The city of Lagos has been honored with a spot among the top 20 nightlife destinations across the world, taking 14th place in a newly released global ranking and coming second in Africa behind Cape Town.
Time Out Magazine spearheaded the research, enlisting city-based respondents and nightlife authorities to assess nightlife vibrancy and satisfaction. Lagos received favorable ratings from 79% of its residents.
This latest achievement puts Lagos above other prominent African urban centers like Cairo and Marrakech. Analysts credited the city’s mix of stylish lounges and its increasingly visible underground rave scene as key factors in this climb.
Venues like SweatItOutLagos and Our Group Therapy were praised for reshaping how residents and visitors experience nightlife.
Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso interpreted the accolade as a reflection of a safer, more vibrant Lagos under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership. He explained, “It shows that the security architecture put in place… is working.”
He added that the yearly Detty December festivities have consistently boosted Lagos’ socio-economic metrics, and the administration is working to give structure to these events with a tourism calendar.
Notably, Lagos is also gearing up to host the EI water race this year — the first time an African city will do so.
The acknowledgment echoes a similar honor in 2024 when Lagos ranked sixth globally, further cementing its nightlife reputation.