Find the best events and nightlife, order food, drinks, and taxis, and stay safe with these apps to have a great night out.
While sometimes you go out with friends and have a great time, the truth is that the best nights don’t just happen. They’re planned. A great night out is different for everyone, but with the right apps, you can have the perfect date, night out with friends, or evening out. And in these times of coronavirus, when it’s hard to predict which establishments will be open, closed, or even shut down, these apps can be great resources to keep you safe and informed.
Here are all the apps you need to plan the best night out, all from your phone.
Best Apps to Know What’s Going On
Even when you live nearby, you don’t always know about the big events happening in your area until it’s too late. Apps that let you know about the best events and help you get there are the first step to a great night out.
1. BandsInTown
We love BandsInTown, which is free for iOS and Android. Browse your music playlists on your phone, apps like Spotify, and even band announcements on Facebook and Twitter to see what you’re into and get notifications when your favorite artists and bands are playing nearby. You can set alerts for specific artists, set the distance to concerts, and view detailed event listings. Once you know exactly where you want to go, you can book tickets and invite friends from the app.
2. Gravy
Gravy is a bit more comprehensive than BandsInTown. It shows you all kinds of popular events and venues based on your interests and location, and the really clever part is that it’s based on your mood. You can choose from several mood types, such as Upbeat, Classy, or Smart, or just type “Whatever” to make a random selection.
3. BarChick
Another great option is BarChick. This global guide to bars, pubs, cafes, and trendy spots is ideal for those who love a good drink. Whether you’re looking for something local or traveling abroad, whether you’re discovering the latest cocktail creations, trendy clubs, simple breweries, or hidden gems, BarChick offers in-depth reviews and recommendations from our team. Writers who understand the importance of finding a great place to enjoy a drink.
Best Apps to Know Where to Go
Whether you’re a local or just visiting a city, it’s a good idea to discover the best bars, restaurants, and clubs in the area.
4. TimeOut/Yplan
TimeOut, recently added by Yplan, is the perfect solution for both meetings and evening outings with friends. With the TimeOut app, Yplan shows you a curated list of the best bars, concerts, temporary events, and clubs in your chosen city, provides you with details on the address, how to get there, prices, and even lets you pay. Just show your ticket on your phone. Sometimes Yplan can even buy tickets for sold-out events. The app is free for Android and iOS, but Yplan only covers a few major cities, such as London, New York, Dublin, and San Francisco.
5. FourSquare
Whether you’re looking to dine out, have a date, or have a drink, FourSquare will help you find the perfect spot. It hosts a huge global community that rates and reviews places around the world, so you can visit any place before you arrive. Once you get there, you can check to see if your friends have also arrived using the Radar feature.
6. Open Table
Meanwhile, you can skip the wait and plan your meal in advance with OpenTable’s recently launched food delivery service. This massive restaurant directory lets you book a table with a single click. You can book a table months in advance or try your luck that night. Simply enter your location, preferred time, and how many people will be dining with you, and voila, you’ll have a table waiting for you.
7. Untappd
Untappd is a dedicated app for beer lovers that offers bar recommendations and craft beer tastings. You can also use it to find nearby bars that serve your favorite brew. It will suggest new beers, and you can connect with friends to see what they’re drinking. It’s been described as the Facebook for beer lovers.
Best Apps for Enjoying the Evening
8. Uber
Once you know where you’re going, you need to get there. That’s where Uber comes in. We don’t need to tell you why Uber can brighten up your night. You won’t have to wait long for taxis to ignore you while you try to flag them down, and you can track their progress in the Uber app. You won’t have to waste time looking for parking or waiting for a bus.
9. Boppl
When you’re partying at a bar or club, you don’t want to miss out on anything while you’re waiting for your beer. Boppl is a great app that saves you from having to wade through the crowds to place your order and pick it up. You can easily place your order through the app and track its progress to find out when it’s ready. You can even pay and tip in the app. It’s also very useful if you’re with friends and want to grab a bite to eat, but you don’t know the restaurants nearby and don’t want to wait in a crowded line while they prepare the food. Boppl shows you nearby restaurants and bars and notifies you when your order is ready so you can pick it up.
10. Shazam
Finally, Shazam, the popular song recognition app, is a must-have for a night out. Its unique technology lets you simply hold your phone up while listening to a song you like, and the name, artist name, and information will appear. Whether you’re listening to a new dance track at the club or a catchy Sinatra tune with a delicious pasta dish, Shazam will help you expand your playlists without the embarrassment of texting a friend a few lines in the hope that they can name the song.
How to Stay Safe on a Night Out
Even the best night out can be completely ruined by bad encounters, bad weather, or traffic jams. Luckily, your phone can store apps that can prevent your big night from going off the rails. Uber is here to help if you miss the last bus, making it easy to hail a cab. It also eliminates the risk of booking an unauthorized taxi or becoming a victim of an abusive driver, as every Uber car is accountable and you can track its location.
Apps that allow you to pay with your phone also help you stay safe by eliminating the need to carry credit cards or cash. With Uber’s in-app payment options, you can get home even if you forget or lose your money at night. Boppl lets you pay for your drinks and food with your phone, giving you the freedom to leave the house without it—less to lose, less to steal.
Finally, all of these apps are great resources to have on hand during these unpredictable times of coronavirus. You can check for updated hours and closing notices to avoid squinting through the windows of closed restaurants, and look for bars with secluded, socially distanced spaces to avoid putting yourself and others at risk. With apps that keep you informed while you’re out and about, you can make smarter, more responsible decisions while having fun.
Whether you’re looking for events, finding the best bar, needing to order food, or staying safe on a night out, these apps give you everything you need with just a few taps on your phone… Start planning your next night out now.
