Affordability emerged as a weaker area, with Bengaluru recording a cumulative 54% score for how affordable it is to go out at night.
| Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR
Bengaluru has been ranked 17th among the world’s best 20 cities for nightlife in 2026, placing it ahead of cities such as Accra, Singapore and Mexico City, according to a survey by Time Out. Bengaluru is the only Indian city in the list.The ranking, published recently, was based on responses from more than 24,000 locals worldwide, who were asked about the quality, affordability, diversity, safety and community feel of nightlife in their cities. A panel of Time Out city editors, culture experts and nightlife specialists also voted on the final rankings.Bengaluru scored particularly well, with 82% of local respondents saying it is easy to connect with people in the city. The city also received a 71% rating for the quality of its nightlife.However, affordability emerged as a weaker area, with Bengaluru recording a cumulative 54% score for how affordable it is to go out at night.According to Time Out, Bengaluru’s nightlife is expanding beyond its traditional hotspots such as Indiranagar, M.G. Road and Koramangala. Neighbourhoods including Ulsoor, Rajajinagar and Whitefield are increasingly becoming part of the city’s after-dark circuit, with newer establishments offering cocktails, jazz and intimate, music-focused experiences.The city continues to retain its longstanding nightlife favourites, with venues such as Pecos, Toit and Biere Club contributing to its established pub and craft-beer culture. At the same time, newer venues such as Bar Doubble, Dali & Gala, Bar Cameo and Middle Room are adding variety to the scene.Time Out also highlighted the growth of queer nightlife, pointing to spaces and events such as Dude Party, Kitty Ko and regular drag shows as contributing to a more diverse and inclusive after-dark culture.Among Bengaluru’s nightlife offerings, street life received the highest local backing at 55%, followed by casual bars at 50%.Bangkok topped the global ranking, followed by Berlin, New York City, Melbourne and São Paulo. Seoul was ranked 16th, immediately ahead of Bengaluru.Pub cityWelcoming the recognition, Chethan Hegde, owner of 1522, said that Bengaluru’s nightlife has evolved significantly, with several neighbourhoods now offering a range of options.“I think the ranking is very apt, especially because Bengaluru is widely known as a pub city. The pub culture here is very strong, and almost every locality has become self-sufficient when it comes to nightlife. Bengaluru offers a diverse after-dark experience, with venues catering to different tastes and preferences,” he said.“We also have establishments that meet global standards, which is certainly something the city can be proud of. It is a feel-good recognition for Bengaluru, even though it may not have an immediate impact on business. I hope the government takes note of this and frames policies that support and encourage the city’s vibrant nightlife culture,” he added. Published - September 02, 2026 09:44 pm IST
