Mexico City ranks 1st on the list of the best and cheapest nightlife cities in the world. Plaza Garibaldi, an outdoor nightspot in the heart of Mexico City, is famed for raucous open-air drinking and folk music but city officials want to clean it up and add a dose of sophistication. Many nights out in Mexico City start at one of the city’s myriad speakeasy bars. Chic venues such as Hanky Panky and Jules Basement serve as a classy precursor to a night out at one of the city’s DIY spaces, such as the multifunctional art and music hub Centro de Salud for punk bands and experimental DJs all night long. For queer clubbing, there’s the Zona Rosa (pink neighborhood) where there are clubs aplenty. And for an authentic night of underground homegrown electronica head to Foro Normandie, Yu Yu, or Japan.

The nights also have charm in all areas of the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico. Clubs, bars, and restaurants are ready to satisfy those who enjoy nightlife and music in general, but the options mostly depend on where you are. At the Caribbean Catalonia hotels, ETC members have access to the complex’s exclusive bars and clubs; theme nights, dinners, and amazing shows await you. Nightlife in Cancun is one of the most famous in Latin America. Whether it be with live music or DJ mixes, partying in the leading tourist destination in Mexico takes place seven days a week, reaching its peak during the high season. During spring break, Cancun is full of students, especially Americans, who are looking to have fun like never before and to meet people from other parts of the world. It is worth mentioning that most of the nightclubs in Cancun have an open bar, although there is also the option of just getting the entrance and only paying for what you consume inside. Another aspect to note is that city buses run 24 hours a day, thus permanently connecting the hotel area with downtown.

Country: Mexico

GDP per capita: 8329.3 USD (2020)

Housing price: 302 million pesos per square meter (2021)

Moscow is the capital of Russia and is one of the most populated cities in the country. Apart from traditional architecture, the city has been modernized to keep up with time. The nightlife of Moscow is exceptionally vibrant. You can find several casinos, nightclubs, and bars in the city. Although the bars and nightclubs are open daily, it is most vibrant on Saturdays and Fridays. Moscow residents like to work hard, and only on these days, do they let their guard down. You can party for 12 hours straight on these days. There is almost no crowd on the other days of the week. Usually, the nightlife in Moscow begins at 11 am. You can catch your dinner early to prepare for all the partying.

Most of the parties in clubs go on till 3 am. But the fun doesn’t end there. You can look for after-party clubs after that. Moscow bars are extremely lively. From beautiful women to authentic drinks – the bars in Moscow have a lot to offer. In recent times, several establishments have popped up. If you are a tourist, it can be difficult for you to pick out the right one. After you have had a drink or two, you can head over to the latest dance club. There are several options for dance clubs in Moscow. As soon as you reach the club, you will be greeted by the bright lights at the entrance. Vermeil Club is located right across the river and is near Kremlin. The club has a very friendly atmosphere, and the service is top-notch. If you like to try different kinds of alcohol, this is the right place for you. You will get tons of options when it comes to beers, cocktails, and wines.

The Russians like to party hard, and hence, the party goes on till dawn. After the party ends around 1-3 am in certain clubs, you can head over to a couple of after-party venues to have fun. Gazgolder offers a more Berlin-like after-party atmosphere to its guests. The cover charge is a bit more than the other clubs, but it is worth it. The décor of this place is trendy and creative. The place is huge, and you can sit in the outdoor area during the summer months. On some days, the after-party might continue till the next afternoon. All in all, if you want to party like an animal, this is the place you should visit.

Country: Russia
GDP per capita: 8830.0 USD (2018)

Housing price: 249.24 thousand Russian rubles per square meter (2022)

Bangkok in Thailand ranks 3rd on the list of the best and cheapest nightlife cities in the world. A lot of travelers continue to pass through Bangkok not realizing there's more to it than the seedy dregs of Soi Cowboy or the backpacker haven of Khao San Road. Bangkok has developed a vibrant and classy side as the city has become more cosmopolitan. Whether it's a series of gorgeous rooftop hotel bars downtown, rock bars near Ratchathewi, dance clubs just off Sukhumvit, or trendy pubs in Thonglor and Ekamai, there's legitimate, quality adventure to be had.

