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

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.Here's the full list for your perusal...1. Bangkok, Thailand In first place as th best city for nightlife is Bangkok, ThailandBangkok 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.2. Berlin, Germany In second place is the German capital, known for its uber-trendy spots such as techno club BerghainBerlin 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.3. New York City, US New York City came in third place in the analysis, taking home the bronze medalWhether 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.So where to go in the Big Apple? 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.4. Melbourne, Australia Melbourne, known for its food and coffee culture, took the fourth spotMelbourne'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.5. São Paulo, Brazil Taking the fifth place medal in the full list is São Paulo, BrazilSão 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. 6. Medellín, Colombia Next up is Medellín, Colombia, which has a buzzing night lifeMedellín 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.7. Johannesburg, South Africa Taking the seventh spot on the list is Johannesburg, South AfricaDespite 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. 8. Brighton, UK The only UK city to make the cut is coastal BrightonBrighton 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'.9. Beijing, China Taking position number nine on the list is China's BeijingBeijing'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.10. Amsterdam, Netherlands Rounding out the best nightlife list is Amsterdam in the NetherlandsAmsterdam rounds out the top ten with a nightlife scene that extends far beyond the city centre, from waterfront warehouse clubs to listening bars and neighbourhood cocktail spots. A total of 77 per cent of locals said it's easy to find connection and community in the city, while 67 per cent rated its nightlife as 'good' or 'amazing'. WorldPride 2026 has further cemented Amsterdam's reputation as one of Europe's most welcoming and inclusive places to go out. Time Out's best cities for nightlife 2026 1. Bangkok, Thailand2. Berlin, Germany3. New York City, United States4. Melbourne, Australia5. São Paulo, Brazil6. Medellín, Colombia7. Johannesburg, South Africa8. Brighton, United Kingdom9. Beijing, China10. Amsterdam, Netherlands 11. Porto, Portugal12. Hong Kong, Hong Kong13. Athens, Greece14. Madrid, Spain15. Hanoi, Vietnam16. Seoul, South Korea17. Bangalore, India18. Accra, Ghana19. Singapore, Singapore20. Mexico City, Mexico Grace Beard, travel editor at Time Out, said: 'Time Out's Best Cities for Nightlife with Intrepid Travel ranking is proof that nightlife is far from dead. 'A good night out is no longer defined by one type of venue; in 2026, street parties and rooftop raves are bigger than ever, while locals are no longer flocking to one or two big-name venues, instead heading to nightlife districts where bar-hopping is the name of the game.'What makes the cities on this list so special is their ability to adapt to our changing nightlife habits. 'From over-30s parties to speakeasies and listening bars, every city offers unforgettable experiences for every kind of night out and every kind of person. That's exactly what great city life should look like.'