25 Best Party Places In Europe You Can’t Miss | 2025

Are you wondering where are the best party places in Europe? 

I’ve got you covered!

I had my fair share of clubbing in the past 15 years of traveling around Europe, so I have gathered a list of the best places to party in Europe.

I love discovering the nightlife of the places I visit, and I’ve visited most party destinations in Europe! 

From dance ‘til morning kind of spots to underground clubs and elegant cocktail bars here’s where to go and what places to avoid.

Let’s find out where’s the best nightlife in Europe!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!

Best Party Places In Europe

1. Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza is easily the most popular party destination in Europe. It is basically a synonym for beach parties, clubbing, and electronic music. 

The island is known as the party capital of Europe, as many famous DJs have gigs in Ibiza nightclubs. 

I love Ibiza because it is a place where you can stroll the cobblestone streets of the quaint seafront villages during the day, and party in endless clubs and bars during the night. 

Ibiza is a slightly more high-end party destination compared to many other islands on this list. It is not a place where the only thing you can do is party. 

Instead, there are many things to do in Ibiza besides clubbing, and it is a fantastic European summer holiday destination if you have a budget for it! 

It is one of the more expensive places to party in Europe.

natali wearing a black dress overlooking a large sandy beach in albufeira portugal

2. Albufeira, Portugal

If you’re looking for the best summer party destination in Europe, it doesn’t get much better than the Algarve in Portugal.

The whole coastal region is quite lively during the summer, but Albufeira is the place to be if you’re into nightlife.

This small coastal town has it all – nightclubs, karaoke bars, sports bars, beach parties, and boat parties. 

The majority of the nightlife is divided into two areas – the Strip and the city center. 

If you’re up for a calmer night, head to the city center, and if you want to party until the morning, head to the Strip. 

I visited Albufeira in October so it was already rather quiet, but it gets wild during the summer! 

I liked how you can just stroll the Strip and see what’s going on in each place, so you can choose the music and vibe that you like! 

natali wearing a white dress walking away from the camera in front of budapest parliament building

3. Budapest, Hungary

If you want to party in Europe on a budget, Budapest is the place for you. 

Budapest is one of the best places for backpackers in Europe, offering a perfect blend of sightseeing, nightlife, and affordability!

The capital of Hungary is one of the cheapest places on this list, and they aim to attract budget travelers who like nightlife.

While you’ll find many nightclubs and bars in the city, one of the most unique features is ruin bars.

These are previously abandoned buildings turned into hip bars and make for the most popular place to go out.

If you’re visiting Budapest in the summer, you must join one of their boat parties too!

A thing I love about Budapest is that there are so many hidden gems! The last time I was there I accidentally stumbled upon an afro beats club at the top of a skyscraper. 

Budapest is also home to one of the biggest summer festivals in Europe – the Sziget Festival.

natali wearing a colorful skirt standing in front of a fence with old town of prague in the background

4. Prague, Czechia

Prague has been one of the top cheap party destinations in Europe ever since I was in high school! 

Nowadays Prague is not as cheap as it once was, but nightlife is still a fraction of the price compared to the most expensive European countries.

If you like beer, you’ll love Prague. They are serious about the beer, and you’ll have so many different types of beer to try!

The city is a popular stop on every backpacking Europe itinerary, and there are many organized activities to make your stay as fun as possible.

I recommend staying in one of many party hostels if you’re traveling solo or joining pub crawls to discover the best spots with the locals!

backpacking europe summer barcelona

5. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is the best party place in Europe if you’re looking for a mix of a big vibrant city, sandy beaches in the city center, and lively nightlife.

Sunny Barcelona is a must-stop on every backpacking Spain itinerary and a great idea at any time of the year, but I absolutely love it in the summer! 

You can start the day by enjoying cocktails on the beach and swimming. As the sun sets, you head home to change and go back to the city center to enjoy the nightlife.

Barcelona is all about open-air parties, and the whole city feels like a place to be.

