The Hungarian capital Budapest is known for its unique ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter, where historical buildings have been repurposed into eclectic and vibrant venues. Affordable food and transport add to Budapest’s appeal for night owls.
Whether you want to dance until dawn or grab a late-night sweet treat, you’re best bet is to visit some of the places that are famously known as ‘cities that never sleep’.
But which European destinations truly embody the 24-hour lifestyle?
The sleep experts (who also know a thing or two about staying awake) at MattressNextDay have identified Europe’s best 24-hour cities by analyzing factors such as the number of late-night events, dance clubs, party search volume, public transport availability and the quality of facilities like hotels and restaurants.
Here are the top five destinations in Europe for staying up late and partying the night away.
Ibiza is Europe’s best 24-hour city that never sleeps
Taking the top spot in MattressNextDay’s ranking is the world-renowned party capital, Ibiza. Known for its hedonistic beach parties and legendary clubs like Ushuaia and Pacha, it’s no surprise that the island sees 823,500 annual searches for parties.
With 56 live events currently listed and some of the world’s best DJs performing regularly, it’s a haven for partygoers. The island also offers plenty of culinary delights, featuring Mediterranean specialties like paella and fresh seafood.
Prague secures second place in the ranking, earning its title as ‘Europe’s thumping new heart for nightlife’.
MattressNextDay wrote:
“The city boasts 119 live events, 62 dance clubs and a mix of unique venues such as Duplex, a multi-floor super club, and Swim, a former swimming pool turned nightclub. Its affordability, with public transport tickets costing just €1.18, ensures visitors can save on travel and splurge on food and drinks instead.”
Belgrade, in third place, is a lesser-known nightlife gem. It is especially famous for its splavs—floating river clubs that come alive in the summer. During colder months, though, the city still delivers with 21 clubs. Its affordability and a high percentage of highly rated restaurants make it a must-visit destination for food and nightlife enthusiasts alike.
Madrid and Budapest make the top 5 24-hour cities in Europe
Rounding out the top five are Madrid and Budapest. Madrid’s nightlife is as diverse as it is lively, with 247 late-night events and 81 dance clubs. From tapas bars to energetic discos, the Spanish capital offers something for everyone. Here, the night often doesn’t get started till after midnight and sunrise sightings are guaranteed.
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