To be fair though, this applies to a lot of other places in Thailand outside of Bangkok but if you’re looking for a guaranteed good time then Bangkok’s your city. It can be quite hectic, crazy, and manic but the capital of Thailand is known for its stark contrast to the country’s more laidback and pristine sandy beaches. Once here, make sure to visit the areas of Khao San Road, RCA, and Silom Road. Honestly, there’s lots of adventure (and indeed, misadventure) to be had in Bangkok but if ever you wanted an uninhibited party experience quite unlike any other place you’ve been to, Bangkok is where you need to be.

Country: Thailand

GDP per capita: 7186.9 USD (2020)
Housing price: 251.44 thousand Thai baht per square meter (2020)

If a city's mental health was determined by how many hours of the week its clubs weren't active, Berlin would be a lunatic in a straightjacket, repeatedly slamming its head against a padded wall. Berlin’s party scene is certainly not something for the faint-hearted. Don’t get me wrong, you can definitely find some clubs/bars here that are fairly PC and great for the more conservative party goer but if you really have a night out in Berlin then prepare to be shocked. Or, at the very least, quite surprised!

The best things to do after dinner in Berlin range from the cultural to the downright hedonistic, giving you plenty of options for a fun-filled evening. The city at daytime offers shopping up and down the Unter den Linden boulevard and glimpses of the great Reichstag building. There's an altogether different mix of things to do once it gets dark and you've dusted off the schnitzel or currywurst. You can find strange night-time spa facilities, arty streets that burst with galleries, and cavernous techno clubs for travelers who feel a little nocturnal adventure coming on in the German capital.

There are oodles of Berlin pub crawls that can help you uncover the iconic nightlife scene of this famously hedonistic capital. They meet at different places across town, but hostels and local bars are usually where you'll be gathering. Most packages include a whole night's entry to a handful of venues in hidden nightlife quarters like Simon-Dach Strasse and Friedrichshain. You can enjoy free drinks and even receive giveaways like T-shirts and other pub-crawl paraphernalia. Berlin pub crawls can get busy in the summer months but are a great way to meet and mingle with like-minded travelers.

Country: Germany
GDP per capita: 4085.0 USD (2018)

Housing price: 5,110 euros per square meter (2021)

Paris ranks 5th on the list of the best and cheapest nightlife cities in the world. The nightlife scene in Paris has its own unique vibe, which feels a little more low-key when compared to NYC. For example, it’s rare you’ll see Parisians super trashed on the sidewalk. They can still drink a good amount, but they drink slowly and always keep it classy! Most locals these days skip clubs in favor of drinking at their favorite bars. This way they avoid paying the cover fees most lounges and clubs charge. They also take a pretty laissez-faire approach to dressing for a night out on the town. You don’t need to toss on heels and a sexy party dress. Most of the time Parisians just transition their daytime looks by adding a bit of lipstick or eyeshadow. Whatever you do, don’t wear shorts and flip-flops in the summer. It’s a simple way to tell you’re a tourist, and might even get you denied entry at some spots. In the winter, always bundle up with a warm jacket and thick scarf.

The nightlife in Paris really does have something for everyone. You’ll find a variety of bars in Paris, including a range of clubs, pubs, theatres,s and music venues. From bars that serve drinks in baby bottles to ultra-luxe clubs that require some name dropping, or card showing, and clubs where you can dance like no one’s watching. The Marais boasts a large number of trendier new bars mostly in the 4th and to a lesser extent, the 3rd with a few old charmers tossed into the mix. A number of bars and restaurants in the Marais have a decidedly gay crowd but are usually perfectly friendly to straights as well. Some seem to be more specifically aimed at up-and-coming hetero singles. Remember when going out to dress to impress, you are in Paris! Torn clothing and sneakers are not accepted when heading out to enjoy the nightlife in Paris. The better you look the most likely you will get past the random decisions of club bouncers.

Country: France
GDP per capita: 39040.4 USD (2020)

Housing price: 11,200 euros per square meter (2022)

The Hong Kong nightlife scene is fun, friendly, and incredibly diverse. The city is at its most spectacular when the sun goes down when skyscrapers begin to illuminate the harbor, while pubs and nightclubs draw in partygoers with lively music. This city-state is already known to be compact, and you’ll find options for nightlife in Hong Kong to be even more concentrated. The vast majority of bars, clubs, and restaurants are located around Central, but you should also make your way up to one of Kowloon’s swanky rooftop bars.

