The world’s 20 best cities for nightlife right now

Why visit now: ‘Nightlife in Las Vegas famously centres around top DJs spinning EDM or hip hop in enormous resort nightclubs, a scene that’s celebrated each May when the Electric Daisy Carnival transforms the Las Vegas Motor Speedway into a giant rave,’ says Las Vegas local expert Ryan Slattery. ‘But in recent years, there’s been a shift to a more low-key nightlife venue: the cocktail bar. Across town, bartenders are shaking up tasty concoctions using exotic ingredients and bespoke liqueurs. Many of these cocktail lounges – Stray Pirate, Doberman and Nocturno, to name a few – can be found in the city’s thriving Arts District, a walkable downtown neighborhood of vintage shops, breweries and restaurants. Vegas also has a slew of tiki bars and dozens of speakeasies; spots hidden inside a working barbershop, behind a bookcase of a Mamak stall at Resorts World or in the basement of the Mob Museum. There’s even one called The Lock that you crawl into through a safe door.’ 

How it ranked: Vegas received the second-highest rating for the quality of its nightlife scene from locals in our survey, with a huge 88 percent of respondents saying nightlife is ‘good’ or ‘amazing’ in Sin City. The Nevada city was nudged into first place by a strong vote of confidence from our panel of experts, and out of all cities on this list, Vegas residents are the most likely to describe their city as ‘exciting’.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Las Vegas

Why visit now: ‘It only opened a few months ago, but Devil’s Cut – the first European bar from Tokyo bartending royalty Shingo Gokan – has already become one of the best cocktail joints in the city. This place is all about controlled chaos and short, sharp drinks,’ says Gorka Elorrieta, restaurants and bars editor at Time Out Madrid. ‘Pensión Mimosas, the new ‘secret’ bar near Puerta del Sol, has a buzzier atmosphere. Looking to party till dawn? You can still hit up icons with more than two decades under their belts, like Fabrik and Ochoymedio, or make a beeline for the roster of clubs from Madrid’s nightlife masterminds Edgar Kerri and Laura Vandall (Club Malasaña, El Internacional and Lucky Dragon). Big nights out happen on Gran Vía thanks to LuLa and Fitz, while Madrid’s LGBTQ+ scene boasts legendary venues like Rick’s, weekly drag shows at former indie temple Maravillas Club, and beautiful people packing out the nights at Marta, Cariño!, and Salvaora Brown. There’s also a new kind of high-end fun in town, spearheaded by a wave of Latin American arrivals: at places like Pabblo, Rhudo and Jimmy’s you’ll find either dinner and a show, or restaurants where the food is just the warm-up before the party really kicks off.’

How it ranked: Madrid tied with Paris to receive the third-highest share of votes from our panel – and its second-place ranking was cemented by a favourable rating from locals, 83 percent of whom rated their city’s nightlife scene highly. It didn’t fare quite so well on the affordability front – only 29 percent of locals said a night out clubbing was affordable.

🍹 Check out the best bars in Madrid right now

Why visit now: ‘Parisian nightlife is going through a new golden age right now,’ says Antoine Besse, restaurants and bars editor at Time Out Paris. ‘Queer collectives like La Créole, Divin0 and Le Bunker are lighting up the city with joyous, inclusive and intersectional parties where dancehall, perreo and afrobeats ring out, proving that techno no longer has a monopoly on the dancefloor. For all you BPM addicts, some exceptional new clubs have also sprung up this year, from the tiny, cutting-edge Essaim to the huge industrial temple that is Mia Mao. The city's northeast quarter can now boast Europe's biggest concentration of clubs – from La Station to Nexus, via Le Gore and Glazart – primed for non-stop 48-hour parties. No early nights here!’

How it ranked: We won’t skirt around it: Paris is expensive. It got the joint-lowest affordability rating for clubbing, with only 23 percent of respondents saying it was cheap to party in the French capital. But dig deep – going out in Paris is worth every penny, according to 80 percent of locals (and just over a third of our editor panel).

🪩 Discover the best dance bars in Paris

Why visit now: ‘To most of the world, Shanghai’s nightlife scene is relegated to single pavilion, multi-storied nightlife venues like INS or shiny cocktail bars sporting ‘Best of’ badges, like the newly opened Penicillin and mezcal maven Coa,’ says Sammi Sowerby, editor of Time Out Shanghai. ‘But what makes Shanghai’s nightlife truly one-of-a-kind is how it spills out into the city’s very clean, very safe and very pedestrian-friendly streets, uniting night owls across all demographics. Some streets are better than others for witnessing and participating in this rite of passage: check out Changle Road and keep your eyes peeled for Cedar Kitchen, a Mobil gas station by day and alternative venue by night; traipse towards the ‘golden triangle’ (Changle meets Fumin and Donghu) to see largely expat revellers living their best lives; and explore Xiangyang Road for lit Long Islands by smash burger joint Goodman and heavenly highballs by Ferra Bar, a Canto BBQ spot before 9pm. Basically, not everything is as meets the eye, so best to ask an insider for intel. I hope you enjoy seeing a different side of Shanghai!’

