15 European Cities For The Ultimate Party Experience — The Purposely Lost (2024)

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Are you ready to dance through Europe’s hottest party destinations?

This is your VIP pass to the wildest beach parties in Ibiza, Oktoberfest in Berlin, graffiti-covered Hungarian ruin bars, all spiced up with Amsterdam’s Red Light District, and many more.

If you want the perfect night out in these buzzing cities, dive into the beats with us.

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Best European Cities to Party

1. Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza stands out as Europe’s epic party destinations, offering a diverse nightlife scene, making it a mecca for party enthusiasts worldwide.

It’s home to white sand beaches with beach clubs and fiestas, boat, pool, and foam parties, and live music, especially if you visit the east side of the island Playa d’en Bossa.

High-capacity super clubs like Hï Ibiza, Ushuaïa, and Pacha underline the area. But the party pulse doesn’t end here.

Head over to San Antonio, located on the western coast of Ibiza.

The pre-club hangouts, like Bar M, will set you up for an ultimate party experience at famous clubs like Eden, Underground, Amnesia, and Es Paradis. San Antonio is also the ideal place to catch the sunset.

The party season kicks off in May with the world-famous 3-day long electronic dance music festival, the International Music Summit.

This festival is a perfect opportunity to witness the distinctdifferences between Ibiza and Mallorca, the two Balearic hotspots, especially during the party season.

Stay on the right track with thisSpain tourist guide, filled with plenty of adventures and tips to round out your Ibiza experience.

2. Berlin, Germany

Berlin proudly holds the title of the global party capital, with over 4,500 bars and clubs to choose from.

Notably, after the Berlin Wall fell, many abandoned buildings were transferred into party hubs, blending history, lifestyle, and culture into their beats and vibes. Caution! It’s super addictive!

The heart of Berlin’s nightlife beats in districts like Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, Friedrichshain, Rummelsburg, and Kreuzberg, with limitless beer gardens, clubs, and bars to keep you busy.

The party starts at Club der Visionaere (Kreuzberg), a canal-side venue famous for its daytime parties and chilled atmosphere.

It then continues at Sisyphos (Rummelsburg), a former factory offering eclectic music across multiple dance floors.

The fun kicks off early, rolls through midnight, and only stops in the early hours of Sunday in most cases. So you have plenty of time to explore other spots.

You can find low-key bars like So36 at Kreuzberg, Treso Club at Mitte, and the underground techno heaven Berghain at Friedrichshain.

You can take part in Room 4 Resistance events, promoting queer, non-binary, and safe party experiences.

Berlin is also known for the famous Oktoberfest, a must-visit for the best of German culture.

3. Krakow, Poland

Krakow has a high reputation for an unparalleled party experience.

Its Old Town is the best for clubbing. It awaits you with traditional Polish pubs, live music at bars like Alchemia, and an underground jazz club, Piwnica pod Baranami.

Many shot bars are located all over Krakow, including Old Town. If you like Polish vodka with style, visit Scotch & Sofa at Jana sStreet8 for a treat.

A great way to prepare for a wiggle at Krakow’s multifaceted clubs with a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music.

In Krakow, alcohol and beer are incredibly affordable, starting at only €1 a shot. So remember to pace yourself and enjoy making unforgettable memories!

If you’re up for a more laid-back evening, the Kazimierz district has an intimate co*cktail bar that can serve the purpose.

In Krakow, adventure hides in every corner, from secret basem*nts to unexpected side streets where you might bump into the party of a lifetime! But unlocking these hidden secrets might require local insight.

The great news is that most Polish people are amiable, and given it’s a university city, most speak excellent English.

It’s a breeze to make new friends while exploring and trust me, there’s a whole world of nightlife waiting to be discovered beyond the usual spots!

4. Paris, France

Paris, the city of lights, the capital of art, fashion, museums, architecture, and the famous French cuisine, also glows as one of the best European cities to party.

Each district, like Les Halles, Le Marais, Bastille, Champs-Elysées, Pigalle, and Montmartre, unfolds a unique chapter after dark, with many bars, cabaret shows, nightclubs, and Jazz venues.

