The best of Philadelphia’s nightlife can be enjoyed in the dedicated nightclubs of Philly downtown. Fondly referred to by the locals as the ‘center city’ Philadelphia downtown is indeed the center of the city which attracts people from everywhere. The nightclubs are often seen filled with super-energetic DJs, packed dance-floors, laid-back lounges and the best of hip-hop, EDM and rock 'n’ roll music that would simply tempt you to step-it-up. Most night clubs do not have any dress code and offer the best party scenes in the town. They also have affordable drinks and snacks that will help gear-up your evening. For everlasting party memories, check out our list of the best nightclubs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1. Makumba
Posted by Makumba on Tuesday, 14 October 2014
Makumba is a cozy Latin nightclub and restaurant which is popular for its relaxed ambiance and welcoming staff. The nightclub’s DJ Danny plays a variety of Latin music from Salsa to bachata throughout the week. The nightclub doesn’t insist on a specific dress code. They also serve the best hookah in the center city and have numerous beautiful waitresses and DJs. Enjoy a fun-filled night at Makumba with its stunning Latin mixes, good collection of drinks and snacks.
Makumba Nightclub
Address: 4501 Castor Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19124, USA
Website: Makumba Nightclub
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5pm - 12am; Fri: 5pm - 3am; Sat: 4pm - 3am; Sun: 2pm - 3am
2. Encore
You can take up Salsa classes every Wednesday just for 5 USD at Encore and the instructor is pretty good! Encore is a vibrant nightclub with a full bar set-up. It is one of the favorite hangout spots among the youngsters of Philly. They host a variety of events every week such as fish fry nights, karaoke nights, live DJ weekends and much more. They have strong alcoholic punches available at low prices. Loosen up and dance to the beat in the hyper-energetic atmosphere at Encore.
Encore
Address: 4002 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Website: Encore
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 6pm - 2am
3. Dolphin Tavern
Posted by The Dolphin Tavern on Monday, 9 July 2018
The Dolphin Tavern is a storied building in South Philly that has been converted into an intimate nightclub and the transformation is serving its purpose well. The nightclub is an always-packed dance venue where you will get to enjoy numerous themed parties such as indie-dance night, hip-hop night, 2000s music and much more. Also, the nightclub keeps the vibe up by offering a variety of themes and popular DJs. This nightclub doesn’t have a dress code, so feel free to join a party even in your pajamas!
Dolphin Tavern
Address: 1539 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
Website: Dolphin Tavern
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 9pm - 2am
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4. Treasures
Treasures Adult Prom night
Posted by Treasures on Tuesday, 4 June 2019
Treasures nightclub is one of those places where you will find peace in the night. This vibrant nightclub is often visited by the old and the sexy crowd. At treasures, you will forget all inhibitions and loosen-up to the beat and have a funky good time. This place offers a unique dancing experience with the utmost hospitality, hence it is rightly called the ‘gentleman’s club’. If you like the oldies swag, then this is the choice of a nightclub for you, in Philly.
Treasures
Address: 5549 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA
Website: Treasures
Opening hours: Sun: 6:30pm - 12am; Tue: 6pm - 9pm; Thu: 3pm - 12am; Fri: 12pm - 2am; Sat: 3pm - 2am (closed on Mon & Wed)
Philadelphia Tour Guide
Annie Leguennec
My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the city's rich heritage and its continuing legacy as the birthplace of the United States of America. Book my tour. Explore and learn about this unique city where you will walk on the footsteps of our America's founding Fathers. My tours are conducted in English, French and Italian.
Tours by Annie
Philadelphia Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com
Tours by Stephanie
Philadelphia Tour Guide
Vance Lehmkuhl
Tour operator and tour guide for American Vegan Center in historic Old City Philadelphia, administering walking tours focusing on Philadelphia's "veg history" - the vegans and vegetarians through history that started the US vegetarian and vegan movements in this city. Author of "Eating Vegan in Philly" (2016) and also "V for Veg: The Best of Philly's Vegan Food Column," a collection of my columns for the Philadelphia Daily News 2011-2016. Also a proficient musician (founded eco-conscious pop band Green Beings, 1999) and cartoonist (Philadelphia City Paper, VegNews, New York Times Syndicate). Developing french-language walking tour focusing on Anthony Benezet for March 2024.
