Rio, Berlin… Manchester? International magazine names city as one of world’s top spots for a night out

It’s no surprise that Manchester has been named in the top ten cities globally for a knees up, joining the ranks of cultural giants like Rio de Janeiro, Berlin, and Manila in Time Out’s list of the World’s Best Cities for Nightlife.

For decades, Manchester has been the heartbeat of the UK’s clubbing scene, a city where the pulse of the night never falters, and where every corner tells a story of musical innovation and unforgettable nights out.

From the early days of Northern Soul at the Twisted Wheel to the groundbreaking acid house and Madchester scenes that erupted from the iconic Hacienda, Manchester has always been a city that knows how to party.

Manchester named in Time Out’s top ten places for nightlife globally

Today, Manchester’s nightlife scene is more inclusive, authentic, and exciting than ever.

Venues like Hidden and The White Hotel echo the spirit of the early rave scene, offering spaces where the music and the atmosphere combine to create something truly unique.

This is a city where the past and the future of nightlife collide in the most thrilling ways, making it no wonder that Manchester ranks among the best places to party in the world.

Manchester’s Resilient Nightlife Scene

In recent years, traditional nightlife has faced its fair share of challenges.

The cost-of-living crisis, a shift towards more mindful drinking habits among the younger generation, and the rise of work-from-home culture have all transformed how and when we choose to go out.

Despite these shifts, Manchester’s nightlife has not only survived but thrived, proving that it’s not just about the old-school club scene anymore.

The party is far from over—it’s just become more interesting.

What did Time Out say about Manchester?

Manchester ranked at number eight in the article just behind Rotterdam at seven.

The article reads: “Manchester, UK: Manchester’s best clubs are equal parts inclusive and authentic, with clued-up clubbers rejecting mainstream venues and adopting the spirit of early rave in industrial estate venues like Hidden or The White Hotel.”

A Night Out in Manchester: More Than Just Clubs

The days when nightlife was synonymous with clubbing alone are gone. Manchester’s after-dark scene offers something for everyone.

From intimate gigs at Albert Hall and Soup Kitchen to late-night art exhibitions and pop-up food markets, the city embraces a broader definition of what it means to have a good time.

This is a city where you can start your night with a craft beer in the Northern Quarter, catch a live DJ set in a warehouse, and end it with a plate of late-night noodles in Chinatown.

Global Recognition and Local Pride

Grace Beard, Travel Editor at Time Out, captures the essence of why Manchester made the cut: “Nightlife has changed a lot over the past four years.

“But while club closures and work-from-home culture have thrown its future into question, cities the world over have done what they do best: rolled with the times.

“Our inaugural Time Out ranking of the World’s Best Cities for Nightlife champions the destinations where a great night out is an easy find and, with affordability a key metric in our ranking, won’t break the bank.”

Manchester’s inclusion in this list is a testament to the city’s ability to adapt and innovate.

It’s a place where the old meets the new, where tradition is celebrated, and where the next big thing is always just around the corner.

The Future of Manchester’s Nightlife

Looking ahead, Manchester is set to continue its evolution.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s no denying that Manchester’s nightlife is alive, well, and more exciting than ever.

So, the next time you’re planning a night out, remember: Manchester knows how to party, and it’s only just getting started.

For the full list of the world’s 13 best cities for nightlife and more insights into Manchester’s place in this global ranking, visit Time Out.

The full list

• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Up-and-coming gastronomic hotspots like Alba and Vian Cocktail Bar become dancefloors at the weekend, taking over from the traditional ‘nightclub’.

• Manila, Philippines: Dubbed by locals as the most affordable city on the list, visitors can find a twist on a classic cocktail menu at speakeasy Cheshire with 52 unique drinks presented on a menu printed on a deck of cards.

• Berlin, Germany: While some of the city’s nightlife institutions may have shut down, partygoers are taking things outside with the return of word-of-mouth outdoor raves and, in summer, a weekly beach party on the shores of Plötzensee.

• Guadalajara, Mexico: Expiatorio, known affectionately as Tori, is a relaxed neighbourhood with impromptu salsa dances in the square, loads of quirky bars and local food stalls for a late-night refuel.

• Austin, USA: In a city where summer can last six months, Austinites are looking for a different kind of ‘cool’, with many heading to Barton Springs – a huge, vibrant, freshwater pool – for a relaxed Friday-night party.

• Lagos, Nigeria: This summer, nightlife in Lagos has taken on a theme with events that celebrate the city’s rich history alongside nights that look to the future, with familiar venues like Freedom Park and The House hosting fun new nightlife events like salsa nights and networking.

• Rotterdam, Netherlands: There’s something happening on every corner and canal. Come rain or sun, people gather for ‘biertjes’ (which means, literally, ‘little beers’).

• Manchester, UK: Manchester’s best clubs are equal parts inclusive and authentic, with clued-up clubbers rejecting mainstream venues and adopting the spirit of early rave in industrial estate venues like Hidden or The White Hotel.

• Budapest, Hungary: The best spots in this city this summer are rooftops, using Budapest’s stunning cityscape as a backdrop for DJ sets and parties. In winter, cosy communal igloos will pop up to keep the party going all year round.

• Accra, Ghana: Nightlife is as vibrant as ever, and on any given night, streets are buzzing with food vendors and music as well as open-air concerts, live DJ sets and art festivals.

• Buenos Aires, Argentina: Fiestas have taken over Buenos Aires’ nightlife scene in recent years, with a relaxed, inclusive and strong familial vibe. Most have a specific theme, and some are really pushing boundaries like Ecstatic Dance, where both talking and wearing shoes are not permitted.

• Taipei, Taiwan: This is a city where balance is key, from high-energy parties at Final and Studio 9 to relaxed vibes at Fake Sober Taipei. There’s something for everyone, whether it’s a low-alcohol cocktail or a craft beer, but the locals know the most important thing is to cap off the night by lining your stomach at one of the city’s many late-night hotpot restaurants, open until 2.30am.

• Singapore, Singapore: As well as high-end clubbing and underground techno nights, Singaporeans are also practising ‘healthy hedonism’ – a term coined by party people Wild Pearl and Yes You. The idea flips nightlife on its head at daytime parties like Immersion, where freezing cold plunges are followed by sizzling dance floors, and where people shirk the booze for kombucha.