If you’re in the mood for revelling, Europe is one of the coolest places to be. The continent is blessed with some of the best nightclubs on the planet, each with its own different vibe. And best of all, the best party cities in Europe are all within a few hours of each other.
Explore the best European party cities
London, Ibiza, and Berlin may be old favourites. However, Eastern Europe hot spots like Riga, Belgrade, and Warsaw are rapidly growing in popularity (and on the much cheaper side, too). So, are you a keen reveller? Bookmark this article of the best party cities in Europe and tick them off as you go.
1. London, United Kingdom
- The average price of a beer: £6
- The average price of a Coke/Pepsi: £2
Ah, London. I might be biased but the English capital is a brilliant night out. It’s certainly not the cheapest place you can visit but it’s definitely the city with the broadest selection of party options throughout the year. You’ll find everything in London, from cabaret and jazz to boat parties, basement clubs, and VIP parties. There’s also chilled speakeasy bars and secret clubs, making it a true party holiday destination.
Fabric in Farringdon is probably the best club in the UK, with established DJs playing into the early hours. seven days a week. The eastern side of the city has also risen in popularity and hosts some of the most sought-after clubs. You’ll find fancier options in the West End and Kensington/Fulham, plus cheaper selections south of the River Thames. Check out Tasty Bakery in Peckham which sells sweet treats by day but becomes a party space at night.
Top 3 nightclubs:
- Fabric is one of the most iconic nightclubs in London.
- Egg LDN is a huge warehouse club near Camden with a 24-hour license, so you need stamina in abundance!
- Carwash for 70s music and vibes.
2. Ibiza, Spain
- The average price of a beer: £2.50
- The average price of a Coke/Pepsi: £2.15
While not really a city, no party holiday compilation would be complete without including the king of the Balearics. Each year, between May and October, revellers visit this Spanish island with one thing on their minds – partying. Idris Elba, Kate Moss, Geri Halliwell, and Leonardo DiCaprio are among the A-list are regulars. So, if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough or us!
The clubs – namely Pacha, Ushuaia, and Amnesia – are probably some of the most famous dance music clubs on the planet. They attract the biggest DJs in the world, including David Guetta, Tiesto, Calvin Harris and Martin Garrix. You’ll find a younger crowd and cheaper drinks at bars in San Antonio but there are nightclubs dotted all over the island.
Mega-clubs like Pacha and Amnesia can charge up to £50 for entry, so it can price out a lot of the punters who just want to dance. For a more chilled, but definitely-still-a-party vibe, why not check out Pikes Ibiza in Sant Antoni de Portmany? Or if you prefer rock music, head to Ibiza Rocks in San Antonio.
The closing parties at the end of September/start of October are epic so definitely try those once in a lifetime.
Top 3 nightclubs:
- Pacha is just amazing for a night out.
- Space nightclub made a comeback in 2022 and we’re very happy about that.
- Club Chinois is a nightclub created by the brains behind the amazing Cirque Du Soleil production.
3. Hvar, Croatia
- The average price of a beer: £5
- The average price of a Coke/Pepsi: £3.50
Commonly referred to as the ‘new Ibiza’, Hvar is a stunning Croatian island with seafront nightclubs and beach bars that are open until the early hours in the summer months.. You need to board a boat at Split to get there – but it’s definitely worth the journey as the vibe is really special.
Hvar is generally less hectic than Ibiza but you can definitely find a hardcore nightspot if that’s what you’re after. There are amazing boat parties to be found if you’re up for that. The landscape is also stunning and the food is great – perfect for curing a hangover!
Top 3 nightspots:
- Carpe Diem is on the beach and the biggest club on the island.
- Beach Club Hvar is another seaside gem.
- Kiva Bar is central and great for a dance.
4. Warsaw, Poland
- The average price of a beer: £3.50
- The average price of a Coke/Pepsi: £1.50
Not just a cheap holiday option, Warsaw is also one of the best party cities in Europe. It has something for everyone – from painfully chic clubs, extremely casual alternatives and everything in between. The Praga District is a great place to start. Located on the eastern bank of the river, it’s variously described as gritty, urban, up-and-coming. This is reflected in range of bars, eateries, and underground clubs, mostly located in old factories and deserted tenement buildings.
Before you hit the clubs, make a pitstop at one of the city’s numerous shot bars. These come in a variety of styles and ambiences but share one very important thing in common – shots. Vodka is naturally king here but comes in a variety of flavours and colours (the cherry vodka is amazing). If you put £5 on the table, you can taste the whole rainbow!
In other parts of the city, the choice is just as wide. However, you may have to dress up a little to gain entry. Jeans and t-shirts aren’t going to fly here, but it’s a great excuse to get your glad rags on. Head to the area around Foksal Street where the clubs are as lavish as the doormen are merciless. Klubokawarnia offers three dance floors, found as you navigate its crazy, tangled corridors. Or try Club Mirage where the DJ bangs out tunes while you dance beneath shimmering chandeliers.
Top 3 nightclubs:
- Enjoy a high energy experience at Fifty Club.
