Although many people associate the best nightlife in the world with destinations such as Ibiza, New York, Berlin or Paris, the truth is that none of these cities takes first place in an international ranking. The surprise comes from Barcelona, which according to a study by the JB platform has become the great global capital of nightlife thanks to its variety of venues, extensive opening hours and a vibrant atmosphere that attracts both tourists and residents.
The report ranks the Catalan capital as number one for its high concentration of bars -more than 300 per 100 square kilometers-, the affordable price of drinks and places that can stay open until six in the morning. In addition to Barcelona, the top 10 is completed by Paris, Prague, Tokyo, Budapest and Tbilisi, five of them European cities with a strong tradition of nightlife entertainment.
Safety is another key element of the study. The data reveals that four out of ten tourists go out drinking when they travel and that nightlife accounts for around 15% of the total vacation budget. Other analysis in the UK shows that adults spend an average of £3,776 a year in pubs, bars and nightclubs, although attendance at traditional clubs has been declining among younger people.
One of the big surprises in the ranking is Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, which appears in seventh place. Its emerging atmosphere, popular “Wine Street”, rooftop bars and affordable drink prices have put it ahead of established destinations such as Bangkok or Tbilisi, making it a booming option for those looking for different nightlife experiences.
Meanwhile, Barcelona itself continues to diversify its offer with the rise of the tardeos, evening gatherings that combine music, tapas and drinks outdoors. This trend, increasingly popular among locals and visitors, adds to the city’s powerful nightlife and expands the range of proposals for enjoying urban leisure beyond the early hours of the morning.
