Best Cities For Stand Up Comedy In 2023

Every comedian struggles with what city is the best to start the best to grow or the best for their comedy career. No matter where you live there is a comedy city that fits you!

Here are some of the best cities for stand-up comedy, along with the reasons why each is known for its thriving comedy scene.

USA

The United States has a thriving comedy scene, with many talented comedians and regular comedy festivals and events. Here are some of the best comedy scenes in the USA:

1. New York City, NY: Known as the birthplace of American stand-up comedy, New York City has a rich history of comedy clubs and performers. It’s home to famous venues such as the Comedy Cellar, Gotham Comedy Club, and the Stand, where many of the most successful comedians in the world have performed. The city also has a large pool of talented comedians, making it a great place to catch up-and-coming acts.
2. Los Angeles, CA: As the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles offers some of the best opportunities for comedians to showcase their talents. The city has a thriving comedy scene, with clubs such as The Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory, and the Improv Comedy Club. LA also hosts some of the biggest comedy festivals, such as the Comedy Central Festival and the Los Angeles Comedy Festival.
3. Chicago, IL: Known for its unique style of comedy, Chicago has produced many of the most successful comedians in the industry, such as Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Bill Murray. It’s home to legendary comedy clubs such as Second City, iO Theater, and Zanies Comedy Club, where comedians can perform in front of large crowds.
4. Boston, MA: Boston has a reputation for producing some of the most intelligent and witty comedians in the industry. It’s home to prestigious comedy clubs such as The Comedy Studio, The Wilbur Theater, and Laugh Boston, which have all hosted famous comedians. Boston is also a great place to discover new talent, as the city hosts several comedy festivals each year.
5. San Francisco, CA: San Francisco has a thriving comedy scene, with venues such as Cobb’s Comedy Club, Punchline Comedy Club, and the SF Sketchfest, which draws some of the biggest names in comedy. The city is also home to the famous comedy troupe, The San Francisco Mime Troupe, which has produced some of the most innovative and thought-provoking comedic works.
6. Austin, TX: Known for its unique brand of humor, Austin has emerged as a major player in the stand-up comedy scene. The city hosts several comedy festivals, including the Moontower Comedy Festival, which attracts some of the biggest names in the industry. Austin is also home to popular comedy clubs such as The Velveeta Room and Cap City Comedy Club.
7. Seattle, WA: Seattle has a vibrant comedy scene, with venues such as The Comedy Underground, The Parlor, and the Seattle International Comedy Competition. The city is also home to some of the most successful comedians in the industry, such as Joel McHale and Doug Benson.
8. Portland, OR: Portland is home to several popular comedy clubs, such as Helium Comedy Club, The Brody Theater, and Curious Comedy Theater. The city also hosts several comedy festivals, such as the Bridgetown Comedy Festival, which draws comedians from all over the country. Portland’s quirky and laid-back atmosphere makes it a great place for comedians to experiment with new material.
9. Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia has a long history of producing some of the funniest comedians in the industry, such as Kevin Hart and Tina Fey. The city is home to several comedy clubs, such as Helium Comedy Club and Punchline Philly, which attract some of the best up-and-coming comedians.
10. Denver, CO: Denver has a growing comedy scene, with venues such as Comedy Works, Voodoo Comedy Playhouse, and the High Plains Comedy Festival. The city’s high altitude and dry climate are said to make for better comedy, and it’s become a popular spot for comedians to work on new material.

Canada

Canada has a thriving comedy scene, with many talented comedians and regular comedy festivals and events. Here are some of the best comedy cities in Canada:

1. Toronto: The largest city in Canada is also home to some of the country’s most famous comedy clubs, including The Second City, Absolute Comedy, and Yuk Yuk’s.
2. Montreal: The city is known for its annual Just For Laughs comedy festival, which attracts some of the biggest names in comedy from around the world.
3. Vancouver: The city has a thriving comedy scene, with several comedy clubs and improv theaters, including the Comedy Mix, Yuk Yuk’s, and the Vancouver TheatreSports League.
4. Edmonton: The city hosts the Edmonton Comedy Festival, which showcases both established and up-and-coming comedians from across the country.
5. Halifax: The city has a strong tradition of comedy, with several well-known comedians hailing from the area, including Mark Critch and Shaun Majumder.
6. Ottawa: The capital city is home to several comedy clubs, including Absolute Comedy and Yuk Yuk’s, and hosts the Ottawa Comedy Festival each year.
7. Calgary: The city has a vibrant comedy scene, with several comedy clubs and improv theaters, including The Laugh Shop and Loose Moose Theatre Company.

