Local Nightlife: The Best Bars and Clubs Away from Tourists

8 January 2026

When traveling, it’s tempting to hit up the well-known nightlife hotspots. But let’s be honest—those places are usually overpriced, overcrowded, and filled with other tourists. If you really want to experience a city’s nightlife, you have to go where the locals go.

So, where do you find the hidden gems? The underground bars, the intimate jazz clubs, the wild dancefloors where no one is trying to impress Instagram? Grab a drink, and let's dive into the best bars and clubs that locals love—but tourists rarely find.

Why Local Nightlife is the Best Kept Secret

Touristy bars are like fast food—predictable, bland, and way too expensive. But the local spots? That’s where the magic happens. Imagine sipping craft cocktails in a dimly lit speakeasy, grooving to live music in a gritty dive bar, or dancing till dawn in a club where the DJ actually cares about the music.

The best part? You won’t have to fight through a sea of fanny packs and selfie sticks to have a good time.

How to Find the Best Local Bars & Clubs

Before we jump into specific places, let’s talk strategy. Finding local nightlife isn’t as simple as Googling “best bars near me.” Here’s what you need to do:

- Ask a Local – Bartenders, baristas, even your Airbnb host—they’ll tell you where the locals really go.
- Avoid Tourist Traps – If the bar has a flashing neon sign and a guy outside waving a drink menu, keep walking.
- Check Social Media – Instagram and Reddit are goldmines for underground nightlife recommendations.
- Go Off the Beaten Path – The best bars and clubs are often tucked away in alleys, basements, or rooftops.

Now, let’s get into the good stuff—the best local bars and clubs in cities around the world.

Hidden Gems for Local Nightlife Around the World

1. Berlin, Germany – Sisyphos

Berlin’s clubbing scene is legendary, but forget Berghain. Instead, head to Sisyphos, a massive, open-air venue that feels like a mix between a festival and a backyard party. Set in an old factory, it has sandy dancefloors, food stalls, and multiple music areas. Best of all? It’s not packed with tourists trying (and failing) to get into Berghain.

2. Barcelona, Spain – Marsella

Picture this: a dimly lit bar, shelves stacked with dusty bottles of absinthe, and an atmosphere that feels straight out of the 1800s. Welcome to Bar Marsella, the oldest bar in Barcelona. It’s where Hemingway and Picasso used to drink, and locals still come here for a strong dose of nostalgia (and absinthe).

3. Tokyo, Japan – Omoide Yokocho Bars

Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho (a.k.a. "Piss Alley") is a tiny labyrinth of izakayas and hole-in-the-wall bars where locals unwind. Skip the overpriced robot-themed bars and settle in for a night of highballs, sake, and late-night yakitori. Bonus: some bars only fit five or six people, making for an ultra-intimate experience.

4. New Orleans, USA – Saturn Bar

Bourbon Street is fun for about five minutes—then it’s just chaos. Instead, head to Saturn Bar, a divey, eclectic spot in the Bywater where locals dance to funky beats under vintage art and neon lights. It’s gritty, weird, and undeniably cool.

5. Bangkok, Thailand – Smalls

Most tourists head to Khao San Road for nightlife, but real Bangkokians hit up Smalls. This artsy, multi-level bar has strong cocktails, a rooftop terrace, and a rotating lineup of DJs spinning jazz, house, and electro. It’s effortlessly cool without trying too hard.

6. Prague, Czech Republic – Anonymous Bar

If you’re into craft cocktails with a side of mystery, Anonymous Bar is your spot. Inspired by the hacker group and Guy Fawkes, this hidden bar serves drinks in smoke-filled glass domes and old books. You’ll find it in Old Town, but it still manages to escape the tourist crowds.

7. Medellín, Colombia – Salon Amador

Reggaeton lovers, this one's for you. Salón Amador is where Medellín’s coolest crowd gathers to dance the night away. Located in the trendy Provenza neighborhood, this spot merges underground beats with a vibrant, local vibe. Tourists rarely find it, and that’s exactly why it’s amazing.

8. Lisbon, Portugal – Park Bar

Tucked away on top of a parking garage, Park Bar is a rooftop paradise with jaw-dropping views of Lisbon. Most tourists don’t even know it exists because you literally have to walk through a garage to get there. But once you’re up there, cocktails taste better with the city skyline as your backdrop.

9. Cape Town, South Africa – The House of Machines

By day, The House of Machines is a café and motorcycle shop. By night? It transforms into one of Cape Town’s liveliest bars, complete with live blues music, local gin cocktails, and an effortlessly cool crowd. Not a single tourist trap in sight.

10. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – The Alley Cocktail Bar & Kitchen

Saigon is packed with bars, but The Alley is truly special. Nestled in—you guessed it—an alley, this speakeasy serves amazing cocktails in a warm, candlelit space. It’s where locals go when they want quality drinks without the backpacker chaos.

What Makes These Places Special?

You might have noticed a pattern here. The best local bars and clubs usually have a few things in common:

- They’re hard to find – If there’s no giant sign, you’re probably on the right track.
- They attract locals, not tourists – You’ll actually meet people from the city, not just other travelers.
- They have character – Whether it’s a hidden speakeasy or a rooftop dive, these places have a unique personality.

Final Tips for Enjoying Local Nightlife

Before you set out on your night of adventure, a few last words of wisdom:

- Dress the part – Some of these places have strict dress codes. Do your research.
- Respect the culture – Just because you’re a visitor doesn’t mean you should act like one. Blend in, be polite, and don’t act like a rowdy tourist.
- Stay safe – Keep an eye on your drink, know how you’re getting home, and don’t wander off alone at 3 AM.

So there you have it—your ultimate guide to local nightlife. Next time you're traveling, skip the tourist traps and head to where the real fun happens. Who knows? You might just stumble upon the best night of your life.