing the local culture, Lilongwe has something to offer every traveler. 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 dining scene with restaurants serving both local and international cuisine. From casual eateries to established dining venues, you'll find options like Ali Baba, Circle and Square, Papaya, Bombay Palace, and Courtyard By Imperial Hotels 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 Golden Peacock swimming pool, Lilongwe Hotel, and pools at establishments like Bishop Mackenzie International School and the British High Commission. 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 visitors and locals a range of nightlife options to explore after dark. Venues like Club Discorium provide spaces for entertainment and socialising in the capital city. See all nightlife →

Club Discorium
6.0 km from centre

Bars in Lilongwe

Lilongwe offers a variety of bars where locals and visitors can enjoy drinks and socialise. Venues such as Nocturne, Alexander's, Woody Wood Pecker Bar, Centre Point, and Harry's Bar provide different atmospheres for a night out in the capital. 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 variety of cafes where visitors and locals can enjoy quality coffee and meals. From casual coffee spots to lifestyle cafes, options like Ras Café, Serendipity Lifestyle Cafe, Mugg & Bean, Cuneco - a fusion cafe -, and Uka Coffee provide diverse dining experiences 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 range of shopping destinations for visitors and locals alike. From established retailers like Alliance Mall and Old Town Mall to specialty stores such as Globe Star Electronics and lidi Department store, the city provides diverse options for retail and commerce. 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 opportunities to experience nature and wildlife, including the Lilongwe Wildlife Center and Lilongwe Nature Reserve. Visitors can also explore Asamez Gardens & Events for outdoor attractions in the capital city. 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 warm temperatures year-round. The city has a wet season and a dry season, with rainfall varying throughout the year. Visitors should prepare for warm conditions and periodic rainfall depending on the time of year.

Interesting Facts About Lilongwe — Weird & Wonderful

  • Lilongwe is named after the Lilongwe River, which flows through the city.
  • The city's population grew significantly from 674,448 in 2008 to over 1.1 million by 2020, making it a rapidly developing urban centre.
  • Lilongwe serves as a critical economic and transportation hub for central Malawi, connecting the country to neighbouring Mozambique and Zambia.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lilongwe

What is the population of Lilongwe?

Lilongwe has a population of 1,122,000 as of 2020, making it Malawi's largest city and capital.

What region is Lilongwe located in?

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

What currency is used in Lilongwe?

The currency used in Lilongwe is the Malawian Kwacha, the official currency of Malawi.

What language is spoken in Lilongwe?

The primary languages spoken in Lilongwe are Chichewa and English, with English widely used in business and tourism.

Is Lilongwe an important economic centre?

Yes, Lilongwe is an important economic and transportation hub for central Malawi, serving as a key business and logistics centre for the region.

Map of Lilongwe

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