Best Party Cities around the World

Juliet Izon, CNN and Anh Minh, VnExpress

CNN Juliet Izon has scoured the globe to find the world’s best party cities, from Bangkok, Seoul, Barcelona, Berlin, Las Vegas to Tel Aviv. And whether you’re a dance-‘til-sunrise type or prefer whiling away the hours at a hidden bar, there’s something for everyone on this travel list.

Any major city will have bars, clubs and live music venues, but not all of them can claim to be a true party capital. And, while the definition of what that is may change from continent to continent, there are a few truths that are universal.

First, a superior party city is fun. The locals like to have a good time, and the nightlife scene is joyous and raucous. Second, there needs to be a diversity of entertainment to cater to all walks of life. Ten clubs spinning the same techno beats is hardly revolutionary. Finally, it should be unique. Whether it’s Rio’s botecos or Berlin’s infamous clubs, every city on this list champions its individuality.

Bangkok

The capital of Thailand delights every sense, from its beautiful temples to its unforgettable roadside eateries. So it makes sense that the nightlife here is not a one-trick pony.

“Bangkok’s nightlife is so unique because it is diversified,” says Khun Chaba, chief concierge at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. “Visitors can explore and discover new experiences from culture to food, local lifestyle and entertainment.” One of the most popular and photogenic areas for nightlife is the Soi Nana district in Chinatown. “It’s full of converted houses that have been transformed into cozy bars with fun, yet relaxing vibes,” says Chaba.

An extra perk: It’s easy to grab an order of Chinese dumplings on the street in between bar hops. Bangkok in general is known for its robust bar scene. Seven establishments in the city made it onto the coveted list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars for 2019, including Thailand’s highest ever entry, Bamboo Bar, which ranked No.8. Those looking for dancing should make a beeline for the Thonglor district in Sukhumvit, where clubs and performing venues offer everything from karaoke to thumping EDM music.

Seoul

A common refrain about the South Korean people is that they work hard and play hard. Nowhere is this dichotomy more evident than in Seoul, where everyone from students to business people are known for logging impossibly long hours, followed by partying with wild abandon once their duties (or homework) is complete.

In the city’s multilevel clubs, it’s not uncommon for them to be crowded until well after the sun rises, with revelers then decamping immediately for the nearest Korean barbecue restaurant. Students and younger folk flock to the Hongdae area, which is known for its underground music scene. “Those looking for a high-end party go to Gangnam, which is a combination of West Coast plus New York City-style in one area,” says SJ Lee, executive director of The Travel&Leisure, a Virtuoso-affiliated agency.

Many may be familiar with the area because of Psy’s song “Gangnam Style” from 2012, but it’s famous in its own right for venues such as Octagon and Arena.

Las Vegas

If there is any city in the world synonymous with partying, it’s Las Vegas. But the scene here is more multifaceted than many give it credit for. “Few places in the world can boast the high concentration of world class restaurants, entertainment and nightclubs in such a short distance from one another,” says VEGAS magazine’s editor in chief, Emmy Kasten. “The combination of high-quality choices and convenience is a magnet for revelers around the world.”

While the glittering lights of the Strip offer a party experience for nearly every type of guest, there are a few spots that are particularly buzzy. “The Cosmopolitan, Park MGM, Wynn, and Palms are topping the lists of what’s hot right now,” says Kasten. In addition, Downtown Las Vegas and Chinatown are quickly emerging as must-see destinations. “Both neighborhoods have much more of an edge that is harder to find in the bigger places on the Strip,” she says. As for the veracity of the city’s unofficial mantra? “The Vegas motto – you know the one – unleashes a freedom that no other city can claim,” Kasten says.

New York City

From the all-night madness of Times Square’s New Year’s Eve ball drop to Fashion Week’s most exclusive fetes, New York may be best known for its parties that revolve around its world-famous events. But the City That Never Sleeps also offers a diversity of entertainment for any type of reveler. “New York’s variety makes it a world-class party city,” says Clancy O’Connor, a concierge at Four Seasons New York and a member of the exclusive Les Clefs d’Or.

