12 Unexpected US Cities with a Vibrant Nightlife Scene
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When it’s all about what happens when the sun goes down, you must find a destination with a lively nightlife scene. Setting the obvious big hitters aside, this list focuses on a dozen more unusual places to hit the town after dark. Here are our favorite US cities to head to after sunset.
Austin, Texas
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Life after dark in Austin is something to write home about. Live music spots here specialize in blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, rock, and Latino genres. Head to Sixth Street to find the most vibrant venues in town.
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Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City’s Power and Light district is party central – among other things. It’s also a favored haunt of basketball fans and those who love retail therapy. Upscale cocktail bars and clubs are a particular feature of this area.
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Cincinnati, Ohio
Busy enough on weekdays and packed out at weekends, Cincinnati’s riverwalk area is the place to be after sunset in Ohio. Live music venues are everywhere, where bartenders can pour you anything from beer or bourbon to a cool cocktail.
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New Orleans, Louisiana
A mixed crowd and laid-back vibe make New Orleans one of the best US cities for nightlife. Some places can be pricey, but it’s refreshingly unpretentious. With something different every evening, you’ll never get bored in this southern city.
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Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee can offer it all, whatever you want from a night out on the town. Third Street is the epicenter of after-hours entertainment. From a casual drink or sports bar with big screens to a thrumming club with a crowded dance floor, there’s something for everyone in Wisconsin’s most populous city.
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Denver, Colorado
Denver’s River North Art District – or RiNo – is where it’s at when it comes to nightlife in this city. It’s fun to spot the rhinos around the area as you go, which have become the local symbol. Find them decorating the walls and windows of the local brewpubs, music bars, and more.
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Baltimore, Maryland
The seaport of Baltimore also offers a lively nightlife scene. The historic Federal Hill – or Fed Hill – neighborhood is the best place to go. Cool burger and pizza joints, pubs, and live music venues ensure a good time for everyone after the sun goes down.
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Orlando, Florida
With a great selection of venues on North Orange Avenue, downtown Orlando makes bar and club hopping easy. Drinks are more affordable than in bigger cities, too. Visit any night of the week to find a party vibe going down.
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Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines offers a perhaps surprisingly lively nightlife. You can find arcade or cocktail bars here, plus plenty of late-night places to eat. With more than 50 bars downtown, there’s always somewhere to sink a beer or two in Iowa’s capital.
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Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale has plenty of bars and clubs to sample. Many of these are packed into the old town district, which is very walkable. Start with a cut-price happy hour, opt for a sophisticated wine bar, or conserve your energy for dancing the night away in one of the desert city’s clubs.
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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
As one of the most walkable cities in the US, it’s simple to sample all life after dark in Pittsburgh. The city offers a thriving nightlife scene, from neighborhood and sports bars to upscale cocktail bars and clubs.
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Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is packed with Honky Tonk bars where you can enjoy free live music. Rooftop bars are scattered across the city, so you can sip a cocktail while enjoying the sweeping views. Broadway – aka Honky Tonk Highway – is the place to head to, as it’s packed with bars, restaurants, clubs and music venues.
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