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

Thanks to the weather, the quality of the bars and the variety of attractions, Austin is not only the city with the best nightlife in the USA, but one of the best in the world.

“In a city where summer can last six months, nightlife can necessarily seem a lot cooler,” wrote former Time Out New York editor Jillian Anthony.

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

“On a Friday night, many Austinites feel the siren call of Barton Springs, the lively, massive freshwater pool that stays a cool 20 degrees year-round,” Anthony wrote. “The springs double as Austin’s hottest dating pool, so feel free to spread your towel next to your crush. Once your body temperature has dropped enough to start thinking again, I suggest you put on your fanciest outfit (remember, high heels are not allowed here) and head to Cheer Up Charlie’s, the club where every sexual orientation meets for drag shows, sold-out Saltburn parties, and sweaty dancing under the stars.”

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

Time Out’s full top five list includes Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in first place; Manila, Philippines, in second place; Berlin, Germany, in third place; Guadalajara, Mexico, in fourth place and finally Austin in fifth place.