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7 best cities to visit in the UK for nightlife

7 best cities to visit in the UK for nightlife

Melanie May | | 5 minutes Read
Europe

Looking to hit up the biggest party spots in the United Kingdom? We’ve got you covered. Whether you are heading to England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you’ll find somewhere to dance the night away. However, there are some places where the late-night scene is just that bit better. Whether you are looking for an epic all-nighter in a superclub with a super start DJ or something a little more low-key, here are some of the best cities to visit in the UK for nightlife.

7 best cities to visit in the UK for nightlife

1. Blackpool, England

If you like to feel the sand between your toes as you party the night away, head to Blackpool. Blackpool is one of our favourite places for the best beach nightlife. This seaside resort in Lancashire, in Northern England, is one of the best places in the country for a boozy beach party. Its relatively cheap alcohol prices and an impressive selection of late-night venues make it a popular party destination, especially with students and stag and hen groups. For its size, Blackpool really is a big hitter when it comes to nightlife. To make the most of the beach, spend the night bar hopping along The Promenade.

2. London, England

If you like high-end clubs, legendary live music venues and atmospheric pubs, London is the place to be. As you can probably tell, there is something here for everyone, for all budgets. SoHo is one of the best places in London for nightlife, especially ridiculously fun cabaret clubs. Camden is another great nightlife area, home to rock and indie bars and iconic music venues. Meanwhile, Mayfair is the opposite, with its fancy cocktail lounges and hotel bars. Some of our favourite nightclubs are Fabric in Farringdon, Heaven near Charing Cross station, and Ministery of Sound in southeast London.

best nightlife in England

3. Liverpool, England

Liverpool is one of the UK’s top nightlife destinations with a wide variety of nighttime venues. It has a great vibe, especially if you are a student. The compact nature of Liverpool’s nightlife spots means they are within walking distance of each other. On Mathew Street, you’ll find the iconic Cavern Club, where the Beatles played. The Baltic Triangle is where you’ll find underground clubs where you can dance the night away.

cavern club in liverpool uk

4. Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow is Scotland’s prime partying location: fun, vibrant, and affordable. Sauchiehall Street is the place to be if you want to stay all night in one place and not have to move around. It is full of bars, clubs, and live music venues. West Regent Street is thronged with nightclubs blasting music of all genres. Another popular spot is Union Street, which is just teeming with nice pubs and a good selection of clubs.

best cities to visit in the UK for nightlife

5. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh has a booming nightlife. Scotland’s capital is a popular spot for a night out, with several areas across the city promising a good time. The city has much to offer, especially in the Old Town. The nightlife in this area is mostly concentrated around Grassmarket, Cowgate, George IV Bridge, and the Royal Mile. Around these streets, you find lots of open-air bars, restaurants, traditional pubs, and clubs. The Royal Mile is probably where you’ll find the best nightlife in Edinburgh. This old area is packed with pubs slinging plenty of warming whiskey and thirst-quenching ales. Edinburgh’s New Town is the city’s main tourist hub, which, at night, transforms into a buzzing, cosmopolitan hub of bars, lounges, and clubs.

best bars in the United Kingdom

6. Belfast, Nothern Ireland

Belfast is a brilliant little city with something for everyone. You’ll find it here whether you are looking for a live music gig, traditional pub, rooftop cocktails or high-octane dancefloor. Some of our favourite party areas in the city are the Cathedral Quarter and the Central District. If you are looking for more of a student vibe, head to the area around Queen’s University. Lots of pubs here have quiz nights, and the entertainment is very lively.

best cities to visit in the UK for nightlife

7. Cardiff, Wales

Cardiff is one of Europe’s smallest capital cities, but it is a big hitter regarding nightlife. Here, you’ll find a great selection of student bars and one of the best bars in the UK, The Dead Canary. Two of the most popular areas in Cardiff for nightlife are the upcoming maritime quarter of Cardiff Bay and the hipster neighbourhood of Pontcanna.

Cardiff Bay

Melanie May Photo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melanie is an intrepid solo traveller, endlessly curious about people, places and food. She is a fan of slow travel and loves exploring the world by mouth, discovering a culture through its food. Having backpacked her way around the world she turned her wanderlust into a career and is now a full-time travel writer.

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