Europe’s got it all – culture, art, food, history and a whole lotta nightlife. From superclubs to basement bars, it has nights on the tiles covered. With such a heady mix on offer, there are a lot of tourist traps and local gems to navigate. We’ve made it easier by giving you a snippet of the hotspots in each city, as well as a few suggestions for places to kip when you’re all partied out...
Barcelona
When it comes to nightlife, the Catalan capital really packs a punch, and it’s got everything from glossy beachfront clubs to backstreet bars. Las Ramblas is good place to find your feet, especially if you’re a newbie. The tree-lined boulevard is peppered with bars, clubs and restaurants, making it an ideal place to kick off your night.
If boat parties are your thing, head down towards La Barceloneta and get geared up to set sail for the ultimate party at sea. There’s both day and night trips to suit any schedule.
The city also hosts a variety of festivals and live music events throughout the year, such as the huge multi-genre music event, Primavera Sound. There’s also the electronic festival, Sonar. So, it’s worth checking out before you go.
H10 Casanova, 4*
As far as central spots go, it doesn’t get much better than this. When you’re not swanning down the Plaça Catalunya, which happens to be just ten minutes' walk away, you can be dipping your toes in the 8th-floor plunge pool with a cooling cocktail in hand. The hotel is also near to the metro station, so you’ve got the rest of the city at your fingertips.
Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona, 4*
Beach bum or city slicker? Here, you can be both! This stylish haven is close to the beach and one of Barcelona’s biggest shopping centres. And as well as being super-central, it’s got great transport links right on its doorstep. Better yet, the hotel is home to Purobeach Barcelona, so throughout the summer, there are plenty of weekend pool parties for you to enjoy right on-site. Think Balinese beds, resident DJs and curated tipples. Sound good? Thought so.
Budapest
Budapest lays on some of the most unique watering holes in Europe. Your first port of call when touching down in this vibrant city should be the ruin pubs. As the name might suggest, they’re quite literally pubs within ruins, but there’s much more to these venues than initially meets the eye. The biggest, and arguably the best, ruin bar is Szimpla Kert. Here, it’s all about cheap drinks, an eclectic crowd and crazy furniture.
Saturday nights in Budapest are covered with summer night spa parties or ‘SPArties’ at Szechenyi Thermal Baths. By day, it’s a place to relax in the hot medicinal pools and experience Budapest’s ancient bath culture, and by night, it’s transformed. You can count on modern beats and plenty of electronic dance tunes, as well as laser effects and light displays. It’s certainly not one to miss.
Buda or Pest? How about both? You’ll find brilliant rooftop bars in sky-high spots on both sides of the river and each boasts spectacular views. If you want 360-degree scenery, then High Note SkyBar ticks the boxes with its signature cocktails and sophisticated vibes. Or choose Leo Rooftop for fine drinks and light bites to the sound of live DJs.
These clean and minimalist rooms offer a comfortable stay right in the heart of the city. And with good transport links nearby, you’ll never be too far from the action.
Funky, chilled and close to the nightlife – welcome to the ultimate base. Rooms are stylish and well equipped to promise a comfy stay. Bars and pubs are located within a few hundred metres, but make sure you take advantage of the on-site bar for a chilled one before hitting the town.
Rome
Do as the Romans do, because they really know how to party. The nightlife kicks off a little later here, but it offers everything from on-the-roof bars to pumping clubs and everything in between. Transport runs throughout the city until late, so every option is right at your disposal.
Trastevere has a distinctively more local and boho ambience, but the partying still carries on until the small hours. There are plenty of local bars that you can hit for well-priced drinks.
Rome’s hottest row of nightclubs can be found on Via di Monte Testaccio. Once just a working-class neighbourhood, it’s now ideal for club-hopping and fun-filled nights out.
Yes Hotel, 3*
Settle into comfortable rooms at Yes Hotel with great amenities in a prime location. Getting from A to B is a doddle thanks to unrivalled local transport, as you’ll be just moments from the main train station. It’s great value for money too, which means more pennies to spend while you’re there.
Taormina, 2*
If you want to hop straight out of bed and into the thick of things, then this budget-friendly base is just the ticket. You’re right next to Termini railway station, plus there are stacks of bars and restaurants in walking distance.
Krakow
Krakow is known for its legendary nightlife and many flock to the Old Town as soon as they arrive, which is a stellar place to start. You’ll find Main Market Square chock-full of small and unassuming doorways in the daylight that come alive when the sun sets. Tonnes of clubs and bars offer something for all tastes.
Kazimierz is Krakow’s Jewish Quarter, which has hordes of options. You’ll find oodles of quirky watering holes as well as a traditional Polish shot bars, where you can sample a real taste of Poland at pint-sized prices.
The city also specialises in organised pub crawls. They’re a fab way to meet other people and discover off-the-beaten-track spots you might have never found. The price often includes queue-jumps into clubs, free drinks, plus a range of games to get the party started. It’s a win-win!
Budget-friendly and right next to the Krakow Glowny railway station, this modest aparthotel is ideal for groups and friends. The no-frills rooms sleep up to four people eager to sightsee. You’ll be just a short walk from the Old Town, plus there’s an adjoining bar with weekly live music – how’s that for handy?
This vibrant hotel puts you close to the popular Jewish District. The bar's kind on the wallet and serves a range of snacks. Modern rooms also make for a comfortable stay.
Prague
With beers that seem to cost less than water, you can party in Prague without breaking the bank. Lots of traditional establishments rub shoulders with fancy bars. If beer’s your thing, then The Pub might be right up your street. It features huge beer tables with a tap in the middle so that you can pour your own glass. Convinced yet?
If you’re a night owl and feel like partying until the early hours, you might want to try Karlovy Lazne. This 15th-century building has been converted into a jumping nightclub sprawling over five floors. It’s one of the largest in Europe and, with a different genre on every floor, you’re guaranteed to get moving.
Pentahotel Prague, 4*
Want to stay somewhere full of life? Check in at this uber-chic four-star. It’s also got a large bar serving an array of drinks 24/7, as well as a pool table. Cool, huh?
Hotel City Central, 2*+
So, you’re on a budget but don’t want to scrimp on fun? No worries. This purse-friendly base is brilliant for doing just that. No wonder it’s a favourite for groups who are after a central location near to the action!
Posted: 19th Aug 2022. Updated: 11th Apr 2023.