Best Party Cities In The World
Party Cities
When 2021 rolls around, I think a lot of us are going to be ready to let off some steam. After months of limited or no travel, these party cities around the world look to be the perfect place to celebrate. It doesn’t matter what you’re celebrating or how you like to party, these are the best party cities in the world!
Best Beach Party Cities
Cabo San Lucas
For a party city in Mexico, look no further than Cabo San Lucas. At the tip of the Baja Sur peninsula, Cabo is all about the beach parties. From celebrities to spring breakers, Cabo draws a big party crowd year-round, but especially when the rest of the continent is under layers of snow and ice.
As a small resort town, nearly all of the hot party spots in Cabo are within walking distance of each other. The most famous Cabo nightclub, Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina has now been serving up shots of tequila for 30 years.
With some clubs open until 5 am, the party really never stops in Cabo. Beachside clubs serve up drinks and music all day long until revelers take it to the clubs when the sun goes down. Outside of the everyday partying in Cabo, there are also a great number of festivals, celebrating art, jazz, wine, and food.
Aruba
Aruba is one of the best beach party cities
For some Caribbean flair, it’s time to take the party to Aruba! Personally, I think Aruba is the best Caribbean island, and the nightlife is just one of many reasons that I love Aruba. When it comes to Aruba nightlife, the capital city of Oranjestad is a great place to start exploring the Aruba nightlife scene. Casinos make up a large part of the entertainment scene in Aruba, and you’ll find several to explore in Oranjestad. Nightclubs line the beaches, so you’re never far from a good party scene.
Another Aruba hotspot is Palm Beach, on the Northwest coast of Aruba. If you are visiting Aruba solely for the nightlife, then you should stay in Palm Beach.
You’ll find many casinos, tons of all-inclusive hotels and there’s even a party bus if you want to take your party on the road. The white sandy beaches and calm waters of Palm Beach are the perfect spot to sleep off last night’s festivities.
If the Aruba typical nightlife scene isn’t enough, plan your visit around one of Aruba’s many amazing festivals. Like many other Caribbean and Latin American countries, Carnival is huge in Aruba! The month before Lent is an ongoing party with parades and parties and it’s a highlight for many travelers who make the effort to attend Carnival in Aruba.
If Aruba sounds like the party destination for you, read more Aruba Travel Tips!
Best Summer Party Cities
Chicago
If you’re looking for a summer party scene in the states, you have to check out Chicago! There’s really something for everyone in the Windy City. After long, cold winters, Chicago locals are ready to get outside and party. There are tons of cool Chicago neighborhoods, but if you’re looking for the hottest nightclubs, River North is where you want to be. Chicago has some of the best rooftop bars and beer gardens in the U.S.
Summer in Chicago is all about neighborhood festivals and live music. The parks along Lake Michigan have an amazing lineup of festivals, including the Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, and Lollapalooza. Each neighborhood has its own street festival in the summer. Some of the best include Taste of Randolph, the Wells Street Art Festival, Taste of Lincoln, and so many more!
Sports fans will flock to Wrigleyville for sports bars and nightclubs, with some open as late as 4 am. While summer is the best time to visit Chicago, if you’re willing to bundle up, Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day festivals are some of the best in the country. From the South Side Irish Parade to the dying of the Chicago River, Chicago takes St. Pat’s seriously!
Toronto
Another great party city in the summertime is Toronto. Like Chicagoans, Toronto residents wait out the long cold winters and then stream outside as soon as it warms up.
That means tons of beer gardens, street festivals, and rooftop bars. Toronto bars stop serving alcohol at 2 am, although some stay open much later to keep the party going.
When deciding where to party in Toronto, there are several neighborhoods and types of establishments to choose from. Whether you want craft cocktails, a speakeasy, sports bars, or dance clubs, there’s a place in Toronto for you. King Street West is one of the most well-known Toronto neighborhoods for nightlife. Known as the SoHo of Toronto, you’ll find some mega-nightclubs in King West.
