The 25 Best Nightclubs of All Time

City: New York
Address: 220 12th Ave.
Status: Closed
Website: n/a

If you grew up in NYC, chances are you've had a few nights at Tunnel that you aren't too proud of. But that's okay—we've all been there. Grimy as it was (Giuliani referred to the club as "a menace"), we can't help but acknowledge that the place, immortalized in flicks like Kids and Belly, was a New York landmark. Prior to its shuttering in 2001, a steady mix of club kids, hip-hop heads, gay guys, and Vin Diesel (yep, he worked there as a bouncer) would flow into the 12th Avenue venue's tunnel-like space on a weekly basis to mix, mingle, and yes, stab one another on occasion. Hey, who doesn't like to be kept on their toes?

City: Berlin
Address: Rüdersdorfer Straße 70
Status: Open
Website: berghain.de

Only in Berlin would you find a nightclub inside a former power plant ("poor, but sexy" was how the governing mayor described the city in 2003). Berghain is enormous, as you might've expected, though this does little to adjust your odds of getting in the front door. The selection process can feel inscrutable, even if there is some latent high German logic behind the process. Or maybe Berghain's selection functions in opposition to the rigorous efficiency so many of the country's stereotypes spring from.

Inside, you'll find dancing and more illicit activities, no surprise given the club's roots in Berlin's fetish scene. Both sexes intermingle here now, getting sweaty and licentious to a party that takes few breaks. It's possible to show up at Berghain on a Friday night and not leave 'til Sunday.

City: Miami
Address: 34 Northeast 11th St.
Status: Open
Website: clubspace.com

24-hour liquor license. No, you aren't misreading this. Whether you're looking to party at 11 p.m. or 7 a.m., Space's cavernous Miami off-shoot is there to help you torture your liver in style, all to a sweet soundtrack of Deep Dish, Tiesto, and other superstar DJs. There's just no staying sober.

City: New York
Address: 47 West 20th St.
Status: Closed
Website: n/a

This episcopal church-turned-nightclub became notorious for the less-than-holy activities going down behind closed doors and stained glass windows, making it almost as frequent a stop for cops as it was for clubbers. However, there's no denying that Peter Gatien's party sanctuary was unlike any other club out, from its unconventional home to its even more unconventional clientele: the club kid. For most of us, Halloween comes once a year. For Limelight's unique brand of patrons, it came every weekend. If you weren't more or less making every pedestrian around you want to cross the street, you looked like shit at the Limelight.

City: Nashville
Address: 422 Broadway
Status: Open
Website: tootsies.net

While the music city of Nashville is chock full of honky-tonks for lovers of whiskey, indoor smoking, and two-stepping on to some dude singing about being wronged by a no-good woman, Tootsies stands above the rest. The owner's namesake lounge was purchased in 1960, and went on to claim some of country music's most prominent figures, like Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline, among its performers and patrons.

City: Denver
Address: 1909 Blake St.
Status: Open
Website: betanightclub.com

Though a badass, pulsing nightclub isn't one of the first things called to mind when one thinks of Colorado, Denver does boast a superclub that, while seemingly misplaced, has made a name for itself when it comes to green partying. In addition to the use of sustainable materials to erect its club-in-the-club, Beatport Lounge, recycling centers at major traffic points ensure that every last embarrassing cranberry vodka cup ends up in its right place. For those requiring a quick minute to recuperate, a 5,000-square-foot botanical garden invites revelers to chill out and regain their hearing in the midst of Boys Noize and Digweed shows.

City: Manchester, England
Address: 11-13 Whitworth St. West
Status: Closed
Website: n/a

Financed by the members of New Order, Hacienda and its stage initially felt greatness in the form of legendary performers like the Smiths, Echo & the Bunnymen, and Madonna. But the club became especially remarkable during the "Madchester" (late '80s to early '90s) years of music that ushered in the sound of acid house (which birthed rave culture). The interior's industrial aesthetic and black and yellow stripes didn't do much to encourage safety dancing. Party drug use became rampant, and the club lost a good amount of money on would-be alcohol sales. The venue ultimately closed due to financial troubles, but those who went on to purchase one of the Hacienda Flats (into which the club was later converted) can enjoy the fact that they're literally sitting on a piece of music history.

City: New York
Address: 125 East 11th St.
Status: Open
Website: websterhall.com

Yeah, we know what you're thinking, but you've got to take your hat off to a spot that was born in 1886 and has yet to turn over (in fact, it's said to be the country's oldest nightclub). Webster has undergone more transformations and rebirths than we can count. What other place can count a series of legends as eclectic as Emma Goldman, Tito Puente, and Prince among those that have rocked out under its roof? Sure, it had its trashy phase (what, you haven't?) but has since emerged as one of NYC's premiere spots to catch some of music's sweetest buzz bands.

