There are so many factors that go into making a good city great. For somewhere to truly be one of the best places in the world, it needs fantastic food, diverse and exciting culture, efficient public transport and a welcoming vibe. It should also be able to offer you a really, really good night out.
So, with that in mind, Time Out has quizzed thousands of city natives across the world on how they rate the nightlife in their locale. While we know that places like London, Manchester and Leeds do all offer brilliant nights out (just take a look at our list of the country’s greatest club nights), there was just one UK city that ranked in the global top 20 best nightlife cities in the world.
Brighton was the only British city to make the cut. With 81 percent of locals rating the city’s nightlife either ‘good’ or ‘amazing’, it landed seventh on our list, just beneath some of the planet’s better known clubbing meccas like Las Vegas, Madrid and Berlin.
Liv Kelly, Time Out’s travel writer and Brighton local, explains that the city’s thriving after-dark scene owes a lot to its queer population (which has earned it the title of the UK’s Gay Capital). Our survey found that Brighton is one of the world’s most diverse and inclusive cities, with 64 percent of its residents describing it ‘welcoming and friendly’ – the perfect recipe for a good time.
Liv said said: ‘At Brighton’s nighttime core is the deep-rooted role that LGBTQ+ spaces – which began cropping up way back in the ’20s and ’30s – have played.’ She shouts out ‘veteran queer institutions’ Legends and Revenge as well as more recent additions like lesbian club night Crushed and disco rave collective TidalGroove.
If it’s a more lowkey night out that you’re after, Brighton can do that too. When it comes to ‘more intimate, sound-led venues and bars’, Liv recommends The Well, Helm or Alphabet. You can see all our favourite Brighton bars here.
And you’re in good hands for the morning after. The seaside city was one the the top ranking UK spots when Time Out asked people what they thought of the food scene in their hometown. Starfish & Coffee, Egg & Spoon and Café Coho all serve up stellar brunches that’ll bring you back to life.
Find Time Out’s full list of the world’s best cities for nightlife in 2025 here.
And explore our pick of the UK’s best club nights for 2025.
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