This Study Found the Best Cities in the World for Nightlife in 2025 – and the Results Might Surprise You!
Think the best nights out only happen in Berlin or Ibiza? Think again. A new global ranking of the top nightlife cities has just dropped — and it’s full of surprises. From underground raves in Lagos to cocktail-fuelled rooftop parties in Marrakech, the list shows that the world’s most exciting after-dark scenes are no longer just in the usual places!
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The rankings, put together by Time Out, are based on thousands of local opinions and editor insights from across the planet. Topping the list? Las Vegas, naturally. But this isn’t just about casinos and neon-lit debauchery anymore. These days, among the usual glitzty soirees, you'll find sober club nights, low-key wine bars, drag brunches and DJs playing to desert sunsets.
But it’s what comes next that’s turning heads. Four African cities made the top 20 — and they’re not just clinging on at the bottom. Cape Town lands at number 11, with locals calling its scene “gritty, glamorous, and full of groove.” Think warehouse parties, beachside bars, amapiano nights and live jazz sessions — all with the mountains and ocean as your backdrop. Oh, and it’s one of the cheapest places on the list to let loose.
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Then there’s Lagos at number 14. Once dominated by pricey lounges and VIP-only clubs, the Nigerian city is now all about inclusive underground events like SweatItOutLagos and Our Group Therapy. Locals say the vibe is changing fast — and in the best way possible.
Cairo isn’t far behind, ranking 15th. Here, the nightlife skews more café culture and shisha lounges than tequila shots and thumping techno — but that doesn’t mean it’s quiet. The city buzzes after dark, with rooftop bars, live music, and cocktails in tucked-away corners of the capital. Plus, 72 percent of locals say a night out won’t break the bank.
And at number 19? Marrakech. Already a favourite for its colourful souks and warm weather, it’s now gaining serious after-hours cred. Rooftop bars with views of the Koutoubia Mosque, speakeasies in Gueliz, live Gnawa music, and street food under the stars — the vibes are immaculate.
Elsewhere in the top 20 were party staples like Berlin, Bangkok and New Orleans, but also curveballs like Tbilisi, Melbourne and Montreal — cities where the nights are long and the hangovers are (probably) worth it.
So, whether you’re into candlelit wine bars, sunrise DJ sets, all-night dancing or just a great midnight snack — it might be time to rethink your next city break. The party’s global, and everyone’s invited.
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