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The list released in August evaluated cities based on key factors like nightclubs, bars, affordability, and hospitality.
Editors, culture experts, and Time Out's specialists then voted to narrow the results down to a final list of 20 destinations. Seven of them are in Asia.
Bangkok, Thailand - Number 1
Bangkok's nights offer everything a traveler could want, from roadside bars to rooftop bars with 360-degree views and the city's LGBT party scene. The daytime heat gives way to a city that comes alive after dark. Beyond partying, Bangkok's night food scene ranges from upscale restaurants to sidewalk rice plates served at 2 a.m.
The Thai capital scored highly across every nightlife category. 73% of locals rated it "good" or "excellent" for making it easy to connect with others. Bangkok was also Time Out's top pick overall, earning a 95% satisfaction rate among its experts.
Photo by Reuters
Beijing, China - Number 9
The Sanlitun District is where many nights out begin, but the city's best evenings often unfold elsewhere. The area offers a mix of breweries, cocktail bars, and underground venues featuring live indie bands.
Beijing's security makes bar-hopping across its neighborhoods safe and enjoyable. Locals describe the city as cheap to have fun in at night. 72% were satisfied with the quality of nightlife, while 80% gave high marks for community connection.
Photo courtesy of Beijing gov
Hong Kong, China - Number 12
Over the years, Hong Kong's nightlife has shifted from flashing lights and dance clubs toward cocktails in intimate bars. New-style clubs continue to open in Lan Kwai Fong and Soho districts, keeping the city's nightlife scene fresh.
With 60% support from Time Out's expert panel and a score of 63 for nightlife quality, Hong Kong was described as safe, with locals showing affection for casual pubs and cocktail bars alike.
Photo courtesy of Chui Pak Cheung
Hanoi, Vietnam - Number 15
In Hanoi, an evening out can start with VND10,000 (US$0.40) beers or a visit to a craft brewery. But for cocktails or clubbing, visitors need to seek out bars tucked into the Old Quarter's alleyways, like Workshop14, named among Asia's 50 Best Bars in 2025, or The Haflington. Reaching them often means squeezing past rows of drying laundry, or even walking through someone's home.
The city ranked second for community spirit, with 82% of residents saying it's easy to make friends. Hanoi also scored well overall for both the quality and affordability of its nightlife.
Photo courtesy of Booking
Seoul, South Korea - Number 16
Seoul's nightlife is rewriting the rules of a drinking culture long defined by soju and beer. The younger generation is moving away from traditional pubs toward inventive mocktails and speakeasies. Low crime rates and buses running until 6 a.m. make Seoul's nightlife safe and convenient.
83% of residents rated the city's nightlife quality as good or excellent, the second-highest score on the list. The city also scored well for atmosphere and nightlife districts, with 61% of respondents in favor.
Photo by Ethan Brooke via Pexels
Bengaluru, India - Number 17
Bengaluru has overtaken Mumbai and Delhi as India's pub capital. The city blends classic rock bars and craft beer with a growing scene of jazz lounges, cocktails, and cozy music spots.
Locals gave the city high marks for nightlife quality (71%) and community connection (82%).
Photo by Georgy Jacob via Pexels
Singapore - Number 19
Singapore's best parties aren't advertised on big signs. Travelers need to know where to look. Underground artist collectives are shaping the city's nightlife scene in their own way.
Singapore was described as safe, with 93% of survey respondents in agreement. Its cocktail culture also won strong praise from locals, with more than 50% naming cocktail bars as the city's best nighttime experience.
Photo by Reuters