How it ranked: Shanghai locals are very proud of their city’s after-dark offerings. The city received the highest rating when it came to the quality of its nightlife, with a massive 89 percent of locals singing its praises. Plus, the city ties with Medellin as the most affordable on the list for entertainment – 72 percent of locals said stuff like going to the movies, having a theatre night and watching live music is either ‘cheap’ or ‘free’. 

🥂 Check out the best bars in Shanghai

Why visit now: ‘Berlin’s nightlife is constantly transforming, even as it reckons with the tragic closure of spots like Watergate and Wilde Renate - casualties of the wider ‘Clubsterben’ (literally ‘club death’) moment,’ says Berlin-based journalist Kate Bettes. ‘But its UNESCO-listed techno culture pounds on at RSO.Berlin and DSTRKT, and in lower-cost underground events shared via Signal. Beyond dark rooms you’ll find house at Panorama, all‑weekend raves at Sisyphos, queer nights at SchwuZ and summer day‑to-night raves at Else, Oxi and Heideglühen. Not heading to the club? In this city, the party will come to you – don’t be surprised when Christopher Street Day (Berlin’s answer to Pride) or Rave the Planet spills into the streets.’

How it ranked: Berlin was by far the Time Out favourite: the German capital received the highest number of votes from our panel of experts, and 72 percent of locals rated nightlife either ‘good’ or ‘amazing’. 

🕺 Check out the best clubs in Berlin

Why visit now: ‘We in Melbourne have always known our all-hours city is Australia’s nightlife capital, and now it can officially claim that title,’ says Leah Glynn, editor of Time Out Melbourne. ‘On any given evening, you can find a basement club catering for all kinds of subcultures, an intimate bar with a vinyl collection that will have you swooning (hello, Music Room) or a glittering drag show starring a roster of fabulous queens. And while the tried and true nightclubs remain a rite of passage for all partygoers – we’re looking at you, Revs – there’s been a noticeable shift to alternative after-hours adventures. Think chic, cosy lounges with epic sound systems à la Waxflower, Caretaker’s Cottage and Angel Music Bar, or late-night festivals like Rising and Now or Never that host exhibitions, feasts and parties well into the wee hours. Sleep? There’s no time for that in Melbourne.’

How it ranked: Locals in Melbourne were fourth-most likely to describe their city as ‘lively’, and an impressive 81 percent of Melburnians rated their city highly for nightlife. However, only 23 percent agreed that a night out in the city is cheap, making it one of the lowest-ranked cities for affordability.

🍹 Discover the best bars in Melbourne

Why visit now: ‘At Brighton’s nighttime core is the deep-rooted role that LGBTQ+ spaces – which began cropping up way back in the ’20s and ’30s – have played,’ says Liv Kelly, Time Out’s travel writer and Brighton native. ‘Today, veteran queer institutions (like Legends and Revenge) are still at the forefront of the queer nightlife scene, but more twenty-first-century approaches, such as lesbian clubnight Crushed, are also cropping up. A welcoming, accessible and – crucially – fun nightlife scene is a big part of Brighton’s ethos. Take TidalGroove, an events collective founded to spotlight the talent of local upcoming DJs and offer more affordable nights out across the musical spectrum. Since it was founded two years ago, the team now host the annual TidalFest, and run open deck sessions to foster a vibey, inclusive dynamic between partiers and performers. Fancy turning your hand to the decks? Head to Presuming Ed’s or The Mesmerist. Then there’s the roster of more intimate, sound-led venues and bars that have spawned in recent years: try The Well, Helm and Alphabet.’ 

How it ranked: According to locals in our survey, Brighton is one of the world’s most diverse and inclusive cities – a quality that’s reflected in its eclectic, queer-friendly nightlife scene. Eighty-one percent of locals rated nightlife highly in our survey, and 64 percent would describe the city as ‘welcoming and friendly’.