Mexico, Central, and South America

Mexico, Central, and South America have a rich culture of humor, and there are several cities across the region that have established themselves as centers of comedy. Here are some of the best comedy cities in Mexico, Central, and South America:

1. Mexico City, Mexico – Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world, and it has a vibrant comedy scene. The city is home to several popular comedy clubs, including the Comedy Club and the El Vicio. The city also hosts the annual Comedy Fest, which attracts some of the best comedians from Mexico and beyond.
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina – Buenos Aires is the cultural capital of Argentina, and it has a thriving comedy scene. The city is home to several popular comedy clubs, including the Paseo La Plaza and the Timbre 4. The city also hosts the annual Buenos Aires Comedy Festival.
3. Sao Paulo, Brazil – Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil and has a vibrant arts and culture scene, including a thriving comedy scene. The city is home to several popular comedy clubs, including the Comedians and the Cia Barbixas de Humor. The city also hosts the annual Risadaria festival.
4. Bogota, Colombia – Bogota is the capital city of Colombia and has a growing comedy scene. The city is home to several popular comedy clubs, including the El Teatrino and the Casa E. The city also hosts the annual Bogota Comedy Festival.
5. Lima, Peru – Lima is the capital city of Peru and has a small but growing comedy scene. The city is home to several popular comedy clubs, including the Noches de Lima and the Stand Up Comedy Peru. The city also hosts the annual Lima Comedy Festival.

Europe

There are several cities in Europe that are known for their comedy scenes and humor. Here are some of the best comedy cities in Europe:

1. London, UK – London is home to some of the best comedy clubs in the world, including The Comedy Store, The Comedy Cafe, and The Soho Theatre. It is also the birthplace of many famous comedians like Monty Python, Ricky Gervais, and Eddie Izzard.
2. Edinburgh, UK – Edinburgh is home to the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which showcases some of the best comedians from around the world. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year and is a must-visit for any comedy fan.
3. Dublin, Ireland – Dublin is known for its dry, sarcastic humor and is home to some of the best stand-up comedians in Europe. The International Comedy Club and The Laughter Lounge are two popular comedy clubs in the city.
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands – Amsterdam is a city with a great sense of humor, and its comedy scene reflects that. The Comedy Cafe Amsterdam is a popular spot for stand-up comedy, while Boom Chicago is known for its improvisational comedy shows.
5. Berlin, Germany – Berlin has a thriving alternative comedy scene with many underground comedy clubs and events. The Comedy Cafe Berlin is a popular spot for English-language stand-up comedy, while the We Are Not Gemüsed comedy collective hosts regular shows around the city.
6. Paris, France – Paris may not be known for its comedy scene, but it does have a growing English-language stand-up comedy scene. The New York Comedy Night at SoGymnase is a popular event that showcases some of the best international comedians.
7. Barcelona, Spain – Barcelona is known for its vibrant nightlife, and its comedy scene is no exception. The Comedy Club Barcelona is a popular spot for stand-up comedy, while the Barcelona Improv Group puts on regular shows throughout the city.

Middle East

The Middle East has a rich cultural heritage, and there are several cities throughout the region that have a growing comedy scene. Here are some of the best cities for comedy in the Middle East:

1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Dubai has a thriving entertainment scene, including a growing comedy scene. The Dubai Comedy Festival is held each year and attracts some of the best local and international comedians. The Laughter Factory and The Junction are two popular spots for stand-up comedy in the city.
2. Beirut, Lebanon – Beirut has a rich cultural heritage, and its comedy scene reflects that. The city has a growing English-language comedy scene, with many local comedians and regular comedy events. The Blue Comedy Club and the Comedy Night at The Colony are two popular spots for stand-up comedy in the city.
3. Tel Aviv, Israel – Tel Aviv has a vibrant arts and culture scene, and its comedy scene is no exception. The city has a growing English-language comedy scene, with many local comedians and regular comedy events. The Tel Aviv International Comedy Festival is held each year and attracts some of the best local and international comedians.
4. Doha, Qatar – Doha has a growing entertainment scene, including a small but lively comedy scene. The Doha Comedy Festival is held each year and features some of the best local and international comedians. The Comedy Club Qatar and the Laughter Factory are two popular spots for stand-up comedy in the city.
5. Cairo, Egypt – Cairo has a rich cultural heritage, and its comedy scene reflects that. The city has a growing English-language comedy scene, with many local comedians and regular comedy events. The Comedy Bunker and The Laff Factory are two popular spots for stand-up comedy in the city.

