Best nightlife destinations in North America
Best nightlife destinations in North America
Central entertainment districts and iconic music avenues in North America
Major coastal cities anchor very different versions of North American nightlife, some built around dense, neighbourhood-specific bar and club scenes, others around large-scale, purpose-built entertainment on a single famous strip. Other cities each add their own distinct identity.
The destinations on this list range from neighbourhood bar crawls built around walkable density to large-scale club venues designed specifically for spectacle and bottle service. Some cities run on a more relaxed, late-dinner-into-drinks rhythm than others.
Booking table service well ahead matters at the continent's biggest venues, where walk-in access to the most in-demand clubs is rarely guaranteed. Cover charges and minimum spends vary considerably between venues. Booking ahead for the busiest weekend nights also matters considerably, since walk-in access can be unreliable at popular venues.
Lists by region
City in United States
Las Vegas
Lights, Luxury and Limitless Fun
Casinos in this city never close. Many bars and clubs serve drinks around the clock. Walking the Strip with an open drink in hand is legal. Pop stars play long residencies in large hotel theatres. Fremont Street downtown has a covered light show and cheaper bars.
City in Mexico
Cabo San Lucas
Arches, Beaches, Nightlife and Adventure
Once a small fishing village at the tip of the Baja California peninsula, this city grew into a party resort. Beach clubs on Medano Beach run all day. Bars and dance clubs line the marina area at night. Cabo Wabo Cantina, opened by rock singer Sammy Hagar, is a landmark.
City in Mexico
Mexico City
Vibrant Culture, History and Street Food
Set in a high valley at 2,240 metres, this city has late bars and clubs in Roma, Condesa and Polanco. Mezcal bars are easy to find. Plaza Garibaldi has mariachi bands playing for tips. Lucha libre wrestling at Arena México is a loud night out.
City in United States
New York City
Five boroughs of skyline, food and museums
New Yorkers go out late. A night often means a drink, a live set and then a late diner. Jazz clubs such as the Village Vanguard have played music since 1935. Rooftop bars show the glittering skyline. Brooklyn has dance clubs in Bushwick and Williamsburg.
City in Mexico
Cancún
Sun, sea and ancient wonders
Loud, bright and built for parties, this resort city has big clubs along the Hotel Zone. Coco Bongo is a show club with acrobats, live bands and singers. Beach clubs and bars stay busy after dark. Downtown has cheaper local bars and taquerias for a calmer evening.
City in Mexico
Guadalajara
Mariachi, murals and modern flair
As the capital of Jalisco, this city sits near the town of Tequila and the roots of mariachi music. Cantinas serve tequila with live bands. Avenida Chapultepec has bars and restaurants that fill at weekends. Plaza de los Mariachis has musicians for hire at night.
City in Canada
Montreal
A city of festivals, food and culture
French speaking and relaxed about late nights, this city has bars that serve later than in much of North America. Rue Saint-Denis and the Plateau have lively pubs. Old Montreal has stylish cocktail rooms in stone buildings. A large jazz festival fills the downtown streets each summer.
City in United States
Miami Beach
The ultimate blend of sun, sand and Art Deco charm
Developed from swampland in the 1910s and 1920s, this city has Art Deco hotels along Ocean Drive. Big clubs on Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue stay open until the early morning. Lincoln Road has outdoor bars and cafes. Hotel pool parties start in the afternoon.
City in Cuba
Havana
Vibrant Streets, Timeless Rhythms
Evenings are warm all year in this city, so life moves outdoors to the Malecón seawall. Live son and salsa play at clubs such as Casa de la Música. Tropicana, an open air cabaret since 1939, stages dance shows. El Floridita is known for daiquiris.
City in United States
Austin
Live music, lakes and local flavor
Located in central Texas on the Colorado River, this city has live music venues in almost every neighbourhood. Sixth Street is packed with bars and small stages. Rainey Street has bungalow bars with patios. The Continental Club on South Congress has hosted bands for decades.
City in United States
Nashville
Music, hot chicken and honky tonks
As a country music hub, this city has live shows every night on Lower Broadway. Honky tonks such as Tootsie's Orchid Lounge play bands from morning until late. The Ryman Auditorium hosts larger concerts. The Bluebird Cafe is known for songwriters performing in a small room.
City in United States
Los Angeles
The city of stars, beaches and dreams
Spread out more than most big cities, this city has nightlife in separate pockets rather than one district. Hollywood has dance clubs and the Sunset Strip has rock venues such as the Whisky a Go Go. Downtown has rooftop bars. Silver Lake has casual music spots.
City in United States
New Orleans
Jazz, Creole Flavors and Mardi Gras Vibes
Warm and humid much of the year, this city spills onto the pavements after dark. Frenchmen Street has live jazz in clubs with open doors. Bourbon Street is loud and crowded. Drinks are allowed in plastic cups on the street. Mardi Gras fills February with parades.
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