Other Toronto neighborhoods to check out include The Village for LGBTQ fun, Dundas West for lowkey clubbing, and Queen West for daytime and nighttime entertainment.
For a multicultural vibe, with ethnic restaurants and live music, head to Kensington Market. When it comes to festivals, Toronto is all over it. From a lively Pride Festival in June to the Toronto International Film Festival in September, there’s always something to celebrate in Canada’s largest city.
Best Winter Party Cities
Breckenridge
While Breckenridge, Colorado may not be known for 4 am dance clubs, the apres-ski scene is one of the best in Colorado! Unlike many party cities that don’t get going until after 10 pm, the party starts in Breckenridge as soon as the lifts stop running. Come 4:00, skiers and boarders leave the slopes for the comfort of a cozy bar on Main Street. What ski towns lack in late-night amenities, they make up for in scenery and chill mountain vibes.
Live music is pretty easy to find on Main Street, as are sports bars, breweries, and brewpubs. If you like dive bars, Breckenridge has them. The ski resorts are known to throw some pretty fun parties, with live music and liquor sponsors passing out swag. While a few Breckenridge bars stay open until 2 am, most revelers are eager to hit the hay and grab the first tracks of powder in the morning. Find out why Breckenridge is one of the best ski towns in the US!
Come summer, Breckenridge has plenty of outdoor adventure to entice visitors year-round. While the scene is a bit more mellow, there are still lots of bars and music venues, plus the added convenience of beer gardens and patios. Breckenridge festivals center around wine, cuisine, spirits, and culture.
Whistler
When it comes to winter party cities, skiers flock to Whistler, British Columbia. Whistler-Blackcomb is known for some of the best skiing in Canada and all of North America, so it draws a hard-core crowd of skiers and boarders. With no night skiing in Whistler, skiers take to the bars and pubs of the pedestrian village. It’s also worth noting that the legal drinking age in Canada is 19, so you might see a younger crowd than you’re used to. Public transportation and a car-free village make this a safe place to spend a night on the town.
Merlin’s has been at the core of the Whistler nightlife scene for years, with live music and a lively patio. Another Whistler hot spot is GLC, the Garibaldi Lift Company at the base of the Whistler Gondola. Besides the usual apres scene, Whistler also holds great festivals. Whistler Pride, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival, the Whistler Village Beer Festival, and the Whistler Film Festival are just a few of the fun annual events you’ll find in Whistler, BC.
Summer is also a fun time to visit, too. With refreshing weather and endless hours of daylight, there’s always a fun scene in Whistler. When deciding where to stay in Whistler, I highly recommend the Four Seasons Whistler.
Best Party Cities in Europe
Berlin
Berlin often tops the list of party cities in Germany, and even in all of Europe. Although techno wasn’t necessarily invented in Berlin, it is nevertheless the hallmark of Berlin’s legendary status as a party city. The Berlin nightclub scene started underground just after the wall was brought down. The scene today retains an underground feel, with something for everyone.
Another reason Berlin is such a unique party city is that there is no closing time. In most cases, a nightclub will remain open continuously from Friday night through Monday morning. Berghain is the most famous of Berlin’s clubs, having outlasted all other nightclubs for the last 16 years. Strict door policies, dark rooms, and a camera ban mean anything goes at Berghain and many other neighboring clubs.
Of course, it’s still Germany, so if you just want to sip some good beer, there are lots of bars and pubs around Berlin. Of course, beer gardens and live music are popular in the summertime. Many music festivals, including the Jazz Festival, are held throughout the year.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam has long been known as a hub for counter-cultural entertainment. Most famous for legalized drugs and prostitution, people have been coming to Amsterdam to party for decades. While Amsterdam’s vices have become more popular (and legal) in other cities around the world, Amsterdam is still an excellent party city.
Most of Amsterdam’s nightlife takes place in two areas: Rembrandtplein near the city center, and Leidseplein to the southwest. Leave the Red Light District to the tourists, and party like a local in these Amsterdam neighborhoods.
You can expect Amsterdam bars to be open until 3 am on the weekends, while the dance clubs are open until 4 am. It’s a fairly casual scene, but you can expect to pay a cover charge at some of the more upscale nightclubs.