Once a Red Light District, Pigalle now boasts pubs and hosts the famous Parisian cabaret, the Moulin Rouge, every night.

The party is far from over in Le Marais, the historic district; you can dance the night away at CUD cave bar, where the party heats up at around 2 AM. It’s a bit pricey, but the fun and energy make it worth it!

Bastille is well worth considering, too, for a wallet-friendly experience. It offers affordable fine dining, live bands, techno tunes, jazz, rooftop terraces, and many Latino dance venues.

It’s also the hotspot for student nightlife with popular clubs, including Supersonic, La Java, and Le Badaboum.

5. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin’s nightlife mixes tradition with modernity like no other European country.

If you haven’t yet been, stepping into an Irish pub feels like entering the country’s soul.

It’s not only a pub; it’s a community and a space of happiness with meaningful conversations.

What breathes even more life into them is the Irish music.

Also, if you are with a group, don’t forget the tradition of buying a round, as it is considered bad manners for patrons to leave before buying their turn.

Some of the best pubs where locals go, too, like the River Liffey, including the Temple Bar, The Stag’s Head, and Slattery’s Bar.

You will get to drink some Guinness and Irish hot Whiskey and eat the most delicious Shepherd’s pie under the Irish beats.

Once you are set, venture towards Camden Street and hit the dance house floor of Button Factory Club, leading the rhythm until 3 AM.

For those with surplus energy, join the night of The Black Door, where the after-party keeps the tempo alive until 5 AM.

It will be an experience of a lifetime!

6. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Seeking a bash? Amsterdam is your spot, for sure!

Amsterdam has an inclusive party culture that caters to all.

Music, art, culture? You can join the party.

The Red Light District pulsates with energy as clubs, bars, and cafes line the narrow streets.

It heats the area with strip clubs like the Banana Bar and Casa Rosso’s live sex theater, a wild experience for tourists in the town (18+)!

Yet this may sound like the experience of a lifetime; Leidseplein (a square in the southern end of Amsterdam’s central canal ring) is one of the most well-known areas for clubbing, especially if you rather join the locals.

Party hubs like Melkweg bring joy with Drum and Bass and Techno, all surrounded by cultural sites.

You can find canal-side parties, open-air festivals, street performances, themed events, chic lounges, and underground clubs, you name it.

This square has all the ingredients for a perfect night out and is within easy reach!

However, if you thrive on festivals, Amsterdam remains a top pick.

The top three main festival celebrations are:

• The Amsterdam Dance Event (October): The largest electronic music festival in the world.

• King’s Day (Koningsdag) Dutch monarch’s birthday (April 27th, King’s Day): National celebration with street parties, live music, flea markets, and various outdoor activities.

• Grachtenfestival or “Canal Festival” (August): This is a classical music festival with talented musicians. It provides a rich and unique cultural experience along the canals, historic buildings, and outdoor stages.

7. Lisbon, Portugal

If you are a night owl, Lisbon is your playground.

The city’s nighttime rhythm kicks off late.

The bars start filling up around 11 PM and don’t stop till 3–4 AM.

Only then will the clubs keep the beats going until 6 AM, when the night truly comes alive.

With Lisbon’s constant sunshine, it’s party time all year round.

Make sure you visit the key party hotspots packed with bars and clubs, like Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Cais do Sodré.

Along Tagus River (Cais do Sodre), you will find Urban Beach with EMD, techno, and house music, while B. Leza plays Afro and Brazilian music.

The Park rooftop Bar at Bairro Alto promises beautiful views of the city, while Pavilhão Chinês in Chiado offers a vintage atmosphere filled with antiques.

Lisbon typically hosts a famous Carnival in February or early March. It’s a colorful event with costumes, parades, music, and limitless dancing filling the streets across the city.

8. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is a lively city with never-ending nightlife and is a top destination for stag parties.

Something exciting happens every day, whether it is concerts, theater, nightclubs, or unique ruin bars.

District 7 has become the beating heart of the city’s nightlife, with Szimplakert leading the list of the ruined bars in this district.

