The world’s 13 best cities for nightlife

Nightlife has been through a lot since the world (temporarily) shut down in 2020. It’s not all been positive

1. 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’.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Rotterdam, Netherlands: There’s something happening on every corner and canal. Come rain or sun, people gather for ‘biertjes’ (which means, literally, ‘little beers’).
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.