What to do in Lilongwe

Malawi's capital offers an intriguing tale of two cities: a bustling Old Town where market traders hawk their wares in narrow streets, and a modern city centre where diplomatic plates gleam in the African sun. Between these worlds, the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre provides sanctuary to rescued animals amid an unexpected urban wilderness. By day, browse contemporary African art galleries and sip coffee in colonial-era buildings; by night, catch the rhythm of Malawi's evolving music scene in intimate venues. Here, diplomatic soirées and traditional markets coexist in a capital that's refreshingly different from its African counterparts.