The Traveller's Magazine
Scope out a cheap ticket and get ready to party! There’s plenty of European cities which offer great parties, often cheaper than a night out in London, and just as crazy. Plan a weekend away with friends and take a tour of these city bars, clubs and pubs.
Budapest: best parties for cheap
In Budapest, it’s all about the kerts, huge bars/gardens which open as soon as spring arrives. For a less than £2 you can try a Soproni or Dreher, two Hungarian beers and for a few pence more you can warm up with a shot of Unicum or palinka. Two spirits Hungarians are very proud of. Grab a table at Szimpla which always has an international crowd or on the roof of Corvinteto.
Barcelona: wild nights await
If you’re looking for the centre of Barcelona’s nightlife, look no further than El Born, El Raval and Barri Gotic. Some of the best bars in the city can be found in these alternative neighbourhoods. Relive scenes from the film, Spanish Apartment at Iposa with some tapas before a night of partying. People in Barcelona rarely go out before 10pm and by 1am the party is in full swing. Later it’s time for the clubs, Nitsa Club or Raw 14 are good picks.
Berlin: Europe’s most alternative choice
Berlin has never lost its reputation for being a bit in shambles and is now one of the hottest cities for alternative nightlife in Europe. Old factories have been transformed into trendy clubs with unbelievably cheap entry fees. Those on the look out for high brow society should look in Mitte. After catching a contemporary art exhibition, grab a coffee at the Atrium Lobby Lounge Bar under the famous Aquadom.
Amsterdam: for a cultural night out
Amsterdam is a bike city and the best way to discover this city’s bar scene is by joining a bike tour of the best bars and clubs! Feed your curiosity and duck into a “coffee shop” but just be aware that locals are tired of tourists that just come to look and gawk. Instead, take a brown coffee with some locals at De Waag and then head to Melkweg, one of the city’s more alternative places for art, films and dancing. For an extravagant night out, try Supper Club. Our favourite: Hannekes Boom in sumer for its amazing views.
London: partying close to home
When it comes to rounding up Europe’s best party cities, London could not be excluded. When night descends on the capital, anything goes: miniskirts in winter, extravagant get-ups… when a night-out is planned, we go out in style. When it comes to parties, London is always ahead of the trends. It’s hard to choose just one area for going out. Chelsea and King’s Road are legendary but Shoreditch, Hoxton and Dalston are catching up. Brixton to the south and Camden to the north, Soho and Angel are all known for their clubs and pubs.
What’s your favourite European city to party?