Asia

Asia is a diverse continent with a rich cultural heritage, and there are many cities throughout the region with a thriving comedy scene. Here are some of the best comedy cities in Asia:

1. Tokyo, Japan – Tokyo is home to a vibrant comedy scene, with many popular Japanese comedians and comedy shows. The Yoshimoto Comedy Theater and the Roppongi Kingyo Comedy Club are two popular spots for stand-up comedy in the city.
2. Bangkok, Thailand – Bangkok is known for its lively nightlife and entertainment scene, and its comedy clubs are no exception. The Comedy Club Bangkok and the Bangkok Hilarious Comedy Club are two popular spots for stand-up comedy in the city.
3. Mumbai, India – Mumbai is the home of Bollywood, but it also has a thriving comedy scene. The Canvas Laugh Club and The Habitat are two popular comedy clubs in the city that showcase both local and international comedians.
4. Seoul, South Korea – Seoul has a growing English-language comedy scene, with many expat comedians performing regularly in the city. The Stand-up Seoul Comedy Club and the HaHa Hole Comedy Club are two popular spots for comedy in the city.
5. Hong Kong – Hong Kong has a small but lively comedy scene, with many local comedians and regular comedy events. The TakeOut Comedy Club Hong Kong is a popular spot for stand-up comedy, while the Hong Kong Improv Comedy Club puts on regular improv comedy shows.
6. Manila, Philippines – Manila has a growing English-language comedy scene, with many local comedians and regular comedy events. The Comedy Manila and the LOL Comedy Club are two popular comedy clubs in the city.

Africa

The comedy scene in Africa is still developing, but there are several cities on the continent that have started to establish themselves as centers of comedy. Here are some of the best comedy scenes in Africa:

1. Lagos, Nigeria – Lagos is the entertainment capital of Nigeria, and it has a growing comedy scene. The city is home to several popular comedy clubs, including the Terra Kulture and the Comedy Club. The city also hosts the annual Lagos International Comedy Festival, which attracts comedians from all over Africa.
2. Johannesburg, South Africa – Johannesburg is the economic hub of South Africa, and it has a thriving comedy scene. The city is home to several popular comedy clubs, including the Goliath Comedy Club and the Parker’s Comedy and Jive. The city also hosts the annual Johannesburg International Comedy Festival.
3. Nairobi, Kenya – Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya, and it has a growing comedy scene. The city is home to several popular comedy clubs, including the Churchill Show and the Jukwaa Lounge. The city also hosts the annual Laugh Festival, which features some of the best local and international comedians.
4. Accra, Ghana – Accra is the capital city of Ghana, and it has a small but growing comedy scene. The city is home to several popular comedy clubs, including the Comedy Express and the Laughline Comedy Bar. The city also hosts the annual Night of Laughs Comedy Festival.
5. Cape Town, South Africa – Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in Africa and has a growing comedy scene. The city is home to several popular comedy clubs, including the Cape Town Comedy Club and the Armchair Theatre. The city also hosts the annual Cape Town International Comedy Festival.

Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand have a vibrant comedy scene with many talented local comedians and regular international acts. Here are some of the best comedy cities in Australia and New Zealand:

1. Melbourne, Australia – Melbourne is known as the cultural capital of Australia and is home to a thriving comedy scene. The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is one of the biggest comedy festivals in the world, and the city has many popular comedy clubs, including the Comics Lounge and the Comedy Theatre.
2. Sydney, Australia – Sydney is the largest city in Australia and has a vibrant comedy scene with many popular comedy clubs, including the Comedy Store and the Enmore Theatre. The city also hosts the Sydney Comedy Festival, which attracts some of the best local and international comedians.
3. Auckland, New Zealand – Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and has a growing comedy scene. The Classic Comedy Club and the Basement Theatre are two popular spots for stand-up comedy in the city.
4. Wellington, New Zealand – Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand and has a lively arts and culture scene, including a thriving comedy scene. The New Zealand International Comedy Festival is held in Wellington each year, and the city has many popular comedy clubs, including San Fran and The Fringe Bar.
5. Brisbane, Australia – Brisbane has a growing comedy scene, with many popular comedy clubs, including the Sit Down Comedy Club and the Brisbane Comedy Festival. The city also hosts the Brisbane Comedy Festival each year, which showcases some of the best local and international comedians.
6. Adelaide, Australia – Adelaide is known for its arts and culture scene, and its comedy scene is no exception. The Adelaide Fringe Festival is one of the biggest arts festivals in the world, and the city has many popular comedy clubs, including the Rhino Room and the Arkaba Hotel.

Overall, these cities are considered the best for stand-up comedy because they have a thriving comedy scene with a variety of clubs, festivals, and other opportunities for comedians to perform and develop their craft. They also attract audiences who are passionate about comedy and are eager to see new and innovative shows.