There’s a special, almost magical charm whenever a city lights up at night. As the day comes to a close, cities discard their usual formality and burst into life. For travelers, this is the perfect opportunity to observe the hidden side of the city they’re visiting. And let’s face it, most of us aren’t made out of money. Seeing that a plane ticket can sometimes cost an arm and a leg, there is truly no greater crime than not making the best use out of our time when we’re abroad. However, with so many cities to choose from and so little time, it is difficult for travel-loving souls to decide on where to go. That’s exactly why you’d want to check out this list, where we’ve compiled for you some of the cities with the best nightlife scenes. Whether you’re into tipsy nights under neon lights, or tame evenings in classic cinemas, this list has got you covered.

1. Looking at Jockeys through a Wine Glass – Hong Kong

Harboring a staggering population of over 7.3 million, Hong Kong is a city that never sleeps. While the metropolis is already rather impressive during daytime, it is at night when the city truly comes alive.

Every night, hundreds pour into this small yet bustling area called Lan Kwai Fong, hopping from bar to bar, living the time of their lives. This clubbing haven dates all the way back to 1983, when it was developed by Allan Zeman as a corner for expats to bump fists and glasses alike. Over the years, Lan Kwai Fong has expanded into a full-blown city block known to the entire Hong Kong for weekend partying and festive celebrations.

After enjoying a glass or two of gin, those who are looking to grab a couple more bucks for their drinks can head down to Happy Valley, where the Hong Kong Jockey Club opens its door every Wednesday night and incite in everyone a little opportunistic thrill. They are also known to offer complimentary drinks and snacks, which is certain to satiate those butterflies in your stomach as you watch the horses that you bet on race across the finish line.

2. Chugging to the Beat – Dresden

Dresden, being the home of the Holy Cross Church and Pillnitz Castle, is a city that breathes history and elegance. Who would’ve guessed that amidst all the gothic architecture lies a burning passion for partying that only reveals itself when night falls?

Neustadt, literally meaning “new city” in German, is a neighborhood that sits right at the heart of Dresden. In an effort to recover from the havoc of World War II, the Germans reconstructed the area extensively and gave it a more urban, contemporary look. The peculiarity of Neustadt’s history paved the way to what it is now: a lively part of the city with bars, clubs and pubs galore. Midnight sky cocktails, Moscow mule, German craft beer, if you can name it, you can most definitely find it here.

What really sets Dresden apart though is its abundance of concerts that occur almost every single night. Just like how the ancient Greeks liked to enjoy their fine wine with even finer music, Dresden knows how to take its nightlife scene to the next level. From rock bands like Gravity Feed dishing out head-bangers to pianists like Dennis Alexander Volk weaving stories from keys of black and white, the only difficulty you’ll be facing during your time there is how to fit all these activities into your itinerary.

3. A Treat to the Stomach, a Challenge to the Lungs – Kaohsiung

Partying may not be up everyone’s alley, but few can resist a steaming plate for chow mein, garnished with perfectly seasoned diced beef. If that statement is something that you can agree on, then you are sure to love Kaohsiung and its booming Taiwanese food scene at night.

Scattered around the vibrant city of Kaohsiung are various night markets, all with their distinct, yet equally mouth-watering cuisines. Take the Ruifeng Night Market, for example. This foodie’s paradise is only a mere 10-minute walk from the nearest subway station. Despite being one of the most popular night markets in the city, the Ruifeng Night Market is not at all touristy. All round the area you’ll find locals munching on omelet wraps, deep-fried milk cubes and more exotic snacks that you cannot afford to miss out on.

Before you rush off to try out all the delicacies that the city has to offer, you might want to stop by one of Kaohsiung’s many karaoke bars. While they may not shower their patrons with a wide selection of alcoholic beverages like regular bars do, they more than make up for it by offering hundreds of latest hits from all over the world. Most of these bars are also known to cater to night owls, or night robins in this instance, by giving out “overnight happy hour” discounts, so you’ll never have to confine your musical talent to the bathroom showers again.