Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza’s proudly claims itself to be the biggest party spot on the planet. Located off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea, the island draws hedonists from across the European continent.
The pre-partying starts at about 11 each night where the partygoers gather at bars to have drinks before heading out to the real party later on in the night. The big party doesn’t start until 2AM and last until 8. The main parties focus on techno music and dancing. At some of the world-famous clubs, like Espuma (Spanish for foam), foam is pumped out to the dance floor and can pile above sight level – be sure to be dressed for the occasion. A lot of Ibiza veterans comment that the best aspect of the party atmosphere there is that partygoers aren’t so caught up in their outward appearance, but their “inner” beauty.
After the night parties are the “after hours” clubs which open at 8am and last until noon. After that, partygoers can return to their hotels and sleep it off or just head to the beach and get ready for another night of partying. Honestly, not a lot of sleep happens here. Check hotels in Ibiza through Ratestogo.
Amsterdam, Holland
Amsterdam is Europe’s party headquarters. It doesn’t matter what time of the year, in Amsterdam the party never stops. In Amsterdam party activities that are traditionally taboo in other countries are completely legal.
Amsterdam is also famous for its coffee shops.
The nightlife in Amsterdam is also excellent. It’s not uncommon for after-hours parties to last until noon here. There are numerous pubs and clubs. The most lively times of the week are Wednesday through Sunday while on Mondays and Tuesdays everyone tries to catch up on their sleep.
Athens, Greece
The Greeks have always known how to party. After all, the term “hedonism” does find its roots in the Greek word for pleasure – hedon. In Athens, many will notice that the working people go home for naps in the middle of the day. This is because the parties last until 4 o’clock the following morning. Along the beach in Glyfada are indoor/outdoor dance clubs that attract the top DJs from around the world.
Typically, Athens clubs are a little dressy (for men, anyway) where men may be required to wear slacks. More casual bars are located around the harbor area if strutting your stuff isn’t on the agenda.
However, while in Athens it is important to be wary of the “tourist trap” bars located around the Plaka area. Preying particularly on men, women approach asking to buy drinks where the drink ends up being something quite expensive, like an entire bottle of Dom Perignon.
Stockholm, Sweden
For the citizens of Stockholm, partying on the weekends is just not enough. Here, the Wednesday night party has become very common. The long sun-filled summer evenings and, conversely, the long winter nights in Scandanavia give the Swedes a strong commitment to a thriving nightlife.
Admission prices to the hippest clubs in the Stureplan area of Stockholm can be somewhat expensive, upwards of 70 Kronor, but that is a small price to pay for a wonderful, memorable evening. Some of the most popular night spots include Kungsträdgarden and Skansen. Many clubs stay open until 4 or even 5am. After a hectic nigh, you can crash at a last minute hotel in Stockholm.
St. Tropez, France
St. Tropez, widely known as the playground for the rich and famous and for its unmatched party scene, is located along the French Riviera on the Mediterranean Sea. Here it is quite probably to hobnob with the rich and famous in clubs like Les Caves du Roy in the Hotel Byblos and Bodega de Papagayo, which attracts a younger crowd. There is also an Irish club with plenty of Guinness and live music. For men, be sure to bring a lady with you so you may gain entrance to the clubs.
Obviously, travel to St. Tropez is quite expensive so those on tighter budgets may wish to lodge in Nice or Cannes and make an evening trip to St. Tropez with perhaps a single night’s stay (for recovery) in Lou Cagnard or Le Baron. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking money. You may even be able to find some alcohol at a hotel in St. Tropez.
Munich, Germany
If Spain has a runner-up in the party country category, Germany is the runner-up. All German cities are populated with great bars and clubs. However, Munich is the best place to party in Germany. Home to a large college-age population, and world-famous for its beer-fueled Oktoberfest, Munich has the perfect mix for a good party.
Like other locations in Europe, evening gatherings start at bars before venturing to the late-night dance clubs where party-seekers meet up with others seeking the same. Then, it’s off to the clubs that stay open until 4am. Some of the more famous include Prinzregentenstrabe 1 (P1 for short), a stylish club for the beautiful people that at one time was a USO during WWII and 4004, aptly named for the 4004 square meters this club covers. Here a few hotels nearby in Munich.
Florence, Italy
Forget the boring old Eternal City, Florence is where it’s at if you are looking to party. Home to a large population of students, the prime partying age, Florence is full of young people venturing out for their taste of freedom. The drinking age is 18 here, so the scene is definitely young.
Wine flows freely at bars and clubs that stay open until 3am – quite late by Italian standards. The best night spots are located in the Oltrarno, south of the Arno River and in the Piazza della Signoria. Dress style at the bars and clubs here is quite stylish and leaning towards the conservative. Freshen up at your Florence hotel before going out for a long party.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is definitely an up and comer and is not usually thought of in lists of the best places to party in Europe. Budapest has come a long way since the oppressive Communist regime was deposed in 1989. During advertised ‘club nights’ dance clubs stay open until 4am and feature DJs from around the world. Some of the more interesting clubs include A38, an old Ukrainian stone-carrying ship refurbished and permanently moored in the Danube and the Bahnhof Music Club featuring talented local DJs and a dance floor packed with the beautiful people.
Budapest also has quite a few casinos along the Danube river; the area is known locally as the Dunakorzó. These are usually of the high brow type, are located in luxury hotels, and require formal dress.
