UK-based Time Out magazine published its "Best Cities for Nightlife" list in late August, based on surveys of local residents. The evaluation criteria included nightclubs, bars, prices, nightlife quality, community connectivity, safety, entertainment, and hospitality.

Time Out editors, cultural experts, and experience specialists then participated in voting to compile the final list of 20 destinations. Among these, seven cities are in Asia.

Bangkok, Thailand – 1st

Bangkok's nightlife offers everything visitors could want: roadside bars, discos, rooftop bars with 360-degree views, and LGBT community party spaces. The city, humid by day, truly awakens at night. Beyond parties, Bangkok also boasts a night food scene, from upscale restaurants to street-side rice dishes served on plastic chairs at 2h.

Thailand's capital scored high across all nightlife evaluation criteria. 73% of locals praised it as "good" and "excellent," noting easy community connectivity. Bangkok is also a favorite destination for Time Out, receiving a 95% satisfaction rate from experts. *Photo: Time Out*

Beijing, China – 9th

If you know where to look, Beijing's nightlife can be surprising. The Sanlitun district is a starting point for many entertainment options. However, the city's best nights often unfold elsewhere. Visitors can enjoy a craft beer in the quiet setting of Great Leap Brewing's traditional alley, savor cocktails at Shifter, or head to the basement of Modernista, where indie bands have performed live for nearly 15 years.

Beijing boasts good security, making bar-hopping through various neighborhoods safe and enjoyable. According to local residents, the city is "affordable for nightlife." 72% of residents expressed satisfaction with the nightlife quality, and community connectivity received an 80% approval rating. *Photo: Beijing gov*

Hong Kong, China – 12th

Over recent years, Hong Kong's nightlife experience has shifted towards enjoying cocktails at cozy bars rather than visiting flashy nightclubs. The era of large discos has passed. Many new style clubs continue to expand in Lan Kwai Fong and Soho, adding to the city's nightlife appeal.

With 60% support from Time Out's expert panel and a score of 63 for nightlife quality, Hong Kong is described as "safe," and locals show a strong preference for casual eateries and cocktail bars. *Photo: Chui Pak Cheung*

Ha Noi, Vietnam – 15th

Ha Noi's nightlife often begins with draft beer pubs costing over 10,000 VND or craft beer establishments. However, for cocktails or nightclubs, patrons need to seek out speakeasy bars hidden in old quarter alleys, such as Workshop14 (a top Asia's 50 Best 2025 entry) and The Haflington. To reach these venues, one might navigate through crowded laundry lines or even pass through a neighbor's house.

The city ranks second for community connectivity, with 82% of residents reporting it is easy to make friends. Ha Noi also achieved good overall scores for the quality and affordability of its nightlife. *Photo: Booking*

Seoul, South Korea – 16th

Seoul's nightlife is redefining the rules of South Korea's traditional drinking culture. A health-conscious younger generation is gradually shifting from regular pubs, soju, or beer to experiential speakeasies offering unique cocktails and mocktails. With a low crime rate and buses running until 6h, Seoul's nightlife is safe, convenient, and diverse.

83% of Seoul residents rated the city's nightlife quality as "good" or "excellent," the second-highest score on the list. The city also scored well for its atmosphere and nightlife entertainment areas, with 61% of survey respondents expressing approval. *Photo: Getyourguide*

Bengaluru, India – 17th

Bengaluru has surpassed Mumbai and Delhi in the realm of pubs. While many locals remain loyal to traditional elements like retro-rock music and craft beer, the city's nightlife is evolving. Cocktails, jazz, and cozy, music-centric gathering spots now define Bengaluru's evolving night scene, waiting for visitors to explore.

Bengaluru received high ratings from local residents for its nightlife quality (71%) and community connectivity (82%). *Photo: Bangalor Mirror*

Singapore – 19th

Singapore's best parties are not advertised on large signs; visitors must know where to look. Underground artist groups are energizing the city's night scene in their own unique ways.

Singapore is described as a "safe" city, with 93% of survey participants agreeing. Its cocktail culture is highly regarded by locals, with over 50% voting cocktail bars as the "best nightlife experience in Singapore." *Photo: Trip*

Tam Anh (According to Time Out)