Europe is about as culturally diverse as you can get. But if there’s one thing we all have in common, it’s the need to let loose from time to time!
Whether you’re planning a stag do, a festival getaway, or your next NYE celebration, you should consider jetting off to a European mecca of nightlife. With so many cities to explore, deciding where to go won’t be easy; but to give you some inspiration, here’s our top pick of the best cities to celebrate in Europe!
Prague
Prague has long held the title for being the stag and hen-do capital of Europe. It comes as no surprise that this affordable and beautiful boozy paradise attracts partygoers year-round. From world-renowned nightclubs and historic bars to all-you-can-drink river cruises, there’s a party to suit everybody’s tastes in Prague.
If you’re looking for recommendations though, you simply have to check out the Bohemian Carnevale. This awesome event will see the entire city of Prague dressing up in outrageous venetian attire and taking to the streets to celebrate.
Best party: Bohemian Carnevale, 21st - 24th March
Barcelona
Barcelona is one of our favourite European megacities for more reasons than we can list. For the purposes of this blog post, let’s just stick to the features that make it a top party destination.
Unlike Madrid, Barcelona has plenty of coastline. La Rambla, one of the main city strips, is nothing short of crazy when the sun goes down. Beach + booze + bedlam (just the right amount) = the perfect party. For a world-class clubbing experience, go to Pacha Barcelona or Sala Apolo.
Best Party: Sonar Festival, 18th - 20th June
Madrid
Madrid is a city of colour, creativity and fun. It’s the perfect place to blend culture and celebration, offering everything from well-priced theatre performances to all-night drink and dance venues. This vibrant atmosphere is home to one of the best Pride festivals in Europe - MADO.
MADO is at once a demonstration, a party, a history lesson and a political statement, celebrating the liberation of LGBTQ+ rights across the country. It won the ‘Best Gay Event in the World’ award for two years running and has since become one of the most exciting events in Europe. Come down to celebrate liberation and love, Madrid-style.
Best party: MADO, July 6th
Split
Croatia is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination, and it’s not entirely due to Game of Thrones. People are finally realising they can have the trip of a lifetime in a vibrant city without breaking the bank. Admittedly, prices are rising, but this party capital is still an inexpensive place to let your hair down next to the azure Adriatic Sea.
Ultra Europe is quickly becoming one of Europe’s best-loved festivals. With three stages of music and spectacular fireworks, light shows and even its own yacht regatta, it’s a knock-out event you’re going to be talking about for a long time afterwards. This festival should definitely be on your bucket list, and it always sells out quickly - so be sure to plan far in advance!
Best party: Ultra Europe, 12th-14th July
Boom
For 349 days of the year, Boom is a quiet city of about 16,000 people. Sure, you’ll find a few great pubs here with fantastic beer (what do you expect? It’s Belgium!), but it’s hardly the party capital of Europe. That is, until Tomorrowland rolls around each July.
As one of the globe’s most recognised electronic and dance music festivals, Tomorrowland welcomes over 400,000 attendees over its two weekends. The festival is well-known for its extravagant sets and light shows, as well as the quality of its acts, which are world-class. If you love dance or electronic music, you simply can’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime party.
Best party: Tomorrowland, 19th - 21st July
Budapest
The ruin bars of Budapest are famous across Europe for their super-cool artistic vibe and all-night parties. Street art, pop culture and music overflows from every street corner and the partying never seems to end - at least not until the very early hours. The spirit of Budapest’s best venues is captured and distilled in Sziget - the capital’s rambunctious arts and music festival. See top-tier acts like Franz Ferdinand, the Foo Fighters and Florence and the Machine and explore some unique festival additions such as the museum quarter and the Green Festival center.
Best party: Sziget, 7th - 13th August
Munich
Famous for its traditional beer halls and bavarian vibe, make sure you stop in Munich for one of Europe’s most long-standing drinking festivals. And it begins in September, contrary to what the name would suggest! This 18-day extravaganza is attended by over 6 million people from around the world and the partying can get pretty crazy. Make sure you pace yourself, and respect the local traditions and rules of the festival! You can read our guide to Oktoberfest here.
Best party: Oktoberfest, Sept 21st to Oct 6th
A lot of these epic party destinations be found on our Coach Travel Network of Europe. Take a look at our Adventure Planner to put together your dream party itinerary!
