Austin Is The Fifth Best City For Nightlife, Study Finds

Austin has been ranked the fifth-best city in the world for nightlife in 2024 by Time Out magazine.

Thanks to the weather, quality of bars, and diverse attractions, Austin is not only the best city in the U.S. for nightlife, but one of the best in the world.

“In a city where summer can last for six months, nightlife can look a lot cooler out of necessity,” wrote former Time Out New York editor Jillian Anthony.

Time Out surveyed residents of some of the biggest cities in the world to find the best cities for people looking to spend a great night. The report took into account the variety of venues and bars, the quality of the nightlife scene, and its affordability. 

“On a Friday night, many Austinites feel the siren call of Barton Springs, the vibrant, giant, freshwater pool that stays at a brisk 68 degrees all year long,” Anthony wrote. “The springs double as Austin’s sexiest dating pool, so don’t hesitate to put your towel down next to your crush. Once your core temperature goes down enough to think again, I suggest putting on your funkiest outfit (know that high heels are not a thing here) and heading to Cheer Up Charlie’s, the club where every brand of sexuality gathers for drag shows, sold-out Saltburn parties, and sweaty dancing under the stars.”

Some places Time Out highly recommend are Higher Ground, Midnight Cowboy, Cheer Up Charlie’s, and Codependent Cocktails and Coffee.

The complete top five list of Time Out includes Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in first place; Manila, Philippines in the second spot; Berlin, Germany in third place; Guadalajara, Mexico, in the fourth; and, finally, Austin in the fifth place.