Ruin bars are creatively decorated pubs and clubs in ruin settings (abandoned buildings), giving a special Hungarian vibe to your night out.

At Kazinczy Street, Szimpla Kert displays a disused Trabant car and other vintage items.

It awaits you with music, food in a garden, and a handmade craft market.

Also in this district, Instant and Morrisons 2 feature several dance floors and a karaoke room, adding more variety to the city’s clubbing scene.

If you want a more conservative experience with a view, the A38 party boat is the top pick.

The stone-carrier ship that once operated in Ukraine is now anchored permanently at the bottom of Petőfi Bridge, welcoming everyone with live music, food, bars, and night-long parties.

You’ll find it all here whether you’re into rock, jazz, or electronic music or want to see famous performers.

Yet, our party list is incomplete. Toldi Club at Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Street brings the atmosphere to the forefront with 5 dance floors, 5 music styles, an open-air terrace, and an exclusive VIP room.

You can also pop in for a coffee in the afternoon. Akvarium Club, located in the heart of Budapest at Erzsébet Square, offers concerts and a disco.

Not to mention the sausage and wine festivals Budapest hosts all year round.

You can not physically get bored of it!

9. London, U.K.

Along the long list of things you can do in London, its nightlife stands prominently in the lineup.

The luxurious venues, sky bars, River Thames pubs, classy lounges, and wild nightclubs attract a mix of locals, celebrities, and tourists from all around the world–all ages, cultures, and genders.

The Ministry of Sounds in South Central London (South Bank) is the true home of electronic dance music, wine bars, and lounges.

The West End, including Soho and Covent Garden, buzzes with tip-top clubs like Experimental co*cktail Club and Bar Soho. However, it tends to be more touristy.

Islington offers lounges such as 69 Colebrooke Row and London co*cktail Club. Very classy!

Dalston is where students know how to throw a party.

Whether you’re into dance tunes, live bands, theater, or 80s classics, London has a club to match your taste.

10. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is worth visitingas one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, located on the northeastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula in Europe.

The city’s easy access to the beach allows a lifestyle that blends city life with a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Ideal for those seeking an unforgettable night out infused with either laid-back beach vibes or the energetic pulse of the city, all set around Barcelona’s historical sites.

I highly recommend Opium, a beach club known for its elegance, electronic music, and beachfront views.

Pacha Barcelona Beach Club is another excellent venue offering a relaxed setting during the day that transforms into a lively club at night.

If you are a newcomer to Barcelona, remember that the nightlife here kicks off late compared to other European cities.

For example, the perfect chance to make the most of your night by joining a boat party while on the beach.

For a live experience, Sala Apolo in the El Poble Sec neighborhood has live concerts and DJ sessions, and the Jamboree Jazz Club at Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter has live jazz performances in an intimate setting.

When you visit Barcelona in the summer, join the Primavera Sound Festival.

This internationally acclaimed music festival, held annually, features indie, rock, electronic, and alternative music styles.

11. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague has been crowned the top European destination for stag dos and bachelorette parties.

No surprise, it’s affordable, beautiful, lively and brings you the city’s best party districts.

Prague’s Old Town features pubs and clubs like Hemingway Bar, offering fine mixology and luxury spirits.

While M1 Lounge Bar & Club dictates the rhythm with R&B and Hip Hop beats.

You can go a little crazy at Chapeau Rouge, one of the city’s hottest dance and DJ spots, or experience the intimate jazz scene at AghaRTA Jazz Club, which adds a touch of soulful melodies to the city’s nightlife.

Not yet found your perfect match?

Spend your day and night at the Meet Factory in Smíchov. This old factory has been repurposed for a music venue, theater, gallery, and other events.

For a gritty metal experience, visit Hells Bells Rockin’ Pub, which is open from 5 PM to 3 AM.

You can finish your night with big-name DJs and bands at Roxy, one of Prague’s oldest and best-known clubs, which is open until 5 AM.

And the Karlovy Lazne Club is one of Central Europe’s largest music venues, right in the city center.

