While there is plenty on offer in Europe, from fascinating history to iconic landmarks, and delicious diverse cuisine to beautiful natural landscapes, the continent also knows a thing or two about how to let loose. For those that want to ensure epic parties form part of their European experience, we’ve put together a list of the best destinations to dance the night away.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin’s nightclub scene is well-known for being one of the best in the world. Drinks, especially beer, are cheap, and there are DJs, bars and clubs in abundance. The extensive city has a reputation for house music in particular, but there is something for everyone – and weekends, when party-goers come into the city from other parts of Germany and Europe, are especially wild.
Ibiza, Spain
The Mediterranean island of Ibiza hardly needs an introduction. With a strong reputation as a party island, which explodes with life in summer, Ibiza is a place every dedicated party-goer must tick off their bucket list. Sleep late, laze in the sun all day, and party all night – then repeat.
Budapest, Hungary
Sparties (a.k.a. spa parties), ruin pubs and the lethal spirit palinka are the name of the game in the Hungarian capital. With cheap drinks, artsy locations in buildings that once served a much more boring purpose, and clusters of venues that make for easy bar hopping, Budapest is the place to go for something a little different.
Time your visit with the occurrence of a sparty for an even more unique experience, drinking beneath the stars in healing thermal pools – which may or may not help protect against the hangover.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
A list of European party cities would hardly be complete without Amsterdam. While there are some iconic nightclubs that attract a dance crowd, the scene here is generally a bit more low-key, with locals favouring bars that can barely contain the swelling crowds on weekends, coffee shops, and, in the warmer months, boat and park parties that draw the entire city out to join the fun.
The Dutch are also responsible for the biggest street party in the world, on April 27, when the King’s birthday is celebrated with a national holiday observed through an open market where anyone can sell anything, the canals overflow with boats full of orange-clad people, and pop-up stages with DJs and performers.
Barcelona, Spain
There’s a reason Spaniards take a siesta in the afternoon. In both Madrid and Barcelona, plus most other Spanish cities, you will find locals who love to make the most of their nights, staying out late and heading to a café for churros as the sun starts to rise.
Coastal Barcelona is a more popular haunt for tourists, and the fact that they host some of the biggest parties on the summer calendar – Sonar and Primavera – makes this a more common choice for those looking to drink and dance.
Courtney Gahan is an Aussie serial expat, traveller and freelance writer who has bartered with Moroccan marketeers, seen the sun rise at Angkor Wat and elbowed her way through crowds on NYE in NYC. Currently based in Amsterdam.