Lan Kwai Fong and Soho are often buzzing with fashionable locals and trendy tourists seeking a cool place to hang out at trendy bars, restaurants, clubs, and drinking dens. Both nightlife districts are located in Central Hong Kong and are easily accessible via MRT, bus, and trams. Lan Kwai Fong is crowded every night and gets especially packed on festival days and New Year’s Eve. SoHo, located around Hollywood Road, surrounds Lan Kwai Fong and is home to even more bars and pubs (though a little more chilled out), as well as one of the world's longest outdoor escalators. Enjoy some of the best views of Hong Kong’s modern skyline and the South China Sea from the city’s many rooftop bars and lounges. If you’re looking for sophistication and exclusive cocktails, head over to OZONE, located 118 floors up at The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong. Aqua also boasts some spectacular views from its penthouse-inspired lounge, while Eyebar overlooks Hong Kong’s harbor and skyline from the 30th floor of iSquare.

Hong Kong is one of the clubbing capitals of Asia – while you’ll find more underground-style, local clubs dotted around the city-state, most of the big names are located on Hong Kong Island, in and around Lan Kwai Fong. Many of these stay open until the early hours, particularly at weekends. Some of the best nightclubs in Hong Kong include Volar Club, CÉ LA VI Hong Kong, and PLAY Club – note that cover charges apply on most nights, especially when a big-name DJ is on the decks. In addition, Join a night cruise if you’re looking to do something a little more laidback than partying at packed clubs or bars. It’s also a popular night-time activity for couples on a date or families looking to impress the kids. Most cruises take place around the stunning Victoria Harbour and offer perks like free drinks and a full tour of all the sights. Night cruises in Hong Kong are often timed perfectly with the Symphony of Lights Hong Kong, which illuminates the harbor and city’s landmarks at 8 pm.

Country: China
GDP per capita: 45284.8 USD (2018)

Housing price: 184 thousand Hong Kong dollars per square meter (2020)

One of the best and cheapest nightlife cities in the world is Sydney in Australia. Sydney is a city that’s both classy and funky at the same time. It moves slyly into rock nights in glitzy nightclubs overflowing with good music and amazing cocktails. Diverse and wise, Sydney nightlife reveals the groovy and glittering side of the city that won’t let you down at all! Charming people, buzzing crowd, a fantastic array of music, food, and drinks everywhere – it offers this and more! A lonely pathway leading onto an amazing bar, Grasshopper will blow your mind with its quirky vibe and sensational drinks. Leading the list of the topmost bars in Sydney, Grasshopper has everything you need to make your night ultra special.

The Spice Cellar is the go-to club for any house or electronic aficionados. On the outside, it appears small and modest but appearances can be deceiving and this humble, not-for-profit venue is in fact one of Sydney’s coolest hubs for underground rock and electronic music. Entirely run by local volunteers, the Red Rattler is a testament to the passionate creativity of Sydney’s community of artists, musicians, and activists. Despite a slightly out-of-the-way location, the Rattler is as accommodating a venue as any you’ll find with a generous bar, a classy sultry interior, and an open dance floor for the more energetic acts on the setlist.

Its function extends far beyond that of a killer nightclub however, the Rattler also serves as something of a playground for all sorts of multi-media artists and performers, taking the venue’s typical eclecticism far outside the realm of music and into all of the performing arts. Carrying everything from underground indie rock talents to electronic innovators and the occasional DJ set, the Red Rattler is sure to have something that will impress everyone, regardless of your musical tastes. For all the dedicated niche and obscure clubs that present their own wonderful flavor for a late-night experience, sometimes you really just want to go all-out and enjoy a straightforward floor-filler experience. The Marquee, located in Pyrmont, is a glitzy glamorous audio-visual extravaganza of a venue, a massive opulent venue decorated with LED screens, lasers, and as large a dancefloor as any you will find in the city.

Country: Australia
GDP per capita: 51692.8 USD (2020)

Housing price: 1,501 Australian dollars per square meter (2021)

A complete guide to the nightlife in Barcelona, with a district-by-district guide to the best bars and hangouts, the liveliest nightclubs, and some unmissable events if you’re new towns – such as the VIP night tour and hedonistic boat parties. In a metropolitan city of close to two million people, there isn’t one area to sample Barcelona’s nightlife but rather a whole host of happening neighborhoods to check out. A natural starting point for newcomers is of course Las Ramblas and – on either side of it – the narrow streets of the medieval Old Town. Barcelona’s busiest boulevard by day, Las Ramblas is also heaving by night, especially in the early stages of the evening when the street performers are still playing their trade and the pavements throng with locals and tourists heading out for drinks and dinner. Restaurants at this time are spilling over with customers fuelling themselves on tapas and other treats, whilst the strip also has plenty of bars and clubs.

