Want to escape the daily grind of student life and skip to planning a fun getaway? We’re here to help with a list of the best clubbing holidays to get excited about. If, like us, counting down the days until freedom, sunshine, and completely guilt-free nights out is likely the only thing keeping you going, organising a fun holiday is a the pick-me-up we need. So, here’s a handy list of 10 of the best clubbing holidays you and your friends can start organising for as soon as that last deadline is done (or right now, if you really can’t wait and no academic pressure can stop you).
1. Ibiza, Spain
Chances are, Ibiza is one of the first destinations that come to mind for the best clubbing holidays. It’s been a staple among young people for a while now, especially in the summer months, and for completely valid reasons.
The Spanish island is renowned for its lively nightlife. You can find some of Europe’s best nightclubs centred in Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni. Ibiza is actually home to the famous Privilege – the world’s biggest nightclub. Also popular are Amnesia (especially if you’re into electronic music), Pacha (Ibiza’s oldest club) and Ushuaia (which has major festival vibes).
Ibiza’s clubs have hosted some top DJs in the past, like Calvin Harris and David Guetta. It’s essentially your go-to if you want to enjoy the beach during the day and get wild at night.
2. Ayia Napa, Cyprus
Everyone’s heard a couple of crazy (and questionable) stories from various legendary boys’/girls’ trips to Ayia Napa. After all, it’s arguably the European hub for messy yet unforgettable nights out. The summer clubbing scene especially thrives between May and October, so the upcoming months are the ideal time to go and check out a few booze-filled boat parties or foam parties.
You’ll find a ton of bars in the main square and the Ayia Napa Strip – the ideal place to start the night off before heading out to the clubs. The most popular ones are said to be Castle, Soho and Club Ice.
As one of the best party holiday destinations, you’ll be able to find the perfect balance between soaking up the sun and soaking up the alcohol with a burger at the end of the night. You can be sure to expect some insane light shows and even a swimming pool or two in some of the clubs (head down to River Reggae, an outdoor club, if that’s your style).
3. Berlin, Germany
Berlin comes alive at night, making it a great choice for your group’s clubbing holiday this year. It’s home to the hub of techno music, an insane rave scene and loads of funky clubs in some unlikely buildings, often covered in cool urban art. A few of them have been built into abandoned factories and barren warehouses, like Golden Gate, which is housed inside an old bicycle shop.
Hardcore ravers are obligated to make it to the early hours of the morning. Apparently, the motto is “until the sun goes up and then back down again”.
Berghain is probably the best-known and highest-rated club in the city. We also recommend heading to Kreuzburg, a neighbourhood in East Berlin, which also has some incredible rooftop and dive bars.
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
The electronic music scene is huge in Amsterdam, as you’ll see in its range of annual music festivals and clubs. The city has hosted some of the best DJ sets in the world.
Its most popular clubs include De Marktkantine; it’s one of many Amsterdam locals’ favourites and you’ll love it if you’re into disco, house and techno sorts of tunes. Warehouse Elementenstraat has gone from hosting the city’s first illegal raves to now being another one of the best spots for electronic music.
Amsterdam is definitely an all-around winner and a must-visit destination for students looking for the perfect clubbing holiday.
5. Barcelona, Spain
Many people consider the coolest club in Barcelona to be Opium. During the day, you can de-stress by enjoying cocktails on the beach, then dance the night (and the post-exam adrenaline) away in a venue which has previously hosted some huge names like David Guetta and Avicii.
Barcelona is one of the best cities in Europe for a party holiday, with its late-night beach clubs and boat parties. In the true Spanish siesta style, we recommend having an early evening nap so you can last the whole night and really make the most of your trip there.
The clubbing scene there is said to be relatively cheap as well – so very student-friendly. Otherwise, many visitors also love to take part in a pub crawl. Here is a great backpacker’s pub crawl tour you might want to look into – Generation Pub Crawl in Barcelona.
6. Budapest, Hungary
The Hungarian capital is the perfect holiday city for whichever type of break you’re looking for. Usually, it’s known for its beautiful thermal spas, architecture and sightseeing. The best hotel deals are said to be in the summer, though the city gets crowded (ideal for students looking to party though).
Budapest has its own unique ‘ruin bars’; these are essentially your standard lively European bars but within old, crumbling houses. Have to say, they sound incredibly Instagrammable. It also has its very own party district – we specifically recommend heading to Király Street to find the busiest nightlife in the city.
As one of our top party holiday destinations, you can expect much more retro, sleek clubs and a slightly more polished clubbing experience. Morrison’s 2 is open 7 days a week, with its best drink deals on Monday nights. I can’t see anyone in their right mind complaining about 0,49 Euro pints! In terms of music, you can find a range from house to R&B, depending on your vibe.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague has a similar mix of the old and the new as Budapest, making it another of the best clubbing destinations in Eastern Europe for memorable nights out. There, it’s typical to kick off clubbing after 1 a.m. so definitely make sure you can keep up, and stay up.
There are great reviews for Chapeau Rouge in particular. I hear you’re in for crazy, sweaty crowds and top-tier DJ sets – what more could you ask for? A common disclaimer for Retro is that you NEED to be drunk enough for that place, though after all the exams you’ve just suffered through, you’ll probably be on that level anyway.
8. Hvar, Croatia
Hvar has built up a reputation for itself as a ‘party island’, in the best way. It’s, without a doubt, one of the best and most popular destination for clubbing holidays with the younger crowd. The Croatian sun alone makes it a great place to relax and detox after the year-long stress of student life.
The island has often been referred to as the ‘new Ibiza’, but you’ll have to go and confirm or deny that statement yourself. There are some amazingly cheap hostels to stay in between your nights out at Hula Hula Beach Bar (a waterfront, tiki-style club) or Carpe Diem (a slightly pricier but exclusive club you’ll definitely love).
9. Mykonos, Greece
Next on our list of the best clubbing holidays is Mykonos. Mykonos has an incredibly diverse nightlife, so you’re unlikely to end up bored.
You can start the evening off with an aperitif on the beach at sunset before exploring the famous Paradise Club. This student favourite is well-equipped with three different rooms, a huge swimming pool and occasional fireworks. Mykonos is also a really great spot for LGBT-friendly clubbing as it has several gay clubs and bars. There are particularly good reviews for the most famous ‘JackieO’ Beach Club, whose terrace overlooking the ocean and nightly drag shows aren’t to be missed.
10. Thessaloniki, Greece
Sticking with the Greek theme, we have to recommend Thessaloniki for planning one of the best clubbing holidays. Again, it’s especially famous for its clubs that stay open all night long, as well as for being the ideal place to enjoy the summer season, both day and night.
Thessaloniki is also a university city, so it’s full of young people. Depending on your style, Club Le Freak is the best place for a variety of EDM, underground and alternative music.
So there we have it – my top picks for 10 clubbing holidays you can go on right now. Let us know if we’ve missed any other great spots and for similar stuff, make sure to check out: Students on Tour: The Cheapest Student Holiday Destinations and Top 10 Girls Holiday Destinations.
If you want a truly incredible clubbing holiday, why not plan it around the most-loved clubs in the world according to research?
Last Updated on September 13, 2024
Published on November 19, 2023