Party hard in one of these epic party spots!
One of the most popular reasons to go travelling is to party and meet people from around the world. Music transcends language and cultural boundaries and alcohol certainly helps loosen the inhibitions.
So, where do you go if you want a guaranteed big night? A real party hot spot where you know you’ll be dancing the night away?
If you’re planning a one off or you’re travelling the world, make sure you make a pit stop in one of these awesome party destinations.
IBIZA, Spain
This is a no brainer really as anyone who doesn’t know Ibiza is the world’s premier party destination clearly hasn’t been paying attention. It’s cool, it’s sexy, it’s beautiful and it’s got it all: Beautiful blue seas, golden sands, beach bars and world class nightclubs.
The season in Ibiza is during the summer which kicks off around May through until October. But don’t worry if you’re planning on coming out of these times, there is nightlife all year round.
However, Ibiza isn’t for everyone. It is a relatively expensive place to get your party on, but probably one of the must-do’s for anyone who likes their electronic music.
Don’t Miss: The sunset at Cafe Del Mar is essential. There are plenty of other venues offering sundowners on the beach but this is the original and most famous.
LAS VEGAS, USA
Wanna party like a high roller all year round? Las Vegas lures you in with bright lights but delivers with some of the best party options this side of the pond. Famous mainly as a gambling Mecca, Vegas has some debauched pool parties, bars and nightclubs for high rollers and us more modest rollers too…
Every night is Saturday night in Vegas, so if you’re on an American road trip making a pit stop in Sin City (as it is aptly nicknamed) will be a great way to get amongst the crazy times Stateside.
Don’t Miss: You get a lot of hotel for your money in Vegas as they mostly expect that you’re going to spend lots of money in their casinos. If you’re going to splurge on a hotel anywhere, do it here.
KOH PHANGAN, Thailand
Known as the Full Moon Party island, Koh Phangan is nestled amongst pristine tropical seas just a short boat ride from Koh Samui and the Thai mainland. Most people come for Full Moon, but there are many other parties taking place on and around Had Rin beach (the main drag) all year round.
Had Rin is lined with bars every night so grab a bucket of Thai rum (yes really, a bucket!) and dance until the sun comes up then soothe that hangover by swimming in the azure sea.
Full Moon does get wild, with thousands flocking to the island, the beach becomes thick with luminescent paint and scantily clad revellers. An absolute must for the bucket list!
Don’t Miss: Kangaroo Bar overlooks Had Rin beach and is a good spot to take in the view if it all gets a bit much. Check out their ‘special shake’ menu too although us at GoneTravelling do not condone that type of thing by any means.
BERLIN, Germany
The German capital is well known for it’s techno scene, but dig deeper and there’s much more than that. All types of music are well represented here, the beer is cheap and tasty, the locals are friendly and the hangover food is to die for.
By day, take in the culture of this cool city; Art galleries, chintzy markets, hippy hangouts, edgy districts and world cuisine. By night; take your pick from the hundreds of bars and nightclubs. Don’t worry if you don’t speak German, the only word you’ll need is ‘Prost!’ (cheers).
Don’t Miss: Check out Salon Zur Wilden Renate, a sprawling and crazy party venue with everything from an open air garden venue to a labyrinth. There is a different kind of party every night from deep electronica to rock.
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil
Let’s be honest, if you like to party then Brazil is on your to do list – which means Rio is on your to do list. Famous for its stunning beaches and scenery and its friendly and beautiful locals, Rio is a must for the partying traveller. The most famous party is Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) which occurs at the beginning Lent and results in a week long party all across the city and indeed the country.
Rio has a lot to offer in terms of nightlife but if you miss the Mardi Gras you can chill with a beer at any number of amazing beachside bars or botecos (traditional watering holes) from Copacabana and Ipanema (touristy) to Leblon (upmarket) any time of year.
Dont Miss: Bar Urca is something of an institution in Rio, a traditional boteco with a fantastic sunset view, choice nibbles and locals of all walks of life shooting the breeze. Get involved!
BALI, Indonesia
The beautiful island of Bali sits amongst the sprawling Indonesian archipelago but it has a vibe all of it’s own. Kuta is perhaps the best known part of Bali for the nightlife, especially with Australians but the nearby Gili Islands are also well known for some beach partying especially Gili Trawangan.
By day, explore the rice paddies, Hindu temples and pristine surf beaches but let your hair down at night safe in the knowledge you can soak it all up with a rendang and a bintang the next morning.
Don’t Miss: If you’re going to go scuba diving anywhere in the world do it in the Gili islands. Cheaper than the Great Barrier Reef and with a stunning array of sea life, its definite must.
SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia
Fast gaining a reputation as one of the best places to party in Asia, Sihanoukville is what Thailand used to be – edgy, unpolished and cheap!
OK, Thailand is still cheap but Sihanoukville has that slightly edgy vibe of a place that hasn’t gone full tourist yet (many will disagree). You can still grab a seafood meal on Serendipity or Occheteal beach for a handful of dollars and wash it down with a cheap beer, then pick a bar and party until the sun rises…
Don’t Miss: Did you know there’s an absinthe distillery in Sihanoukville? Hidden in the jungle outside of town make a trip to Syn Absinthe Distillery and experience this super strong tipple.
TEL AVIV, Israel
The Capital of Israel is a modern, cosmopolitan and bustling city with a cool crowd of good looking people and one of the world’s most vibrant gay scenes. As a Mediterranean city the weather is good in the summer months and the food is a fantastic fusion of middle eastern and global cuisine. Like Spain, nightlife starts late but if you’re looking to dance til dawn then Tel Aviv is a great place to do it.
Don’t Miss: Fuel up for the big night out on street food at Old Jaffa’s market. The old city adjacent to Tel Aviv is the old world equivalent and is a must see if you’re in town.
We’ll be honest, there is no definitive list of the best party destinations in the world – but these are all good places to find a big night out.
Honestly though, you can be in a small town in the mountains of Austria and you might have the best night out ever. It’s all about the company and how much you are ready to party!
Honourable mentions go to:
- London, UK
- Hong Kong, SAR China
- New Orleans, USA
- Miami, USA
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Barcelona, Spain
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
So if you’re ready to go worldwide and find an epic party, check out our handy flight booking widget below.
Want more party? Check out:
- Our guide to European street festivals.
- The Best Alpine Snow Festivals.
- The Best Sunday festivals around the world.
Had the biggest night out ever? Feel free to share your epic party destinations in the comments below… Don’t forget to share!