Time Out has released its inaugural ranking of the World’s Best Cities for Nightlife, with Rio de Janeiro taking the crown as the world’s nightlife capital according to locals, followed by Manila and Berlin.
Even in the face of increased cost-of-living, a notable shift in young people's social habits towards a more sober lifestyle, and work from home culture transforming Thursdays into the new Fridays, nightlife is not dead – but the traditional markers of nightlife are changing and going “out” is no longer just about simply going to a club. The cities on Time Out’s inaugural World’s Best Cities for Nightlife list prove that the party is far from over: instead, nightlife is evolving into something more exciting, interesting and varied than ever, offering something for everyone.
To compile the list, Time Out – the global brand that inspires and enables people to experience the best of the city – surveyed thousands of people around the world about nightlife and going out in their city. Each city was ranked on how locals rated the quality and affordability of their city’s nightlife scene, as well as which nightlife venues and experiences they love the most in their city. Time Out editors included only the highest-scoring city for each country to ensure the list reflects the nightlife scenes of cities around the world. To complete the list, Time Out’s local experts also reached out to a series of DJs – people who live and breathe nightlife – to nominate three nightlife capitals that deserve a spotlight.
Grace Beard, Travel Editor at Time Out, says: “Nightlife has changed a lot over the past four years. But while club closures and work-from-home culture have thrown its future into question, cities the world over have done what they do best: rolled with the times. Our inaugural Time Out ranking of the World’s Best Cities for Nightlife champions the destinations where a great night out is an easy find and, with affordability a key metric in our ranking, won’t break the bank. With our on-the-ground recommendations from local Time Out experts and three DJ city picks, you have an essential guide to today’s nightlife capitals – and where to go out there.”
As champions of going out, Time Out’s global network of local experts have shared why each city on the list makes the grade. While some of these destinations have always been legendary nightlife cities, others might not yet be on your radar, and many of them are redefining what it means to go out and have a good time after dark.
For the full list of the world’s 13 best cities for nightlife right now, please visit www.timeout.com/travel/worlds-best-cities-for-nightlife
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Up-and-coming gastronomic hotspots like Alba and Vian Cocktail Bar become dancefloors at the weekend, taking over from the traditional ‘nightclub’.
- Manila, Philippines: Dubbed by locals as the most affordable city on the list, visitors can find a twist on a classic cocktail menu at speakeasy Cheshire with 52 unique drinks presented on a menu printed on a deck of cards.
- Berlin, Germany: While some of the city’s nightlife institutions may have shut down, partygoers are taking things outside with the return of word-of-mouth outdoor raves and, in summer, a weekly beach party on the shores of Plötzensee.
- Guadalajara, Mexico: Expiatorio, known affectionately as Tori, is a relaxed neighbourhood with impromptu salsa dances in the square, loads of quirky bars and local food stalls for a late-night refuel.
- Austin, USA: In a city where summer can last six months, Austinites are looking for a different kind of ‘cool’, with many heading to Barton Springs – a huge, vibrant, freshwater pool – for a relaxed Friday-night party.
- Lagos, Nigeria: This summer, nightlife in Lagos has taken on a theme with events that celebrate the city’s rich history alongside nights that look to the future, with familiar venues like Freedom Park and The House hosting fun new nightlife events like salsa nights and networking.
- Rotterdam, Netherlands: There’s something happening on every corner and canal. Come rain or sun, people gather for ‘biertjes’ (which means, literally, ‘little beers’).
- Manchester, UK: Manchester’s best clubs are equal parts inclusive and authentic, with clued-up clubbers rejecting mainstream venues and adopting the spirit of early rave in industrial estate venues like Hidden or The White Hotel.
- Budapest, Hungary: The best spots in this city this summer are rooftops, using Budapest’s stunning cityscape as a backdrop for DJ sets and parties. In winter, cosy communal igloos will pop up to keep the party going all year round.
- Accra, Ghana: Nightlife is as vibrant as ever, and on any given night, streets are buzzing with food vendors and music as well as open-air concerts, live DJ sets and art festivals.
- Buenos Aires, Argentina: Fiestas have taken over Buenos Aires’ nightlife scene in recent years, with a relaxed, inclusive and strong familial vibe. Most have a specific theme, and some are really pushing boundaries like Ecstatic Dance, where both talking and wearing shoes are not permitted.
- Taipei, Taiwan: This is a city where balance is key, from high-energy parties at Final and Studio 9 to relaxed vibes at Fake Sober Taipei. There’s something for everyone, whether it’s a low-alcohol cocktail or a craft beer, but the locals know the most important thing is to cap off the night by lining your stomach at one of the city’s many late-night hotpot restaurants, open until 2.30am.
- Singapore, Singapore: As well as high-end clubbing and underground techno nights, Singaporeans are also practising ‘healthy hedonism’ – a term coined by party people Wild Pearl and Yes You. The idea flips nightlife on its head at daytime parties like Immersion, where freezing cold plunges are followed by sizzling dance floors, and where people shirk the booze for kombucha.
Time Out also asked three DJs who live and breathe nightlife to nominate the capitals they think deserve a spotlight. For more information on why they think these cities are the best in the world for nightlife, visit the feature here.
- Barcelona: according to DJ Pau Roca
- Hong Kong: according to creative producer, broadcaster and DJ Arthur Bray
- Brisbane: according to DJ and producer Young Franco