You never have to head out on your lonesome when in Barcelona, because there are several amazing tours and pub crawls you can join where you’re guaranteed to meet some fun people, as well as check out some cool venues you’d never find otherwise. If you can’t identify with Born, then the edgier Raval is the other side of the Ramblas, where street kids play cricket or football and generally run riot as Bohemian imbibers stroke their side-whiskers and order another chupito or two. The heart of the district is the Rambla de Raval where hip bars like Ambar are interspersed with kebab joints, whilst a more glam crowd congregates at nearby cocktail bars, such as the moody and atmospheric La Whiskeria Cocktail Bar. DJs, BBQs, beers, babes in bikinis, hunks in trunks, swim stops, and lots more shenanigans. There are four different types of parties, from the sophisticated Champagne Sunset Cruises to the Original Booze Cruise, so check out our article to see which is best for you. After the party is over, the organizers usually offer free club entry on the Port Olimpic, so your night continues back on dry land.

Country: Spain
GDP per capita: 474700 USD (2018)

Housing price: 4.030 euros per square meter (2022)

As destinations go, Vegas is pretty much the epitome of decadence! Everything is just so much bigger, so much brighter and so much crazier here! This is a city that is unapologetic about the fact that it’s built for you to throw your inhibitions away at the door as soon as you and pick it up when you leave. Even the clubs here are bigger and brighter than you’d find in many other cities in the world – the obvious names are of course XS, Marquee, and Hakkasan.

Nightclubs are the most well-known Vegas nightlife, with their elaborately designed spaces, star DJs, celebrity hosts, bottle service, and all-night dancing. XS remains the Strip's most renowned club since it offers all of that and more. Tao Nightclub is another long-standing favorite and has a reputation for attracting celebrities. If you're not into dance clubs, plenty of bars and lounges offer a different experience although you still might catch some tunes. At The Golden Tiki, the atmosphere feels like an adult playground with tropical drinks, plus music. And at The Chandelier at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, you won't see any bands, but you will get to enjoy an expertly mixed cocktail while sitting inside a chandelier. In Downtown Las Vegas, the bars and lounges offer a more down-to-earth view in an area that also attracts many local customers. The Downtown Cocktail Room is a perennial favorite, serving hand-crafted cocktails in a comfortable room that feels like it could be in NYC. Not far away, The Laundry Room is a hidden speakeasy with a décor that looks like it came right out of the 1920s.

Country: Nevada
GDP per capita: 63593.4 USD (2020)

Housing price: $211 per square foot

Stockholm is one of the best and cheapest nightlife cities in the world. It has a vibrant club scene with something for every taste and age. You will find everything from casual bars with dance floors to clubs of the highest international standard. In Stockholm, you can dance the night away with a cocktail in hand at the glitzy clubs around Stureplan or check out the latest underground techno and house vibes while letting go to the sounds of the latest house on Södermalm. During summer the city is suddenly flooded with outdoor clubs and patios where you can dance beneath the stars until sunrise. Summer is also a popular time for day parties, with dance floors already packed in the afternoon.

Berns is a unique, well-preserved 1860s art nouveau entertainment temple, located in the center of the city. It has a large dance floor where you can dance the night away under huge chandeliers, a popular patio, an expansive dining room, and several bars. Berns also doubles as a hotel and concert venue, with a range of international artists performing year-round. Dress to impress to stand a chance of getting into Sturecompagniet, one of Stockholm’s biggest nightclubs and a favorite with the city’s glitterati. Set over two floors with glamorous decor, plenty of mirrors, and soaring ceilings, the long, narrow club has several intimate rooms each playing a different kind of music, so it might be best to give it a miss if you’re out with a large group. There’s no better way to make the most of Stockholm’s long summer nights than at one of the city’s annual summer clubs that only pops up during the warmer months. F12 Terrassen is in the heart of the city just behind the central station and is open seven days a week playing techno, house, and hip-hop. Dance on the terrace under the stars, catch up with friends on the imposing grand staircase, or head inside for the full sweaty, club experience. It’s packed on a Saturday so go during the week for a little more space.

Country: Sweden
GDP per capita: 52274.4 USD (2020)

Housing price: 24 908 SEK per meter (2017)