It’s no secret that Europe is a favorite vacation spot around the world. Each year, especially in the summer, people worldwide flock to cities all over Europe to live out their European dreams.
While museums, historical buildings, and infamous monuments are at the top of people’s lists, going out on the town is also a popular activity.
When I was living in France, I spent a fair amount of time heading to some notorious cities in Europe of their nightlife.
This is why I decided to make a list of the best European cities for nightlife.
Europe has some of the best nightlife. You’ll find clubs with several floors all packed with different music and lots of people.
In some cities, there are also people out each night until dawn, still partying and having a great time.
If you’re headed to Europe and looking for the best nightlife scene, look no further.
Best European Cities for Nightlife
1. Berlin, Germany
For international party animals, Berlin is a legendary city known for its nightlife. It has some of the most intense clubbing scenes in Europe and arguably the world.
From electronic music to nonstop dancing, you’re in for a good time. Some clubs even go on for days, literally. The party never ends in Berlin.
Be prepared when going out in Berlin. It can be exhilarating but also exhausting, especially because people are there to party.
So get a good night’s sleep and maybe a cat nap before heading out. With many clubs and bars to choose from, you’re sure to find one that appeals to you.
Test your luck at the Berghain if you are feeling lucky.
2. Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg has the second busiest harbor in Europe, so it’s a very popular city with people always coming and going.
The party starts and ends late in Germany, so be ready for a late night into an early morning. Some of the clubs don’t even open until 1 am and easily stay open until 6 am or go on through the daylight.
St. Pauli district has the best nightlife in the city and contains Reeperbahn, Hamburg’s red-light district.
The city appeals to all nightlife interests, whether you’re looking for a bar or club, you’ll have lots of options in Hamburg.
3. Budapest, Hungary
Without a doubt, the ruin bars in Budapest are the coolest place to get a drink in Budapest. Ruin bars are located in Budapest’s old Jewish quarter in abandoned buildings from World War II.
Buildings that were neglected and left to decay have now become lively, energetic, and interesting bars.
At first, it was more of an underground bar scene, and now it’s one of the most interesting things to do when visiting Budapest.
There are several ruin bars, and each has its own style. The ruin bars have not been altered in any way except to ensure they’re safe.
Some have no roofs, others have spots with a missing floor or stairs leading to nowhere, and the integrity of all these buildings has stayed the same since WWII.
Because some of these buildings are so large, different floors have varying vibes and atmospheres.
You can find clubs, beer bars, food, game rooms, and more all in the same building, so you never get bored of anything.
Besides the ruin bars, Budapest has rooftop bars, cocktail bars, craft brew pubs, wine bars, and clubs.
Some of the coffee shops even turn into bars at night. Budapest has quite the array of options but if you visit, make sure the ruin bars are at the top of your list. It is also a great spot for solo female travelers.
4. Prague, Czech Republic
Not only can Prague throw a good party, but it’s cheap, too.
It’s not the largest party scene in Europe, but it’s significant, and the price is unbeatable. The Karlovy Lazne is the largest club in Central Europe and has five stories, each with a different theme. So you can try it all without ever having to leave the building.
Also, check out the Prague Ice Bar, which is located in Karlovy Lazne Club. The temperature is negative 7 degrees all year round but don’t worry, you’ll be given a large jacket and gloves to wear.
Your drink will come in an ice cube and everything is made out of ice. It’s a unique experience and a great way to cool down before getting hot on the dance floor.
Prague is a popular place among young people because of the cheap beer and inexpensive cost of living, so it has a young crowd in the clubs and bars which can be appealing. It is also a great spot in Europe for NYE.
Prague is a great place to check out if you’re looking for a good time on a budget.
5. Lagos, Portugal
Located on the southwestern tip of Portugal, Lagos has a long, beautiful stretch of beaches. The party scene in Lagos is more laidback than other cities throughout Europe but don’t be deterred; it’s a ton of fun.
Lagos captures all vibes from jazz to bohemian music, pop or techno.
It’s the perfect place to explore all day and then party at night.
Bars and clubs here are smaller, too. You might start to see some of the same people each night and the bartender could even begin to recognize you.
If you’re looking for insane fun while still having a more intimate experience, Lagos is surely the place.
Be sure to rent a car in Lagos to check out all the awesome spots that the Algarve has to offer. You won’t be disappointed.