Of course, there are more laid-back parties to be had in Amsterdam. From live music to the coffee shops where marijuana is sold and consumed, there are many unique party scenes in Amsterdam.
Lisbon
Lisbon is another popular party city in Europe. Portugal is one of the more affordable countries in Europe, so low prices and a favorable exchange rate bring partiers from all over Europe. A Mediterranean climate and cheap drinks make Lisbon a year-round party city in Southern Europe.
Late-night culture prevails in Portugal. Like Spain to the east, everything happens later in Portugal. Dinner is later, so the clubs don’t get going until at least midnight.
The clubs close between 4 am and 6 am when the party generally spills into the streets or onto the beach. Lisbon nightlife centers on a few neighborhoods like Principe Real, an upscale neighborhood near central Lisbon.
Dozens of festivals bring crowds and celebrity DJs to Lisbon, especially the annual Carnival celebration held in the weeks leading up to Lent. No matter when you visit Lisbon, you won’t have to look far to find a fun festival nearby.
Ibiza
With over 40 countries in Europe, there are a ton of party cities! One of the most famous, though, is Ibiza, Spain. This island off the coast of Spain has been drawing clubbers for many years and is the origin of “celebrity DJs” like David Guetta and even Paris Hilton. 24-hour nightclubs ensure that the party never stops in Ibiza.
Ibiza has more than 70 beaches on the island, each with its own party scene. Playa d’en Bossa is one of the best spots for daytime parties in Ibiza. The one-mile beach is lined with beach clubs and bars.
Pool parties are also huge in Ibiza, with some of Europe’s best DJ’s having summer residencies at the best clubs. Don’t miss Pacha Ibiza, the original superclub that kicked off the legendary status Ibiza holds today.
Barcelona
If you want to party in Spain, but want a bit more variety than loud, thumping clubs and the beach scene, check out Barcelona.
Not to worry, you’ll still find beach clubs and nightclubs in Barcelona, but you’ll also find a ton of different nightlife options. Not to mention, a lot of cultural sites to explore by day. But beware, the party gets started late in Barcelona, so you’ve got to pace yourself and have some staying power. Use jetlag to your advantage so you can party all night in Barcelona!
Barcelona beach clubs are not so different from the Ibiza beach clubs, on a somewhat smaller scale. Prefer to party inland? Barcelona has some of the best nightlife in the Gothic Quarter. This historic area has cultural sites to explore by day, loads of clubs by night.
Of course, Catalonia’s capital city also has more laidback options for nightlife, so don’t worry if dance clubs aren’t your style; you can still party in Barcelona!
BEST PARTY CITIES IN THE CARIBBEAN
Havana
When you think of party destinations, Cuba may not be the first thing to come to mind, but hear me out. Nightlife may not be a reason to visit Cuba, but once you’re here, you’ll fall in love. If you’ve ever been to Miami’s Little Havana, you know that Cubans love to have a good time!
Check out my ultimate guide to Cuba for U.S. Citizens!
Havana’s nightlife scene is a blast, so make sure you save some energy during the day so you can really party in Havana. Kick your night off with a world-famous daiquiri at El Floridita, a favorite spot of Ernest Hemingway in Havana’s Old Town.
Next, grab a mojito at Doña Eutemia, one of Havana’s best restaurants. End your night on the dance floor of the Tropicana Club, an open-air dance club that has been operating since 1939.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Another great Caribbean hot spot is San Juan, Puerto Rico. San Juan is often a jumping-off spot for Caribbean cruises or island hopping around the Virgin Islands, but it’s definitely worth a few days to stop and explore. For starters, Puerto Rico is a U.S. Territory, so you don’t need a passport to visit, but it definitely feels like you’re in another country. When it comes to nightlife, Puerto Rico is pretty legendary!
Old San Juan is a great place to kick off your tour of Puerto Rico’s nightlife. This historic district is full of restaurants, bars, and clubs. This is Latin America, so dancing is a must! You’ll find dozens of dance clubs with salsa dancing; some even offer classes or lessons if you’re a newbie!
