Going out for a drink in a new city while you’re traveling should feel exciting. However it rarely starts that way. You don’t know where the most happening spots are. You open Google to check for Europe’s best nightlife spots, or maybe cocktails locals love in Asia. However, then you end up somewhere packed with tourists, loud music, and forgettable drinks.

Real, authentic nightlife happens in the spots locals actually choose. If you want to experience the real deal, but not sure how to find these bars, these five tips can help you navigate nightlife like a local so that you can feel the city’s pulse after dark.

1.   Follow the Late Dinner Crowd

Nightlife abroad can sometimes start later than you expect. You walk into a bar at 8PM and it might be empty, leaving you wondering if locals even go out. However, that just might mean the evenings don’t pick up until midnight.

Try scoping out restaurants and bistros where locals linger for late dinner or some pre-game. Notice when tables clear and when the bars nearby start filling up. Move with the flow of the evening. Follow where the energy shifts and where crowds lean into, whether it’s the lively lounge next to their dinner spot or a tucked-away speakeasy.

2.   Go to Neighborhood Bars, Not a Tourist Strip

Touristy areas are convenient for nightlife, but they rarely show the city’s real vibrant energy after dark. You’ll get predictable drinks at crowded venues. Neighborhood bars, on the other hand, give a more authentic slice of local life. They also typically have better service and fairer prices.

To find these, ask locals where they usually hang out for drinks. Walk a few blocks away from the main tourist areas. Check social media for hidden gems that aren’t over-reviewed. An unplanned night out at a place that’s actually good is often more rewarding than tourist-heavy spots.

3.   Learn Simple Local Phrases for Nightlife

Language barriers can kill the flow of a night out. If you can’t ask the bartender for their drink recommendations or how to get to the next spot, you end up guessing. Learn the basics in the local language, but look up other phrases that can help with nightlife discovery, such as “What’s your most popular drink?” or “What other bars nearby are similar to this one?” Use them at bars and clubs to get insider nightlife info. This turns strangers into local guides in seconds.

4.   Order What the Locals Do

Picking your usual drink when you travel eliminates opportunities to try what the locals drink in their city. Many cities have signature drinks that locals know by name. In cities known for their cocktails, asking for the local favorite isn’t just about taste. It’s about joining the rhythm of the night.

Check what’s popular in each bar. Ask locals what their typical order might be. You could also ask the bartender for a drink that best represents their city. Maybe it’s a bitter aperitif in Rome or a smoked cocktail in Bangkok. Either way, you’ll experience the heart of the city as you drink.

5.   Find a Companion Willing to Guide You

Want extensive knowledge of the city’s nightlife so you can maximize your time there? Find a local who knows their way around and get them to bring you to their favorite spots. You get instant guidance and a shared energy that makes the night more fun.

For example, say you’re visiting New Zealand and don’t know where to start. Seek out a nightlife-loving companion on Ivy Societe Auckland and paint the town red when you explore the local bars and drinks. With their company, you’ll effortlessly move through the best bars like someone who already knows them.

Endnote

Finding authentic nightlife in a city you’ve never been is tougher than it looks. Tourist-heavy bars are more obvious. The trick is to let locals guide you. Follow their steps. Ask them questions. Get their regular order at the trendiest bar. When you put in the effort to look for the best local spots, you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable nights in a city you’ll always look back on fondly.