A Beginner's Guide To Barhopping (Slideshow)

If you're new in town, Google the city's neighborhoods looking for hotspots, then read reviews of all the bars. Limit your night to a single, walkable area so you won't spend the whole night searching for cabs. 

You're going to need cash for covers, taxis, and maybe some mid-party street vendor snacks. Don't just assume there will be an ATM when you get there; fees on well-known party streets are exorbitant, and pickpockets love to lurk near heavily trafficked ATMs in crowded areas.

Every seasoned bartender has seen some poor patron take a shot then hit the floor because they've got nothing in their stomach to start out. Don't make this rookie mistake. Make sure you've eaten a sensible dinner before you hit the town.

It can be difficult to control yourself in a city known for deliciousness, but a porterhouse with a side of everything is going to put you in your PJs in front of pay-per-view instead of on the dance floor with your buds. 

While you're into the hard stuff, don't forget to hydrate. Drinking an eight-ounce glass of H2O at each spot you hit will not only keep you going longer, but also keep you feeling peppy instead of pukey the morning after. 

It can be tempting bring a purse the size of an Army rucksack, but soon enough, you're going to be tired of knocking others on the dance floor to and fro with your battering ram of a bag. Carry a simple over the shoulder clutch with a room key, cash, ID, and cellphone, so you're free to wave 'em like you just don't care. 

Those beer soaked streets are probably breeding grounds for hepatitis, but you might forget that at 2 a.m. and decide to go barefoot because your sexy pumps gave you bloody heels. Those stilettos are hot, but you probably want to save them for a more stationary night. 

It can be easy to down one too many and say or even do some things you'll regret, but it's important to try not to lose control on a big night out. Maybe your sister's boyfriend is all wrong for her. Perhaps that bartender was giving you the stink-eye. Tonight is not the time to discuss it. Know your limits and stay within them. 

Areas where folks are known to bar hop are also areas that attract criminals looking to take advantage of tipsy revelers. Stay with your friends, never take an unregistered cab or worse, a ride from a stranger, and be wary of any side streets or spots off the beaten path. 

While you're still in the planning stage of your big night out, make sure to map out the city's late-night eats. All-night diners, pizza stands open past last call, and even local food trucks are great places to end your successful celebration with a (preferably cheese-topped and ranch-dipped) bang.