Lagos has been ranked among the world’s top nightlife cities, clinching the 14th spot globally and emerging as the second-best in Africa, just behind Cape Town, South Africa.
The recognition was announced in a recent global report by Time Out Magazine, which surveyed thousands of city dwellers and consulted nightlife experts to curate its definitive list of the most vibrant after-dark destinations.
According to the report, 79% of Lagos residents rated the city’s nightlife positively — a testament to its growing reputation as a cultural and entertainment hub.
Lagos surpassed other notable African cities, including Cairo, Egypt (15th), and Marrakech, Morocco (19th). The report highlighted the city’s evolution from exclusive lounges to a more inclusive and eclectic nightlife scene. Venues like SweatItOutLagos and Our Group Therapy were spotlighted as key players driving the city’s energetic rave and party culture.
Reacting to the report, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said the ranking underscores the effectiveness of the state’s security infrastructure and its impact on tourism.
“It shows that the security architecture put in place by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is working. It speaks to the number of tourists who pour into Lagos daily and the success of the last Detty December,” Omotoso stated.
He added that the Sanwo-Olu administration is working to institutionalize major tourism events into an official calendar, particularly those held in the final quarter of the year.
“This year, Lagos will also make history as the first African city to host the EI (Water Race) Championship,” he revealed.
Omotoso emphasized that the city’s end-of-year festivities, popularly known as Detty December, significantly boost the state’s socio-economic activity and global profile.
Quoting the Time Out report, the Commissioner noted, “Nightlife takes on lots of different forms, and cities all over the world have adapted to our changing habits when it comes to going out.”
This recognition follows Lagos’ previous feature in Time Out’s September 2024 nightlife list, where it ranked 6th globally, ahead of cities like Rotterdam and Manchester.
Founded in 1968, Time Out Magazine is a trusted global authority on urban culture, operating in 333 cities across 59 countries.