A renowned British media and hospitality company, Time Out, has named Lagos the 19th best city to visit globally. 

The ranking was derived from a comprehensive survey involving over 20,000 city residents worldwide, combined with insights from Time Out’s editorial network. 

The assessment took into account various factors such as the quality and affordability of food, cultural richness, vibrant nightlife, the city’s overall atmosphere, community vibes, accessibility to green spaces, historic sites, and more.

This prestigious list positioned South Africa’s Cape Town at the second spot, further highlighting the diverse representation of African cities. Ghana’s Accra secured the 44th position, affirming the continent’s prominence in the global travel landscape.

Time Out’s report specifically lauded Lagos for its appeal to a broad audience, citing its position as Africa’s most populous city. 

It emphasized the city’s ongoing expansion, spotlighting the live-work-play concept of Eko Atlantic City and the burgeoning developments in Epe, situated on the north side of Lekki Lagoon.

The report commended Lagos for its quality of life, with 96% of locals expressing contentment, 98% describing the city as beautiful, and a noteworthy 92% friendliness rating. It encouraged global travelers to explore Lagos, underscoring its multifaceted attractions.

The report highlighted specific areas and attractions within Lagos, such as Victoria Island’s upscale resorts, culinary hotspots, and vibrant nightlife. 

Lekki was recommended for brunch enthusiasts, and Kuti’s Bistro in Ikeja, owned by the iconic afrobeat family, was acknowledged for consistently serving delicious food. Oniru Beach was spotlighted as a relaxing destination.

While this recognition from Time Out contrasts with a previous report ranking Lagos among the least livable cities, it underscores the city’s dynamic nature and its ability to cater to diverse preferences. 

The full list includes a range of global cities, with New York securing the top spot and Vancouver rounding off the list at 50th place.

Here is the complete list of cities:

1. New York City, United States
2. Cape Town, South Africa
3. Berlin, Germany
4. London, United Kingdom
5. Madrid, Spain
6. Mexico City, Mexico
7. Liverpool, UK
8. Tokyo, Japan
9. Rome, Italy
10. Porto, Portugal
11. Paris, France
12. Mumbai, India
13. Lisbon, Portugal
14. Chicago, US
15. Manchester, UK
16. São Paulo, Brazil
17. Los Angeles, US
18. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
19. Lagos, Nigeria
20. Melbourne, Australia
21. Naples, Italy
22. Singapore
23. Miami, US
24. Bangkok, Thailand
25. Lima, Peru
26. Budapest, Hungary
27. Beijing, China
28. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
29. Montreal, Canada
30. Glasgow, UK
31. Sydney, Australia
32. Buenos Aires, Argentina
33. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
34. Manila, Philippines
35. Seoul, South Korea
36. Hanoi, Vietnam
37. San Francisco, US
38. Barcelona, Spain
39. Abu Dhabi, UAE
40. New Orleans, US
41. Philadelphia, US
42. Austin, US
43. Boston, US
44. Accra, Ghana
45. Marseille, France
46. Taipei, Taiwan
47. Istanbul, Turkey
48. Osaka, Japan
49. Hong Kong, China
50. Vancouver, Canada