Nightlife has been through a lot since the world (temporarily) shut down in 2020. It’s not all been positive: cities like London have seen the closure of thousands of clubs, bars and pubs. The cost-of-living crisis in the UK and around the world has had a huge impact on nightlife. And rumour has it young people just aren’t going out anymore.
So, is nightlife dead? Not exactly, but it’s changed. Where superclubs have become passé, listening bars, word-of-mouth raves and outdoor events have taken their place. Sober clubbing is on the rise, while country music has people filling dancefloors in the US and, surprisingly, the UK. In our brand-new list of the world’s best cities for nightlife, two events discourage wearing shoes.
At Time Out, we’ve been champions of nightlife since our foundation. That’s why we set out to find the world’s best cities for nightlife in 2024 by surveying thousands of people in hundreds of the world’s best cities. As well as being quizzed on their favourite venues and experiences, locals were asked to rate their city’s nightlife scene on both its quality and affordability – because nothing puts a downer on your night like a hefty entrance fee or an £8 pint.
After crunching all that data, we then narrowed down the selection by excluding cities with lower overall scores, and only including the highest-scoring city for each country. To complete the list, we reached out to those who live and breathe nightlife – DJs – to nominate three nightlife capitals that deserve a spotlight.
Some of these destinations have always been legendary nightlife cities; others might not yet be on your radar. But, as our clued-up local experts have attested below, every city on this list is a genuinely exciting place to go out and have a good time after dark right now. So get on your dancing shoes: these are the world’s best cities for nightlife in 2024.
The world’s best nightlife cities
1. Rio de Janeiro
Circo Voador nightclub in Rio | Photograph: Felipe Diniz
Brazil
How it ranked The city home to Rio Carnaval, the world’s biggest party, was hardly going to miss out on the number one spot. Nightlife in Brazil’s raucous seaside city was given a 90 percent quality score, and locals rated it highly for affordability, too. What exactly makes nightlife in Rio so great? According to our survey of locals, the best things about going out in Rio are the bohemian bars of Lapa, live music, dance halls and spontaneous outdoor samba parties.
Why visit now ‘Gone are the days when nightclubs were the go-to places at night in Rio de Janeiro. In the lively Botafogo district, up-and-coming gastronomic hotspots like Alba and Vian Cocktail Bar, become dancefloors on the weekends, and the streets have never been livelier since the end of the pandemic,’ says Renata Magalhães, editor of Time Out Rio de Janeiro. ‘From Glória to the Port Zone, the rhythmic beats of rodas de samba resonate at every turn, attracting a beautiful and diverse crowd. Morro do Pinto has emerged as a trendy destination, while Lapa’s timeless bohemia continues to charm with Bar da Cachaça and Beco do Rato still going strong. Suru Bar has become one of my favourites in the area, drawing crowds every night of the week for its Brazilian-inspired cocktails and sensational vibes.’
2. Manila
Uma Nota | Photograph: Uma Nota
Philippines
How it ranked A night out won’t drain your bank account in the Philippine capital, which came out as the most affordable city on our list to go out in at night. Not only that, but Manila’s nightlife scene earned an impressive 78 percent quality score, too, with locals describing the city as ‘beautiful’, ‘bright’ and ‘alive’ after hours. According to locals, Manila’s nightlife has the edge for its late-night food markets like Divisoria and the lively districts of Poblacion and Bonifacio Global City.
Why visit now ‘The nightlife scene in Manila easily rivals that of Hong Kong and Thailand,’ says Manila-based writer Joaquin Hernandez. ‘I consider myself lucky to live in Salcedo Village, home to L.P. Leviste Street – recently hailed by Time Out as one of the coolest streets in the world. Salcedo Village is full of restobars and neighbourhood favourites – my top pick is the newly opened Papillon, which serves modernised Asian cuisine and stays open for cocktails til the early hours. The ever-reliable Pablo Bistro at the Picasso Hotel comes alive on Friday nights. Beyond Salcedo, notable new venues include Cheshire in Poblacion, a trendy speakeasy serving up 52 unique drinks presented on a menu printed on a deck of cards, and the newly opened Uma Nota restaurant in BGC, which transforms into a vibrant bar complete with live dancers as the night progresses.’
