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Top 10 Cities for Nightlife

One of the most enjoyable parts of visiting a new city is checking out the local nightlife, especially if the city in question is a vibrant metropolis with a plethora of bars, lounges and nightclubs – and/or an exotic culture to boot. Here is our selection of the hottest 10 cities for incredible nightlife, ranging from the historic capitals of Europe to the steamy cosmopolitan cities of the Far East.

Las Vegas

While Vegas might not be everyone’s cup of tea, there is no denying the sheer colour, vibrancy and variety of the city’s nightlife. From live music joints to pool clubs, casino spectaculars and bars, you are sure to enjoy a night on the town in this dynamic city. Head to Voodoo Rooftop Nightclub on Flamingo Road for cocktails and juicy steaks followed by dancing on the tables into the wee hours – and, of course, some of the most incredible views of the Strip. Also offering a choice between al fresco and indoor partying is Chateau, decorated to evoke the feeling of a stately French castle – but with DJs, dancing and plenty of drinks.

Image: Cosmopolitan Las Vegas hotel

Bangkok

Bangkok’s nightlife is some of the most vibrant and diverse to be found anywhere in the world; it is impossible to have a dull night when you are visiting this fascinating capital, where East and West so comfortably rub shoulders. From the party crowd of the infamous Khao San Road to the up-and-comers and glitterati who frequent its trendy rooftop bars and hottest new clubs, the nightlife scene in Bangkok covers all bases. Try one of the Weekend Escape parties at the Ocean Urban Lounge, head to one of the city’s outstanding jazz clubs such as Saxophone or Brown Sugar, or enjoy cocktails with a view at Ku De Ta, which consists of two restaurants, a central cocktail bar and a sizzling nightclub.

Paris

The nightlife in the City of Love is colourful and varied, and ranges from the likes of sophisticated and ultra-classy Café de Flore, where you can sip a glass of kir and covertly look out for famous cultural figures, to the underground labyrinth of Silencio with its smoking room and private cinema. If you prefer a nightclub with plenty of retro chic, head to Le Coq with its super-cool black ceiling, 70’s backing track and posters of rock chicks plastered on the walls.

Image: Hotel Le Bristol

Berlin

The German capital boasts a myriad of nightclubs, bars, alternative clubs, pubs and concerts for you to get to grips with during your visit; choosing the venues you most want to visit is bound to be a little tricky. If you’re into classic rock music head to Maria am Ostbanhof but if you prefer a colourful alternative scene with plenty of variety make your way to SO36 which plays host to everything from touring hardcore and punk bands to a highly popular gay and lesbian Turkish night known as Gayhane. Come to the club on this night and you’ll hear a medley of electronica and Middle-Eastern dance pop.

Miami

Miami has a sizzling reputation when it comes to its nightlife. From a plethora of live music venues playing everything from hip hop to jazz to afro-Cuban music, through to tiki bars, grungey dives with beer-soaked floors and the trendiest new nightclubs, Miami truly does have it all. If you’re a fan of martinis in a stylish setting head to the M-Bar at the Mandarin Oriental, which boasts a martini menu of more than 250 drinks; to experience a taste of Rat Pack glamour spend the evening at the Bleau Bar; and if you want to dance until you drop, don your clubbing gear and head to LIV, a massive and luxurious club which was declared one of the world’s finest by Reuters.

Istanbul

There is so much to see and do in Istanbul after sunset. On an island in the Bosphorus you will find SuAda, which boasts six restaurants, a swimming pool and nightclub – the perfect venue for an unforgettable night out in this bewitching city. For an impressive variety of music acts head to Babylon in Beyo?lu, where you can hear everything from jazz to world music to rock, but for belly dancing and Middle-Eastern food, as well as a blend of Western and Oriental music, make Al Jamal your after-dark venue of choice.

Dubai

The glittering desert city of Dubai boasts a sizzling nightlife and always has something going on, be it a concert, party or stand-up comedy show. For incredible views and outstanding music head to 360°, an award-winning outdoor lounge bar and club which overlooks the iconic Burj Al Arab, but if you also want tasty dining, screened sports and a dancefloor on the golden-sand beach, make Barasti your bar of choice. Fancy an all-American theme for your Arabian evening out? Head to Rodeo Drive and enjoy live entertainment, games of table football or ‘drinks’-pong, and, of course, a ride or two on the mechanical bull.

New York

It will come as no surprise to learn that the nightlife in New York is red-hot. Whatever you are into, be it classical music, sports bars, cabaret or sophisticated wining and dining, you are guaranteed to find a place – or three – to suit you in this vibrant metropolis. For elegant cuisine and innovative cocktails make your way to Wallflower, but if you are in the mood for something a little more provocative grab a table at the Slipper Room, a two-storey burlesque theatre and bar. Alternatively, if you are feeling a little more intellectual than sensual, why not try the long-running KGB Bar, where you can enjoy live readings of poetry and fiction most nights of the week, while sipping well-priced drinks and lapping up the literary atmosphere.

Sydney

Nightlife in the Australian capital is rich and varied, and guaranteed to appeal to anyone and everyone. If you want to paint the town red head somewhere like Home, a pumping super-club which features four different rooms playing a variety of music, not to mention a swanky VIP lounge, balconies and chill-out zones. Love live music? Head to the Annandale Hotel, the Sydney Entertainment Centre or The Basement, which hosts a range of acts playing everything from blues to jazz to world music. But if you fancy a little culture of an evening, book a ticket at the Belvoir Street Theatre or the Sydney Theatre Company, both of which have seen the likes of Geoffrey Rush and Cate Blanchett take the stage.

Macau

Visit Macao and you will soon see that this city’s nightlife can easily rival the likes of Bangkok, Vegas and Dubai. In fact, Macao’s nightlife is swiftly becoming legendary; the city boasts an astounding variety of clubs, lounge bars and karaoke joints and also offers a range of live shows varying from the nice to the somewhat naughty. For incredible music and a packed dance floor head to Club Cubic, with its five VIP rooms and talented DJs but for an evening of whiskey-laced elegance and entertainment pay a visit to the Whiskey Bar in the StarWorld Hotel, order from the extensive drinks menu and take your beverage out to the terrace to sip it under the stars. This venue also offers dance shows and live music and has its own cigar lounge. However if you fancy somewhere a little more laidback and low-key grab a table at CheChe and tap your foot to the up-tempo lounge music while sipping a glass of Portuguese wine.

Has our list of the top 10 cities for nightlife inspired your next holiday? Get in touch today to speak to one of our friendly travel experts!