Looking for the best nightlife in Italy? You may associate Italy’s music scene with opera rather than electro, however it’s brought us bangers like Freed From Desire. I’ve explored Italy multiple times, including an unforgettable 2-week party-hunting adventure guided by local recommendations. I can tell you that the scene across Italy’s top party cities is top notch – if you know where to look. From Rome to Rimini, here are all the party places where you can find the best nightlife in Italy.
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Cities with the best nightlife in Italy
Through my explorations of Rome, Rimini, Florence, Bologna and Milan, I discovered that each Italian city has its own unique party personality.
Timing is everything if you want to experience the best nightlife in Italy. The evening starts with aperitivo around 7pm, in which bars offer a free buffet with your drinks purchase. Dinner is from around 9pm, then the real party begins after midnight.
Rome
Italy’s capital has an endless stream of bars and clubs catering to every taste, from underground techno venues to sophisticated rooftop lounges.
Where to stay in Rome
The best nightlife areas in Rome include Testaccio and San Lorenzo, where ancient architecture meets modern beats. While organised bar crawls are discouraged in this city, I recommend staying in a hostel like YellowSquare Rome, near the main Termini train station. Here, you may find a group led by an Italian guide ready to introduce you to the party scene on the down-low. Be prepared to have spirits poured down your throat as you enter its bars, then cram yourself into a pumping, body-to-body packed club and get sweaty until the early hours.
The best night clubs in Rome
Check out Rashõmon Club, in the city’s lively Ostiense neighbourhood, which claims to be ‘the most European Club… where a true clubber can feel at home.’ You’ll also find regular Spazio 900 club nights with international DJs at the 2000-capacity Spazio Novecento centre in the EUR business district. Most recently, this includes a Rome edition of the legendary Boiler Room parties.
If you’re looking for something more underground, check out Brancaleone in Rome’s Montesacro neighbourhood, which has been serving alternative beats since 1990.
Discover the latest prices for your dates at the best hotels and places to stay in Rome.
Rimini
My top tip for the best nightlife in Italy is Rimini. This town is like a mini Ibiza. The undisputed champion of Italian summer nightlife, it transforms its beachfront into a continuous party strip.
Every night during the summer there’s a different bar or club to check out. Unlike Rome, here bar crawls are very much encouraged. Fortunately, this seaside town doesn’t get too overcrowded, as it’s not on the radar of most international tourists.
Where to stay in Rimini
I advise staying in one of Rimini’s party hostels to access the best guides to the local scene. We stayed at the awesome Sunflower Beach Backpacker Hostel & Bar. Here, the party concierge Roberto promoted events, sold tickets and organised transportation to the coolest bars and club nights.
First you’ll go somewhere like the Carnaby Club or Coconuts, for drinks and dancing to kick off the night. Then you’ll take a disco bus to the neighbouring town of Riccione. The superclubs here are impressive and attract some of the world’s top DJs.
The best night clubs near Rimini
I had an amazing all-nighter at Discoteca Cocoricò. Paul van Dyk’s crew invited me up on stage to dance with them – what a moment! This nightclub has been described as ‘a monumental Mecca of dance music’. With multiple rooms, this place is literally a glass pyramid, meaning you’re bathed in light as the sun rises. So special.
I also loved Baia Imperiale, a stylish Roman temple of dance. Set on a hillside overlooking the sea, it has opulent columns and even a swimming pool. It’s one Europe’s largest clubs, with eight dance floors and a capacity of 15,000 people.
Last year saw the opening of Space Riccione, a new iteration of the much-missed Space Ibiza. The opening party was headlined by none other than Carl Cox. Oh yes, oh yes!
Check out the best offers at the top hotels and places to stay in Rimini .
Florence
The Tuscan capital perfectly balances historical charm with modern energy. Florence is known for its Renaissance art, but after dark, it comes alive.
Where to find the best nightlife in Florence
For drinks, head for the Santo Spirito neighbourhood where students and locals alike pack the squares and bars.
You can enjoy city views while partying at Flo Lounge Bar near Piazzale Michelangelo. A top local tip is to arrive early to avoid the queues and take advantage of the happy hour buffet.
