Europe’s best 'party capitals' have cheap beers and flights under £20 each way

21 March 2023 , 16:54

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Lisbon is densely populated with clubs and bars (Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

A city densely packed with bars and clubs where the beer flows freely has been named party capital of Europe.

Lisbon in Portugal has been awarded the crown in a study of the best cities on the Continent to let loose.

The capital of Portugal boasts a bustling atmosphere and nightlife scene, with 59 clubs and 35 bars per 100km².

Bairro Alto is the biggest hot spot for nightlife in Lisbon, with the party going in the hedonistic neighbourhood until the early hours.

The area alone is home to around 100 nightclubs and bars, with revellers frequently bubbling over into the streets as they head between popular venues like Groove Bar, Maria Caxuxa and Incógnito.

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Late night revellers on the Rua Nova do Carvalho street in Lisbon (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Further afield, the likes of Ministerium Club and Kremlin also attract big crowds that stick around until the Iberian sun peaks over the horizon.

With beers costing £2.15 each on average, you shouldn't run out of money, but if you do there's plenty of free experiences to keep you going.

After the clubs spill onto the cobbled streets of Chiado many head to a spot overlooking the Tagus River to watch the dawn come up in the warm morning air.

Night tours of the city either led by a guide or embarked on by yourself are well lit by the usually clear night's sky and accompanied by the sound of music drifting through the alley ways.

During the weekends, groups gather outside to dance to music like Brazilian forró and kizomba, a dance that originates in Angola but has found a second home in the city.

The Jardim de Lisboa Antiga in São Bento is a meeting place for dancers from 8pm until midnight lasts until midnight.

The city is known for its cheap beers (Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The average price of a night at a hotel was placed at £170 – but you can find private rooms on Airbnb for around £30. Meanwhile budget airlines such as Wizz Air and Ryanair offer flights with fares under £20 each way.

Lisbon won the tops spot in a study by Bounce, which analysed European cities on factors such as safety ratings, the number of nightclubs and bars, as well as average beer prices.

Ranking in second place is Madrid, Spain, which is home to 40 clubs and 14 bars per 100km², including the popular Calle 365 Callejón Secreto bar.

Madrid also boasts some of the most affordable hotel rates on this list at £85 per night.

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Lisbon has a strong al fresco culture (Bildagentur-online/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Europe’s best party destination for beer affordability is Portimao, Portugal, with the average beer costing only £1.29.

Riga, Latvia is the European destination with the most affordable hotel prices, at £41 per night.

Europe's top 10 best party cities

1. Lisbon, Portugal
2. Madrid, Spain
3. Valencia, Spain
4. Prague, Czech Republic
5. Munich, Germany
6. Krakow, Poland
7. Ayia Napa, Cyprus
8. Barcelona, Spain
9. Warsaw, Poland
10. Budapest, Hungary

Milo Boyd