Nightlife takes on lots of different forms, and cities all over the world have adapted to our changing habits when it comes to going out. Today you’ll find sober-friendly events collectives alongside vibey cocktail bars and late-night cafes as well as massive, pulsing raves.
So, to uncover which cities are the best of the best when it comes to going out after dark in 2025, we quizzed thousands of city-dwellers and consulted a panel of experts to curate a list of the planet’s best nightlife cities.
Claiming the top spot was Las Vegas, which over recent years has leaned into a more low-key night out, and you can read all about it here.
However, four African cities also claimed a spot in our shiny new top 20, and the first of these was Cape Town in number 11, where the ‘party scene pulses with grit, glamour, and groove – just ask South African homegrown global stars Tyla and Black Coffee,’ according to Cape Town editor Selene Brophy.
And the stats do back up that claim. Seventy-seven percent of Capetonians describe the city as ‘good’ or ‘amazing’ when it comes to nightlife, and it also ranks as the third cheapest place on our list for a boogie – even better, eh?
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Lagos is up next in fourteenth place, where 79 percent of locals rate the nightlife positively. The Nigerian city’s nightlife scene is shifting from exclusive lounges to inclusive underground raves such as SweatItOutLagos and Our Group Therapy.
Cairo follows closely behind in fifteenth place, where 79 percent of locals approve of the city’s nightlife scene and 72 percent describe it as ‘cheap or free’ or ‘affordable’. But while history shows us that Egyptians were big on beer-drinking, the culture here is much more focused around shisha tobacco and caffeine. However, cool cocktail bars have been cropping up in more expat-heavy areas.
Lastly, Marrakech comes in at number 19. ‘As Marrakech’s tourism numbers rise, so do its after-dark offerings,’ says Morocco-based writer Sally Kirby, ‘The Medina is home to colourful rooftop bars, including El Fenn and Kabana, offering cocktails and majestic views over the Koutoubia Mosque. In Gueliz, you’ll find playful lounge bars such as Baromètre, a speakeasy, and The Mix, known for its electric Gnawa nights.’
Not only did 72 percent of locals positively rate Marrakech’s nightlife, but the city was also ranked as the third safest on our list.
Check out ’s full list of the world’s best cities for nightlife in 2025.
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