These hotspots represent Prague’s eclectic and affordable nightlife, making it an unmatched European party destination.

12. Belgrade, Serbia

If you enjoy parties that go all around the clock 24/7, the Southeast European city of Belgrade is your paradise.

The town has numerous bars, clubs, restaurants, festivals, live music, street performances, and many other fun options. All this with a panoramic view of the Sava and the Danube rivers.

Skadarlija, Belgrade’s historic Bohemian quarter, is a great place to warm up for the night ahead.

It is famous for its cobblestone streets, local flavors, street performances, and rock, pop, jazz, and classical live music.

Savamala neighborhood, a district known for its urban buildings made of concrete and glass, also offers local cuisines and casual drinks with beautiful surroundings.

Then, elevate your night in a very unique way at the Floating Clubs (Splavovi), just like Splav 20/44 and Freestyler.

They are located along the Sava and Danube rivers, making it one of the most popular picks amongst party enthusiasts.

They play a variety of music genres, including electronic, pop, and folk.

The Kalemegdan Fortress Parties are popular choices, too, amongst locals and tourists.

This historic fortress and park, located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, offers live music, DJs, music festivals, concerts, and theme parties.

For a more festive atmosphere, visit Belgrade in August during the Belgrade Beer Festival, Southeast Europe’s largest beer festival.

It is the place to be to treat yourself to all kinds of brews, from local favorites to international ones.

13. Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos, Greece, is an island famous for its wild parties and attracts partygoers worldwide.

Some of the best clubs in Mykonos include Cavo Paradiso, Paradise Club, Super Paradise Beach Club, and Scandinavian Bar.

These clubs offer a unique party atmosphere with top DJs, stunning views, and a lively crowd.

The party scene in Mykonos is legendary, with clubs staying open until the early morning hours.

It is the perfect destination for those looking to dance the night away.

The best time to visit this famous Greek island for a party experience is during the summer months, from June to late August.

This is when the island is at its peak, with numerous events, festivals, and beach parties.

The warm weather and clear skies make it the ideal setting for outdoor parties and beach club events.

In addition to the nightlife, Mykonos also offers beautiful beaches, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and stunning sunsets, making it a well-rounded party destination for those looking for an unforgettable experience.

14. Hvar, Croatia

The stunning scenery in Hvar, Croatia, already makes it a must-visit destination–but in the summer months, the city comes alive with tourists from all over the world looking to experience its legendary party scene.

Some of the best clubs in Hvar to party include Carpe Diem Beach, which offers a unique experience of day and night parties on its own island; Hula Hula Beach Club, known for its lively atmosphere and stunning sunset views, and Veneranda, a historic fortress turned into a nightclub that hosts some of the best DJs in the world.

Aside from the fantastic clubs, Hvar also offers a variety of beach parties, boat parties, and music festivals throughout the summer.

It’s also a quick ferry ride from Split, another Croatian city known for its nightlife.

15. Riga, Latvia

Riga, Latvia, is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to experience an unforgettable party scene, with a mix of trendy clubs, diverse music styles, and a lively atmosphere that will keep the party going all night long.

Some of the best clubs in Riga to party include Studio 69, known for its energetic atmosphere and top-notch DJs, and Coyote Fly, a popular nightclub with a great rooftop terrace and a mix of electronic and R&B music.

Another great spot is La Rocca, a massive nightclub with several floors and different music styles to cater to all tastes.

In addition to the clubs, Riga also offers a range of unique and trendy bars, from cozy pubs and craft beer spots to stylish co*cktail lounges and underground speakeasies.

Best European Cities to Party: Wrap-Up

If you’re looking for the ultimate party experience, Europe is the place to be.

With its diverse and vibrant nightlife scenes, several cities stand out as the best destinations for partygoers.

From renowned nightclubs to lively bars and festivals, these cities offer something for everyone.

Whether you’re into techno music in Berlin, beach parties in Ibiza, or bath parties in Budapest, there’s a European city for your partying preferences.

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Grab your Travel Planner

Planning your next adventure can become overwhelming.Stay organized with this free, printable travel planner!