City: Los Angeles
Address: 9009 West Sunset Blvd.
Status: Open
Website: theroxyonsunset.com

Is there anyone that didn't record a Live at the Roxy show at this famous Los Angeles nightclub? From Pee Wee Herman to Bob Marley to Jay-Z and Linkin Park, the spot's celebrity fan base stretches across all genres. Those seeking a change of scene from the live tunes on the main floor might want to pay a visit to On the Rox, the venue's smaller-scale bar overlooking Sunset, which hosted many a Hollywood party—and on a grislier note, John Belushi, just before he OD'd.

City: Tokyo
Address: 2-16 Maruyama-cho
Status: Open
Website: womb.co.jp/

Though this pulsing Shibuya favorite couldn't seem any less womb-like, chances are you'll want to stick around for the duration—no preemies here. Unlike other glitzy, larger-than-life Japanese nightspots, Womb is less about showmanship, and more about causing eargasms with its surreal soundsystem (as DJs like Busy P can attest.) The club also scores bonus points for providing the backdrop to one of Babel's most memorable scenes.

City: Las Vegas
Address: 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Status: Open
Website: xslasvegas.com

Plush red and gold outfittings give the super-lavish interior some warmth at this Sin City favorite, while big-name DJs provide the serious heat. A plethora of pimped out, two-storey poolside cabanas allow patrons to drop XS cash on bottles, while neighboring blackjack tables afford optimists the chance to win it back.

City: Singapore
Address: 17 Jiak Kim St.
Status: Open
Website: zoukclub.com

Sir Bob Cornelius Rifo of the Bloody Beetroots once told Complex that this Singapore club "has given me the richest cultural sensations ever. It's a magical place—part of my extra-sensory experiences." We don't know exactly what that means, but with four interconnected clubs in one complex—Zouk, Velvet Underground, Phuture, and the Wine Bar, each boasting their own distinctive vibe—we'd have to agree that it's pretty damn awesome.

City: Mykonos, Greece
Address: Paradise Beach
Status: Open
Website: cavoparadiso.gr

What could be better than savoring the sounds of Benny Benassi killing an after-hours set? Our best guess: Doing so at the much-loved Cavo Paradiso in Mykonos, an open-air venue that happens to be perched on a hill beside the Aegean Sea. It's not uncommon for dancers to arrive as early/late as 7:30 a.m. to groove by the illuminated pool. That's partying on a level most Americans can't even conceive.

City: Los Angeles
Address: 8901 West Sunset Blvd.
Status: Open
Website: whiskyagogo.com

The Sunset Strip club, which opened its doors in 1964, housed some of music's most legendary movers and shakers (like the Doors and Nirvana) during their respective rises to prominence, establishing Whisky A Go-Go as one of the country's most important rock havens. It was also one of the first locales to incorporate go-go dancers into their space on a regular basis, the ladies in the suspended cages providing the world with just the right amount of sleaze.

City: New York
Address: 10 East 60th St.
Status: Open
Website: copacabanany.com

In addition to inspiring the Barry Manilow tune that you've heard butchered a hundred times during karaoke, the Copa (as the club is also commonly known), conceived in 1940, served as a jumping-off point for artists like the Supremes, as well as counting the likes of Sam Cooke, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Ella Fitzgerald among its alums. You might also remember the throwback supper club popping up in episodes of I Love Lucy. Class all the way. For several decades, this place was the epitome of old-school glamour. Watch the gorgeous long take in GoodFellas, where Henry takes Karen in through the back door, for a sense of what it must've been like during its heyday.

City: Las Vegas
Address: 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Status: Open
Website: marqueelasvegas.com

Infinity pools? Check. Four-story LED screens? Check. Badass roster of performers? Check. It's not hard to see why the esteemed Cosmopolitan's day/nightclub has become an overnight celebrity among nightspots. Tiered coliseum-style seating offers everyone situated at the tables in the main room a solid view of the DJ and dance floor residents, while the Boom Box and Library enable guests to switch gears and take in some hip-hop or curl up with an assortment of Vegas-themed books in a more intimate setting. The cocktail waitresses dressed as sexy bookworms also don't hurt.

City: Los Angeles
Address: 8852 West Sunset Blvd.
Status: Open
Website: viperroom.com

Formerly owned by Johnny Depp, the renowned music club on Hollywood's famed Sunset Strip helped launch the career of many a rock musician (the Strokes and the White Stripes are among the impressive list of rockers that graced the Viper stage shortly before invading the nation's iPods.) The intimate space is great for checking out music's up-and-comers, and even better for rehashing memorable pop culture scandals, like River Phoenix's overdose, Tommy Lee's battery charges, and more.

City: New York
Address: 131 West 3rd St.
Status: Open
Website: bluenote.net

There's a reason you always notice lines for days outside 131 West 3rd street—it's the home of one of the world's most famous jazz venues. Born in 1981 out of founding father Danny Bensusan's love of the genre, the club boasts a limitless list of greats (among them, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, and Nina Simone) that have played there, providing patrons with a little musical therapy. Visitors can set up shop at one of the venue's dimly-lit tables to enjoy a good meal and some of the freshest talent in the game, all the while cackling at neighboring dudes attempting to impress lady tourists with their jazz snobbery.

