Lilongwe walking tour & city guide

Old Town and the markets

Old Town, around Area 2 and Area 3, is the busy commercial heart of Lilongwe, full of small shops, minibuses and street traders. The Lilongwe Market, by the river, is a huge open market of fruit, vegetables, dried fish and second-hand clothes.

City Centre, in Area 12 and around Capital Hill, is quieter, with ministries, embassies and the modern Bingu International Convention Centre.

A classic walk

Start at the Lilongwe Market in Old Town and walk through Area 2's shopping streets. Visit the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, a sanctuary for rescued animals with a forest trail along the river, then head north to see the Kamuzu Mausoleum and the Parliament building.

Good to know

The dry season from May to October is the best time to visit, with cool mornings in June and July. Minibuses and taxis are the easiest way to cover the long distances between areas. Lake Malawi is about two hours' drive from the city, and many travellers stop in Lilongwe on the way.