The world's best cities for nightlife revealed, including a crime-riddled South African spot and only one UK destination - and it's not London
The best cities for nightlife have been revealed for this year, taking into account the quality of nightclubs, cocktail offerings and live music events.
Published: 07:30 BST, 1 September 2026 | Updated: 07:30 BST, 1 September 2026
Whether you're partial to a night of frivolities spent in a club or prefer sipping on cocktails with a view, the best places around the world to enjoy your night out have been revealed.
The newly released annual ranking celebrates the world's best cities after dark.
The results, from Time Out, are based on the views of more than 24,000 local residents across 150 cities worldwide, alongside insights from global editors and city experts.
Rather than focusing on clubs alone, it recognises destinations that excel across everything from neighbourhood pubs and cocktail bars to live music, drag shows, nightlife districts and late-night street food.
In first place as th best city for nightlife is Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok takes this year's top spot thanks to its extraordinary variety, from rooftop bars and legendary clubs to late-night street food and buzzing neighbourhood cocktail spots.
In the study, 73 per cent of locals rated the city's nightlife as 'good' or 'amazing', while Time Out's experts awarded Bangkok an outstanding 95 per cent approval score.
Top spots include the hectic Khaosan Road, buzzing Royal City Avenue and Sukhumvit Soi 11, home to trendy rooftop bars galore.
In second place is the German capital, known for its uber-trendy spots such as techno club Berghain
Berlin continues to set the benchmark for nightlife, with its legendary clubs now joined by pop-up parties, independent collectives and thriving neighbourhood bars.
A total of 78 per cent of locals rated the city's nightlife highly, while 100 per cent of Time Out's expert panel backed Berlin's after-dark credentials.
Famously difficult to get into, techno club Berghain is a must-visit for club-goers visiting the German city.
New York City came in third place in the analysis, taking home the bronze medal
Whether it's warehouse raves, rooftop drinks or neighbourhood wine bars, New York's nightlife continues to evolve, remaining one of the world's most exciting cities to explore after dark.
82 per cent of locals rated the city's nightlife as 'good' or 'amazing', alongside a 95 per cent expert approval score.
Brooklyn's the capital of cool for something edgy and trendy, while you'll find live music and speakeasies across the city. Greenwich Village is the place to be if you're after a spot of live jazz and cocktails.
Melbourne, known for its food and coffee culture, took the fourth spot
Melbourne's after-dark scene is as eclectic as the city itself, with live music, LGBTQIA+ venues, cocktail bars and beloved neighbourhood pubs all playing a part.
The study revealed 77 per cent of locals rated its nightlife highly, particularly praising the city's pubs and cocktail bars.
The CBD is the place to be for bars, especially in Chinatown, and Fitzroy and Collingwood will satisfy your alternative trendy needs.
Taking the fifth place medal in the full list is São Paulo, Brazil
São Paulo rounds out the top five with a nightlife scene spanning rooftop clubs, vinyl listening bars, samba nights and karaoke.
In the study, 74 per cent of locals rated the city's nightlife highly, while many also praised its affordability and strong sense of community.
With independent spaces, galleries and street art galore, the city is one of the key cultural hubs in Latin America.
Next up is Medellín, Colombia, which has a buzzing night life
Medellín is one of Latin America's hottest nightlife destinations, where reggaeton reigns alongside a growing scene of listening bars and intimate cocktail spots.
The city received the highest local nightlife rating in this year's survey, with 87 per cent of residents describing its nightlife as 'good' or 'amazing'.
With constant spring-like weather, low food costs, and the vibrant energy of a place that has reinvented itself over time, it's no wonder Medellín is the place to be for a great night out in Colombia.
Taking the seventh spot on the list is Johannesburg, South Africa
Despite having one of the highest global crime rates, Johannesburg continues to reinvent its nightlife scene, with warehouse clubs and afro-house dancefloors as well as neighbourhood cocktail bars and live music venues.
The city also stood out for its affordability, earning a 66 per cent affordability score, while 80 per cent of locals said it's easy to find connection and community there, one of the highest scores in this year's ranking.
Low prices can make this city especially attractive for Britons visiting.
Brighton proves that great nightlife is about more than just clubs. Alongside its world-renowned LGBTQ+ scene, the city is packed with independent music venues, welcoming pubs and inventive club nights.
It received the highest community score in this year's ranking, with 84 per cent of locals saying it's easy to meet people and feel part of the city's community.
Brighton also tied for the second-highest nightlife rating (83 per cent) and, after New York, was the city most likely to be described as both 'lively' and 'diverse and inclusive'.
Beijing's nightlife rewards curiosity, from hidden hutong bars and craft breweries to cutting-edge techno clubs and daytime coffee raves.
It was named the most affordable city in this year's ranking, with a 77 per cent affordability score.
Meanwhile, 72 per cent of locals rated its nightlife highly and 80 per cent said it's easy to find connection and community after dark.
Rounding out the best nightlife list is Amsterdam in the Netherlands
