If you’re in the process of planning your next trip to Europe and want to know where the best parties are, look no further.
This article has been written by foreigners who live in these cities. That’s a benefit to you because these locals know the best places to party since they live there.
Don’t get sucked into tourist traps and ratty dive bars that randoms peddle to you on the street – you want your time in Europe to be memorable – and if you go to any of the cities on this list, it will be!
Krakow
Krakow, in the south of Poland, is the gateway to partying in Eastern Europe. For students and backpackers, it’s a fantastic destination in the east of Europe that’s not as common as those in the west.
Situated on the Vistula River, Krakow is a fantastic party town due to the fact that it’s the biggest tourist destination in Poland. Hostels are cheap, and a nice, comfortable hotel is just as affordable as is food. As for the drink, Poles love their vodka.
If you’re a beer drinker, you’ll get by just fine, but if you really want your time in Krakow to be memorable, get amongst the local supply of vodka!
Krakow is a really easy city to get to, either flying from the UK or taking a train elsewhere in western Europe.
Protip: Start your night at Krakow’s boat party for 2 hours of free drinks with a DJ and dancefloor as you cruise up and down the river. Also, avoid strip clubs!
Suggested clubs:
- Mercy Brown – An elegant, jazzy cocktail bar that doesn’t advertise and is home to any drink you can imagine.
- Teatro Cubano – This place used to be a university lecture room – it’s now a Cuban dance hall with cheap drinks and non-stop dancing.
- Prozak 2.0 – the granddaddy of Krakow nightclubs, Prozak is a labyrinth of rooms with all types of things happening.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam appointed a nachtburgemeester, or a ‘night mayor’ in 2014 to ensure that tourists and residents alike could find just about anything they wanted at night.
While that’s led to the city being known as a bit of devil’s playground, due to the red light district and ‘cafe’ culture, there’s so much more the capital of The Netherlands than that.
The nightclub and partying scene here is some of the best in Europe.
Protip: Hungover in Amsterdam? A leisurely canal cruise is a fine way to recover.
Suggested clubs:
- De School – A former technical school, De School is known for putting out good parties, each and every time it holds one.
- Radion – Located in the Nieuw-West area, Radion has a huge sound system for hardcore clubbers to leave you wanting more. A huge night out, and a club that’s open 24/7.
- AIR – R&B, Hip Hop, D&B, this place is clubbing on an insane scale. This place is for you if you want every sense of your body to be assaulted.
Budapest
The capital of Hungary is one of the biggest party cities in Europe, without a doubt. Well known for its ‘ruin bars’, Budapest is home to some of the craziest and unique nightlife experiences you’ll ever have.
Don’t be fooled, though – these aren’t dingy clubs with one functioning toilet and no DJ, but clubs built into former Communist party buildings with all the relevant paraphernalia.
Forget the West’s gentrified ‘urban industrial vibe; Budapest is home to nightclubs that are literally abandoned factories and car parks.
Like most cities in the east, it’s cheap to get to and cheap to stay in. Wizz Air is based in Budapest, so you’ll be able to get to Budapest from anywhere Wizz flies.
Protip: Szimpla Kert was one of the first clubs in Budapest to have the ‘ruin’ vibe, and while it’s evolved away from that a little, it’s still a great place to start your night.
Suggested clubs:
- 360 Bar – A cocktail bar atop a skyscraper with stunning city-wide views
- Racskert – Just want a good bar? Racskert is located in a car park with live music and damn good beers.
- Szechenyi Baths, aka ‘Sparty‘ – Hungary’s famous baths by day, a rave-in-a-spa by night.
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Ibiza
You can’t mention ‘partying in Europe’ without mentioning the Spanish island of Ibiza. Non-stop beach-bars and amazing weather is the reason that Ibiza is home to some of the most famous dance festivals in the world.
While it’s not as cheap as some other locations in Eastern Europe, it’s a must-see destination for any partier and traveller. Want the real Ibiza experience? Stay at a club resort and get all the partying you can handle right on your doorstep.
Protip: Ibiza takes on a different form when you explore the island with its local culture in mind – and then party with those locals later that night.
Suggested clubs:
- Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Club – An outdoor club also a resort, Ushuaia is home to all types of party-goers looking for a good time.
