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If you’re in the mood for a party, then 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, they’re all within a few hours of each other.

London, Ibiza, and Berlin are old favourites but Eastern Europe hotspots Riga, Belgrade, and Warsaw are rapidly growing in popularity. They’re on the much cheaper side too.

Explore the best European party cities

So if you’re a keen reveller then perhaps you might like to bookmark this article and tick off the cities as you go. We’ve researched the best places to party in Europe.

London, United Kingdom

Black Street Musician in London, UK,  playing on saxophone in the evening,

Ah, London, yes, well we 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 any time of the year.

You’ll find everything in London from cabaret to jazz, to underground fetish clubs and boat parties, basement clubs, and VIP parties, chilled speakeasy bars, and secret clubs.

Plus you’ll have no problem finding someone to party with at any time of the day if you want to.

Fabric in Farringdon is probably the best club in the UK with three huge rooms, with established DJs playing into the early hours. seven days a week. The eastern side of the city has risen in popularity over the last decade and has some of the most sought-after clubs.

However, you’ll find fancier options in the West End and Kensington/Fulham and cheaper selections south of the River Thames. Tasty Bakery in Peckham sells sweet treats by the day but becomes a party space by night.

Top 3 nightclubs: 

  1. Fabric is one of the most iconic nightclubs in London.
  2. Egg LDN is a huge warehouse club near Camden with a 24-hour license so you need stamina in abundance!
  3. Carwash for 70s music and vibes.

The average price of a night out: Around £60-£100.

Ibiza, Spain

Dj mixing outdoor at beach party festival with crowd of people in background - Summer nightlife view of disco club outside - Soft focus on hand - Fun ,youth,entertainment and fest concept

Not really a city but no party compilation would be complete without including the king of the Balearics which is still the place to be for summer partying.

Each year, between May and October, revellers visit the Spanish isle with one thing on their minds – partying. Idris Elba, Kate Moss, Geri Halliwell, and Leonardo DiCaprio are among the A-list who often visit so if it’s good enough for them then we’re down with it.

The clubs – namely Pacha, Ushuaia, and Amnesia –  are probably some of the most famous dance music clubs on the planet, and 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 the best nightclubs are dotted around 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 have a 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 you can 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:

  1. Pacha is just amazing for a night out.
  2. Space nightclub made a comeback in 2022 and we’re very happy about that.
  3. Club Chinois is a nightclub created by the brains behind the amazing Cirque Du Soleil production.

Average price of night out: £100+.

Hvar, Croatia

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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 slightly-disjointed journey as the vibe is really special.

It’s 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 too if you’re up for that. The landscape is stunning and the food is great too.

Top 3 nightspots:

  1. Carpe Diem is on the beach and the biggest club on the island but get there early as it is hugely popular.
  2. Hula Hula Hvar.
  3. Kiva Bar.

The average price of a night out: £50.

Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw is a dynamic city that has something for everyone; there are painfully chic clubs, extremely casual alternatives and everything in between. The latter includes, for example, the Praga District. Located on the eastern bank of the river, this area, variously described as gritty, urban, up-and-coming, etc. is home to Warsaw’s artists, students, bohemians and free spirits. This is reflected in its ranging spectrum of bars, eateries, and underground clubs, mostly located in old factories, deserted tenement buildings and the like. Head to this part of town to indulge your wild side.

Before you hit the clubs, you should make a pitstop at one of the numerous shot bars – the bars 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 – the cherry vodka is amazing – and one colourful liquor is less than £1. If you put £4 on the table, you can taste the whole rainbow, sure to make your night out in Warsaw super, no matter at which club you land.

In other parts of the city, the choice is also as wide, but 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 on a floor under a mass of chandeliers and sporting a fountain operating as its centrepiece.

There are fewer tourists here than in Krakow but that’s no bad thing.

Top 3 nightclubs:

  1. Enjoy 360-panorama views of Warsaw at The View.
  2. Luzztro for hard house and techno.
  3. Level 27 is a rooftop club in the city’s Atlas tower.

Average price of night out: £40.

Budapest, Hungary

It’s all about the ruin bars – or Romkocsma –  here; a rapidly growing trend in the bar and clubbing scene where massive abandoned spaces are transformed into huge party venues.

