The Old Town:
The Old Town is the closest region to the City Centre. It has a thriving commercial district with everything from clothing, local food, and western style groceries, to building supplies and car parts. The Old Town also houses 2 large mosques, a mini bus station and Lilongwe's main local market.

Area 3 and Area 9: Old Town:
The West bank of the Lilongwe river is home to large, wealthy residential neighborhoods, expatriate bars, western style shopping and restaurants, and private expatriate clinics

Area 47:
Home to the African Bible College, and its missionary clinic (usually staffed by American doctors). There is also the Silver stadium)and the Children of the Nations is headquartered at the African Bible College.
    
Transport:
Lilongwe is served by Malawi Railways and Shire Bus Lines, and local buses and minibuses run between Old Town, City Centre, Kamuzu International Airport, and other urban centers, including Mzuzu and Blantyre.

Shopping:
The main westernised shopping area is around the Nico Centre and Shoprite in Area 3, on the west bank of the Lilongwe river in the Old Town. A newer shopping center, the Crossroads Shopping Center is located near the Mchinji round-about across from the Seven Eleven filling station.

The Pacific Shopping Mall is situated in Area 10, with several internet cafes located in and around the two shopping centres. Crafts and gifts are avaialable from the post office craft market directly opposite the Nico Centre. To get a good deal in the craft market, you may have to use bartering skills. Pharmacies, bureau de changes and banks (including the Malawi National Bank and Stanbic) are located throughout the city.

ATM's which accept VISA/Credit cards are available at the banks in the City Centre and Area 3.