'The District' is the downtown stretch between University Avenue and Spadina Avenue that rocks to the beat of competing sound systems of night clubs and bars lined cheek by jowl along Richmond Street and Adelaide Street. Every night has a different groove at Fluid Lounge (217 Richmond Street, +14165936116) while Sound Emporium (360 Adelaide Street, +14164082646) features two floors, each focusing on different genres. Shmooze (15 Mercer Street, +14163418777, www.shmooze.ca) draws the over-30 crowd to the dancefloor and rooftop patio.

A popular newcomer in the Kensington Market neighbourhood is Supermarket (268 Augusta Avenue, 14168400501, www.supermarkettoronto.com). Spacious and comfortable, it features above-average food and fine resident DJs like John King and DJ Fase. In the fast-expanding Parkdale end of Queen West you'll find The Social (1100 Queen Street West, 14165324474), boasting comfy sofas and music running the gamut from rock to house. Clubs stay open until 4am.

The people-watching along Little Italy's College Street on a summer night competes with the busy scene indoors at restaurants, bars and clubs. A recently renovated area fixture, Bar Italia (582 College Street, +14165353621, www.bar-italia.ca) has a small but coveted perch from where to watch the daily parade. The Orbit Room (580 College Street, +14165350613) jams them in to hear upbeat Hammond organ funk and jazz, and occasionally features such stars as Brian Auger and Joey DeFrancesco.

On Queen Street, the legendary Horseshoe Tavern (No 370, +14165984753, www.horseshoetavern.com) gives many an up-and-coming local band their first break. For a real bohemian vibe, stroll a block west to The Cameron House (408 Queen Street West, +14167030811, www.thecameron.com). Their booking policy is both eclectic and alternative.

Want to sing? Karaoke remains a big thing here. Try it authentic style in a private room at XO in Little Korea (693 Bloor Street, +14165353734) or belt it out for the crowds at The Gladstone Hotel's Melody Bar (1214 Queen Street, +14165314635, www.gladstonehotel.com/melodybar.htm). For a gay-oriented area of restaurants and clubs, head to Church Street and Wellesley Street East.

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