Coming to America and want a party vacation? Almost every city in the States has a hotspot for late-night activities, but the type of partying varies from place to place. From live music in Austin to Southern-style saloons in Atlanta, our list will help you decide which city has the best nightlife in the USA to suit your vibe and mood.
1. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a good time city with every kind of bar, pub, lounge, and club that you could think of. Due to the sheer variety of places open after dark, a great night out is guaranteed no matter your style. Chi-Town is particularly popular in the month of March, around St. Patrick’s Day, when the river runs green and alcohol flows freely. The street with the most places to grab a drink is Clark Street. Stretching 12 miles (19km) from Rogers Park to Chinatown, Clark Street has more than 20o places that serve alcohol.
2. Austin, Texas
Austin bills itself as the Live Music Capital of the World. As such, this firmly makes it one of the top cities for nightlife in America. With over 250 live music spots, Austin is a mecca of all musical genres, not just country. You’ll find many rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk and Latino gigs every night, playing until the early morning. You’ll find these live music joints all around the city, particularly downtown. But if you’re looking for the largest concentration of places to party, head to famous Sixth Street.
3. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is one of the coolest cities in America and has an eclectic nightlife scene. Take your pick from the hottest up-and-coming band playing a live gig to a super-sleek, neon-lit lounge with laid-back house music. However, if you want something unique to the city, and quintessentially Georgian, spend some time in a Southern-style saloon, where you can grab a beer or craft cocktail with the locals.
3. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is a wild place to party and has a wide variety of nightlife. Take your pick from shows, clubs, pool parties, and casinos. Fun fact: Vegas has the world’s second most bars per capita (Prague takes the top spot). Want to let loose on the dancefloor? The city’s legendary bars and clubs are the perfect places to bump and grind. The most popular spot is the Las Vegas Strip, where hundreds of nightlife venues vie for your custom. Just remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!
4. Manhatten, New York
New York’s nightlife scene is diverse, fun, and buzzing. There are over 600 clubs and bars across all five boroughs. With such an amazing choice, it is no wonder party-loving holidaymakers come to NYC from all over the world. But for an unforgettable nightlife experience, Manhatten is the place to be. Our favourite spots include The East Village for a night of bar hopping, the West Village for excellent drag shows, and the Meat Packing District for some of the trendiest nightclubs.
5. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is a fun party city with a great selection of bars, clubs, comedy venues, live music spots, cabaret shows, and many other places. West Hollywood is where you can embrace the city’s thriving LGBTQIA+ scene. Downtown LA is also popular, offering everything from salsa bars to live indie music venues. But, as one of the biggest cities in the United States, no matter where you go or what neighbourhood you visit, you’ll find somewhere open late for a good time.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is one of the best cities for nightlife, not just during Mardis Gras. It’s a vibrant city full of live music and dancing with some excellent bars and cool cocktail clubs. With bars staying open 24-hour bars, you can party around the clock or until your feet can take no more. We love the nightlife vibe in the French Quarter, especially along Bourbon Street with its jazz bars, smoky cocktail joints, and gumbo spots.
7. Daytona, Florida
Florida is famous for its fun, vibrant cities that throw a good party. One such place is Daytona, legendary for its wild Spring Break parties – MTV filmed its first-ever Spring Break special in Dayton. However, the city isn’t just for beer-chugging college students; there’s something for everyone. Along the strip on the beach, you’ll find lots of bars and pubs, some selling excellent local craft beers. And if you want to dance the night away, check out Club 600 North and Ocean Deck.
