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Best cities in the world for nightlife: Singapore is in Asia’s top three for 2024

‘Wellness clubbing’ is the new in thing, as are underground parties in unexpected locations

Rachel Yohannan
Written by
Rachel Yohannan
Editor
Singapore is the third best city in Asia for nightlife and clubbing
Photograph: Daniel Iskandar for Time Out
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Nevermind that our MRT train service typically ends at around midnight – when in Singapore, the party continues on strong into the wee hours. Our nightlife scene is more abuzz than ever in this post-pandemic era, and little can act as a barrier to that vibrant revelry. It’s thus not surprising at all that we’re part of Time Out Travel’s list of world’s best cities for nightlife in 2024.

Singapore might rank last at 13th place in the full list of best cities for partying, but even making the ranks is commendable in itself. To arrive at this final result, a complex data analysis process was carried out, starting by surveying thousands of individuals across the world’s best cities in 2024, where locals were asked to rate the quality and affordability of the nightlife scene in their respective cities. After that, the selection was whittled down to only those with the highest scores, followed by input from DJs.

Our garden city is also one of the only three Asian cities in the list, which is pretty cool. Manila ranks at #2 globally, while Taipei is just a notch above us at #12.

Singapore is the third best city in Asia for nightlife and clubbing
Photograph: Daniel Iskandar for Time Out

It’s never a been-there-done-that affair with Singapore’s largest and most well-known clubs like Zouk and Marquee, as they constantly keep things fresh with international guest artistes. But while those ever-popular names are drawing in the crowds, a growing number of party animals are heading ‘underground’ for themed clubbing nights in the most unexpected spots, like art galleries and industrial buildings.

Interestingly, with self-care and wellness now being more of a priority in the lives of Singaporeans, ‘wellness clubbing’ is also on the rise with daytime parties that have cold plunges as part of the mix and kombucha instead of alcohol. Camping rave event Sunda Festival, making a return this coming October, is another example of how wellness and nightlife intertwine.

Clearly, nightlife in Singapore is more than meets the eye, but hey, don’t just take our word for it – head down to the best nightclubs in Singapore and hit the dance floor yourself to experience the magic firsthand. We also have a ton of amazing live music venues where you can enjoy soulful tunes while tucking into good food and drinks; an ever-expanding list of upcoming concerts and music festivals; and even a couple of gay clubs for the LGBTQ crowd.

Sentosa Sensoryscape
Photograph: Sentosa Development Corporation

And if you’re not so much into clubbing, that’s okay, ‘cause there are still plenty of wholesome after-dark activities to enjoy here. Check out the newly launched Sentosa Night Mode for 11 themed weekends of nighttime bungee jumps, markets, and street performances – and don’t miss out Night At Orchard, a series of monthly theme pop-ups along our shopping belt.

World’s best cities for nightlife in 2024:

    1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    2. Manila, Philippines
    3. Berlin, Germany
    4. Guadalajara, Mexico
    5. Austin, USA
    6. Lagos, Nigeria
    7. Rotterdam, Netherlands
    8. Manchester, UK
    9. Budapest, Hungary
    10. Accra, Ghana
    11. Buenos Aires, Argentina
    12. Taipei, Taiwan
    13. Singapore

Asia’s best cities for nightlife in 2024:

  1. Manila, Philippines
  2. Taipei, Taiwan
  3. Singapore

Check out Time Out's full report on the world's best cities for nightlife.

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