Those looking for a good time in the Big Apple can choose anything from “Afro-Latin beats at Bembe in Williamsburg, speakeasies like Employees Only in the West Village, the uninhibited neon circus vibes of the House of Yes in Bushwick, the opulence of the Top of the Standard in the Meatpacking District, to the hard-hitting beats of warehouse-like Good Room in Greenpoint,” says O’Connor.

And, as some of the country’s best arbiters of cool, don’t expect partiers in this city to follow any sort of rule. “Most New Yorkers know that the best parties aren’t on the weekends,” says O’Connor. “New Yorkers don’t settle for average, and the city is constantly pushing the boundary and exploring new nightlife experiences.” And while every neighborhood in New York is often pulsing late into the night, O’Connor recommends the borough of Brooklyn for those looking for the trendiest spots. “It continues to drive the nightlife scene forward: Bushwick, Greenpoint and Williamsburg are where some of the best new parties can be found,” he says.

Barcelona

As any student studying abroad can tell you, Barcelona’s nightlife stands out for its sheer longevity. By that, we mean they take partying until dawn quite literally. Of course, in a city where locals don’t sit down to dinner until 9 or 10 p.m., it’s little wonder that the club scene is still vibrant well into the middle of the night. The climate along Spain’s Mediterranean coast also means that Barcelonés can take advantage of outdoor revelry nearly year-round, so expect plenty of partying on terraces or rooftops.

“The night scene is mainly divided into two areas,” says R. David Salomon, general manager of buzzy hotel Almanac Barcelona. “The uptown area includes the famous Aribau and Tuset streets, full of bars and emblematic clubs such as Sutton and Bling Bling. Then, there’s the Ciutat Vella district, where popular clubs such as Sala Apolo and Razzmatazz are located.” The city is also a hub for music festivals, such as Primavera Sound, Sonar, Tomorrowland and DGTL, which attract artists such as Miley Cyrus and the Killers.

Berlin

“In Berlin, every day is a party,” says Philipp Vogel, managing director and culinary chef at Orania Berlin hotel. “Whether you’re looking to go dancing on a Sunday afternoon, or have a big night out on the weekend, you’ll have a choice of at least 10 clubs.” Vogel says the lively vibe of the German capital is still influenced by the events of 1989. “During the fall of the Wall, an underground – and illegal – club scene emerged,” he says. “While most are closed now, the city’s spirited party culture remains.”

The Kreuzberg area is ground zero for exploring the scene: “The neighborhood is special because it is so diverse; you can find a great mix of cultural influences and endless types of restaurants and bars,” he says. And of course, all diehard clubbers will want to make a pilgrimage to Berghain, which is as famous for its music as for its strict door policy. But if you don’t get in, never fear: “There are no rules; you don’t need to dress up; and you can find a party whenever and wherever you like,” he says of the city.

Cape Town

With such beautiful surroundings, it’s no surprise that Cape Gown partying often happens outdoors. “You don’t have to be constrained to a bar or club; we have remarkable events, venues and outdoor parties,” says Hoon Kim, concierge and front of house manager of The Silo hotel.

Popular festivals include Afrika Burn (South Africa’s answer to Burning Man) and Rocking the Daisies, which is one of the largest outdoor music festivals in the Southern Hemisphere. Many Capetonians also love to party in the Cape Winelands, where estates and farms surrounding the city host lively events.

But a night (or day) out in town is also pretty unique: “Capetonians are incredibly laid back, so most venues transform throughout the day from cafes to bars and then to nightclubs,” Kim says. Some of the most popular include Harrington’s, Village Idiot, Aces n’ Spades and Athletic Club & Social. And don’t worry about fancy attire: “There’s no stiff formality or dress codes in Cape Town; it’s a seaside town at heart,” Kim says.

Anh Minh (Theo CNN)

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