🍸 Discover the best bars in Brighton

Why visit now: ‘CDMX's nightlife is as diverse as its people,’ says Mauricio Nava, editor of Time Out Mexico City. ‘For culture seekers, museums like San Carlos and Cineteca Nacional extend their hours once a month, offering art and cinema until 10pm. Party lovers find their rhythm in urban and trap clubs like 512, or in exclusive experiences like the secret parties of Pervert and Fünk Club. The LGBTQ+ community flock to spaces like Bonito y Rico, while the mixology scene shines with innovative options such as Fo+Ma and La Vista, along with timeless classics such as Mauro and Bar Polilla, ensuring an unforgettable night for all tastes. ¡The city never sleeps!’

How it ranked: Mexico City received the second-highest number of votes from Time Out’s nightlife experts, a stamp of approval backed by 74 percent of locals. It’s also reasonably inexpensive, with 57 percent of locals saying entertainment – including live music and the theatre – is either ‘cheap or free’ or ‘affordable’.

🪩 Discover the best nightlife in Mexico City

Why visit now: ‘Dubai’s nightlife scene is easily one of the most diverse on the plane,’ says Yousra Zaki, food and drink editor at Time Out GCC. ‘It was once all about superclubs, but more and more locals are spending their evenings at curated listening bars and beach clubs. Legacy nightclubs like Sky 2.0 and Soho Garden are still pulling in big crowds, but the real energy is in the underground scene. In Business Bay, Honeycomb Hi-Fi – a bar hidden behind a record store – leads the city’s listening bar boom, while Chanca, a speakeasy inside Peruvian restaurant COYA Dubai, hosts genre-hopping DJ nights. Music-wise, amapiano, afrobeats and deep house dominate dancefloors, with party series like Bohemia Beach Club and Ushuaïa booking international names on the regular. And while you’ll still find big crowds in the cocktail bars of DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre), it’s the pool and beach clubs like Cloud 22 on Palm Jumeirah and Sirene Beach at beachside district J1 Beach that are defining Dubai's nightlife trends in 2025.’

How it ranked: A huge 83 percent of locals rate Dubai’s nightlife favourably, according to our survey. It’s also the safest city on the list, with 75 percent of locals describing it as such.

🎉 Discover the best of Dubai’s nightlife

Why visit now: ‘With Mumbai’s traffic as legendary as its nightlife, where you’d go out depends on your whereabouts in the city,’ says Mumbai local expert Kunal Bhatia. ‘Much-loved and non-fussy neighbourhood bars that are perfect for letting your hair down after work include The Ghetto in Breach Candy and Toto’s Garage in Bandra, both going strong for decades. For fine cocktails with skyline views, head to AER in Lower Parel or Eau Bar overlooking Marine Drive. Packed karaoke nights are a weekly affair at Soul Fry, while Kitty Su at The LaLit in Andheri glams it up with vivacious drag shows.’

How it ranked: Mumbai’s nightlife scene received the third-highest rating from locals, with 84 percent calling it either ‘good’ or ‘amazing’. It’s also one of the cheapest cities on the list for entertainment, according to 63 percent of survey respondents.

🍻 Discover the best bars and pubs in Mumbai

Why visit now: ‘It’s no secret that our party scene pulses with grit, glamour, and groove – just ask South African homegrown global stars Tyla and Black Coffee,’ says Selene Brophy, editor at Time Out Cape Town. ‘Favourites along Bree, Loop and Long Streets, including Athletic Club & Social and Blue Room, ensure the City Bowl District is still a magnet for nightlife. At the same time, amapiano and gqom echo through mixed-use spaces like the Homecoming Centre, Kahya Cafe and the sleek Ayepyep Lifestyle Lounge. Cape Town’s jazz heritage endures through intimate venues throughout the city and the annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Weekend crowds continue to pack Mojo Market and Time Out Market Cape Town, with a rise in hybrid venues and intimate listening bars such as The House of Machines all blurring the lines between bars, gigs, food and art. And despite the closure of mainstay venues like Assembly, rock ’n’ roll lives on at venues like the Daisy Jones Bar, just outside Stellenbosch.’

How it ranked: We named Cape Town the world’s best city this year – and what’s a great city without great nightlife? Seventy-seven percent of Capetonians rate the city highly for after-hours fun, according to our survey – and it’s also the third-cheapest place on the list for entertainment.

🍷 Discover Cape Town’s best bars

Why visit now: ‘Warsaw’s latest incarnation as one of Europe’s ‘cities of now’ is reflected by the energy of her nightlife,’ says Warsaw local expert Alex Webber. ‘Tap into its refined interwar spirit with elegant cocktails in Feliks, or follow the latest rebel beer trends by drinking in the craft pubs on Nowogrodzka – the swig of the summer is Grodziskie, a smoked, sparkly beer nicknamed Polish champagne. International good-lookers gravitate towards the sleek bars of art nouveau Poznanska Street, but for something grittier, Warsaw’s east end is mined with foggy, raucous dives like W Oparach Absurdu. Summer traditionally sees the city decamp to the floating bars and riverbank hangouts that line the renovated left-side of the Vistula, though for an inner city alternative try the inclusive, artsy BarStudio at the foot of the epic Palace of Culture. The party spills out onto a shiny plaza that looks out towards the controversial Museum of Modern Art.’ 