Calle Loiza is the main street where you’ll find a lot of the action. San Juan is also home to several casinos and casino resorts, so that’s another fun option for nightlife in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
BEST PARTY ISLANDS
El Nido, Palawan
Islands always have a fun party vibe, and Palawan Island in the Philippines is no exception. El Nido is a special town on Palawan Island that I really grew to love after a rocky arrival.
El Nido remained off the beaten tourist path much longer than other nearby islands of Asia, but the word is out and the party scene is growing. The nightlife scene here is definitely more laidback than places like Boracay or Manila, and that’s what makes it such a fun party island.
After a day of diving, snorkeling, and island hopping, settle in for a spectacular sunset at Republica Sunset Bar. Don’t expect to dance until dawn or savor a full moon party on the beach; it’s definitely a low-key party scene. But you’ll find a dance club, reggae bar, and lots of casual spots to make new friends with other travelers.
Mykonos
If you are looking for a party island in the Mediterranean, you have to check out Mykonos, Greece. Warm weather and cheap prices have been drawing Europeans to party hotspots in Greece for decades. Everyone who parties in Greece has their own favorite spot, but Mykonos is a great first-time spot for travelers looking for a good time.
The party never really stops in Mykonos. Popular Mykonos beaches like Paradise and Paranga are filled with beach clubs that serve cold drinks all day long, with a background of bumping beats.
When the sun goes down, the party scene amps up well into the wee hours when travelers rest a few hours and do it all over again.
Best Party Cities for New Years Eve
New York
When you think of iconic places to spend New Year’s Eve, New York has to be at the top of the list. Of course, there’s the world-famous ball drop in Times Square. Over one million revelers join the crowds to count down to the New Year. If standing around in a huge crowd of tourists doesn’t appeal to you, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in New York City.
From cozy dive bars to upscale nightclubs, there is no shortage of New Year’s parties in New York. You’ll find fireworks all over the city. Besides hundreds of neighborhood “unofficial” fireworks, there are fireworks shows at the New York Harbor, Central Park, and Grand Army Plaza. There are bike races and a Midnight Run, plus concerts all over the city.
After the ball drops and you have a chance to rest and recharge, spend some time exploring all the cool things to do in downtown New York City. Whether it’s your first trip to New York, or you’re a New York native like me, the city is always full of new surprises.
Paris
Paris is another iconic New Year’s Eve party city. Like New York, there’s a variety of New Year’s celebrations you can join in, from ultra-touristy to low-key with the locals. The Times Square version in Paris would be to celebrate at the Eiffel Tower or along the Champs-Elysee, both of which put on quite a show.
There are often fireworks at the Eiffel Tower and a light show on the Champs-Elysee, which is also closed to traffic for the holiday. Of course, Paris has legendary nightlife year-round, so all of the best clubs will have a New Year’s Eve party.
If you prefer a more low-key way to ring in the new year, pick your favorite arrondissement, and find a cozy pub to celebrate in. Or, grab a bottle of champagne and some charcuterie and head to Montmartre for a birds-eye view of the city’s festivities.
Of course, the best part of celebrating New Year’s in Paris may be all the delicious food you can eat the morning after. Nobody does brunch like the French!
Stuttgart
If you’re looking for a fun place to celebrate Christmas, you have to check out Stuttgart! Stuttgart has some of the best Christmas markets in Germany, and there are a ton of other fun things to do in Stuttgart!
here’s nothing to get you in the Christmas spirit quite like a Christmas market, with stalls full of gifts, food, and gluhwein! Christmas markets in Germany typically run through the Advent season, meaning you can visit in early December; you don’t even have to be away from home at Christmas! There are many Christmas markets in Stuttgart, and I recommend visiting as many as you can to really get into the Christmas spirit!
When it comes to nightlife, Stuttgart has plenty of that, too. Whatever your scene, you can find a party in Stuttgart. It also happens to be one of the largest United States military bases in Europe, so English is widely spoken if that’s a concern for you. Stuttgart has clubs, pubs, and tons of biergartens.