If you want more beach party vibes, you can go to Lloret de Mar! This resort town is just a short drive from Barcelona, and it is more nightclub-oriented than Barcelona.

When deciding between Madrid and Barcelona during summer, Barcelona is the place to go!

little venice in mykonos with its iconic wooden chairs, tables, white houses with colorful doors

6. Mykonos, Greece

Greek island Mykonos is the place to be for the best nightlife in Europe in summer. 

This charming island comes alive in the summer and turns into a party hotspot with a picturesque backdrop of whitewashed houses and stunning sea views. 

Mykonos is not a budget party destination and attracts slightly older crowds compared to other party islands in Greece like Corfu or Ios.

The nightlife in Mykonos is more refined, so you can expect upscale cocktail bars and all-white parties along the seafront. 

girl clubbing in europe holding a bucket with a bottle over her head walking through the crowds

7. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is the best party town in Europe if you’re into the underground clubbing scene. In fact, the city is a nightlife mecca, with something for everyone, but it is best known for electronic music.

You’ll find some quite interesting clubs in Berlin too! To be quite honest most of those are not my cup of tea, but let’s just say there’s something for everyone.

What I don’t like about Berling is that it is not uncommon to queue for hours in front of the most popular nightclubs and then not be let in. 

Berlin is a great place for sightseeing during the day, but it also comes alive at night. Oh, and you have to have a (vegan) kebab when going back home!

8. Pag, Croatia

The Croatian contender for the best party place in Europe is the island of Pag.

Pag is the island where you’ll find Zrće – the Croatian summer party destination.

Zrće is popular with locals and tourists alike, so Croatia backpackers should have it on their itinerary too. It has somewhat of a spring break destination kind of vibes because you can party 24/7. 

You have pool and beach parties during the day, lounge parties for sunset, and then clubbing throughout the night. 

You’ll want to visit Zrće in the summer, as everything closes in the winter. Island nightlife is one of the big advantages of Europe in summer!

three hands holding drinks cheering on a night out in europe

9. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is another one of the best European party cities, best known for its relaxed cannabis laws and the Red Light district.

Amsterdam coffee shops are not the place where you go to grab coffee. Well, at least it’s not the primary reason. 

The first time I visited Amsterdam, I found it so weird that you could buy and smoke inside!

They even have different varieties and strengths to choose from for smoking, different desserts, and teas with cannabis.

Don’t worry if you’re like me and you don’t smoke, I think that is the least interesting thing to do in Amsterdam.

The city has many nightclubs, bars, and pubs to discover too! The fact that Amsterdam is one of the most picturesque cities in Europe is another advantage.

poland itinerary cover image - krakow

10. Krakow, Poland

Krakow is another central European city with great nightlife! 

Just like Prague and Budapest, Krakow is a great destination for backpackers with plenty of opportunities to go bar hopping and clubbing. 

In fact, some say that the Historic Centre of Krakow has the most bars per square meter than any other place in Europe. 

When I was backpacking in Krakow I stayed in a party hostel and joined a pub crawl. I didn’t count the bars, but I can tell you there are many!

From pub crawls to vodka tastings and boat parties, Krakow has it all. Don’t forget to head to Plac Nowy for a midnight snack!

11. Belgrade, Serbia

The capital of Serbia gained a reputation as one of the best party destinations in Europe, and it is easy to see why.

It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe and Serbians absolutely love nightlife!

I went to Belgrade for New Year’s one year and I had a blast. It is really one of the top NYE destinations in Europe!

From local bars with live music to clubbing on party boats along the river and in a club on the top of a skyscraper. 

Serbia is not part of the EU and its currency is weaker than the euro, so nightlife in Belgrade is quite affordable for most travelers!

acropolis in athens

12. Athens, Greece

Often overshadowed by Greek party islands, the capital of Greece is also one of the best European cities for nightlife and a must-stop on every backpacking Greece itinerary!

As Greek islands start to close down in September, Athens takes the lead as the party capital of Greece.

Greeks like to party until the early morning hours, so you can start your night in one of many quirky bars around Syntagma Square. 