How it ranked: While 77 percent of Warsaw locals rated the city’s nightlife favourably, less than half (42 percent) said a night out clubbing was easy on the wallet. Entertainment – including pubs, bars and seeing live music – is a little more affordable, according to 50 percent of locals.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Warsaw

Why visit now: ‘It’s been a long time since Bangkok's nightlife had an embassy like the legendary Bed Supperclub, which shut its doors for good in 2013,’ says Laurie Osborne, head of content at Time Out Thailand. ‘Today, the scene is gloriously fractured, with tribes forming around hyper-local, community-driven spots. A wave of shophouse bars, like Soi Nana’s Chinatown Yacht Club, and craft beer taprooms such as Two Palms in the Old Town, offer a hip antidote to Sukhumvit’s gridlocked glitz. You can taste this local-first ethos in the Thai-ingredient cocktails at Mahaniyom and feel it in the city’s experimental queer scene. It has carved out niches for spots like Pickle – a ‘Neo-Bangkok Listening Bar’ – proving the city’s best nights are now its most specific.’

How it ranked: Sixty-seven percent of Bangkok locals rated the city’s nightlife scene highly – an impressive score, albeit the lowest rating on the list. But the Thai capital received a strong vote of confidence from our expert panel, coming fourth overall in the Time Out vote, which nudged it up the ranking a fair few notches.

🥃 Check out the best nightclubs in Bangkok

Why visit now: ‘Lagos nightlife still thrives on status,’ says Nigerian British writer Vivienne Dovi. ‘Think bottle service and big spenders in Victoria Island, Lekki and Ikoyi. But the scene is shifting: it’s becoming more inclusive, with underground raves like SweatItOutLagos and Our Group Therapy growing alongside dominant genres like afrobeats and amapiano, especially during Detty December. Newer lounges like Mister Panther and Mood, or fashion-focused speakeasy Boho, bring fresh energy into the mix, while Obi’s House stays hot with amapiano-fuelled outdoor sets. Beer culture isn’t huge, but Bature Brewery’s zobo craft beers and Taco Tuesdays offer a more chilled vibe. To find the right place, follow the socials.’

How it ranked: According to locals, nightlife in Lagos is pretty stellar. Seventy-nine percent said the after-dark scene in the city is ‘good’ or ‘amazing’, and they’re also the most likely bunch on the list to describe their city as ‘lively’.

Why visit now: ‘The ancient Egyptians drank vast quantities of beer, but Cairenes today are fuelled more by shisha tobacco and caffeine than alcohol,’ says Cairo local expert Lauren Keith. ‘Egypt’s liquor laws can be restrictive, but restobars with noteworthy cocktail menus are popping up in expat-heavy neighbourhoods and hip hotels, such as rooftop bar Crimson in Zamalek, sultry Sachi in Heliopolis and Barranco, a Peruvian-Japanese restaurant at the Hyatt Regency in New Giza. Perhaps this is the dawn of a new nightlife scene in the city, but the heart of Cairo remains downtown, where cheap plastic chairs spill into the streets outside of ramshackle all-night ahwas, coffeeshops for smoking shisha, drinking tea or coffee, and simply watching the world go by.’

How it ranked: Seventy-nine percent of locals in Cairo gave props to the city’s nightlife scene – and they reckon it’s pretty affordable too, with 72 percent (the third-highest on the list) saying a night out in the city is either ‘cheap or free’ or ‘affordable’.

Why visit now: ‘Riyadh’s nightlife scene, once practically nonexistent, has undergone a seismic shift in the past few years,’ says Yousra Zaki. ‘The Saudi capital is now home to an exciting wave of late-night venues, pop-up events and immersive music experiences. While alcohol-free, the city buzzes with energy after dark, with the focus firmly set on music, food and all-round good times. JAX District is at the centre of the underground scene, where warehouse-style events like Groove on the Grass and digital art parties push the boundaries of what nightlife can look like in Riyadh. Every Thursday and Friday, Beast House is the ultimate destination for dance music lovers. Electronic music is on the rise – think afro-house, techno and synth-driven sets – fuelled by seasonal mega-events like MDLBEAST Soundstorm, as well as the recent 1001 Music Festival, which featured four stages and a crowd that didn’t stop dancing. Riyadh’s nightlife is evolving fast, and we can’t wait to see what happens next.’

