One of the things that’s most exciting about visiting a new country or city is getting to experience the nightlife scenes that are different compared to the ones at home. Some cities are known for their heady nightlife and popular parties more than others, and we’ve done the research! Below you’ll find a list of over 50 destinations worldwide that are well-known for putting on a good party! Also below you’ll see spotlights on the world’s biggest party capitals. If you love the nightlife, you’ll love going on your very own “party crawl” vacation, which you can customize with Tripmasters.
The Top Nightlife Destinations in the U.S.
Some of the world’s most popular nightlife destinations are in the good old USA. From coast to coast, there are no shortage of cities with great nightlife scenes and exciting festivals. Here are thirteen cities that are well-known stateside for their nightlife. Three particularly popular cities are showcased a little more in-depth. Take note: When exploring the following pages, keep in mind you can choose to tackle these locations on your own, or try using the Activities link where you may find guided tours!
Las Vegas might perhaps be the world’s party capital. Thousands of bars and nightclubs can be found on the Las Vegas Strip and farther afield — although you need not leave the casino you’re staying at in order to get a good drink. Many nightclubs in Vegas are very high-class…high rollers should definitely apply!
New York City is home to more bars and nightclubs than any city in the United States, befitting the “birthplace of the nightclub”. First found in Manhattan during the 19th century, nightclubs can now be found nearly everywhere, and all people can find at least one place in Manhattan where they will find their “type” and feel truly at home.
Miami is a popular vacation spot for good reason, and it isn’t just because of the beautiful beaches here. The nightlife scene is among the most luxurious in the country, and popular music festivals like Calle Ocho and the Ultra Music Festival make The Magic City the “place to be” many, many times throughout the year.
The Top Nightlife Destinations Elsewhere in the Americas
Whether you’re on an island in the Caribbean or vacationing on the continents, the Americas have some of the world’s best nightlife. From tango bars in Argentina to high-energy dance music festivals in Montréal, the Western Hemisphere has you covered, and fairly close to home! Below are twelve destinations we think you’ll love, and we’ll discuss two popular ones in particular. Take note: When exploring the following pages, keep in mind you can choose to tackle these locations on your own, or try using the Activities link where you may find guided tours!
Cancún, located on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, is one of the Americas’ most popular nightlife spots. Once dismissed as a “spring break” destination, today Cancún offers a myriad of nightclub experiences that cater to the young and the young-at-heart, both in and outside the Hotel Zone. Grab a shot of tequila and party the Mexican way!
Cartagena, the Crown Jewel of the Caribbean Coast, is one of Colombia’s most dynamic cities. Whether you want to sip a cool drink in one of the city’s charismatic pubs, or you want to dance at a beach club or a high-powered after-hours nightclub, Cartagena’s got you covered. Carrera 7 and Calle 24 are two noteworthy epicenters of nightlife.
The Top Nightlife Destinations in Europe
There is no collective nightlife scene on any continent that is quite as abuzz as Europe’s. The old nightlife capitals of London and Berlin are of course very well-known, but did you know that Spain is the country with the highest number of bars and nightclubs per person? From Greece to Poland to Portugal, here are thirteen entertainment epicenters across Europe, and we’ll take a little closer look at three of those selected nightlife meccas. Remember, you can explore many of our suggestions independently, but use the Activities links where you may find expert-led tours which can enrich your understanding and appreciation for these unique places!
Ibiza, one of Spain’s Balearic Islands, is home to some of the hottest and most exclusive nightclubs and beach clubs in the world. The best thing about Ibiza is that the only limits there are on your fun and pleasure are the ones you set for yourself. You can see and do most anything here, and that’s only mentioning your entertainment for the evenings!
London was one of the world’s earliest nightlife capitals, and over a century after the first nightclub became successful here, the selection has never been larger. Why decide between listening to live music and sipping a pint at a local pub and partying all-night with some of Europe’s hottest DJs? In London, you can have your steak and kidney pie and eat it too.
Berlin, at one point in time, had some of the most exciting and boundary-pushing nightclubs in the whole world. You will be happy to know that the bohemian spirit that encapsulated the nightlife zeitgeist before World War II has been thoroughly revived, and Kreuzberg, Charlottenburg, and Schöneberg buzz with partiers once again.
The Top Nightlife Destinations in Asia and the Pacific
Asia and the Pacific are great places for a nightlife-geared getaway, and many of these destinations are enjoyable no matter the time of year. Here are thirteen destinations stretching from India to New Zealand, and three of them we’ll discuss a little further so you know what to expect when you get there! Pro Tip: Use the Activities link from the following island/region pages to explore what tours may be available in each of these Unique Places.
The Indonesian island of Bali is to the Australians what the Caribbean is to us Americans. Heavily-touristed sections of Bali cater heavily to English-speaking tourists as a result, making it easy for you to navigate the local scene. Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Canggu are the epicenters for nightlife on the island, so be sure to explore those areas first!
Bangkok‘s nightlife scene can be summed up in two words — anything goes. You can drink Singha beer at a nice bar or pub, dance to the hottest electronic music at a repurposed factory-turned-nightclub, and visit the red light district and take in a…show there. (I won’t tell if you won’t!) And that’s just one eventful night!
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is home to some of the ritziest bars and nightclubs in the entire Middle East region. Since it is such a moneyed area, bars and nightclubs are open to foreign nationals and tourists. They are stocked with the highest-quality liquors and nightclub entertainment is flown in from all corners of the globe.
Honorable Mentions: 10 More Cities Renowned for their Nightlife!
In our research, there were so many destinations that were recommended, from major metropolitan areas to small towns known for popular music festivals. For your consideration, we’re giving you some extra inspiration; below are ten “honorable mentions” which all pride themselves on their great nightlife scenes. Pro Tip: Use the Activities link from the following city pages to explore what tours may be available in each of these Unique Places.
For even more travel inspiration, be sure to check out a few more of our interest-driven curations by clicking on the pictures below.