- Luzztro for hard house and techno.
- Level 27 is a rooftop club in the city’s Atlas tower.
5. Budapest, Hungary
- The average price of a beer: £2
- The average price of a Coke/Pepsi: £1.20
It’s all about the ruin bars – or romkocsma – in this party holiday destination. A romkocsma can be part bar, part club, part arts space or part beer garden depending on which one you visit. The common element that makes all Romkocsmas similar is that they are housed in derelict buildings. Romkocsma literally means ‘ruin pub’ and these fine establishments are anything but prudish.
The old Jewish Quarter of Budapest is a cultural hub of which the ruin pubs are an integral part. The Fogas Ház, the ‘House of Teeth’, is housed in a former dental laboratory. It offers an exhilarating mixture of bicycle hire, pizzeria, art centre and three totally top-notch clubs.
The very first Romkocsma actually still exists. It’s called Szimpla Kert and is a labyrinth of alleys, all of which are unique, modish and hip. More than just an art centre, there is a beautiful tree-lined garden outside – perfect for re-energising in before a second night out. Szimpla Kert additionally features its own cinema and a farmers’ market every Sunday.
Beside the Romkocsmas, attending a ‘Sparty’ is essential on your Budapest party calendar. The city is not just the capital of Hungary but of the thermal bath due to so many hot springs in the region. Naturally, the local party people eventually came up with the idea of combining a spa with a party – a Sparty. Széchenyi Bad also hosts the legendary Magic Bath Parties events during the winter months. So, why not plan a February escape?
Top 3 nightspots:
- Szimpla Kert is a gloriously mismatched pub with a garden.
- Aether for underground techno and house.
- Instant-Fogas in downtown Budapest.
6. Mykonos, Greece
- The average price of a beer: £4.20
- The average price of a Coke/Pepsi: £1.60
Another spot making the list of the best party cities in Europe is Mykonos – our favourite Greek island for partying. You won’t need to leave the beach if you don’t want to, with beach bars operating all day and late into the night. If you fancy heading inland, you’ll find lots of dance bars nestled in the meandering streets.
You won’t find huge expensive warehouse-style clubs here; instead expect a more intimate and casual atmosphere. Little Venice is the main hub of tavernas and bars, many of which have areas for dancing and don’t charge an entrance fee. Offering a much cooler vibe than its neighbouring islands, Mykonos attracts a wealthy, multi-national crowd – many of whom like to stay on their fancy yachts.
If you’re not short on time, why not board a ferry and hop to a few other islands such as Crete, Rhodes, and Zante? Ultimately, the Greek islands are a great party holiday destination.
Top 3 nightspots:
- Paradise Beach Club is an all-day party destination.
- The Scandinavian Bar has been a long-time favourite for holidaymakers with more mainstream tunes.
- Astra is a favourite of the rich and famous.
7. Riga, Latvia
- The average price of a beer: £3.40
- The average price of a Coke/Pepsi: £1.20
Growing in popularity, Riga is a great option for intense partying on a budget. Not only does the capital of Latvia have a rich culture and stunning architecture. It’s also home to some of the best nightclubs in Europe. You’ll find most of the best places in the Old Town, which is great as they’re all in such close proximity. Meaning? You can duck and dive between nightspots all night long.
There are underground nightspots, clubs in old factories and warehouses, plus even a bar which specialises in whiskey and encourages revellers to handle the weapons that are on display (unloaded, of course).
Top 3 nightclubs:
- Depo is a great place with an eclectic playlist.
- Pandemonium has some great DJ sets.
- Studio 69 is a glitzy two-storey club.
8. Edinburgh, Scotland
- The average price of a beer: £5
- The average price of a Coke/Pepsi: £1.90
The Scots definitely know how to party, so why not join them on a short break in Edinburgh? It’s another of the best party cities in Europe, with the West End particularly popular with stag do’s and students. Nevertheless, there is a huge selection of entertainment options across the city for everyone to have a great time.
The Edinburgh Mile, in the heart of the city’s Old Town, is filled with lots of traditional pubs to kick start you’re evening. You’ll also find larger clubs and more modern bars in the New Town or Tollcross. Live music is very popular across the city, with local bands providing tunes as you sip beer. And let’s not forget the whiskey the city has become famous for!
New Year is a great time to visit with Hogmanay celebrations usually lasting three days.
Top 3 nightspots:
- Shanghai Club, which is located underneath Le Monde Hotel in the Old Town, is a must-go-to club.
- Quirky Panda & Sons is hidden underneath a barber’s shop on Queens Street.
- La Belle Angele hosts a variety of DJ club nights.
9. Prague, Czech Republic
- The average price of a beer: £2
- The average price of a Coke/Pepsi: £1.40
Prague is synonymous with ‘the good times’, so it’s no surprise that it’s made my list of the best party cities in Europe. Almost every night, the capital of the Czech Republic becomes the pinnacle of partydom.
