5 unexpected nightlife destinations for 2018

The best parties are the surprising and spontaneous ones, which is why we’ve rounded up the five top unexpected destinations for nightlife, according to global travellers.

Barranquilla, Colombia

Barranquilla is mostly known as the birthplace of Shakira and for its annual Carnaval. The latter is claimed to be the second biggest carnival in the world (after Rio) and is a frenzy of colourful festivities that kicks off in February. But even if your trip doesn’t coincide with this enormous street party, Barranquilla has enough nightlife to easily keep you occupied. Join the locals drinking and dancing by the tiendas. These small neighbourhood stores lay out tables and chairs on the pavement outside, sell beers and play Colombian Vallenato folk music. For more conventional bars and nightclubs, head to popular streets Calle 84, Carrera 21 and Carrera 8, where you’ll find La Troja, one of the city’s most well-known venues, celebrated for its traditional music, dancing and atmosphere (although make sure you come on Friday, Saturday or Sunday as it is closed during the week). In a palatial building on Calle 84, Hotel Windsor Barranquilla has an outdoor pool where you can have a Colombian coconut cocktail before a night out.

Manila, Philippines

Manila used to be all glitz but it’s diversified a lot, with more niche and conceptual bars bringing in international mixologists and musicians. There are budget ‘hole in the wall’ type places, rooftop bars, an old airport terminal in the middle of the city with a beautiful cocktail garden, endless night clubs, several hidden speakeasies, whiskey bars, and a gin place with Scandi decor and eccentric artwork on the walls. Makati is still the main area for clubs and bars, while you’ll find edgy and interesting live music with local bands in Quezon City (as well as very affordable bars and restaurants). Malate is an area to watch as it’s coming back into the limelight, with new restaurants and dance spots opening up in the place of ones that had to close. Stay at the minimalist and modern B Hotel in Quezon City.

Rotterdam, Netherlands

While it may be the Netherlands’ second city, Rotterdam is a true pioneer when it comes to nightlife. Wander the leafy Witte de Withstraat, lined with popular bars including Café de Witte Aap, but local hang outs and emerging club nights tend not to be on the main strip, like Toffler nightclub on Weena-Zuid street. Look out for nights put on by creative space Roodkapje Rotterdam, WORM collective and BAR, a confusingly-named but consistently-great nightclub. Sparks Hostel and the smart Suitehotel Pincoffs and De With Studios are all centrally-located so that getting home will be super easy.

Odessa, Ukraine

Beyond the leafy boulevards and pastel-coloured neoclassical architecture, the port city of Odessa has a hedonistic side. Start your night in one of the beach bars lining the Black Sea, sipping cocktails for a few hours before heading to the popular Arcadia district (also located along the seafront). Popular beach clubs offer swimming pools, dance floors and food and drink; Itaka, with its Grecian columns and marble masonry is one of the most well-known. Stay up all night to watch the sunrise sitting on the sand with a beer in hand, then take the short walk home along the beach to the Palace Del Mar, where you can soothe your hangover next to the outdoor pool and rose gardens.

Shanghai, China

Shanghai is a fast-paced, flashy city but it’s not all superclubs with VIP tables and Champagne corks flying, it’s also got an invigorating underground nightlife scene. Mainly run by expats, these alternative events and venues like DADA and Elevator are where you’ll find unpretentious parties offering everything from techno and house to hip hop. For popular music or a mainstream bar, head up to Cloud 9, one of the highest bars in the world located on top of the Jin Mao tower and with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on the city’s glittering skyline. Check into the luxury hotel, Twelve at Hengshan, a 5-minute taxi ride from Dada.