6. Madrid, Spain
Spain is infamous for its nightlife scene, including its capital, Madrid. Partying starts very late in Madrid, and it’s not uncommon for people to start going out for the night when others are heading to bed.
If you can keep up, you’ll have a great time partying it up in Madrid.
Madrid has parties every day of the week so matter when you’ll be in the city; you’ll find something to do.
Madrid is the third largest city in the European Union, so you can expect many options for bars and clubs, as well as restaurants to keep you energized between nights out.
7. London, England
The capital city of England is widely known for its nightlife. Since it’s such a large, modern city, there are all kinds of nightlife opportunities, so whatever interests you, you’ll find it in London.
Every night of the week, people are going out on the town in London, so you don’t have to worry about it being only a weekend location.
Here we’ll dive into the main areas people usually go out in.
First, Mayfair is in the heart of the city, though be warned, it’s an expensive area.
Second, Soho has lots of gay nightlife and is in central London.
Third, East London holds many events and is known for its hippy atmosphere.
Fourth, Camden is in northwest London, and here you’ll find a lot more live music and pubs.
Finally, South Kensington has a chic environment, clubs, and fun nightlife.
The city is known for its late nights. Some clubs even stay open until 7 or 8 am on the weekends, so be sure to be well rested before heading out for the night.
Bars, even on the weekdays, stay open until at least midnight, and some even stay open until 1 or 2 am.
London is one of the best nightlife locations in the world and is a must-visit.
8. Mykonos, Greece
While Mykonos might be a small island in Greece, it’s mighty.
It’s known as the nightlife capital of the Greek Islands and is open for a good time.
Spend the day partying by the beach at one of the various beach bars, and spend the night at bars and clubs.
Mykonos is a great place to take your party from day to night. You don’t have to wait for the late hours of the day to finally go out for a good time.
It is also one the best Greek islands for solo female travelers.
Some of the best clubs include Tropicana Club, which has a daily beach party at 4 pm, Scarpa, where the party is still happening at sunrise; Paradise Beach Club, where you can dance on tables; and Super Paradise Beach Club, which is open all day long for lounging and drinking and at 4 pm turns into a party.
9. Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden is well known for its world-famous DJs like Avicii and Steve Angello.
Because of this, you’ll find a ton of electronic and techno music blasting on the speakers in the clubs.
Sweden’s capital has some of the best parties and nightlife in Europe, and if you love EDM music, this is the place to be.
Stockholm has underground techno clubs, outdoor party venues, and upbeat bars, creating some of the best nightlife mixes in the world.
Some clubs are open until 5 am, and in the summer, there are pop-up clubs so you can get your party on.
In addition, Stockholm is made up of numerous islands, giving you lots of options when picking a place to go out.
Some islands are known for more laid-back parties, while others will keep you dancing until the early hours of the morning.
10. Ibiza, Spain
The list would not be complete without Ibiza. This island off the coast of Spain is often nicknamed ‘The Party Capital of the World.’
Once you get a taste of the party in Ibiza, there is just no going back, you’ll be hooked.
Most of the nightlife is located in Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni.
Tons of events, festivals, and concerts are held on the party island all year long. Be aware that Ibiza is an expensive place to visit.
The drinks are pricey, and the cover charges are even pricier.
Ibiza is also full of some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.
11. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is all about freedom. Among coffee shops serving cannabis, lots of pubs, and the Red Light District, there are lots of options when it comes to having fun in Amsterdam.
It has some of the most hip party spots in Europe and appeals to all kinds of party-goers.
Be sure to check out the Heineken brewery and take a tour. The beer was first created in the mid-19th century and is now of the largest beer producers in the world.
After having some beer, head out on the town for more beer or a cocktail.
Europe is one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for an energizing nightlife scene. There are so many cities that can party all night long; it’ll be tough to choose.
In addition, Europe attracts millions of people each year because it offers so much sightseeing. By day you can explore all the history, monuments, museums, and architecture that Europe has to offer.
And by night you can meet new people, have a drink, and dance the night away. So get out there and see why these cities are known for having the best nightlife in Europe.
Visit a club, stay out until dawn, dance until you drop, and have the time of your life while traveling throughout Europe.
Thats it. We hope you enjoyed this article on the best party cities in Europe. Do you have a favorite spot that wasn’t mentioned on this list?
Say so in the comments below.
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