As the night progresses, the party moves to the nightclubs in the Gazi neighborhood.

Athens’s party scene is quite diverse, and I saw everything from rock bars to commercial dance discos.

natali wearing a black dress standing on a viewpoint in lisbon overlooking the city at night

13. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a lively digital nomad hub and one of the best European cities for nightlife year round!

The party doesn’t stop in Lisbon when summer ends. On the contrary! 

This popular coastal town attracts thousands of tourists, international students, and digital nomads making it a lively destination regardless of when you visit. 

When backpacking Portugal, I loved how laid-back the nightlife in Lisbon is.

You don’t have to dress up much, you just head to the cobblestone streets of Bairro Alto and hop from one bar to the other.

If you want to enjoy nightlife as a solo traveler, Lisbon has many party hostels and pub crawls you can join!

natali wearing a shor dark blue dress facing away from the camera standing in front of the eiffel tower in paris

14. Paris, France

Another European capital that might not be the first city you think of when you think of nightlife is Paris!

Sure, Paris can be a romantic couples’ getaway destination, but it is also one of the best clubbing cities in Europe, with so many different nightclubs and bars to choose from. 

The city is huge, so you kind of need to know where to go. I joined a pub crawl the first time I was in Paris and it was a fantastic way to discover hidden gems throughout the city.

If you’re not too old for hostels (and I don’t mean only by age) check out Paris party hostels!

15. Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

Sunny Beach is one of the cheapest beach destinations in Europe and a great place for summer nightlife. 

It is a resort town, so there’s not much to do apart from beaches and clubbing. However, if that’s what you’re looking for, you can’t go wrong.

Bulgaria is affordable, so you’ll have a similar experience as going to the Algarve for a fraction of the price. 

Sure, beaches in Bulgaria are not as picturesque as those in the Algarve, but they are a great affordable alternative.

natali walking away from the camera in a narrow street in corfu town lined with souvenir shops and colorful buildings

16. Corfu, Greece

Corfu is one of my favorite places in Greece, and a great option for everyone looking for a diverse holiday destination this summer!

Corfu’s nightlife hub is Kavos in the south of the island. I spent a couple of nights there, and it makes for a perfect destination for those who like nightclub hopping, as there are so many options!

Beaches in Kavos are not my favorite, but you can hop on a boat for a boat party and enjoy the music and crystal-clear seas away from the crowds.

Also, if you rent a car in Corfu, you can easily explore the rest of the island during the day.

The island is quite compact and it should take you less than two hours from the south to the north end. 

Alternatively, you can also stay in The Pink Palace Hostel – an iconic party hostel on the island, popular with Corfu backpackers, known for its toga parties.

natali's hand holding a cocktail in a plastic cup on a sandy beach in spain

17. Magaluf, Spain

Another spring break-like destination is Magaluf on the Spanish island of Mallorca. 

Almost 1 km long Magaluf Strip has over 50 bars and 5 nightclubs, so you should be set when it comes to music options.

Magaluf is all about partying, so you can find the best summer parties in Europe here. You have thematic parties, boat parties, and beach parties throughout the summer! 

There is not much to do in Magaluf besides clubbing and lounging on the beach, but Mallorca is a rather compact island, so renting a car and exploring more of it is easy.

18. Hvar, Croatia

Hvar is a Croatian island that reminds me a lot of Mykonos and Paros in Greece when it comes to the nightlife vibes.

It is not a strictly party island, but there are many opportunities to party.

Hvar is a popular stop when island hopping in Croatia, so you’ll see many people coming to the city for a night out from their sailboats.

Unlike Zrće you won’t find beaches lined with nightclubs with dancers at 2 PM.

Instead, the nightlife is more upscale, with elegant cocktail bars dotted around the historic city center, so Hvar in Croatia is worth visiting even for older travelers.

natali wearing a blue and white shirt standing on the back of a ferry with santorini caldera in the bacground

19. Ios, Greece

Ios is the island you should visit if you want to party when backpacking the Cyclades

Unlike its neighbors Santorini or Paros, which are popular with couples and older crowds, Ios is the party island of the Cyclades.