Tours by Vance
5. Bamboo Restaurant and Nightclub
The Bamboo restaurant and nightclub offers the most delicious Asian-fusion food in town. They have a wonderful selection of craft beers that go well with the food. You should also try some of their unique cocktails and dance to live music at the dedicated dance floor. At Bamboo, you can have fun with their bar games. They also have weekly happy hours and table service facility. This is an excellent place to watch a game or enjoy live music.
Bamboo Restaurant and Nightclub
Address: 6238 Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19149, USA
Website: Bamboo Restaurant and Nightclub
Opening hours: 11am - 1:30am (daily)
6. Tierra Nightclub
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Tierra nightclub is located in northern Philadelphia and it is one of the popular places in the city that has been hosting the best parties for decades. The second floor of this club serves as the party hall and it is available during the weekends. The party hall is fully packed and heated up during the weekends, especially with the Friday reggaeton and Saturday bachata. The first floor of Tierra is a restaurant that serves authentic Colombian cuisines. Grab a bite of the traditional empanadas Colombianas as you indulge in a scintillating musical trance at the Tierra. You are not allowed to party with hoodies, hats or sneakers in this nightclub.
Tierra Nightclub
Address: 4535 N. 5th Street Philadelphia, Pa 19140
Website: Tierra Nightclub
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 10pm - 2:30am
7. Raven Lounge
If you are a person who loves music and would love to dance to an amazing collection of hip-hop music, the Raven Lounge is your place to go. The nightclub has some of the finest DJs in town who play the best hip-hop tunes for you. Don’t forget to check-out DJ Brian Parker on Wednesdays, DJ Jon Gill on Thursdays and weekends as well as DJ Shayne at the end of the week for the best of hip-hop music treats in the city.
Raven Lounge
Address: 1718 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
Website: Raven Lounge
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5pm - 2am; Sat: 6pm - 2am; Sun: 10pm - 2am
8. The 700
Posted by The 700 on Wednesday, 19 September 2012
The 700 has been ruling the night scene of Northern Philly for the past two decades. This is mainly because of the talented local DJs on the deck playing local-favorite vintage vinyl records. The unique music and the strict no-cover policy of The 700, keeps it as the top choice for the Northern liberties crowd. Also, they don’t have a dress code. The bartenders here are amazing, don’t forget to grab your favorite drink from their great selection before you jump onto the dance floor.
The 700
Address: 700 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, USA
Website: The 700
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 3.30pm - 2am; Sun: 1pm - 2am
9. Brasil's Nightclub
Located on the second floor of a popular building in Chestnut street, the Brasil’s nightclub is all about salsa. The nightclub has expert salsa-dance instructors and talented DJs to make sure you “shake-it-off” at Brasil’s. If you are new to salsa, you can opt for the free dance-lessons sessions on Fridays. If you are looking for a full-house party, Saturday is your day. Brasil’s doesn’t have any dress code.
Brasil's Nightclub
Address: 112 Chestnut Street, Old City, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Website: Brasil’s Nightclub
Opening hours: Wed, Fri & Sat: 9pm - 2am
10. Down Nightclub Philadelphia
Last on this list is Down nightclub that is popular for its contemporary music and live performances. There are two bars along with VIP bottle service in this stunning place. Down Nightclub Philadelphia has an upscale setting along with a laid-back lounging facility and table service. This is strictly a 21-and-above venue.
Down Nightclub Philadelphia
Address: 262 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
Website: Down Nightclub Philadelphia
Opening hours: Fri & Sat: 10pm - 2am
Make memories in Philly
From cheap drinks to VIP special bottles, Philadelphia nightlife caters to needs of people from all walks of life. The nightclubs listed above have dedicated dance floors and live music. Enjoy the best of hip-hop mixes by the hottest DJs in town. Make the best memories out of the night food and drink scene in Philly. Get ready to get down in the best nightclubs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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