How it ranked: Nightlife in Riyadh garnered an impressive 78 percent approval score from locals, with 73 percent – the second-highest on the list – saying a night out is affordable.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Riyadh

Why visit now: ‘Amsterdam’s nightlife continues to be all things to all people – you just have to know where to look,’ says Amsterdam local expert Derek Robertson. ‘The epicentre of cool has shifted from Oost to Noord, where venues like Garage Noord, Benelux Bar, and Bar Pekky serve up the best new music, drinks, and events alongside established venues like Oedipus Brewery and Pllek. But don’t swerve the many new openings in more familiar neighbourhoods: De Pijp’s Loop 51 is an exciting addition to the city’s listening bar scene, gorge on swanky cocktails at Advocatuur, or check out the intriguing concept behind Tuf Tuf. And despite the recent closure of De School, the club scene continues to go from strength to strength – venues like Jack, Kanaal40, and Club Raum are diverse, eclectic dancefloor additions.’

How it ranked: You don’t need us to tell you how good Amsterdam’s nightlife is – take it from the locals, 70 percent of whom said going out after dark in the Dutch capital is either ‘good’ or ‘amazing’. Better yet, 60 percent of Amsterdammers said entertainment is affordable, while just under half (45 percent) said clubbing doesn’t cost much.

🪩 Check out the best clubs in Amsterdam

Why visit now: ‘You’ll find more world-famous bars and clubs on one street in Medellín than you would find in many cities,’ says Medellín local expert Luis Gomez. ‘Carrera 35 in Medellín’s Provenza area is home to legendary basement club Perro Negro – yes, the same Perro Negro from the eponymous Bad Bunny and Feid song – as well as new spots owned by fellow reggaeton stars Karol G (El Callejón del Gato) and Maluma (903). Want something less exclusive? Head across town to Somos De Calle and El Faro C13 in Comuna 13 for dancehall and perreo parties that have energised the area’s nightlife.’

How it ranked: Medellín’s nightlife is the most affordable of all cities on the list, with a whopping 80 percent of locals saying a night out clubbing is inexpensive and 72 percent saying the same for entertainment.

Why visit now: ‘As Marrakech’s tourism numbers rise, so do its after-dark offerings,’ says Morocco local expert Sally Kirby. ‘The Medina is home to colourful rooftop bars, including El Fenn and Kabana, offering cocktails and majestic views over the Koutoubia Mosque. In Gueliz, you’ll find playful lounge bars such as Baromètre, a speakeasy, and The Mix, known for its electric Gnawa nights. In the Hivernage, legendary Le Comptoir Darna hosts a belly dancing show and party crowd. The best nightclubs, open until 5am, include Babouchka, next to Nobu; Theatro, a former theatre; and 555 Famous Club, which attracts prominent DJs. You can even find family-friendly options in the city: I recommend the weekly drumming concerts at Café Clock.’

How it ranked: On top of a 72 percent rating for quality, nightlife in Marrakech is reasonably afforable – 62 percent of locals said entertainment is cheap and 53 percent said the same for clubbing. It was also ranked the third-safest city for a night out on the list, according to locals.

📍 Check out the best things to do in Marrakech

Why visit now: ‘No matter the time of year, Athens never sleeps – but where exactly locals go for a night out depends on the season,’ says Demetrios Ioannou, Athens local expert. ‘During winter the northern suburbs attract most of the crowds, with the elegant Koumkan in Kifissia being the latest addition, but once the weather gets warmer everyone seeks out the summer breeze by the sea, heading to the Island in the Athenian Riviera, Bolivar or Avra bar at Vouliagmeni. But the city centre is a reliable hotspot – rooftop bars with Acropolis views are all around the Monastiraki area, like Anglais and Couleur Locale, while Gkazi is the most LGBTQ+ friendly area in Athens, with plenty of clubs and bars like Sodade 2 and Shamone. In the Psyrri, Exarcheia and Koukaki neighborhoods you’ll find eclectic, eccentric bars and alfresco drinkers packing the streets – my favourites are Voulkanizater and Mavros Gatos. Then there are all the pop-up events, festivals, concerts, street and beach parties, from Onassis Stegi and SNFCC to This Is Athens City Festival.’

How it ranked: While 69 percent of locals rate Athens’s nightlife favourably, the Greek capital is the most expensive city on the list for nighttime entertainment, according to Athenians. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the city’s world-class open-air cinema scene – there are plenty of places to find cheap (and free) screenings.

📍 Find out the best things to do in Athens