Melbourne Nightlife Guide 2025: Bars, Beats, and Late-Night Energy

Ms Collins - Big-room club vibes in the heart of the CBD

Ms Collins is a bold, high-energy nightclub where Melbourne's dress-up crowd goes for big nights, bottle service, and late finishes.

What makes it trending: Despite a modest rating, Ms Collins keeps pulling crowds thanks to major DJ lineups, themed nights, and a prime CBD location that is easy to roll into after dinner. Recent review momentum shows it is still a go-to for large groups, birthdays, and hens nights.

Vibe: Think neon lighting, multiple rooms, and a mix of commercial house, R&B, and party anthems. It is more about the spectacle than subtlety.

Best for: Big celebrations, dance-all-night crews, and visitors who want a classic "Melbourne club" story.

Tips:

• Dress codes are often enforced, especially on weekends.
• Arrive earlier or get on a guest list to avoid long entry queues.
• Expect higher drink prices than small bars around the CBD.

Angel Music Bar - Intimate basement for serious music heads

Angel Music Bar is a low-lit CBD basement bar known for its audiophile sound system and carefully curated DJs.

What makes it trending: It is building a loyal following among locals who want quality music without the chaos of a superclub. Steady new reviews and word-of-mouth in 2025 keep it on the radar for house, techno, and disco fans.

Vibe: Dark, minimal, and focused on sound. No flashy bottle service, just a good bar, a great system, and a crowd that came to listen and move.

Best for: Solo bar-hoppers, small groups, and anyone who chooses a good mix over a packed dance podium.

Tips:

• Check social media for the DJ lineup before you go.
• It can fill up late, so plan to arrive after 10 pm for peak energy.
• Ideal as a second or third stop on a CBD bar crawl.

Lui Bar - Sky-high cocktails with city views

Lui Bar sits high above the city with sweeping views, polished service, and a refined cocktail list.

What makes it trending: With a strong rating and steady review growth, Lui Bar has become a go-to for date nights and special occasions. In 2025, it is especially popular on social feeds thanks to its skyline backdrop and playful signature drinks.

Vibe: Sophisticated lounge, dim lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the CBD lights. Expect well-heeled locals, hotel guests, and pre-theatre crowds.

Best for: Romantic dates, small celebrations, and visitors wanting a "wow" view with their drink.

Tips:

• Reservations are recommended for prime evening slots.
• Dress smart casual or better to match the room.
• Cocktails are the star, but there is usually a tight list of snacks and small plates.

On The Rocks Bar Crawl Melbourne - Curated night out for social travelers

On The Rocks Bar Crawl Melbourne is a guided nightlife experience that links several bars and clubs into one social, stress-free night.

What makes it trending: With one of the highest ratings on this list and strong recent review growth, this crawl is attracting solo travelers, expats, and locals who want a ready-made crew. It is trending in 2025 because it solves a big problem: choosing where to go and how to meet people.

Vibe: Friendly, energetic, and inclusive. Expect icebreaker games, drink specials, and a mix of backpackers, students, and young professionals.

Best for: Solo travelers, small groups new to Melbourne, and anyone who wants to sample multiple venues in one night.

Tips:

• Book ahead, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
• The crawl often visits a mix of pubs, bars, and a club, so wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring ID and a card; some venues are cashless.

Marrakech Cocktail & Shisha Lounge - Late-night shisha and beats

Marrakech Cocktail & Shisha Lounge is a North African inspired lounge known for flavored shisha, cocktails, and a late-night crowd.

What makes it trending: With solid review numbers and consistent new feedback, it has become a favorite for groups who want to keep the night going after the CBD. In 2025 it is especially popular with younger locals and uni students who like the blend of music, shisha, and social seating.

Vibe: Low couches, colored lighting, and a playlist that leans into hip hop, R&B, and party hits. It feels more like a social living room than a bar.

Best for: Group hangs, pre-club meetups, and relaxed late-night sessions when you want music but not a full-on club.

Tips:

• Shisha menus can be long; ask staff for recommendations if you are new.
• Peak nights can be smoky and loud, so visit earlier in the evening if you prefer it calmer.
• Check closing times; it often runs later than many standard bars.

Planning your Melbourne nightlife route

To make the most of a Melbourne night out, think in clusters:

• Skyline and CBD combo: Start at Lui Bar for sunset drinks, then head down into the city for Angel Music Bar or Ms Collins depending on your mood.
• Social first-timer plan: Join On The Rocks Bar Crawl Melbourne to get a feel for the scene, then note your favorite stops to revisit.
• Late-night lounge flow: After CBD bars, ride out to Marrakech Cocktail & Shisha Lounge for a slower, social finish.

Melbourne's nightlife keeps evolving, and MapsBuddy is here to surface the spots that are heating up before they hit every "top 10" list. Use this guide as a launchpad, then keep exploring the side streets and laneways that make the city buzz after dark.