3. Berlin
SchwuZ, queer club in Berlin | Photograph: Peter Dobias
Germany
How it ranked With its legendary club scene, techno parties and true 24-hour-city status, it’ll come as a shock to no-one that Berlin ranked highest of all European cities surveyed. Nightlife in the German capital earned scores of 82 percent for quality and 48 percent for affordability, with locals shouting out iconic clubs Tresor and Matrix alongside the lively pockets of Friedrichshain and Warschauer Straße.
Why visit now ‘The last few years have witnessed the deaths of some beloved nightlife institutions – most recently Neukölln’s Loophole – but Berlin continues to reinvent itself,’ says Berlin-based writer Anna Geary-Meyer. ‘Outdoor raves (spread via word-of-mouth) have made a comeback, while the former Griessmühle team opened RSO, home to quality techno parties. I’ve also noticed a trend towards softer, more wholesome (by Berlin standards) events: Fandango hosts a weekly beach party on the shores of Plötzensee, and Kwia, an ambient listening bar, discourages shoes. Despite intermittent whispers that it’s passé, I still think Berghain is a great way to get your steps in on a Sunday afternoon, and they have a new sound system.’
4. Guadalajara
Strana nightclub in Guadalajara | Photograph: Strana
Mexico
How it ranked As the capital of a region that gave the world mariachi music and tequila, Guadalajara is a guaranteed good time – and locals agree. Nightlife in Guadalajara was rated the highest for quality out of every city on this list, with locals giving it a top score of 92 percent. A low affordability rating of 28 percent knocked the city back a few pegs in our ranking.
Why visit now ‘Expiatorio, known affectionately as Tori, is my favourite spot for after-dark fun in the city. The neighbourhood has a way more relaxed vibe than your usual club district, one that channels the city’s energy perfectly,’ says Rory Buccheri, a writer based in Guadalajara. ‘There are impromptu salsa dances in the square, loads of quirky bars and local food stalls for a late-night refuel. A great night out in Expiatorio would start with a cerveza with a view at rooftop bar El Cardenal and end with a burrito from the food stalls opposite the church. And if you want to get dancy, join the crowd walking from the University campus to the 1er Piso Jazz bar a few steps away, a true Guadalajara-style jazz bar.’
5. Austin
Volstead at Hotel Vegas, Austin | Photograph: Roger Ho
USA
How it ranked Texas’s state capital – aka the Live Music Capital of the World – topped the rankings of all US cities surveyed. In fact, nightlife in Austin received the third-highest quality score from locals in our survey, with the buzzy thoroughfares of 6th Street and Congress Avenue getting the most shoutouts.
Why visit now ‘In a city where summer can last for six months, nightlife can look a lot cooler out of necessity,’ says Austin local and former Time Out New York editor Jillian Anthony. ‘On a Friday night, many Austinites feel the siren call of Barton Springs, the vibrant, giant, freshwater pool that stays at a brisk 68 degrees all year long. The springs double as Austin’s sexiest dating pool, so don’t hesitate to put your towel down next to your crush. Once your core temperature goes down enough to think again, I suggest putting on your funkiest outfit (know that high heels are not a thing here) and heading to Cheer Up Charlie’s, the club where every brand of sexuality gathers for drag shows, sold-out Saltburn parties, and sweaty dancing under the stars.’
6. Lagos
Lagos at night | Photogaph: Alucardion / Shutterstock.com
Nigeria
How it ranked Afrobeats, a sound that has taken dancefloors by storm the world over, has its roots in Nigeria – so it’s no wonder the country’s largest urban hub scored so highly on the nightlife front. Lagos earned an 80 percent quality score for its nightlife scene, and it’s not too expensive to locals either, scoring 48 percent for affordability.