If you really want a low-key Christmas, head to one of the smaller villages surrounding Stuttgart and celebrate with the locals.
Montreal
If you can’t get to Europe for Christmas, the next best thing is the most European city in North America. The French-speaking city in Canada’s Quebec province really feels like a stroll through Europe, with cobblestone streets and historic shopfronts. Montreal’s Christmas Village takes place in the Atwater Market, and there are dozens of smaller neighborhood markets to explore. Grab a mug of gluhwein, or a plate of poutine, and get into the Christmas spirit in Montreal.
Montreal has a great nightlife scene as well, although, with a legal age of 18 and being less than one hour from the U.S. border, you might run into crowds of young Americans at some of the busier bars and clubs. The areas along Saint Laurent and Crescent Street are known to have some of the best nightlife in Montreal, while each neighborhood has its own unique vibe.
Old Montreal has several quaint bars and pubs, while The Village has a lively LGBTQ scene. If you prefer the microbrewery scene, head to Montreal’s Little Italy neighborhood for a casual party scene.
Best Party Cities in US
Las Vegas
When you think of U.S. party cities, chances are that Las Vegas comes to mind. There’s a reason it has been nicknamed “Sin City.” Much like Amsterdam, almost anything goes in Vegas, including legal prostitution and gambling. As the first state to legalize gambling, visitors have converging on Vegas for over 50 years. Las Vegas has a reputation for many things but was made most famous by the casinos.
The Las Vegas nightlife scene has evolved quite a bit. Originally a gambling town with a few live acts, Las Vegas now has some of the best nightlife in the world. Hotels compete for the biggest and best nightclubs, like Tao at the Venetian. Then there are the shows. Residency acts have become popular for stars like Celine Deon and Britney Spears, alongside theatrical performances like Cirque du Soleil.
Even budget-travelers can party in Las Vegas. You can find a cheap room in Vegas, and if you’re plugging the slot machines every once in a while, you’ll get your drinks on the house. In the daytime, Vegas hotels host some of the most insane pool parties in the world. You don’t have to wait until the sun goes down to start your Las Vegas party. When you’re ready for a break from the party scene, check out these awesome day trips from Vegas!
Miami
Some party cities come and go, but Miami has always been hot! Both literally and figuratively, Miami is one of the hottest party cities in the world. With a huge Latin population, Miami knows how to bring the heat - on the dancefloor or in the kitchen. Even their professional basketball team is the Miami Heat. Some of the biggest and best Miami festivals include the South Beach Wine & Food Festival in February, Miami Beach Pride in March/April, and Carnival in the autumn.
South Beach is the spot that really makes Miami one of the best party cities in the world. With dozens of nightclubs lining the strip, there is a club for everyone. Expect a dress code at many of the clubs. Some venues are open 24 hours so you can party until the sun comes up and then hit the beach for an all-day recovery sesh.
Elsewhere in Miami, you have to check out the Wynnwood neighborhood. Located just north of downtown Miami, Wynnwood is a hub for art and culture. The Wynnwood Walls are practically world-famous, and while the vibe is a bit more laid-back than South Beach, there are still plenty of clubs and cool bars to check out.
Best Nightlife Party Cities
Reykjavik
When it comes to nightlife, Reykjavik Iceland is legendary! Perhaps because nighttime lasts extraordinarily long in the winter, but the Icelandic people love a good party. For a city with barely over 100,000 population, there’s a surprising amount of clubs and bars here.
Best of all, Reykjavik is so small that the city center is easily walkable, so you don’t have to worry about driving.
You should know that the party starts late in Reykjavik; with extremely high prices in Iceland, Icelanders like to get a good buzz on at home before heading out for the night. But once they are out, they stay out until the wee hours. Reykjavik clubs are open until four or five in the morning. And with near-constant daylight or lack of, it’s hard to tell what time you need to be heading home!
