Lilongwe is Malawi's capital and its largest city, sitting on a plateau in the Central Region along the Lilongwe River. It is the country's main economic and transport hub for the centre of the country, and it has grown quickly from a modest trading and administrative town into a sprawling capital.
For a visitor, the most useful way to think about Lilongwe is as two cities: the New City, which holds hotels, embassies, government institutions and offices, and the Old Town, which has markets, bus stations, cafes and restaurants. The modern shops of the city sit in contrast to the street and walled markets of Old Town. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, and what each is like depending on your budget and the kind of trip you are taking.
Best areas to stay in Lilongwe
1. Old Town
Old Town is the established commercial heart of the city, made up of the twin centres in Area 2 and Area 3. It is where you find markets, bus stations, cafes and restaurants, and it is the most practical base if you want to be within walking distance of everyday services and transport. Accommodation here ranges from lodges near the bus station to guesthouses and hotels in the centre of the Old Town, including places with their own cafe, restaurant and bar.
This area suits budget travellers and anyone who values convenience over quiet. It is also the handiest base for onward travel, since the bus stations are here. Expect a busy, commercial atmosphere rather than a peaceful one.
2. City Centre and the Capital Hill area
The New City hosts hotels, embassies, governmental institutions and offices, and the City Centre serves the Capital Hill sector. This is the more formal, spacious side of the capital, laid out with the parkland setting that was part of the city's planning from the beginning. You find larger, full-service hotels here, along with the modern shops of the city.
It suits business travellers, official visitors and anyone who prefers a quieter, more spread-out base with more upmarket accommodation. It is less convenient for markets and bus stations than Old Town, so you will rely more on vehicles to get around.
3. Residential areas close to the centre
There are quiet residential pockets within easy reach of downtown, where accommodation sits in a calmer setting while still being close to the centre. These areas suit travellers who want a relaxing base, and some places here offer a swimming pool and a range of room types from dorm-style to private.
This is a good choice for families and for anyone staying several nights who wants less noise than Old Town. You will generally need transport for shopping and eating out, since these are residential rather than commercial districts.
4. The Mchinji Roundabout and Crossroads area
Around the Mchinji Roundabout you find the Crossroads Complex, a modern development with a shopping mall next door and larger hotels with extensive facilities. It suits travellers who want a self-contained base with shopping and amenities on the doorstep, and it works well for those arriving or departing via the western road towards the Zambian border.
This area is away from the Old Town's markets and bus stations, so it is best if you have your own transport or are happy to use taxis.
5. The Mzimba Road area
Just off the southern side of Mzimba Road, east of the City Mall roundabout, you find quieter accommodation in a central location. This suits travellers who want a calm base that is still close to the centre, with places offering gardens, outdoor seating and reliable internet.
It is a reasonable middle ground between the bustle of Old Town and the formality of the New City, and it keeps you within easy reach of the City Mall area.
6. Kanengo and Lumbadzi
These are the northern sectors of the city, each built around its own commercial centre, with Kanengo in Area 25/2 and Lumbadzi based on the established trading centre in Area 53/2. Lumbadzi relates to the Kamuzu International Airport side of the city.
These areas suit travellers who need to be near the airport or who have business in the northern industrial and commercial zones. They are far from the Old Town and City Centre, so they are not a convenient base for sightseeing in the capital itself.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: lodges near the bus station, guesthouses with single rooms or small dorms, camping options, and dormitory beds in shared rooms. Hot water showers and gardens are typical at the guesthouse end.
- Mid-range: hotels and lodges in or close to the centre of Old Town, often with their own cafe, restaurant or bar, and quieter residential properties with a pool and a mix of dorm-style and private rooms.
- Splurge: larger full-service hotels in the New City and around the Crossroads Complex, with facilities such as pools, gyms and fast internet, and shopping nearby.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in Old Town. It puts you among the markets, bus stations, cafes and restaurants that give the city its everyday character, and it is the most convenient starting point for getting around. If you would rather have quiet and more upmarket facilities, the City Centre and Capital Hill area is the alternative.
Frequently asked questions
How is Lilongwe divided for a visitor?
The city is divided into a New and an Old City. The New City hosts hotels, embassies, governmental institutions and offices, while the Old Town has markets, bus stations, cafes and restaurants.
Which area is best if I am travelling on a budget?
Old Town, particularly around the bus station, where lodges and guesthouses offer the cheapest rooms, and where camping and dormitory beds are also available.
Where should I stay if I want a quiet base close to the centre?
Look at the residential areas near downtown, which offer a relaxing setting close to the centre, or the quieter lanes off Mzimba Road on the southern side, east of the City Mall roundabout.
Which part of the city is closest to the airport?
The northern sectors of Kanengo and Lumbadzi, with Lumbadzi based on the established trading centre in Area 53/2 and linked to the Kamuzu International Airport.
When you have a sense of which area suits your trip, compare live prices with the booking tools on this page.