Olusegun Adeyemo
Lagos has secured a prestigious spot on the global stage, ranking 14th among the world’s top nightlife cities in Time Out Magazine’s 2025 Nightlife Index, and earning the second-best position in Africa, just behind Cape Town, South Africa.
The renowned lifestyle publication, Time Out Magazine, compiled the rankings through an international survey involving thousands of residents and nightlife experts, evaluating the energy, diversity, and evolution of nighttime scenes in cities around the globe.
According to the report, 79% of Lagosians rated the city’s nightlife positively, praising its vibrant mix of high-end lounges, Afrobeat hotspots, late-night food culture, and a growing underground rave scene. This cultural blend helped Lagos surpass other African contenders such as Cairo (15th) and Marrakech (19th).
Reacting to the accolade, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said the ranking is a direct outcome of the state government’s investments in security and tourism.
“This shows that the security architecture introduced by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is yielding results,” Omotoso said. “It also reflects the success of major events like Detty December, which continue to attract both local and international tourists.”
He revealed that plans are underway to formalise the state’s tourism calendar, especially for events in the final quarter of the year, adding that Lagos will be the first African city to host the prestigious EI (water race) Championship in late 2025.
Time Out also emphasized how nightlife around the world is evolving to meet the changing tastes of city dwellers—something Lagos has embraced with creativity and enthusiasm.
This latest recognition follows Lagos’ impressive 6th-place ranking in Time Out’s September 2024 nightlife report, where it outpaced major cities like Rotterdam and Manchester.
Since its founding in 1968, Time Out Magazine has built a global reputation as a guide to urban culture and experiences, operating in over 330 cities across 59 countries.
Top 20 Cities for Nightlife in 2025 (Time Out Magazine):
Las Vegas
Madrid
Paris
Shanghai
Berlin
Melbourne
Brighton
Mexico City
Dubai
Mumbai
Cape Town
Warsaw
Bangkok
Lagos
Cairo
Riyadh
Amsterdam
Medellín
Marrakech
Athens