A Romkocsma can be part bar, part club, part arts space or part beer garden depending on which one you visit, but the common element that makes all Romkocsmas similar is that they are housed in derelict buildings. Romkocsma literally mean ‘ruin pub’, and the squatter mentality that comes with such an idea means 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, and is an exhilarating mixture of bicycle hire, pizzeria, art centre and three totally top-notch clubs.

The first Romkocsma actually still exists; it is 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 – and the Szimpla Kert also has 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 also of the thermal baths, due to there being so many thermal springs in the region. Naturally, the local party people eventually came up with the idea of combining a spa with a party – a Sparty – in the thermal baths. Széchenyi Bad also hosts the legendary Magic Bath Parties events during the winter months.

Top 3 nightspots:

  1. Szimpla Kert is a gloriously mismatched pub with a garden.
  2. Aether for underground techno and house.
  3. Instant-Fogas in downtown Budapest.

Average price of night out: £30.

Mykonos, Greece

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Another island making the list is Mykonos – our favourite Greek island for partying.

You won’t need to leave the beach if you don’t want to, with bars operating all day and late into the night on the beautiful sand. But if you fancy heading inland you’ll find lots of dance bars nestled in the meandering streets of this beautiful Greek isle.

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 the Greek islands are a great party holiday destination.

Top 3 nightspots:

  1. Paradise Beach Club is an all-day party destination.
  2. The Scandinavian Bar has been a long-time favourite for holidaymakers with more mainstream tunes.
  3. Astra is a favourite of the rich and famous.

The average price of a night out: £50.

Riga, Latvia

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 has some of the best nightclubs around. In fact, we’re going to go all out and say this is home to some of the best bars and clubs you will have ever been to in Europe.

You’ll find most of the best places in the Old Town, which is great as they are all in such close proximity so you can duck and dive between nightspots if you want to.

There are underground nightspots, clubs in old factories and warehouses and even a bar which specialises in whiskey and encourages revellers to handle the weapons that are on display. (unloaded we promise).

You’ll find lots of models and beautiful people here, and there are lots of glamorous options too.

Top 3 nightclubs:

  1. Depo is a great place with an eclectic playlist.
  2. The Armoury.
  3. Studio 69 is a glitzy two-storey club.

The average price of a night out: £40.

Edinburgh, Scotland

The Scots definitely know how to party so why not join them on a short break in the capital of  Edinburgh. The West End is popular with stag do’s and students but 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 such as the legendary tourist spot The Three Sisters. You’ll find the 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 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:

  1. Shanghai Club, which is located underneath Le Monde Hotel in the Old Town, is the current must-go-to club, which is open on Wednesdays and weekends.
  2. Quirky Panda & Sons is hidden underneath a barber’s shop on Queens Street.
  3. La Belle Angele hosts a variety of DJ club nights.

The average price of a night out: £70.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is synonymous with ‘the good times’, and the increase in travellers heading to this city has done nothing to tarnish its lofty reputation. 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 you can head straight to the legendary Karlovy lázně, the largest nightclub in Europe, spread over five floors and a basement with music styles ranging from hip hop via chart music to techno. With a pint starting at about £1.20 and a vodka + mixer costing around £4 it’s no surprise that many visitors to Prague only see the inside of this club and their hotel room.

Fear not, those of you seeking something more off of the beaten track. Prague has an incredible wealth of underground culture that is reflected in its many smaller bars and clubs, head to the Vršovice district and enter any of the bars and cafes situated here where you’ll be guaranteed an excellent night out. Prague also has a small but thriving punk and metal scene where you can bang your head while downing a pilsner or two. For a Prague institution, head to Double Trouble Bar, where the DJs kick electro jams and dancing on the tables isn’t just allowed but 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. Cool clubs and bohemian bars aside you might just want to head to a fine establishment for some food; U Fleků and U Kalicha being two of the biggest tourist attractions, and with good reason! – and spend the evening there getting on it.

If you feel like no party weekend is complete without a smattering of education visit the Prague Beer Museum, which is, of course, not a museum in the traditional sense.

Top 3 nightclubs:

  1. Karlovy lázně is the largest nightclub in central Europe, set over five floors.
  2. Double Trouble Bar, is set in a Gothic cellar.
  3. Duplex

The average price of a night out: £40.

