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12 best places to travel with friends in Europe

June, 07 2023 ( Updated May, 28 2024)

French Riviera
Croatia
France
Slovenia
Belgium
Spain
Lake Garda
Malta

From the best cities for nightlife in Europe to the best water parks and hubs for adventure seekers and some unlikely jewels that are gaining popularity, our 2023-24 curated travel with friends list will inspire you to pack your bags right away.  

Read on and check out our top 12 recommendations for the best places to travel with friends! 

Friends enjoy themselves on the sunny beachThere is never a bad time to travel with friends  

Everybody knows Ibiza, Berlin, London and Mykonos but we can recommend to you some top party cities in Europe you probably haven’t thought of. 

1. Marbella, Spain

Puerto Banús Harbour in Marbella City by nightPuerto Banús Harbour in Marbella City: one of the most expensive and exclusive area of Marbella 

Located on the Costa del Sol, Marbella is one of the best nightlife destinations in Europe, known for its glamorous and upscale night scenes. The city boasts exclusive clubs, beachfront venues, and luxury establishments that cater to a high-end clientele, out of which Puerto Banús is the main hub for upscale nightlife in Marbella.  However, for a little break from all that glamour, the rooftop bars and late-night venues of La Malagueta in Málaga, attract both locals and tourists.  

With the diverse range of holiday rentals on Costa del Sol, you can stay anywhere you like, be it tranquil towns like Estepona or party hubs like Marbella! 

2. Palermo, Italy

Mondello’s white sand beach and clear waters, in Palermo, Sicily  Mondello’s white sand beach and clear waters, in Palermo, Sicily 


In Sicily, Palermo offers the perfect blend of art and culture along with a unique nightlife experience. The city’s mix of trendy bars, traditional taverns, and open-air clubs often feature live music performances and DJs. Plus, after spending the night partying, in the morning you can cool off in the beautiful Sicilian Sea or relax in beautiful holiday rentals like Alcamo Pool House, located close to Palermo to avoid the crowds in high season. 

3. Zagreb, Croatia 

The suggestive Ban Jelacic square during sunset, Zagabria, Croatia The suggestive Ban Jelacic square during sunset, Zagabria,Croatia 

As the capital city of Croatia, Zagreb not only satisfies at the level of food, art, gorgeous architecture and culture but also as one of the best cities for nightlife in Croatia. The city has a diverse range of bars, clubs, and live music venues catering to various tastes. The Tkalčićeva Street area and the neighborhood of Jarun are popular nightlife hotspots, and from Zagreb, you can easily explore the heart of Continental Croatia in short 1-2-hour drives.  

4. St. Julian, Malta 

Paceville coastal view in St Julian, Malta Paceville coastal view in St Julian, Malta  

Malta has a lively nightlife scene, particularly in Paceville, which is its nightlife hub located in the popular coastal town of St. Julian's. Paceville is known for its vibrant atmosphere, numerous bars, clubs, and late-night venues. The area attracts a young and energetic crowd, offering a diverse range of music genres and entertainment options. Plus, the Maltese Archipelago also has one of the most amazing and least crowded summer destination in Europe. So, whether you're looking for bustling clubs or relaxed bars, Malta provides many opportunities for an enjoyable night out.   

5. Nice, France 

A romantic night view of the Promenade des Anglais, Nice A romantic night view of the Promenade des Anglais, Nice 


Located on the French Riviera, Nice offers a lively nightlife with a touch of glamour and many things to enjoy till the break of dawn, therefore, it qualifies as one of the best nightlife destinations on the French Riviera on our list. Among other places, Promenade des Anglais and the Old Town (Vieux Nice) are popular areas for barhopping, enjoying live music, and experiencing the vibrant street scene along with old-school clubs and modern underground bars. You can also find tons of things to do in the city during daytime. 

If you don't want to miss out on cooling off during the European summer heat or love adventure into nature, then below are our top choices for places that offer some of the best adventure parks and the best water parks for adults in Europe! 

6. Lake Garda, Italy 

Aerial view of the city of Peschiera del Garda, Italy.Aerial view of the lovely Peschiera del Garda, located close to Cavour Waterpark 


Italy may not be widely known for its water parks, but there are a few notable options that offer fun experiences for adults. Located near Lake Garda, Cavour the Waterpark is a family-friendly park that also caters to adults. It offers various slides and attractions, including a 6-lane multi-track water slide and the thrilling Kamikaze slide. The park also features relaxation areas, a whirlpool tub and even a sandy beach. Plus, Lake Garda is an excellent option for those who want to explore the beautiful natural surroundings, relax in spas or indulge in sports like rock climbing, hiking or biking. 