Why visit now ‘This summer, nightlife in Lagos has taken on a bit of a theme: there are events that celebrate our city’s rich history alongside nights that look to the future,’ says Lagos writer Ade Adeniji. ‘We’ve just come off the back of a citywide celebration of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s 90th birthday, including at Freedom Park Lagos, where live music went on all night. Familiar spaces like Freedom Park and The House on Victoria Island are now being used for fun new nightlife events: there are Sunday salsa nights and networking events alike at The House, as well as regular clubnight Odyssey House, a go-to for experiencing the rising afro house scene. During Pride Month, Francis Fola Ball brought ballroom culture alive and honoured the late Fola Francis, the first trans model to walk at Lagos Fashion Week.’
7. Rotterdam
Maassilo club in Rotterdam | Photograph: Sophie Tikken
Netherlands
How it ranked The Netherlands’ second city ranked as the second-most affordable destination for nightlife in our survey (the same can’t be said for the other ’Dam, that’s for sure). Locals named the industrial Maassilo and dance club Annabel as their favourite venues, but while the city’s techno and clubbing scene got a few mentions, the most used term to describe Rotterdam’s nightlife was ‘cosy’.
Why visit now ‘Rotterdam nightlife is unique in that it isn’t concentrated in one specific area – it sprawls across the city. Witte de Withstraat might be the dedicated street for cafes, restaurants, and bars, but there’s something happening on every corner and canal,’ says Rotterdam-based writer Fleurine Tideman. ‘Rain or sunshine, you’ll find people on terraces such as Biergarten, where ‘biertjes’ (which means, literally, ‘little beer’), play a vital role in Dutch nightlife. Keep an eye out for Kaapse Brouwers bars, as each venue has a different vibe with a unique homebrew. Rotterdam is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the Netherlands, and I enjoy nothing more than heading to Ferry on a Saturday night for classic Y2K music and a never-ending pride party.’
8. Manchester
Manchester Pride nighttime event | Photograph: Gemma Parker
UK
How it ranked Anyone who’s been out in Manny will have a story for the ages, so legendary is the northern city’s nightlife scene in the UK. Locals gave Manchester’s nightlife an 80 percent score for quality (though they didn’t rate it so highly for affordability, which earned a score of just 28 percent). Mancunians praised the ‘inclusiveness’ and ‘variety’ of Manchester’s after-dark offering (‘bubbly’ and ‘happy’ featured several times in the survey, too).
Why visit now ‘Manchester’s club scene is in a state of flux,’ says Manchester-based writer Ian Jones. ‘As the city grows, so does the number of sub-par spaces charging sky-high prices. Clued-in clubbers are rejecting slick corporate clubbing and adopting the spirit of early rave – less TikTok, more arms-in-the-air. Most great nights involve a trip to an industrial estate for Hidden or The White Hotel, but nearer the centre, the cutting-edge stuff is happening in unflashy basements and backrooms at newer places like Peste, DBA and N/OM. Old-school outsider venues like Soup Kitchen, Star & Garter and Eagle Inn have a similarly unorthodox, queer-friendly vibe. Bottom line? Swerve the mainstream moneymakers, Manchester’s best clubs are equal parts inclusive and authentic.’
9. Budapest
Budapest Park | Photograph: Nagy Márton
Hungary
How it ranked Locals in Budapest couldn’t settle on one favourite nightlife venue – Budapest Park, Remix, Instant-Fogas, CAT, BOB, Peaches and Cream and Morrison’s 2 all received multiple shoutouts in our survey. In other words, the Hungarian capital is bursting at the seams with options for a great night out. With an 80 percent quality score, Budapest’s nightlife scene is easily up there as one of the best in Europe.
Why visit now ‘Budapest might be known for its eclectic ruin bars, but a new wave of nightlife spots have arrived in the city,’ says Budapest writer Peterjon Cresswell. ‘They’re a bit more swish, and notably, they come with a view. They’re atop lifestyle hotels and iconic buildings, such as Aria, 360 and, just opened by Australia’s TRIBE group, the Cloud IX. Skybar, to name but three. Even long-established favourites such as the A38 Boat make best use of Budapest’s gorgeous cityscape as a backdrop for regular DJ sets and parties. Essential to escape the summer heat, these panoramic destinations then winterise by installing cosy communal igloos and bringing warmth to their seasonal drinks selections, all without shifting focus from the spectacular setting of Europe’s most beautiful capital.’