Belgrade, Serbia

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, but If you’re looking for what’s new in art and culture in Belgrade, your first stop should be Savamala. The neighbourhood is just ten minutes from the centre, and though it consists of just two streets, they are jam-packed with creative spirit – nearly every building houses some sort of bar, gallery or club.

Stop by KC Grad for live bands, while its neighbour, the Berliner, is a German-style beer hall with enough sausages and lager to get you ready for a night of polka-(or other)-dancing.

Once the dancing spirit captures you, head a few kilometres south to the BIGZ building, in the neighbourhood of Senjak. The gritty-looking high-rise, the former home of Yugoslavia’s Publishing and Graphics Institute, is now renowned as an art space and nightclub – the perfect place to party your night away on the graffiti-sprayed dance floors.

If you’re wondering how you’ll be able to afford all this, be reassured: partying in Belgrade won’t set you back much. Most clubs don’t charge an entrance fee – instead, groups reserve VIP tables in advance and commit to buying a minimum amount of drinks. Don’t worry, bottle service here is not only for the wealthy. Expect to pay a maximum of £4.50 for cocktails, or try a shot of Serbian Slivovitz – these can be found for under a pound.

If you find yourself in Belgrade in the summer, the houseboat parties (on both rivers) are the way to go. House lovers should check out Freestyler, while at Hua Hua you can get a taste of some more traditional Serbian music as well.

Top 3 nightclubs:

  1. Gatsby Belgrade.
  2. Barutana is a huge open air venue at the medieval castle of Kalemegdan (open from May for the summer).
  3. Hua Hua.

The average price of a night out: £40.

Berlin, Germany

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The best hardcore party scene in Europe? Quite possibly.

Knowledge of Berlin’s scene has exploded over the last ten years and is no longer the well-guarded secret it once was, and while still a hell of a lot cheaper than a night out in any of the big UK cities, it’s not as cheap as some of its neighbours. That said, it’s amazing.

The city is famously known for its never-ending parties, with some techno tourists even going from the airport to the club and back to the airport two days later without a hotel stop or any sleep in between. And while 24-hour club Berghain is the most famous name is the German capital’s club scene, places like Tresor and Sisyphos offer the finest in minimal, techno, house and every subgenre therein. All in diverse and unique settings.

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. If you want to dance to the beat of a different drummer all night long there are rotating events every night of the week. 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.

If having a boogie has zero appeal then hit the bars. The Berlin bar scene is nothing but phenomenal; from cocktail to dive bar, from punk to black metal to modern pop, there is nothing you can’t find if you look for it. And both a blessing and/or a curse, 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…. This means, that while we recommend stopping at your hotel for a disco nap at the very least, in Berlin you never have to go home.

Top 3 nightclubs:

  1. Tresor.
  2. Berghain is an iconic nightspot in Berlin.
  3. Sisyphos has a festival vibe in an old factory.

The average price of a night out: £60.

Dublin, Ireland

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 hub with tourists with 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 during the day. For the real Irish experience time your visit with St Patricks Day on March 17th when the city hosts a spectacular party.

Top 3 nightspots:

  1. Copper Face Jacks.
  2. Dicey’s on Harcourt Street.
  3. The Blind Pig Speakeasy.

The average price of a night out: £70.

Amsterdam, Holland

Amsterdam is a nightlife city with an eclectic mixture of super-clubs hosting some of the world’s biggest and up-and-coming DJs, 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, a vast subterranean club located in the basement of A’DAM Tower, it offers a more diverse club experience than the usual fare.

During June-August there are some amazing festivals in the city such as the Guilty Pleasures Weekender and the DIYnamic festival.

There are also coffee shops that are famous for other reasons…

Top 3 nightclubs:

  1. Shelter is a vast club located across the river from the city centre in Noord.
  2. De School is located in an old school building.
  3. Café Sound Garden was founded in the 90’s with a strong grunge aesthetic still running through it, expect to pound beers while discussing Smiths B-sides on the sunny terrace which overlooks a canal.

The average price of a night out: £100.

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About the author

Beci WoodFormerly the Digital Showbiz Editor of The Sun Newspaper, Beci is a mum-of-three with a passion for sport, photography, desserts and Mickey Mouse! In fact Next up Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, remains top on her Bucket List. Beci's 9-5 often involves juggling work with the school run, watching (but not always enjoying) Manchester United and lifting weights at the gym. Follow Beci on Twitter or Instagram for more travel inspiration.

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