Check Out Dunedin Nightlife: Cafes, Bars & Other Exciting Spots

Dunedin in New Zealand offers a diverse nightlife, from historic pubs to energetic nightclubs. It offers various modern entertainment options for every taste, such as craft beer, cocktail bars, live music, and dance floors. You can celebrate Dunedin nightlife at the Octagon, the entertainment capital of the city, besides other spots. Whether you are looking for a budget party spot or a traveller to get an authentic nightlife experience, Dunedin has something for everyone with the ideal blend of fun.

10 Spots For Dunedin Nightlife

From heritage pubs to indie music dens, Dunedin nightlife blends Scottish charm with modern energy. Explore the top ten spots for the same:

1. The Octagon

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The Octagon is Dunedin’s entertainment heart, hosting various bars, clubs, and eateries. During the day, it is an artistic center. By night, it becomes a vibrant party place. Popular bars like Pequeno, Albar, and The Craic serve craft beers, quality cocktails, and international food. The Dog With Two Tails and The Duke of Wellington have a lot of live music. The night markets and street performances are also within the Octagon, especially in its energetic atmosphere. This central square is an amazing place to experience the nightlife.

Timings: 24*7 (individual bar and club timings vary)

2. Vault 21

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Vault 21 is a stylish bar & restaurant, combining contemporary Asian and Pacific ingredients with a long list of cocktails. Its sleek, modern interior and cosy atmosphere make it popular with people looking for a trendy night out. The mixologists create their unique cocktails, such as their popular Yuzu Margarita and smoked Negroni. Additionally, the venue has a late-night DJ on weekends, turning it into a vibrant dance floor. For those seeking a memorable experience, the private dining and whiskey flights offer an upscale twist. It is the perfect drink for a classy, fun evening.

Timings: Monday to Thursday 11:30 AM – 10 PM, Friday to Saturday 11:30 AM – late, Sunday 11:30 AM – 9 PM

3. Carousel Bar

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Carousel Bar is one of the most iconic nightlife spots in Dunedin, and it has a unique carnival flair and fun vibe. The bar hands mix cocktails based on fairground sweets, high-sugar low-bow cocktails like cotton candy martinis and popcorn, and sours smoked whiskey. Its lively interior, done with carousel horses and neon lights, snaps an Instagram photo. Themed nights, like “Circus Saturdays” and “Burlesque Fridays,” keep a lively crowd coming. The bar also has an impressive gin list, and there are over 30 different gins from all around the world to choose from.

Timings: Wednesday to Thursday 5 PM – Late, Friday to Saturday 4 PM – Late, Sunday to Tuesday closed

4. Pequeno

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Located beneath The Octagon, Pequeno is a hidden, underground cocktail bar celebrated for its cosy and private atmosphere. The exposed brick walls, candlelit tables, and plush seats give a relaxed night ambience. With such an extensive wine list of top Central Otago’s best, it is no wonder it is a must for all wine lovers. Pequeno is also known for its jazz nights, where live bands perform mellow tunes that match the sophisticated atmosphere. Whether it’s an old-fashioned classic or from their premium whiskey selection, Pequeno has a refined yet intimate setting for you.

Timings: Tuesday to Thursday 6 PM – Late, Friday to Saturday 5 PM – Late, Sunday to Monday closed

5. Dog With Two Tails

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Dog With Two Tails is a charming café-bar that comes alive in the evenings with live music and open mic nights. It’s known for showcasing Dunedin’s rising music talent, as well as hosting everything from raw punk bands to indie folk artists and experimental acts. Beautiful rustic decor, vintage pieces, and fairy lights make the place cosy and artistic. The menu features craft beers, organic wine, tasty small plates, and a comfortable spot for a casual night out. If you’re after a venue with some character, excellent tunes, and chill vibes, then Dog With Two Tails is the best Dunedin nightlife destination.

Timings: Monday to Friday 7:30 AM – Late, Saturday to Sunday 8:30 AM – Late

6. Inch Bar

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Inch Bar has a fantastic atmosphere and serves top-quality drinks. With a strong love for craft beer, this lively spot is a favourite among beer enthusiasts. The selection of local ales, stouts, and ciders is always changing, ensuring there’s something new to try. Live acoustic performances add to the charm, making it a cosy and welcoming space for music lovers and artists. The warm and cosy vibe makes it easy to chat with strangers, turning an ordinary night into a memorable one.

Timings: Monday to Sunday 3 PM – Late

7. Catacombs Nightclub

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Catacombs is the best Dunedin nightlife nightclub and has an underground vibe and a fun atmosphere. It is known for having one of the best in-house DJs, techno, and electronic music genres, drawing in a young population and energetic crowds. The multi-room area delivers different sounds, from hip-hop to drum and bass, to suit people’s tastes. The lighting and sound setup are perfectly done, and it is an immersive party experience. For all who are partying into the late morning hours, Catacombs is the place to be. The club also hosts themed nights, such as 90s throwback nights, and neon rave nights.

Timings: Thursday to Saturday 10 PM – 3 AM, Sunday to Wednesday closed

8. Emerson’s Brewery

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Emerson’s Brewery is a must for beer enthusiasts and a must for an authentic craft beer experience. The brewery produces award-winning beers, from classic pilsners to experimental IPAs. Tours can also be guided where guests can learn about brewing and taste fresh pints straight from the tap. A cosy atmosphere and friendly staff make the bar a great place to relax and have quality drinks. The premises have a warm ambience and friendly staff, promising a perfect setting for customers to relax and savour good drinks. Emperor’s Brewery is a must-visit in Dunedin whether you are a casual drinker or a craft beer enthusiast.

Timings: Monday to Sunday 11 AM – 10 PM

9. The Bog Irish Bar

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The Bog Irish Bar is a favourite in Dunedin nightlife, just like an authentic Irish pub where the people go with a spirited crowd. This is an excellent spot for its pour on the Guinness, its numerous selections of whiskey, and its locally brewed craft beers. Guests can dine on hearty Irish food and must try the slow-cooked lamb shanks, beef and Guinness pie, and classic bangers and mash. Musical sets, including folk, rock, and contemporary acoustic performances, highlight the evenings and add to the cosy, warm, festive ambiance. Wide, rustic wooden joists, plush corners, and friendly patrons make it one of the best places for a laid-back night out in the city.

Timings: Monday to Friday 11 AM – Late, Saturday to Sunday 10 AM – Late

10. Zanzibar Dunedin

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Zanzibar Dunedin is a cosy cocktail bar known for its stylish decor and expertly made drinks. Tucked away behind George Street, it’s a hidden gem where you can unwind and enjoy a laid-back yet classy atmosphere. Perfect for those who love great cocktails and a relaxed vibe. Signature cocktails like Zanzibar Punch and house-infused gin selections showcase the bar’s dedication to quality and creativity. A global choice of international rums and premium spirits appeals to connoisseurs, and handcrafted candlelight draped within a curated jazz tune makes it a welcoming ambience. If you wish a special night out, Zanzibar offers a sophisticated drinking experience with excellent service.

Timings: Tuesday to Saturday 5 PM – Late, Sunday to Monday closed

Dunedin nightlife provides the perfect blend of history and modernity, and its options now range from craft beer cellars to waterfront lounges. If you are a whisky enthusiast or music fan, the city is full of nightlife areas with unforgettable stories waiting for you. With welcoming residents and easily walkable, checking out Dunedin, New Zealand nightlife is easy. Ready to dive in? Plan your adventure with TripXL!

Cover Photo: Kerensa Pickett / Unsplash

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