10. Accra
South Village in Accra | Photograph: @teamblackimage
Ghana
How it ranked Ghana’s coastal capital ranked well overall for its nightlife scene, scoring 66 percent for quality and 36 percent for affordability. Locals described nightlife in Accra as ‘beautiful’, ‘peaceful’ and ‘safe’, naming the bar-laden neighbourhood of Osu and Labadi Beach – known for its all-night-long beach parties – as their favourite spots to let loose.
Why visit now ‘Accra’s nightlife has resurged since the pandemic, and these days it’s all about outdoor events: think rooftop bars, open-air concerts, live DJ sets and art festivals,’ says Accra expert Kofi Dotse. ‘Street life is still as vibrant as ever – on any given night, you’ll find streets buzzing with food vendors and music. Iconic venues like Palm Moment’s Fake Fridays, South Village’s warehouse parties, Alley Bar, and Frontback continue to set the standard for high-energy clubbing. For a typical LGBTQ+ night out, don’t miss Cult Pop Worldwide’s parties at Aria Accra and Frontback.’
11. Buenos Aires
Photograph: SC Image / Shutterstock.com
Argentina
How it ranked With its traditional tango clubs, late-night theatre and lively ‘boliches’ (nightclubs) that keep the good times going ’til sunrise, the Argentine capital is undoubtedly one of the world’s great party cities. The nightlife scene in Buenos Aires earned a respectable 72 percent quality score, but a low affordability score of just 4 percent dragged the city down the ranking.
Why visit now ‘Buenos Aires is a city that truly comes alive at night – just take a stroll along Avenida Corrientes at 10pm to see what I mean,’ says Pilar Tapia, editor at Time Out Buenos Aires. ‘My favourite bars at the moment include Mixtape, the city’s first listening bar in Barrio Chino; Punta Mona, owned by well-known bartender Mona Gallosi, in Chacarita (the most hyped neighbourhood in the city right now); Al Fondo Bar, a speakeasy hidden al fondo (meaning ‘at the end’) of a restaurant in Nuñez; and CoChinChinaBar, named one of The World’s 50 Best Bars. Over the past couple of years, fiestas have taken over Buenos Aires’ nightlife scene. They’re relaxed, inclusive events with a strong familial vibe, and most have a specific theme. Some of my top picks include the iconic Polenta and Bresh, Club de la Serpiente, PAN Percusión (which uses sign language), kink celebration Durx Dance Club, parties at Casa Brandon (the main hub of the city’s LGBTQ+ community) and Ecstatic Dance, where both talking and wearing shoes is not permitted.’
12. Taipei
Photograph: Taipei Tourism Administration
Taiwan
How it ranked Taiwan’s densely populated capital is certainly not short of options for a good time after dark. Asked the best thing about their city’s nightlife scene, locals recommended the humming night markets of Shilin and Raohe, the glitzy clubs of the Xinyi District and the many KTV (karaoke rooms) dotted across the city. Taipei’s nightlife was given a 72 percent score for quality, but an average score of zero for affordability.
Why visit now ‘Creatures of the night will feel right at home in Taipei,’ says Taipei-based writer Ken Chao. ‘The city knows that balance is key: there are high-energy parties at popular spots like Final and Studio 9, or a more relaxed vibe at 丘香 Sake Bar and Fake Sober Taipei. Xinyi District remains the go-to neighbourhood for bar and club hopping. The colourful area is a hub for LGBTQ+-friendly bars, including Belle’s in Taipei, where RuPaul’s Drag Race star Nymphia Wind used to perform. Whatever your tipple, it’s catered for here, from cocktails on tap at Draft Land and the inspired drink creations at UnDer Lab to the massive selection of local craft beers at Taihu Brewing. Cap off the night like the locals do by lining your stomach at one of Taipei’s many late-night hotpot restaurants – Orange Shabu, for instance, is open ’till 2.30am.’
