Best cities for nightlife

Nightlife that isn't just a strip of tourist bars. Each entry names the neighbourhood locals actually drink in, and the famous street to avoid.

How these were picked

Nightlife that isn't just a strip of tourist bars. Each entry names the neighbourhood locals actually drink in, and the famous street to avoid.

World-class food, walkable neighbourhoods, and prices that still feel like a mistake.

Stay: 4–6 daysGo: March to May, and October to November

A beach, a mountain and Gaudí, all reachable on foot from a single apartment.

Stay: 4–5 daysGo: May to June, and September to early October

04AmsterdamNetherlands

A city best seen from a bike, once you get out of the centre.

Stay: 3 daysGo: April to May, and September

05BangkokThailand

The best street food on the planet, and a transport system that makes the chaos navigable.

Stay: 3–4 days, or 5 with a day tripGo: November to February

06New York CityUnited States

Pick two neighbourhoods a day and stop trying to do the rest.

Stay: 4–5 daysGo: Late April to June, and September to October

07New OrleansUnited States

The most distinctive city in America, and the easiest to plan badly.

Stay: 3–4 daysGo: February to May, and October to November