Aside from its gorgeous beaches and abundance of daytime activities, Bali is praised for its thriving nightlife culture and expanse of bars and clubs that flood the cities. Dance to classic Balinese music, taste-test traditional liquors or swap stories with locals over a cocktail. Regardless of what you choose, come ready to immerse yourself in a new world of pleasure.

Bars and Clubs

Balinese coffee and cocktails. Yiannis Chatzitheodorou. CC BY-NC SA.

A great way to meet Balinese citizens is through the local bar scene, which features an expanse of traditional cocktails and insight into the reality of life in Bali. Monkey Forest Road in Ubud is home to many of these venues and is a must-see location for bar-hoppers. The Laughing Buddha serves their drinks with tapas and stories and invites travelers to connect with the culture and each other over conversation and cocktails.

The bar scene is lively past Ubud, and another great option is Rock Bar, near Uluwatu, which offers stunning sunset views and unique cocktails to enjoy with family and friends. Enjoy a drink from the spread of rock formations that tower over the Indian Ocean whilst enjoying live music and specialized appetizers.

For a more relaxed experience, visit Single Fin beach club to admire the talented surfers of Uluwatu. Food and drinks are served all day, making the location a perfect spot to enjoy with friends and people-watch.

For an amazing all-day beach club and restaurant in Canggu, check out La Brisa. With beautiful reclaimed wood architecture, this beach club has curated the perfect vibe to hang out all day or party all night. This eco-friendly venue is a great spot to enjoy the sunset or attend one of their many amazing events!

La Favela in Seminyak offers the perfect blend of international and local experience. Prioritizing tradition and culture over luxury and hospitality, La Favela ensures travelers get a true taste of Bali.

Nightlife

Dancer at Bali restaurant. Shankar. CC BY 2.0.

Alongside traditional bars and clubs, Bali is known for their all-day events that feature dancing and music from sunrise to sunset. Guests can indulge in these events at Savaya, an all-day club in Uluwatu situated on a cliff towering over the Indian Ocean. Stunning views and an array of cocktails greet guests, but the rotating calendar of visiting DJs and musicians is the prize of the location.

Live music is a large part of Balinese culture, and local bands are well-placed throughout various bars and restaurants. The Blue Door in Ubud is popular for hosting local music performances and dancing for guests to appreciate in-between cocktails.

The nightlife varies from town to town, but certain bars and clubs host themed nights or music events weekly. For example, every Tuesday night, Rolling Fork in Uluwatu hosts Latino night, with great music and dancing. You can always ask the hostel staff for advice on their favorite spots in town and recommendations for the day.

Insider Tips

Be aware of the dress code when bar-hopping around Bali — many places require smart attire and will deny entry to those not in accordance. Beach bars and cheaper locations may not have these same standards, but it is still important to be respectful of the venue’s wishes.

Something else to note is that many of these locations require entry fees, which vary based on season, guest and location. Entry can cost up to 200,000 rupiah (US$12) per person, so make sure to bring spending money on your visit.

Bars And Clubs

Golden Gai in Shinjuku is a unique area consisting of narrow alleys with tiny bars and pubs that can only accommodate a few customers at a time. It's a great place to experience the local bar scene and meet new people. Some of the bars have cover charges, so it's a good idea to check before entering.

Another must-visit bar is Bar Benfiddich in Shinjuku, a hidden gem known for its unique and innovative cocktails. The bartenders use locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to create their drinks, giving them a distinctly Japanese flavor.

For a more high-energy experience, Womb in Shibuya is one of the most popular nightclubs in Tokyo. Known for its impressive sound system and a lineup of international DJs, it's a great place to dance the night away. The club can get crowded on weekends, so be prepared to wait in line to enter.

For a more upscale experience, the New York Bar located on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt Tokyo is a must-visit. This bar offers stunning views of the city skyline and is also the bar featured in the movie "Lost in Translation." The cover charge is on the higher side, but the experience is worth it.

Nightlife Experiences

In addition to bars and clubs, there are plenty of other nightlife experiences to try in Tokyo. Attending a live music performance is a great way to experience the city's music scene. Venues like the Blue Note in Minato-ku and the Billboard Live Tokyo in Roppongi host a variety of acts throughout the year, from jazz to pop and rock.

A sake tasting is another unique experience to try in Tokyo. Several sake breweries and bars throughout the city offer tastings and educational experiences. The Kurand Sake Market in Shibuya is a popular spot to try a variety of sake, while the Katsuoji Temple in Mie Prefecture offers a more traditional experience of sake tasting.

For those looking to unleash their inner rockstar, karaoke is popular in Tokyo. There are countless karaoke bars throughout the city, some with private rooms and others with open spaces. It's a fun way to spend an evening with friends, and even if you're not a great singer, nobody will judge you.

Insider Tips

The dress code is important when going out at night in Tokyo. Many bars and clubs have dress codes, so it's important to dress well and avoid wearing sneakers or sandals. Men may also be required to wear a collared shirt.

It's also worth noting that many bars and clubs have cover charges, so be prepared to pay a fee to enter. The cover charge can range from a few hundred to several thousand yen depending on the venue.

Finally, Tokyo's public transportation system stops running after midnight, so make sure to check the last train times before heading out at night. Taxis can be expensive, so it's a good idea to plan your route ahead of time or stay out until the trains start running again in the morning.

Overall, Tokyo's nightlife scene is a unique and exciting experience that shouldn't be missed. From the vibrant energy of clubs like Womb to the cozy charm of Golden Gai, there's something for everyone. Just be sure to dress well, be prepared to pay a cover charge, and plan your transportation ahead of time to make the most of your night out.