13. Singapore
MARQUEE club Singapore | Photograph: MARQUEE Singapore
Singapore
How it ranked Nobody can argue that Singapore’s nightlife isn’t good – with an 80 percent quality score, it’s one of the higher-rated cities in our list. It didn’t fare so well on the affordability front: a -22 percent rating knocked it down to last place on our list. Of course, it’s worth noting that affordability is relative, and Singapore isn’t just spenny cocktail bars and high-end clubs. In lieu of paying sky-high entry fees, spend your night (and your cash) at low-key jazz bars, cheerful pubs and indie music venues.
Why visit now ‘Singapore has always been a great place to party,’ says Cheryl Sekkappan, deputy editor at Time Out Singapore. ‘Nightlife icons like Zouk and Marquee continue to pull in international heavyweights like ZHU and Peggy Gou. But the cool kids are going underground, to hazy techno nights in nondescript office buildings and drum ’n’ bass parties in art galleries, led by local collectives like Thugshop, Darker Than Wax, Strange Weather and North East Social Club. ‘Healthy hedonism’ – a term coined by party people Wild Pearl and Yes You – is also on the rise. Nightlife gets flipped on its head at daytime parties like Immersion, where freezing cold plunges are followed by sizzling dancefloors, and where people shirk the booze for kombucha. This wellness clubbing trend comes to a head at the free-spirited Sunda Festival, Singapore’s first camping rave that’s returning for a second run this October.’
DJ picks
Barcelona
Photograph: Fotokon / Shutterstock.com
Spain
According to Barcelona-based DJ Pau Roca
‘There’s an abundance of creativity and activity outside the usual club circuit in Barcelona, along with many people making great music and helping the scene grow. Every weekend there’s a different event, and anyone interested in clubbing can find a party to suit their taste. You might catch Goldie doing a surprise jungle and drum ‘n’ bass set in a small club like Red58, see the legendary Joe Claussell in a big venue like Nitsa Club, or watch members of Wu-Tang Clan enjoying a local DJ’s soul and R&B set at the Curtis.
‘But if I had to pick a favourite club, it’d be Laut. Maybe it’s because I don’t enjoy massive venues as much as I used to, but Laut feels like more than just a business venture; there’s a clear vision behind it. The club has a clean and understated aesthetic, excellent sound quality, and an atmosphere of respect and consistency. As a patron, I always have a great time, and as a DJ, I’ve played there about ten times and each experience has been positive. Laut is close to my ideal club, the kind every city should have.’
Hong Kong
Photograph: BERK OZDEMIR / Shutterstock.com
Hong Kong
According to creative producer, broadcaster and DJ Arthur Bray
‘Party crews, independent record labels and art collectives are doing exciting projects across Hong Kong right now. Think warehouse lofts, community spaces, galleries. But if the world ends, you’ll likely catch me sinking pints in Bar.42, Soho, playing Scrabble with my eyes closed. It’s a low-key ‘before and after‘ bar. If you work in the nighttime economy, and have been dealing with people all evening, this dive’s a good little hideout to hydrate and chat nonsense. Or BOUND KOWLOON, Prince Edward, run by some rad people!’
Brisbane
Photograph: ambimages / Shutterstock.com
Australia
According to Brisbane-born DJ and producer Young Franco
‘Brisbane is continually re-inventing itself – there are always exciting new places to try whenever I’m back. I’m a big fan of what the team have done with the Felons brewery precinct at Howard Smith Wharves. But most importantly, Brisbane will always love and appreciate its bands and live venues. The Tivoli, The Triffid, Princess Theatre and Fortitude Valley Music Hall; all world-class spots for touring bands of which all the Brisbane legends have played.
‘Black Bear Lodge is an absolute staple for small up-and-coming bands to play. I played one of my first headline shows there and remember it fondly. For a city that is forever changing, it’s really stood the test of time and I think that’s a credit to the staff and team, their curation, the DJs that have played there and the great atmosphere they create.‘