The best night clubs in Florence include Tenax, which has been hosting Saturday night parties since the 1980s. Viper Club is more of a concert and party hall occasionally hosting DJ nights. TwentyOne is a smaller club with dedicated nights for electronic music, techno, minimal, hip-hop and house.
Other clubs open seasonally. Ask around and you may find a pop-up street party, riverside bar, festival or open-air venue. Check out Resident Advisor for the latest DJ events in Florence.
Where to stay in Florence
If you want to meet people, stay at the amazing Plus Florence hostel. Here, you can spend a lazy day at its swimming pool to soothe your hangover after dancing all night. Alternatively, head across the Ponte Vecchio and check out the wonderful Palazzo San Niccolò. Here you’ll find serene spaces, a garden and stylish rooms and apartments, each with their own personality.
Find the latest deals for your dates at the most perfect hotels and places to stay in Florence.
Bologna
Bologna, Italy’s oldest university city, knows how to party.
Where to stay in Bologna
The student and local population keeps the energy high in areas like Via Zamboni and Pratello. Here, bars spill onto the streets and the aperitivo culture is taken to new heights. Via del Pratello in particular is a great area to stay in Bologna if you want a more authentic, less touristy experience and a real feel for Bologna’s vibe.
Where to find the best nightlife in Bologna
Near Via del Pratello is the tiny but banging club, Studio 54. Named after the legendary New York club, this disco venue is a recent addition to Bologna’s nightlife scene.
For larger clubs, head to the Fiera district, northeast of Bologna. Here you’ll find Numa Club, a large multi-level nightclub with laser light displays. It’s known for hosting hip-hop, R&B, Latin and reggaeton parties. Nearby, in an old warehouse, is techno club Kindergarten, which has a more casual, underground vibe.
My personal favourite discovery was in Bologna’s biggest park: Chalet dei Giardini Margherita. In the summer months it becomes the Chalet Disco, a brilliant little nightclub with great tunes and a friendly crowd. Located on a tiny island, it calls itself ‘a real floating dance floor in the middle of a lake.’
Learn about the latest prices at the best hotels and places to stay in Bologna.
Milan
Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, brings style to its nightlife scene.
Where to stay in Milan
The Navigli district’s canal is pretty when it’s lit up at night (see below) and it has plenty of bars and restaurants. We enjoyed staying at the fabulous Art Hotel Navigli, on a quiet side street.
Where to find the best nightlife in Milan
Head to Corso Como, where you’ll find cosmopolitan clubs, lounge bars, boutiques and restaurants. The nearby Largo la Foppa is loved by locals for its more casual bars lining the street.
For clubbing, try the nearby Tempio del Futuro Perduto, set in a repurposed train depot. Expect diverse techno music, experimental audio-visual shows and LGBTQ+ friendly nights. Alternatively there’s Gattopardo Milano, a nightclub set in a converted Baroque church, complete with high ceilings, chandeliers and marble balconies. I once helped to organise a party here and it was fabulous.
To the north of the city, there’s Tunnel Club, located under the tracks of the Milano Centrale train station. It has been a go-to spot for fans of alternative electronic music since the 1990s.
In the south is Magazzini Generali, an industrial-style venue hosting big-name international DJs and nights from techno to drum & bass.
Check out the best deals for your dates at the most awesome hotels and places to stay in Milan.
Final thoughts on the best nightlife in Italy
So what city has the best nightlife in Italy? What is the biggest party city in Italy? If you’re looking for an all-rounder in terms of sightseeing spots during the day and lively parties at night, Rome is your city. It truly has everything, from chic bars to cool nightclubs, plus all that incredible history and culture to discover.
However, if you’re all about the nightlife and you prefer to just sleep or chill out on a beach during the day, check out Rimini. This place has a party every night of the week over the summer. The only challenge is you’ll be having so much fun you won’t want to leave!
In Italy, when you’re done showing off your best moves on the dancefloor, you can grab some early morning munchies from the nearest takeaway van. But you may not find cheap greasy kebabs or burgers and chips on sale here. Instead you can buy freshly-prepared panini with gooey mozzarella and fragrant basil to fill your stomach. This is Italy after all.
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