Lagos Ranked Among World’s Top Cities for Nightlife

Lagos has been ranked among the top cities in the world for nightlife, earning the sixth spot on Time Out’s prestigious list of global nightlife destinations for 2024. The ranking places Nigeria’s commercial capital ahead of several renowned cities such as Rotterdam, Manchester, Budapest, and Buenos Aires, with only Rio de Janeiro, Manila, Berlin, Guadalajara, and Austin coming ahead of it.

The report, which is based on a global survey conducted by Time Out involving tens of thousands of residents and local experts, highlights the quality, vibrancy, and affordability of nightlife in each city. Lagos scored particularly high in quality, receiving an 80% rating, while affordability earned the city a 48% score an indicator of the accessible entertainment options available to both residents and tourists.

Time Out praised Lagos for its high-energy nightlife culture, a scene defined by Afrobeats music, diverse dance floors, rooftop bars, open-air lounges, and venues that remain alive well into the early hours. Popular nightlife spots like Freedom Park, Moist Beach Club, Quilox, and The House in Victoria Island have contributed to this thriving entertainment landscape.

The Lagos State Government has welcomed the ranking as validation of its efforts to promote the city as a cultural and tourism hub. The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, credited Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for investing in infrastructure, transportation, safety, and support for creative industries all of which have strengthened the city’s appeal as a nightlife destination.

According to economic projections, Lagos’s entertainment and nightlife sector is expected to contribute over $3.4 billion to Nigeria’s GDP by 2026, up from $2 billion in 2016. The growth is driven by the city’s rapidly expanding population, young demographic, and global interest in Nigerian music and culture.

This latest recognition adds to a string of accolades for Lagos. Earlier in the year, the city was listed as the 19th best city in the world to visit ahead of cities like Dubai and Miami thanks to its food scene, cultural diversity, and lively social atmosphere.

For residents and visitors alike, Lagos continues to prove that it is not just a commercial powerhouse but a global nightlife capital, where music, dance, and community come alive under the night sky.