Just like other Cyclades, you can expect to find stunning sandy beaches and crystal clear seas to enjoy during the day.  Far Out Beach Club is the best for beach parties.

As the night falls, head to the central square of Ios Chora where you’ll find endless bars and clubs.

And then you just have to repeat the next day!

20. Ayia Napa, Cyprus

Ayia Napa is a resort town in Cyprus and another great island nightlife destination!

Situated along the sandy beach lined with beach bars, it is one of the best places to visit in Europe in the summer. 

Despite being a beach town, most of Ayia Napa’s nightlife is in the city center, around the main Ayia Napa Square. 

natali wearing a red dress standing in front of a grand building with glass dome roof in bucharest romania

21. Bucharest, Romania

When you think of the best European cities for nightlife, you probably don’t think of the capital of Romania. 

That’s because Romania is one of the most underrated countries in Europe, and that includes its capital!

Bucharest is a large city with vibrant nightlife, mostly in the city center. I like strolling the pedestrian area of the city center lined with bars and cafes. 

Romania is quite an affordable travel destination, so you don’t have to worry much about your backpacking Europe budget!

girl with brown hair facing away from the camera overlooking the sunset over dubrovnik from srd mountain

22. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is one of the most famous towns in Croatia, but did you know it is also a great place for nightlife in the summer?

Nightlife in Dubrovnik can be expensive, but you can still do it on a budget!

Sure, cocktail bars on Stradun, the main walking street, are expensive.

However, I grew up in Dubrovnik, and I can tell you there are many bars even in the Old Town where locals gather for cheap drinks!

Also, many live music events in the Old Town are completely free. You can listen to local artists singing while sitting on the cobblestone stairs in charming winding streets. 

23. Saint Tropez, France

France also has an upscale coastal party city to contribute to the list of the best places to party in Europe. 

Situated on the Azur Coast, halfway between Nice and Marseille, stands the luxury resort town of Saint Tropez.

The first thing you need to know about Saint Tropez is that it is pricey. It is a place where celebrities spend summer after all!

But if you want to enjoy luxury yacht parties and upscale cocktail bars, it is the place to be in the summer!

london bridge on a cloudy summer day

24. London, UK

You might not think of London when browsing where to party in Europe, but the capital of the UK is one of the biggest party cities in Europe!

London’s nightlife is so diverse that I’m sure you’ll find something for yourself. Whether you’re into clubbing, cocktail bars, or casual pubs. 

One thing to remember if you want to party in London is that it’s one of the most expensive European cities. 

Sure, you’ll have plenty of places to go clubbing, but you’ll have to queue and pay for entrance at most of them. 

natali sitting on a wall in the city center of antiparos, looking at a whitewashed church with blue dome roof in the background

25. Paros, Greece

Finally, we have another Greek island to finish off the list. 

Nightlife in Paros has been on the rise in the past several years, and I absolutely loved the vibe on the island.

If you want to party in Paros you can head to Naoussa or Parikia

Naoussa in the north is a charming fishing village turned upscale nightlife destination. It reminded me a lot of Mykonos, with seafront cocktail bars and trendy lounge music. 

Naoussa is quite polished and slightly more expensive than the rest of the island. 

Parikia, the main town on the island, is a more budget-friendly option with quite a few bars too!

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    Final Thoughts: Best Party Places In Europe

    There are so many places to party in Europe that I’m sure you’ll find something for yourself.

    From partying in Amsterdam when I was 18 and joining Krakow pub crawls to enjoying the more upscale nightlife in Paros and Dubrovnik.

    So, whether you’re after iconic summer party destinations like Ibiza and Mykonos to year-round nightlife hotspots like Berling and Budapest, party lovers are in for a treat!

    Most of these places are also some of the best places to backpack in Europe popular with younger travelers.

    So, where are you going first? Let me know in the comments!

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