Laugavegur is the main street running through the city center, and where you’ll find a majority of Reykjavik’s pubs. Remember, this is Iceland, so dress codes tend toward the casual; the atmosphere is more pub than club, but you’ll find a little bit of everything with Reykjavik’s nightlife.
The drinking age in Iceland is 20, and most bars will stay open until one or two during the weekend and closer to 5 am on the weekends.
Prague
One of the best cities for nightlife in Europe has to be Prague, Czech Republic. For starters, Eastern European prices and easy access from Western Europe have made Prague into a weekender destination for many Europeans.
Prague is very affordable and the Old Town area is very walkable, making it a great place for a pub crawl. The largest music club in Europe, Karlovy Lázně, is located just three minutes’ walk from Charles Bridge.
Old Town, or Stare Mesto, is the hub of the Prague nightlife scene, but the neighboring districts can also be fun if you prefer a more laidback vibe to your party. Across the river, in the Castle District, you’ll find more pubs and beer gardens. The drinking age in the Czech Republic is just 18, and the nightclubs in Prague often stay open until dawn. If you want a party city in Europe where a little bit of money goes a long way, Prague is it.
Best Party Cities in Southeast Asia
Bangkok
When it comes to party cities in Southeast Asia, you can’t beat Bangkok. This city of nearly nine million residents seemingly never sleeps. No matter what kind of party you are looking for, you’ll find it in Bangkok. Rooftop bars are big in Bangkok, so if you’re looking to dress up for a night on the town, head to the rooftop deck of the nearest swanky hotel, like the W Bangkok.
Like many cities in Southeast Asia, night markets are one of many things to explore in Bangkok. Join a guided tour or set off on your own to explore the lively scene at the night markets. You might also explore some of the many neighborhoods of Bangkok, each with its own vibe and scene.
Khao San Road is one of the more famous places to party in Bangkok, especially if you are a backpacker staying at a nearby hostel. Officially, most bars close at 1 am in Bangkok, but you can always find something open to quench your thirst.
Siem Reap
Surprisingly, another Southeast Asian city with a great party scene is Siem Reap, Cambodia. Most people think of the Angkor Wat temples when they think of Siem Reap, but there’s a pretty lively bar scene as well.
Siem Reap is a much smaller city, with less than 150,000 residents, so you can expect a smaller, more laidback party scene than in other areas of Southeast Asia.
Pub Street is the hub for all nighttime activities in Siem Reap, with bars and clubs catering to tourists. As the name implies, the street is lined with pubs, mostly catering to tourists, with names like “Angkor What?”
While most bars close around 1 am, some of them stay open all night. If you stay up through the night, you may as well head over to catch the sunrise at the Angkor Wat temples. Hanging out on Pub Street is just one of many fun things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Best Party Cities for a Bachelor or Bachelorette Party
Austin
For many people, the biggest party of your life is the one right before you get married. Bachelor and bachelorette parties used to be pretty simple, but somehow destination parties got started and now we have the best party cities for bachelorette parties.
Austin, Texas is at the top of the list for best destination bachelor parties. As home to the University of Texas at Austin, it’s definitely a top party city in the Southern United States.
The hub of Austin nightlife is Sixth Street. Granted, you’ll be hanging with a lot of college kids, but you can’t beat live music and cheap drinks for a destination bachelor party. Weekends start on Thursday when it becomes a pedestrian zone.
If you prefer a more laid-back vibe, head over to Rainey Street, where you’ll low-key bars in converted homes. Wherever you decide to party in Austin, there will definitely be live music.
Nashville
While Austin claims to be the “live music capital of the U.S.” music is everywhere in Nashville and not just country music! A plethora of music venues make Nashville another great party city and bachelorette party destination. There’s a reason the city has earned the nickname “Nashvegas!”
If you’re going to party in Nashville, you’re going to start on Broadway. Also known as the Honky Tonk Highway, there are nearly three dozen bars, many featuring live music, where the next big star just might be performing. The most famous of all bars in Nashville is Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, where Willie Nelson allegedly got his start.
For a truly unique southern nightlife experience, check out Paradise Park Trailer Resort, a true redneck haven!