Attention night owls and party people: if you think sleep is overrated and the nighttime is the right time for going out, this roundup is for you. A new study by MattressNextDay has revealed the best 24-hour cities in the U.S., ranking them by nightlife options, public transit, party-related Google searches, and the quality of hotels and restaurants.
If you're into all-night clubs, spontaneous late-night adventures or just want to be able to get around late at night, these are the cities that are built to keep the energy going 24/7.
RECOMMENDED: The best clubs in America
At number one is—not surprisingly—New York City. NYC wears the crown as the ultimate “city that never sleeps.” From Times Square’s dazzling lights to underground clubs in Brooklyn, the city’s nightlife is unmatched. With 610 nighttime events happening across the boroughs, NYC doubles the nightlife action of its nearest competitors. And when the party’s over, more than half the hotels in the city are rated four stars or higher on TripAdvisor so you can sleep soundly when you eventually decide to call it quits.
Coming in hot behind NYC is Las Vegas. They don’t call it “Sin City” for nothing—Las Vegas is a playground for party lovers, with the iconic Strip, luxury casinos and endless entertainment options. Vegas tops the charts for Google searches about parties, with over 100,000 monthly searches proving that people are always looking for their next big bash here. Combine that with world-class dining and a never-ending lineup of events, and you’ve got a recipe for unforgettable nights.
Boston might not scream nightlife at first glance, but it’s quietly holding its own as the number three 24-hour city. Nearly half its hotels and 53% of its restaurants are rated four stars or higher. Whether you’re noshing on late-night eats or hitting up a cozy bar, Boston proves there’s more to its scene than just history.
At number four is Austin’s, with its live music scene and a killer vibe. It’s also one of the most affordable cities for partying. Public transit fares cost just $1.50, making it easy to hop from bar to bar without draining your wallet. It’s not just cheap—it’s safe, too. With an impressive safety ranking and plenty of high-quality hotels, Austin blends Southern charm with non-stop fun for an unforgettable night out.
Wrapping up the five best 24-hour cities is San Diego. If you’re after a mix of West Coast chill and electric nightlife, San Diego is the spot. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, but the party scene is just as hot. It’s also the second safest city on the list and hosts over 70 events monthly, attracting over 9,000 party-related Google searches.
Whether you’re chasing the bright lights of New York City or the laid-back vibes of San Diego, there’s always something happening in these cities—no matter the hour.
Ten best 24-hour cities in the U.S.
- NYC
- Las Vegas
- Boston
- Austin
- San Diego
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Nashville
- Seattle
- Chicago