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The world’s best cities for nightlife in 2024 have been named by Time is up And it is Rio de Janeiro that takes the crown.
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 feature in the top 10.
The ranking was created from a survey of thousands of locals who rated their city’s nightlife based on its “quality and affordability,” as well as naming the “nightlife venues and experiences they like most in their city.”
Grace Beard, Time Out’s travel editor, said: “Nightlife has changed a lot over the past four years. But while club closures and work-from-home culture have put its future in question, cities around the world have done what they do best: adapt to the times.”
‘Our inaugural Time Out ranking of the world’s best cities for nightlife highlights destinations where it’s easy to find a great night out.’ Scroll down for the full results…
13. Singapore
Singapore (13th) has a tendency towards “healthy hedonism”, where “icy dips are followed by sparkling dance floors”. Pictured above is Singapore’s Marquee club
Time Out experts say: ‘As well as upmarket clubs and underground techno nights, Singaporeans also practice “healthy hedonism”, a term coined by party animals Wild Pearl and Yes You.
‘The idea radically changes nightlife at daytime parties like Immersion, where icy dips are followed by sparkling dance floors and where people forgo alcohol to drink 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 high-energy parties at Final and Studio 9 to the laid-back vibe at Fake Sober Taipei,” says Time Out.
The guide adds: “There’s something for everyone, whether it’s a low-alcohol cocktail or a craft beer, but locals know that the most important thing is to end the night by filling your stomach at one of the city’s many late-night hot pot restaurants, open until 2:30 a.m.”
11. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires (11) has a nightlife where boundaries are crossed, says Time Out
In Buenos Aires, it is parties with a “relaxed, inclusive and strongly family-oriented atmosphere” that have “taken over” the city’s nightlife scene in recent years, according to the Time Out team.
They say: ‘Most have a specific theme, and some really push the boundaries, like Ecstatic Dance, where no talking or shoes are allowed.’
10. Accra, Ghana
In Accra (Day 10), the streets are packed with food vendors and music every night. Above: Accra’s South Village
Nightlife in Ghana’s capital is “as vibrant as ever,” say Time Out experts.
They add: “On any given night, the streets are packed with food and music vendors, as well as outdoor concerts, live DJ sets and art festivals.”
9. Budapest, Hungary
The party continues all year round in Budapest (day 9), according to Time Out
“Budapest’s stunning cityscape” is “a backdrop for DJ sets and parties” on its best summer rooftops, says Time Out.
But it’s not all summer. The guide adds: “In winter, cosy community igloos will be set up so that the party doesn’t stop all year round.”
8. Manchester, United Kingdom
In Manchester (Day 8), ‘informed clubbers’ are ‘rejecting conventional venues and embracing the spirit of early raves’
Time Out experts say that “Manchester’s best clubs are equal parts inclusive and authentic.”
They add: “The city’s most informed clubbers are rejecting conventional venues and embracing the spirit of early raves at industrial estate venues such as Hidden and The White Hotel.”
7. Rotterdam, Netherlands
In Rotterdam (day 7), ‘people gather to drink “biertjes” (literally meaning “little beers”).
In Rotterdam, Time Out says “there’s something happening on every corner and canal.”
The guide adds: “Rain or shine, people gather to drink ‘biertjes’ (literally ‘little beers’).”
6. Lagos, Nigeria
In Lagos (6th) there have been “family spaces being used for new and fun night events”
‘This summer, Lagos nightlife has taken on a themed character with events celebrating 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 and networking nights,’ says Time Out.
The guide notes that Lagos scored 80 percent for quality for its nightlife scene, and that it’s not too expensive for locals either, scoring 48 percent for affordability.
5. Austin, United States
Austin (fifth) topped the rankings of all U.S. cities surveyed. Above: The patio at Volstead Lounge
Time Out reveals that the capital of the state 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,” and many head to Barton Springs (a huge, vibrant freshwater pool) for a laid-back Friday night party.’
According to Time Out, Barton Springs “is also Austin’s sexiest dating spot.”
4. Guadalajara, Mexico
Nightlife in Guadalajara (fourth place) was rated as having the highest quality among all the cities on the list
Time Out says: ‘As the capital of a region that gave the world mariachi music and tequila, Guadalajara is a city where fun is guaranteed – and the locals agree.
‘Guadalajara’s nightlife received the highest rating for quality of any city on this list, with locals giving it a top score of 92 percent.’
Guadalajara’s nightlife is centred around the lively ‘Expiatorio’ neighbourhood, according to Time Out, which adds: ‘Known affectionately as Tori, Expiatorio is a laid-back neighbourhood with impromptu salsa dancing in the square, plenty of quirky bars and local food stalls to replenish your energy late at night.’
3. Berlin, Germany
Berlin (third) ranks highest among all European cities surveyed
Time Out says: “With its legendary club scene, techno parties and true 24-hour status, it will come as no surprise that Berlin comes out on top of all the European cities surveyed.”
The guide continued: ‘While some of the city’s nightlife institutions may have closed, party-goers are taking things outdoors with the return of word-of-mouth open-air raves and, in summer, a weekly beach party on the banks of the Plötzensee.’
2. Manila, Philippines
Above is the Uma Nota restaurant in Manila (2nd), which is transformed into a “vibrant bar”
Manila was dubbed by locals as the “most affordable city on the list,” according to Time Out.
The guide says: ‘Visitors can find a different take on the classic cocktail menu at the Cheshire speakeasy with 52 unique drinks presented on a menu printed on a deck of playing cards.’
And the newly opened Uma Nota restaurant transforms “into a vibrant bar with live dancers as the night progresses.”
1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Nightlife in Brazil’s “raucous coastal city” Rio (1st) received a quality score of 90 percent
The winning city, Rio de Janeiro, was “hardly going to miss out on the number one spot” as it is home to Carnival, “the biggest party in the world,” says Time Out.
Nightlife experts also highlight “the city’s most popular gastronomic hotspots, such as Alba or Vian Cocktail Bar, which become dance floors at weekends, replacing the traditional “discotheque.”
Nightlife in Brazil’s “noisy coastal city” received a quality score of 90 percent.
For more information visit www.timeout.com/travel/worlds-best-cities-for-nightlife.
