After publishing our Guide to New York City Nightlife we decided it was an opportune time to continue the series to other urban hot spots in Europe! Check out our picks of the best bars to visit in the EU!
Tonight Josephine
Tonight Josephine is one of “the sassiest bars in London”. Its ultra-pink decor and its neon light signs make it the perfect stop on a girls’ trip. They have 3 different branches in London – at Waterloo, Shoreditch and Clapham, ensuring that no matter where you are staying, there will be a Tonight Josephine’s near you. You may have seen on Instagram photos of influencers posing in front of “Well behaved women don’t make history”, and that quote can be found here! Each bar has its own events – bottomless brunches, a Burlesque brunch, “Hot Gossip Afternoon Tea”… Plenty of events allowing you to enjoy the bar and meet new people!
This is the perfect place for avid party goers who love to sip on cocktails! Their Afternoon Tea event offers bottomless porn star martinis for two hours, and you get to leave with a load of Tonight Josephine merchandise. On Fridays, the Waterloo bar holds a 5 to 9 event where you can bring your work wife for a free cocktail. This bar is a lot of fun!
Pink Mamma, Paris
Pink Mamma is an Italian bar and restaurant, part of the Big Mamma group, set in Pigalle in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. It is one of the best bars in Europe due to its Instagrammable setting and its delicious cuisine. Plus, on the top floor, there is a bar, surrounded by lush greenery, overlooking the neighborhood. It offers the classics, Spritz, Mojitos, but also unique cocktails that you won’t see anywhere else! With this restaurant’s Florence-inspired menu, of course there will be Italian wines for you to discover. They even have some vintage Italian wines from old Tuscan hotel cellars.
Another reason to stop for a drink at Pink Mamma? Their artisanal beers are made by their teams – you just have to try them! One word of advice? Book a table! Pink Mamma is extremely popular amongst tourists and locals alike, and you could possibly find yourself queuing for hours if not!
Salmon Guru, Madrid
Salmon Guru is a vibrant cocktail bar in Madrid. It’s an eclectic bar with so many surprises up its sleeve. It is one of the best bars in Europe thanks to its extensive menu. Enjoy the Madrid nightlife at Salmon Guru, with a range of cocktails according to your personal preferences. They have all things sour, fruity cocktails, or a list of suggestions if you’re looking for a stronger drink. Their expertise is visible, and the result? Amazing cocktails that are almost too pretty to drink! Whilst you’re here, you can enjoy some beautifully presented dishes to accompany your equally incredible drinks! Try dishes from all over the world, from Brazilian cheese bread to roast octopus.
Here, there are no reservations, instead, they work with order of arrival and a waiting list – so make sure you get in there early to be sure to get in! Currently, there are only 6 people allowed per table, so bare this in mind before heading out.
Little Red Door, Paris
Little Red Door is in the Marais, in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris. Though it may look like an ordinary bar on the outside, the inside is truly spectacular, just like their choice of cocktails! It has been listed as one of the world’s best 50 bars for 7 years running, so this just had to be on our list! Their relaxed yet chic decor is the perfect place to spend an evening trying their variety of drinks and soaking in the Parisian atmosphere. Their mixologists are dedicated to their craft, and they will teach you everything you will want to know about the choice of ingredients.
Little Red Door does not take reservations, and though the line moves quite quickly, you will still need to queue. Getting a seat is not easy and you may find yourself standing up most of the night. This will not hinder your experience, and it is certainly worthy of its nominations!
Szimpla Kert, Budapest
Szimpla Kert is an alternative bar in the heart of Budapest. Its unique setting makes it one of the best bars in Europe. It is an old factory that has been renovated into a bar, providing a unique environment for your next event or night out. It is also one of the greenest bars, and is renowned for its farmers market on a Sunday. Get your hands on some locally-made produce such as cheese, honey, and fruit and vegetables. After going through the farmers market, stop off at the wine bar to try some Hungarian wines. Or, on your next night out in Budapest, try out their interesting selection of cocktails. If you’re feeling a bit hungry, then Szimpla also offers fast food such as burgers and quesadillas to halt your hunger. There are also Vegan-friendly meals for you to get those taste buds tingling!
Szimpla also has a shisha bar, perfect for partying or organizing your next event! There are a wide range of flavors and they offer healthy snacks for you to eat while you’re there.
Temple Bar, Dublin
Why is the Temple Bar so iconic? It is home to the largest whiskey collection in Ireland – you can even order online if you want a taste of Ireland back at home! Admittedly, nothing beats the real thing. They have over 450 kinds of whiskey for you to choose from – so you’re bound to find something that you will love. It is one of the best bars in Europe thanks to its cool and quirky setting. Its Bohemian and cool surroundings make it a must-see. They have bands play daily, which really adds to the atmosphere! Enjoy a cocktail, or a glass of whiskey while listening to local artists.
Though it is a popular tourist attraction and it is usually packed, you can still get a seat and enjoy their selection of cocktails and gourmet sandwiches before an afternoon of exploring the cosmopolitan city.
Baba Au Rum, Athens
Baba au Rum was nominated as one of the world’s best 50 bars, it is an iconic part of Athens’ nightlife. This bar was created over 10 years ago, and was one of the first of its kind in Athens. It’s all in the name – it’s most known for its rum. In fact, they have over 100 different kinds of rum! But that isn’t to say that they don’t create any other amazing beverages. They have concocted so many amazing cocktails for you to try, you’ll never taste anything quite like them. For the quality, the cocktails aren’t expensive, and the ambiance is magical. The bar has a vintage feel to it, giving it a little more edge than other bars you may see in the area.
Another bonus? It is a non-smoking bar, which is quite rare for Athens. And, you can leave with Baba au Rum merchandise to remind you of your stay!
Tjoget, Stockholm
Based in Hornstull in Stockholm, Tjoget has to be one of the best bars in Europe! It’s a contemporary concept bar that combines Middle Eastern roots with a touch of Southern Europe, making for some very creative concoctions. The cocktails are influenced by very different parts of the road, giving you a wide selection of choice. They also have a wine menu that changes weekly, so you can taste so many different varieties in a beautifully decorated space. And if you want to try something a little more Swedish, then taste their craft beers.
Where’s the Southern European influence? Their menu has a Mediterranean twist. You can sit down and eat a delicious meal while trying out the drinks menu!
Drink Kong, Rome
Drink Kong is a beautiful bar in the heart of Rome that provides a unique drinking experience. It is a futuristic take on a normal drinks menu, you will be excited to see what arrives at your table. It’s hip and trendy, and you’ll love the cool atmosphere. It has Japanese influences which explains its bold and graphic design inside, as well as its striking menus. Their expert mixologists will show you how they revolutionize the cocktail industry, and you’ll never want to go anywhere else in Rome again! The menu is mysterious, they mention the alcohol and the name of the cocktail, and the rest is up to the mixologist – it really is a journey of discovery.
It’s not just the cocktails that are dreamy and outstanding, but the food too! You can also have a private tasting session in the Omakase Room, the bartender will choose your drink.
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