Nightlife is any form of after-dark entertainment

“A gentleman is a man who buys two copies of the morning paper when he leaves a nightclub with a girl.”
-Marlene Dietrich, actress

As the name suggests, nightlife is any form of after-dark entertainment. Normally, this extends to bars and clubs, but can also include pubs, live music venues, concerts, cabarets, theaters and cinemas, and even restaurants. Usually, nightlife gets going around 8 or 9 p.m., hits its peak after midnight and then, depending on where you live, peters out around 2 or 3 a.m.. That said, hardcore partiers will rave well into the wee hours of the morning when most of the rest of the world heads off to work.

After dark is when inhibitions start to wear off, and alcohol often plays a significant part of that. This is when the daydreaming you’ve been doing during meetings at work could potentially turn into reality – or humiliation.

It’s worth mentioning that nightlife extends to red-light districts. And while this normally encompasses adult entertainment venues such as strip clubs, it can extend to other facets of the sex industry, such as adult theaters, sex shops and prostitution.

Nightlife on AM

Since you’re most likely a male in his 20s or 30s, you care about nightlife, and that’s why we care about nightlife. Going out isn’t just something to do on a weekend night -- or on a weekday night, for that matter -- it’s a social event that requires planning and consideration. Not only do you need to know where to go and what to wear and what drinks to order, you need to know how to work a room, meet women and have fun without getting too drunk.

For your benefit, we’ve compiled a few great lists to help you live your nightlife to the fullest. For example, we’ve gathered data for a list of the 10 best nightlife cities worldwide. For a good time, you can’t beat Miami, London and Las Vegas. Get some tips on where to go -- and be seen -- when you visit.

Check out our section on the nine life lessons you’ll learn in nightclubs. Yes, appearance is everything, but don’t forget to treat others with respect and manage your expectations.

Nightlife fact

According to the Zagat 2009/10 New York City Nightlife Guide, there are 1,315 places to go out at night across New York City alone. Asked about the recession’s effects on their going-out habits, the more than 6,000 people Zagat surveyed said they’d hit less expensive bars and clubs (38%) and order fewer drinks (27%). A majority of people in the same group (56%) also said they’d go out less as a result of harder times.