If you want to spend none of your precious time exploring the city, head straight to legendary Karlovy lázně. It’s the largest nightclub in Europe, spread over five floors and a basement with music ranging from hip hop to techno. If you’d prefer something more off of the beaten track, Prague has a wealth of underground culture. Head to the Vršovice district and enter any of the bars and cafes for a guaranteed excellent night out. Or, for a Prague institution, head to Double Trouble Bar where the DJs kick electro jams and dancing on the tables is encouraged.
Another thing that puts the Czech Republic on the map is that damn-this-is-incredible beer. And in Prague, the beer never stops flowing. If you feel like no party weekend is complete without a smattering of education, plan a trip to the Prague Beer Museum.
Top 3 nightclubs:
- Karlovy lázně is the largest nightclub in central Europe, set over five floors.
- Double Trouble Bar, is set in a Gothic cellar.
- Duplex
10. Belgrade, Serbia
- The average price of a beer: £2.50
- The average price of a Coke/Pepsi: £1.90
Belgrade is one of Europe’s oldest cities – but the nightlife is only just getting the global recognition it deserves. Most of the best bars and clubs can be found along the River Sava.
If you’re looking for what’s new in art and culture in Belgrade, though, your first stop should be Savamala. The neighbourhood is just ten minutes from the centre and jam-packed with creative spirit. Nearly every building houses some sort of bar, gallery or club. Stop by KC Grad for live bands. Alternatively, the Berliner is a German-style beer hall with enough sausages and lager to get you ready for a night of dancing.
If you’re wondering how you’ll be able to afford a night out in Belgrade, don’t worry. Most clubs don’t charge an entrance fee. Instead, groups reserve VIP tables in advance and commit to buying a minimum amount of drinks. Bottle service here is not only for the wealthy. Expect to pay a maximum of £5 for cocktails or try a shot of Serbian Slivovitz for under a pound.
If you find yourself in Belgrade in the summer, the houseboat parties are the way to go. House lovers should also check out Freestyler. Or head for Hua Hua for a taste of traditional Serbian music.
Top 3 nightclubs:
- Gatsby Belgrade
- Barutana is a huge open air venue at the medieval castle of Kalemegdan (open from May for the summer).
- Hua Hua
11. Berlin, Germany
- The average price of a beer: £3.80
- The average price of a Coke/Pepsi: £2.40
Is Berlin the best party city in Europe? Quite possibly. Knowledge of Berlin’s scene has exploded over the last ten years and is no longer the well-guarded secret. The city is known for its never-ending parties, with some techno tourists going from the airport to the club and back without a hotel stop in between. 24-hour club Berghain is the most famous name in the German capital’s club scene. However, many others offer the finest in minimal, techno, house and every other subgenre.
While 4-on-the-floor beats dominate a lot of people’s trips to the city, it doesn’t mean that Berlin only has techno on offer. Whether you would prefer to shake it to hip hop, Northern Soul or 80s goth and post-punk, finding a party takes very little effort.
And if having a boogie has zero appeal then hit the bars. The Berlin bar scene is nothing but phenomenal. From cocktail to dive bar and punk to black metal and modern pop, there is nothing you won’t find. Most bars stay open until at least 4 am, even on a weeknight. And when those close, there’s always a few later bars, and later bars, and later bars….
Top 3 nightclubs:
12. Dublin, Ireland
- The average price of a beer: £6
- The average price of a Coke/Pepsi: £1.90
For the friendliest party scene in the world, it’s got to be Dublin. The people are always so chatty and want to share their love of the city with anyone who will listen. With 800 pubs, the city has an active drinking and party culture any day of the week.
Temple Bar, on the south side of the River Liffey, is a popular tourist hub thanks to its cobbled streets and restaurants. South William Street, and the nearby Fade Street and Drury Street, offer upmarket cocktail bars and modern décor. North of the river you’ll find older pubs, such as The Cobblestone, playing live traditional music.
Get the party started early by visiting the Guinness Factory for a tour and tastings of Ireland’s famous stout. For the real Irish experience, time your visit with St Patrick’s Day on March 17th when the city hosts a spectacular party.
Top 3 nightspots:
13. Amsterdam, Holland
- The average price of a beer: £5
- The average price of a Coke/Pepsi: £2.50
I couldn’t round up the best party cities in Europe without including Amsterdam. It’s a nightlife city with an eclectic mixture of super-clubs hosting some of the world’s biggest and up-and-coming DJs. Truly the perfect destination to get lost in the music and emerge refreshed!
A fan favourite, Shelter, is located across the river from the city centre in Noord. It’s a vast subterranean club located in the basement of A’DAM Tower and it offers a more diverse club experience than the usual fare.
Want to know the best time to visit for partying? During June-August, there are some amazing festivals in the city such as the Guilty Pleasures Weekender and the DIYnamic festival.
Top 3 nightclubs:
- Shelter is a vast club located across the river from the city centre in Noord.
- De School is located in an old school building.
- Café Sound Garden was founded in the 90’s and still has a strong grunge aesthetic.
More travel inspiration
Loved learning about the best party cities in Europe? Get some more inspiration for your next trip here:
