There's no shame in traveling to a city to check out their nightlife. In fact, those kinds of trips can make for the best adventures and stories to tell. But there might be some chaos and craziness that come with hitting a significant amount of bars within a night, so being able to walk back to your Airbnb can be your safest option for getting home. So not only did we conjure a list of the best party cities in the US, but we also suggested Airbnbs that are just steps away from where you and your friends might be going out.
And yes, ride-share apps are always great to get back to wherever you're staying, but sometimes they can be hard to get. Plus, if you've knocked back three, four (who's counting?) tequila shots, suddenly after waiting in heavy traffic in the middle of a city late at night, you'll be wishing you were just a short walk from your bed. Don't forget what you might have to deal with if you happen to throw up your dinner that night too: a hefty cleaning fee and an angry Uber/Lyft driver. So trust us, you'll want to book one of these stays instead.
The Best Party Cities in the U.S. & Where to Stay
West Coast
San Francisco, California
The City by the Bay offers a variety of nightlife based on what you're looking for. If you love cocktails, then Union Square is where you'll want to explore. The Mission District is for dive bar fanatics, SoMa Neighborhood is for those looking for nightclubs, and Hayes Valley is for those looking for a performance hall and nightcap.
This Airbnb is located in the Mission District and is known as a "Walker's Paradise." Just steps away from almost 95% of everything in the neighborhood, this rental is great to book for a nice place to retreat to after bar hopping.
Seattle, Washington
The Emerald City is an excellent northwest place to visit if you love jazz clubs and speakeasies. Although downtown Seattle has a variety of nightlife, you'll find the best jazz clubs in Belltown, just ten-minute walk north. You'll find the Crocodile, the legendary venue and bar where Nirvana, R.E.M, and Pearl Jam have played.
This stylish, urban loft is centrally located and walkable to plenty of bars and attractions. If you book this rental, you'll not only be steps away from places in Belltown but also bars downtown.
San Diego, California
America's Finest City also offers some of the finest nightlife. Gaslamp Quarter is where most of the city's nightlife takes place, offering a range of places to hit, including dance clubs, rooftop bars, jazz clubs, rock clubs, speakeasies, and more. So if you want to be able to walk from a restaurant bar to a nightclub, plan on visiting for an unpredictable night out.
This Airbnb is located in the heart of downtown San Diego and is a short walk from all the various places you could choose to go out to at night. The cozy loft is perfect for winding down in after socializing for hours.
Portland, Oregon
Hipsters love going out in Portland, and it isn't because they like going to all the dance clubs. Portland's nightlife is distinguished by the karaoke bars, adult arcades, and late-night munchies. You can find all these fun, interactive places around east Portland on Burnside Street and Old Town Chinatown. So if you're not wanting to break it down on the dance floor, then Portland is a great US city to travel to.
This guest suite is a cute and artsy space walking distance from venues, breweries, wineries, rooftop bars, top restaurants, and more. The old house was built in 1906, and you'll have the entire basement to stay in and come back to after exploring all that Portland has to offer.
RELATED: Oregon Wine Country: Mapping the Beaver State's Wine Tasting
The South
Miami, Florida
Miami is an obvious choice if you want a getaway known for its dance floors. Miami Beach has dance clubs where the DJs play EDM (electronic dance music) look over the entire city at a downtown Miami rooftop bar. South Beach is where you can find the popular Mango's Tropical Cafe.
This refreshing rental is oceanfront, which means you'll have South Beach right in front of you. You'll also be walking distance from all the bars on South Beach and a short Uber or Lyft ride from Miami Beach and downtown.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Although people come to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, visiting The Big Easy any other time of the year can guarantee a wild time. Explore the French Quarter, where the famous Pat O'Brien's and Sazerac Bars are located on Bourbon Street. The district is energetic and lively, with people walking around drinks in hand. You'll also find street performers and jazz clubs around almost every corner.
This tiny home is great to book if you're visiting New Orleans because it's walking distance from everything in the Quarter. It's also great because it sits right outside of the neighborhood, so you can get away from all the noise when you're ready to turn in for the night.
Austin, Texas
The Live Music Capital of the World is also known for its nightlife culture on Sixth Street. On East Sixth Street, you'll find intimate venues and dive bars that portray Austin culture at its finest. Across the highway towards the west side of Sixth Street, you'll be heading towards downtown. This is where you'll find busy nightclubs and crowded rooftop bars.
This fancy loft on Sixth Street is just steps away from all the places you'll want to hit on your night out in downtown Austin. It's also just a half-mile away from Rainey Street, another famous area to go out in.
The Northeast
Brooklyn, New York
Although New York City might be a fast-paced, fun area to explore, consider going out in Brooklyn instead. Many neighborhoods and districts in Brooklyn are worth checking out, depending on your mood for the night. Head to Bushwick if you're interested in checking out all the eccentric nightclubs. Williamsburg is where you'll find all the NYC hipsters hanging out at the more popular dive bars, but Red Hook is for those looking to sip cocktails with their pinkies up.
This Airbnb is located in Williamsburg but is also within walking distance to Bushwick. If you feel like heading into the City that Never Sleeps, this cozy apartment is also a two-minute walk from the subway.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston isn't just for history buffs. The city also has a plethora of neighborhoods and districts that are fun to go out to after a day of exploring all the historical sites. North End has some of Boston's best bars near Faneuil Hall. If you're looking for dance clubs, then the Theater District and Chinatown are where you'll want to go. But if you feel like casually bar-hopping instead, then check out Boylston Street in Back Bay.
Located in the heart of North End, this urban Airbnb is within walking distance from Faneuil Hall. It's also just steps away from Haymarket, TD Garden, the Government Center, and all the fantastic restaurants and shops that Boston offers.
Midwest & Mountain Regions
Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City has five popular neighborhoods that locals love going out to. Wicker Park has a mix of everything, from nightclubs to eclectic dive bars. River North is considered probably one of the craziest nightlife spots in Chicago, offering a bar for every type of person. Lincoln Park is where young adults like to hang out and has the most bars in the city. Wrigleyville is where you'll want to bar hop after catching a Cub's game. Boystown is Chicago's LGBTQIA+ area, where all are welcome to party.
Located in the heart of Wicker Park, this newly remodeled Airbnb is walkable to everything in the neighborhood. And even if you want to head downtown or catch a Cub's game, you'll be near Chicago Transit Authority L Train, which can take you wherever you want to go.
Las Vegas, Nevada
It's a no-brainer that the Las Vegas Strip is a great place to party. Casinos, venues, nightclubs, performance halls, and much more fill Sin City and will keep you and your friends up and busy all night.
This condo is inside the Signature at MGM Grand and has a fantastic view of the city from its balcony. You'll get to avoid resort fees while pretending to live the high life, and you'll also have access to the resort's pools and gyms. Think crazy pool parties when booking this Airbnb.
Nashville, Tennessee
If you're planning a bachelorette party soon, then head to Nashville. Broadway, known as "Honky Tonk Row," is lined with bars and venues that make it a popular place for women to celebrate their friends who are getting married. You'll see plenty of live music among the sea of cowboy hats- mostly country and rock.
This classy Airbnb is great to book if you plan to visit the Music City. Not only is it near Broadway, but also the Bridgestone Arena, Nissan Stadium, Ryman Auditorium, Ascend Amphitheater, and Country Music Hall of Fame.
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