City: New York
Address: 84 King St.
Status: Closed
Website: n/a

Named after the garage that once occupied the 84 King Street space, Paradise and its reign between 1976 and 1987 proved to be hugely influential on budding nightlife impresarios. Megaclubs like Ministry of Sound have cited the former New York dance spot as the inspiration for their own wildly successful models. It similarly demonstrated a focus on the music above all else, boasting a soundsystem that was rumored to be the best in New York City, and notably didn't sell booze, alloweing the venue to stay open as late as it liked. Resident DJ Larry Levan brought in gangs of music aficionados, though the Garage's management aimed to foster a sense of community by keeping the parties open to members and guests.

City: New York
Address: 419 West 13th St.
Status: Closed
Website: n/a

Stylish, but not pretentious, hidden, yet consistently packed, this apartment-inspired 13th street spot was one where any visitor could easily feel, well, at home. The locale's good vibes were palpable to anyone who pushed open the building's unmarked door. From there, they could plop themselves down on any of the inviting furniture upstairs for a drink before descending the stairs to catch eclectic crowds getting down to hip-hop, funk, and world classics courtesy of Rich Medina, Jazzy Jeff, and many others. Though APT has sadly closed its doors, it'll always be remembered as the ultimate Meatpacking District club for people who hate the Meatpacking District. R.I.P. APT.

City: Miami Beach
Address: 4441 Collins Ave.
Status: Open
Website: livnightclub.com

Bienvenido a Miami indeed. It's hard to think of a warmer welcome than the one patrons receive at LIV. This luxe nightspot boasts ogle-worthy decor that's just as mesmerizing as the insane number of perfect tens partying inside. Six private skyboxes, each with their own minibar, allow visitors to ball out if the mood strikes, but there's no denying that just stepping foot in this place makes even the most pocket-pinched fella feel VIP.

City: Ibiza, Spain
Address: Avinguda del Vuit d'Agost 07800
Status: Open
Website: pacha.com

While there are numerous outposts bearing the Pacha name around the globe, we're of course talking about the franchise's luxe 3,500-capacity headquarters in Ibiza. On an island known for being a clubber's paradise, Pacha's been able to set itself apart from the rest of the pack with impressive high-profile DJ lineups and residencies (David Guetta, anyone?), as well as its collection of tricked out rooms that suit every musical craving. In the event you thought the space looked familiar, you'd be right. Fans of It's All Gone Pete Tong can live out their wildest nights of regrettable decisions in the very locale where deaf DJ Frankie Wilde got his groove back.

City: London
Address: 103 Gaunt St.
Status: Open
Website: ministryofsound.com

Music is definitely God at this revered London ministry. What was once a bus depot was transformed into one of the world's most well-known dance spaces by founder and DJ Justin Berkmann. His notion that sound should take priority above all else informs the main Box, which features a world-class soundsystem, a noise-containing design, and a special sprung floor (enabling patrons to booty shake even later into the night). Oh, and the place consistently books the world's biggest DJs. For those suffering from withdraw post-visit, there's always the chance to relive your night via one of the Ministry's much-loved compilation albums, released on their hugely successful independent record label.

City: New York
Address: 315 Bowery
Status: Closed
Website: n/a

While the renowned Bowery music club (whose name was an acronym for Country, Bluegrass, and Blues) unfortunately shuttered in late 2006, it'll always be remembered for hosting legendary punk and new wave pioneers like the Ramones, Blondie, and the Talking Heads, as well as one of the most notoriously grimy bathrooms in the country. Though the space is now occupied by a John Varvatos shop, the designer did his best to pay tribute to its previous occupant by preserving a good amount of the graffiti and artwork unleashed on the original walls.

City: New York
Address: 254 West 54th St.
Status: Closed
Website: n/a

And you thought the bouncers you've encountered were picky—in the late 1970s, the individuals working the door at 54 could make or break your entire social standing. If you passed through the velvet ropes, you were royalty, one of the anointed. But if you didn't... Well, those who didn't make the cut became quickly desperate. Stories of potential patrons tearing off unapproved clothing are common. Some folks even tried to sneak into Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager's iconic play place via the air ducts.

Michael Jackson, Calvin Klein, Andy Warhol and Jack Nicholson are among the endless list of music, fashion, art, and Hollywood heavy hitters that paid visits to this be-all and end-all of nightspots, free-flowing drugs and wild orgies reigning supreme. The space was infamous for its "rubber room," where all surfaces were covered with rubber, allowing any fluids to be more easily wiped away.

Say what you want about the spot, but it's hard to fathom a nightclub that's generated more discussion (or bitterness) in history. That's the mark of a job well done.