- Amnesia Ibiza – A club that’s been awarded time and time again, Amnesia is the go-to place for both celebrities and people who just want to party.
- Ocean Beach Ibiza – Located in the west of the island, Ocean Beach is home to pool parties that let you soak in the sun and warmth that is Ibiza itself.
London
You haven’t partied in Europe if you haven’t partied in London. Sure, Brexit might mean that it’s not technically in Europe anymore, but when you’re here on the town, that doesn’t matter. Rowdy, loud, and intense, partying in London often has the ‘snowball effect’.
You go somewhere for a nice cocktail to start the night, and next, you’re walking home to wherever you’re staying, significantly poorer, missing a shoe and not sure why that part of your body hurts.
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Protip: London rarely takes its foot off the gas. Egg is a little known 24-hour nightclub in London that can keep you partying ay time of day.
Suggested clubs:
- Printworks – An old printing factory, this insanely long and narrow nightclub is home to some insanely long parties.
- The Grand – An old theatre converted into a nightclub, The Grand is a fantastic place to be on the weekend to keep you dancing all night long.
- Ministry of Sound – If you were alive in the ’90s, you know the reputation this club has. A former bus garage that’s now one of the hottest party destinations.
Dubrovnik
Warm summer nights hit different here in Croatia and there’s no better place to be than Dubrovnik. It’s a phenomenal city that’s steeped in history – the city was used as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones for a reason! But don’t let that fool you – the nightlife here is a little more exciting than ‘sinking piss’ in a bar with Sandor ‘The Hound’ Clegane – they know how to party in the Balkans!
It all boils down to what you, the partygoer, wants. Want to party on the beach until the sun comes up? You’ll get it in Dubrovnik. Want to party in an exclusive club located in a medieval fortress? We got you.
Protip: Sink a beer or 7 at a cliff bar. A bar that’s literally carved into the side of a cliff.
Suggested clubs:
- Culture Club Revelin – Located in the east of town, this club is the one that’s in the fortress. Often labelled as one of the most beautiful clubs in the world, it’s a must-see place to party.
- Buzz Bar – Want to just kick back and soak it all in with a nice Cocktail? Buzz bar is a great place to do just that while you power up to party on.
- Banje Beach Club – Fresh seafood and killer nightlife – why go anywhere else?
Prague
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, landlocked in central Europe. Prague is a huge party town, owing to the fact that it is actually located in central Europe, but the culture and nightlife are that of eastern Europe.
Protip: Start your night at Cross Club. Located in the north of the city, this multi-story venue has dozens of rooms decorated in a wide variety of ways, with art from local sculptors and artists. A great place to give you that real taste of eastern Europe partying.
Suggested clubs:
- Karlovy Lazne – Spread out over 5 storeys, this place will take you an entire night to explore. Disco, R&B, Drum and bass – this place has it all.
- Roxy – One of the oldest and best-known clubs in Prague, it’s a huge space that’s a little ‘run down’, which only adds to the hardcore party vibe.
- Duplex – A club and a restaurant, but the club is what you’re here for. Awesome views of the city, and one of the most exclusive clubs in town.
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Berlin
Berlin makes this list because, well, how can it not?
Berlin is a giant, multicultural city, home to people from all walks of life. Read: People from all over the world who party in different ways. Therefore, there are so many different types of clubs that Germany’s capital can offer. Want a party that goes from Friday night to Monday morning? You’ll find it in Berlin.
Protip: Berghain is the most popular nightclub in the city. It’s not just the music that makes this a great place to go, but the people that go there. Oh yeah, the huge sound system is a reason, too.
Suggested clubs:
- KitKat – Their motto is ‘Do what you want but stay in communication’, owing to their sexually uninhibited parties. Arguable whether it’s a sex club or a night club, but if you want a night you won’t forget, KitKat is it.
- Tresor – home to techno, house and electronic, this place is full of good vibes, good drinks, and a chaotic but fun vibe.
- Golden Gate – Golden Gate is a tiny club, located in the middle of a motorway. Don’t expect glam, expect sweaty DJs working hard to keep you dancing.
Over to you
This list is far from complete – it will be continually updated with advice and insights from seasoned travellers and locals that you can trust to give you the best possible night on the town!
