By Cyril Ehis
When night life is discussed either in Africa or globalky, Lagos, Nigeria’s entertainment and commercial bervecentre is in good company.
It is ranked 14th in the league of cities with the best night life in tge world.
Also read: Lagos Hosts AFRIMA 2025 as Africa’s Music Powerhouse Returns with Unstoppable Energy
That ranking, which was rekeased in Juky by ‘Time Out’ magazine makes Lagos the second best in Africa, after Cape Town and ahead of Cairo and Marrakech, the onky other African cities that are listed among the Top 20.
Time Out Magazine’s 2025 global nightlife rankings is considered one of the world’s reliable barometers of night life across the world.
Time Out Magazine, which operates in 333 cities across 59 countries, has been a leading global guide for urban culture since its inception in 1968.
The global ranking, which featured cities such as Berlin, Mexico City, and Las Vegas, examined the evolving ways people spend their nights out, from sober-friendly collectives and late-night cafés to cocktail bars and large-scale music events.
An impressive 79% of Lagosians rated their city’s nightlife positively, praising its diversity and dynamism.
The report highlighted Lagos’ evolution from exclusive lounges to inclusive underground raves, with events like SweatItOutLagos and Our Group Therapy gaining popularity.
Venues such as Freedom Park and The House on Victoria Island were noted for hosting diverse events, from salsa nights to Afro house club evenings, reflecting the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
Reacting to the development, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, hailed the ranking as a testament to the city’s safety and vibrant socio-economic landscape.
He pointed to the state’s investments in tourism, entertainment, and security as key drivers of this achievement.
The annual “Detty December” festivities, known for their economic and cultural impact, were cited as a highlight of the city’s nightlife calendar.
“This shows that the security architecture introduced by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is yielding results.
“It also reflects the success of major events like Detty December, which continue to attract both local and international tourists.”
The Commissioner further quoted the Time Out report, saying, “Nightlife takes on lots of different forms, and cities all over the world have adapted to our changing habits when it comes to going out.”
The vibrant Nigerian metropolis, renowned for its pulsating energy, trailed only Cape Town, South Africa, on the African continent, while surpassing cities like Cairo, Egypt, and Marrakech, Morocco, in the international list.
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.
Here is the complete list of the 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