7. Istria, Croatia  

The colorful Rovinj waterfront with boats in the harbourThe colorful Rovinj waterfront with boats in the harbour 

The Istria region of Croatia not only offers history, culture and untouched nature, but also several water parks as well as theme parks. Aquapark Istralandia is one of the largest water parks in Croatia and features high-speed water slides, tube slides, and family slides, a wave pool, a hydromassage pool and relaxation areas with sunbeds and cabanas. Another one is Aquapark Aquacolors in Poreč. Meanwhile for adventure lovers, Glavani Park, in Barban offers a variety of thrilling activities, meanwhile, Zipline Pazinska Jama, located near the town of Pazin, offers adrenaline-pumping experience on one of the longest ziplines in Europe! 

Tip: Istria is home to places like Rovinj and Pula, which are known for their vibrant bars and growing nightlife! 

8. Lake Bohinj, Slovenia 

Aerial view of the Bohinj Lake, Triglav national park, Slovenia. Hiking boot in foreground, sitting in grass. Colorful beautiful autumn view in the valley beneath.After a long hike along Lake Bohinj, have some relax time in Slovenia’s thermal water parks 

If you and your friends are more of the mountain types and after hiking you want to relax a bit, Slovenia's water parks are for you. Aquapark Bohinj is in Bohinjska Bistrica and offers a range of water-based activities for adults, including indoor and outdoor pools, slides, saunas, whirlpools, a wellness area and even a salt room. The park is known for its beautiful mountain views and tranquil setting. You can book your comfortable vacation rental in the Thermal Pannonian Slovenia

9. Lake Bled, Slovenia 

Girls reading books by the lake Bled, view of Bled castle, SloveniaThe tranquil setting and breathtaking view of Lake Bled 

Located in the picturesque town of Bled, Bled Adventure Park offers various thrilling activities for all ages. It features 81 attractions and 5 difficulty levels. Before starting, the guides help you get your safety gear properly fitted. After a brief safety course, you can face the challenges on your own, but the instructors are at all times available for tips. The park is set amidst the beautiful surroundings of Lake Bled and the Julian Alps. In summer, you can take a ride on the sledding track that is situated on the ski slope, while in winter you can enjoy the Straža ski slope. Here you can also check out the gorgeous Lake Bled and other things to do around with friends on a one-day trip to the lake

If you and your friends are more music and festival lovers, you are in the right place. Indeed, Europe is well known for its music festivals, especially the electronic dance music ones.  

10. Valletta, Malta 

Typical narrow streets with colourful balconies in Valletta, MaltaTypical narrow streets with colourful balconies in Valletta, Malta 


The Isle of MTV Malta is an annual music festival that has been held in Malta. The event is organized by MTV and attracts a large crowd of music fans. The festival features live performances by internationally renowned artists, including popular pop, rock, and electronic acts, the ideal festival to suit all tastes. The festival takes place in Floriana, which is close to Valletta, the capital city of Malta with a vibrant nightlife experience. Valletta's streets come alive at night with bars, wine bars, and live music venues. Amongst these, Strait Street is a historic one known for its nightlife, offering a mix of bars, clubs, and cultural events! 

11. West Coast Belgium, Belgium 

Friends having fun in the crowd at a music festivalThe carefree atmosphere of Music Festivals will make your holiday unforgettable 

Among the best EDM festivals in Europe, Tomorrowland is arguably the most iconic and influential EDM festival in the world. It features an impressive lineup of electronic music superstars across various sub-genres, along with breathtaking stages, immersive decorations, and a magical atmosphere. The festival is held in Boom, only 1 hour and half from the Belgium West Coast, where cities like Knokke attract elite tourists, beach lovers and event artists, and offer holiday rentals right on the seashore!  

12. Cannes, France 

While Cannes is famous for its film festival, it also offers a variety of upscale bars, beach clubs, and exclusive venues, attracting a glamorous and sophisticated crowd year-round.  But during August, Cannes holds the ultimate French Beach Party of all time: the Plage Electro - an EDM festival, where 15h of non-stop music will take hold of the audience as artists like DJ Snake, Rita Warhol and Yuz Boy take up the stage! You can also book your stay in Cannes right now to not miss out on the festival that attracts a crowd of almost 54,000! 

Now you will be spoilt for the choice of which destination to choose. Are you ready to pack your bags? 

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