No Australian city made the latest list of the world’s best for nightlife, but one surprise local spot did get an honourable mention.
Time Out has released a list of the world’s top nightlife capitals based on thousands of surveys, with the final selection ranging from renowned party capitals to lesser-known gems.
Although the list was limited to 13 cities, Time Out also reached out to nightlife experts in the form of DJs to nominate three cities that deserve a spotlight.
This is where Australia got a chance to shine despite not making the top 13.
Alongside Hong Kong and Barcelona, Australia’s own Brisbane was highlighted by Brisbane-born DJ and producer Young Franco.
“Brisbane is continually re-inventing itself – there are always exciting new places to try whenever I’m back,” he said.
“But most importantly, Brisbane will always love and appreciate its bands and live venues.”
Young Franco pointed to spots well known locally for hosting touring bands, such as The Tivoli, The Triffid, Princess Theatre and Fortitude Music Hall, and labelled Black Bear Lodge as an “absolute staple” for shows from up-and-coming bands.
“I played one of my first headline shows [at Black Bear Lodge] and remember it fondly,” Young Franco said.
“For a city that is forever changing, it’s really stood the test of time and I think that’s a credit to the staff and team, their curation, the DJs that have played there and the great atmosphere they create.”
Brisbane’s after-dark scene may get even better after Queensland created the role of night life economy commissioner earlier this year.
Whoever takes on this role will be tasked with working closely with businesses, live music venues, and entertainment precincts to create a vibrant and safe nightlife environment.
Brisbane’s new Nighttime Economy Advisory Group is also working to make sure the city has a 24-hour economy by the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Top 13 cities
Taking out the top spot in Time Out‘s top 13 cities for nightlife was Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, with a nightlife quality score of 90 per cent and highly rated affordability.
According to locals, the best things about going out in Rio are the bohemian bars of Lapa, live music, dance halls and spontaneous outdoor samba parties.
Time Out Rio de Janeiro editor Renata Magalhães said the city’s streets have never been livelier.
“Gone are the days when nightclubs were the go-to places at night in Rio de Janeiro,” Magalhães said.
“In the lively Botafogo district, up-and-coming gastronomic hotspots like Alba and Vian Cocktail Bar, become dancefloors on the weekends … From Glória to the Port Zone, the rhythmic beats of rodas de samba resonate at every turn, attracting a beautiful and diverse crowd.
“Morro do Pinto has emerged as a trendy destination, while Lapa’s timeless bohemia continues to charm with Bar da Cachaca and Beco do Rato still going strong. Suru Bar has become one of my favourites in the area, drawing crowds every night of the week for its Brazilian-inspired cocktails and sensational vibes.”
Rio knows how to take the party to the streets. Photo: AAP
Philippines’ Manila scored second place in the list, but first place in nightlife affordability.
According to locals, Manila’s nightlife edge comes from its late-night food markets such as Divisoria, and the lively districts of Poblacion and Bonifacio Global City.
Germany is renowned for its club scene, so it’s not shocking Berlin rounded out the top three.
Nightlife in the German capital earned scores of 82 per cent for quality and 48 per cent for affordability, with iconic venues such as Tresor and Matrix getting shoutouts from locals alongside the lively areas of Friedrichshain and Warschauer Straße.
Berlin-based writer Anna Geary-Meye said outdoor raves spread via word of mouth have made a comeback in Berlin, while “softer, more wholesome” events – by Berlin standards – such as Fandango’s weekly beach parties and Kwia’s ambient listening bar have also gained popularity.