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The world’s best cities for nightlife in 2024 have been named by Time Out and Rio de Janeiro takes the cake.
Next up is Manila in the Philippines, described as the “most affordable city on the list.” Austin in Texas and Manchester in the UK also made the top 10.
The rankings were compiled based on a survey of thousands of residents who rated their city’s nightlife based on “quality and affordability” and named “the venues and experiences they like most in their city.”
Grace Beard, travel editor at Time Out, said: ‘Nightlife has changed dramatically over the past four years. But while club closures and work-from-home cultures have thrown its future into doubt, cities around the world have done what they do best: move with the times.
‘Our first-ever Time Out ranking of the world’s best cities for nightlife puts the spotlight on destinations where a great night out is easy to find.’ Scroll down to see the full results…
13.Singapore
Singapore (13th) has a trend for ‘healthy hedonism’ – where ‘ice-cold dives are followed by sizzling dance floors’. Pictured above is Singapore’s Marquee club
The experts at Time Out say: ‘As well as hitting the swanky clubs and underground techno nights, Singaporeans also practise ‘healthy hedonism’ – a term coined by partygoers Wild Pearl and Yes You.
‘The idea turns nightlife on its head, with daytime parties like Immersion, where ice-cold drinks are followed by buzzing dance floors, and people swap the booze for kombucha.’
12. Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei (12th) has ‘something for everyone, whether it’s a low-alcohol cocktail or a craft beer’
‘[Taipei] ‘is a city where balance is key, from energetic parties at Final and Studio 9 to laid-back vibes at Fake Sober Taipei,’ according to Time Out.
The guide adds: ‘There’s something for everyone, whether it’s a low-alcohol cocktail or a craft beer, but locals know the most important thing is to end the evening with a bite to eat at one of the city’s many hotpot restaurants, which are open until 2.30am.’
11. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires (11th) has a nightlife that pushes boundaries, says Time Out
According to the Time Out team, it’s Buenos Aires’ parties with a “relaxed, inclusive and strong family atmosphere” that have “taken over” the city’s nightlife scene in recent years.
They say, “Most have a specific theme, and some really push the boundaries, like Ecstatic Dance, where talking and wearing shoes are not allowed.”
10.Accra, Ghana
In Accra (10th) ‘the streets buzz with food stalls and music every night’. Above – Accra’s South Village
According to the experts at Time Out, the capital of Ghana’s nightlife is ‘as vibrant as ever’.
They add: ‘Every evening the streets are filled with food stalls and music, as well as open-air concerts, live DJ sets and art festivals.’
9. Budapest, Hungary
The party goes on all year round in Budapest (9th), says Time Out
According to Time Out, ‘Budapest’s breathtaking cityscape’ provides a ‘backdrop for DJ sets and parties’ at the best summer rooftop venues.
But it’s not just about summer. The guide adds: ‘In winter, cosy communal igloos pop up to keep the party going all year round.’
8. Manchester, UK
In Manchester (8th place) ‘knowledgeable clubbers’ are ‘rejecting mainstream venues and adopting the spirit of early rave’
According to the experts at Time Out, ‘Manchester’s best clubs are as inclusive as they are authentic’.
They add: ‘[The city’s] clubbers with knowledge of the business [are] ‘Rejecting mainstream stages and adopting the spirit of early rave in industrial venues like Hidden or The White Hotel.’
7. Rotterdam, Netherlands
In Rotterdam (7th) ‘people gather for “beers”‘
In Rotterdam, Time Out says: ‘there is something to do on every corner and canal’.
The guide adds: ‘Whether it rains or shines, people always gather for “beers”.’
6. Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos (6th) has ‘used familiar spaces for fun new entertainment venues’
‘This summer, Lagos nightlife has taken on a new theme, with events celebrating the city’s rich history, as well as nights looking forward to the future. Well-known venues such as Freedom Park and The House are hosting exciting new nightlife events, including salsa nights and networking events,’ according to Time Out.
The guide notes that Lagos has a quality score of 80 percent for nightlife and that the city is also not too expensive for locals. For affordability, the city scored a score of 48 percent.
5. Austin, USA
Austin (5th) topped the rankings of all U.S. cities surveyed. Above – The Volstead Lounge patio
Time Out found that the state capital of Texas – also known as the live music capital of the world – topped the rankings of all US cities surveyed.
The guide continues: ‘In a city where summer can last six months, Austinites are looking for a different kind of cool. Many head to Barton Springs, a huge, lively freshwater pool, for a laid-back Friday night party.’
According to Time Out, Barton Springs is ‘the sexiest place to date in Austin’.
4. Guadalajara, Mexico
Guadalajara’s nightlife (4th) was rated the highest in quality of all the cities on the list
Time Out says: ‘As the capital of a region that gave the world mariachi music and tequila, Guadalajara guarantees a good time – and the locals agree.
‘Guadalajara’s nightlife received the highest rating of any city on this list, with locals giving it a top score of 92 percent.’
According to Time Out, Guadalajara’s nightlife is centered around the vibrant Expiatorio district. ‘Expiatorio, affectionately known as Tori, is a laid-back neighborhood with spontaneous salsa dancing in the square, plenty of quirky bars and local food stalls to unwind at late at night.’
3. Berlin, Germany
Berlin (3rd) ranks highest among all European cities surveyed
Time Out says: ‘With its legendary club scene, techno parties and 24-hour city status, it will come as no surprise that Berlin ranks highest of all European cities surveyed.’
The guide continued: ‘Although some of the city’s nightlife is closed, partygoers are heading outside again. There are open-air raves again, spread by word of mouth, and in summer there is a weekly beach party on the shores of Lake Plötzensee.’
2. Manila, Philippines
Above you see the restaurant Uma Nota in Manila (2nd), which transforms into a ‘lively bar’
According to Time Out, Manila was ‘named’ by locals as the ‘most affordable city on the list’.
The guide says: ‘Visitors can sample a twist on the classic cocktail menu at speakeasy Cheshire, with 52 unique drinks on a menu printed on a deck of playing cards.’
And the recently opened restaurant Uma Nota transforms ‘into a vibrant bar, complete with live dancers as the evening progresses’.
1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Nightlife in Brazil’s ‘buzzing coastal city’ Rio (1st) received a quality score of 90 percent
The winning city, Rio de Janeiro, “almost had to take first place” as it is home to Carnival, “the biggest party in the world,” according to Time Out.
The nightlife experts also highlight the city’s ’emerging gastronomic hotspots’ such as Alba and Vian Cocktail Bar [which] become dance floors at weekends, replacing the traditional ‘nightclub’.
Nightlife in Brazil’s ‘buzzing coastal city’ received a quality score of 90 percent.
For more information visit www.timeout.com/travel/worlds-best-cities-for-nightlife.
