From desert party vacations to coastal cosmopolitan centers, these top cities are world-famous for their lively nights out. Whether you enjoy dancing to DJs or swaying to live music, these party spots have you covered until the sun comes up.
Check out stylish see-and-be-seen spots in West Hollywood, or sip cocktails in Koreatown at sleek clandestine bars. Budapest is a true nightlife marvel, with multileveled bars built into ruins and out-of-this-world art.
Berlin
Whether you’re seeking out the latest dance music or a chilled glass of wine, Berlin’s club scene has something to offer for everyone. The German city is known for its mysterious yet adventurous vibe that lures millions of tourists and locals alike each year to its many unique clubs and bars.
If a city’s mental health was judged by how long its clubs weren’t open, then Berlin would be a lunatic in a straightjacket. Among the city’s infamous party spots, Berghain and Watergate are hedonistic temples of techno madness where memories last a lifetime.
If you’re looking for a club with a more relaxed atmosphere, check out Heidegluhen, located in the former battery room of an abandoned power plant. It features a rustic wooden interior that expands to create seating areas, and its audience is typically older than other Berlin clubs. Heidegluhen also hosts a variety of cabaret acts. If you’re interested in a different type of entertainment, try the Hansa Bar, which is set aboard a 19th-century exploration ship.
London
London is one of the world’s best known cities for nightlife. Whether you’re looking for high-end bars, an alternative Camden scene or a cool night out in Shoreditch, this city has something for everyone.
The capital’s clubs range from multi-thousand-capacity institutions to hidden basements, attracting the best DJs and nurturing some of the most important sounds in modern dance music. Whether you’re into shiny disco, grizzly techno or hands-in-the-air house, this is where the magic happens.
Weekend nights are when this clubbing scene really shines. Some of the biggest clubs stay open till five or even six in the morning on weekends, attracting huge crowds of night owls.
Barcelona
Barcelona’s infamous main promenade, Las Ramblas, transforms into a bustling party hotspot at night. Here, you’ll find groups of people hanging out, drinking, and getting ready to dance at one of the many clubs in the area.
If you’re feeling more relaxed, the Gracia neighborhood is also home to cosy tapas bars that cater to locals. The hottest spot here is probably Otto Zutz, where you’ll enjoy hip-hop and R&B music across 3 floors.
Another great option for a night out in Barcelona is to join a pub crawl with Stoke Travel, which will get you into a range of different bars and clubs. The best thing about this is that you’ll be joined by other like-minded solo travelers to experience the Barcelona nightlife together!
Seoul
Most cities in the world have one main area where their nightlife takes place, but Seoul is an exception. The city has three big areas that are known as hotspots for locals and tourists alike.
Gangnam, a neighborhood that rose to fame after Psy’s popular song, is famous for its flashing lights and wild party scene. You will find everything from upscale clubs to cheap bars here. Many of the clubs require passports for entry and some have dress codes, so make sure you check beforehand.
Another great thing about Seoul’s nightlife is that it’s very safe. You can walk around at night without fear of getting attacked or robbed, unlike in some other bigger cities.
If you are looking for a more subdued nightlife experience, check out Club Vurt in Mapo-gu. This club features funky techno music and an underground vibe. It is also a favorite of celebrities and locals. Drinks here can be pricey, but you can get discounts if you buy VIP access ahead of time.