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 and world-renowned DJs including Benny Benassi, MEDUZA, Sam Paganini and Joseph Capriati. 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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Quick overview of the best nightlife in Italy
- Rome: Ancient city meets modern beats with rooftop lounges and underground techno venues
- Rimini: Italian beachfront city transforms into a mini-Ibiza every summer with iconic superclubs
- Milan: Fashion meets nightlife in stylish canal districts and converted historical venues
- Florence: Renaissance charm by day, student energy by night in Santo Spirito squares
- Bologna: University city energy with authentic local scenes and floating dance floors
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.
Rome: The eternal city’s modern beat
Italy’s capital has an endless stream of bars and clubs catering to every taste, from underground techno venues to sophisticated rooftop lounges.
This is me posing by the Colosseum when we were sightseeing before the partying.
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.
Where to stay in Rome
The best nightlife areas in Rome include Testaccio and San Lorenzo, where ancient architecture meets modern beats.
If you’re looking for a hotel with a DJ, check out the superb W Rome – its W Lounge rooftop bar and open-air courtyard serve cocktails and upbeat vibes until the early hours of the morning.
For those on a budget, I recommend staying in a hostel like the fabulous YellowSquare Rome, near the main Termini train station. While organised bar crawls are discouraged in Rome, at this hostel you may find an Italian guide ready to introduce you and fellow guests 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.
Discover the best accommodation prices for your dates in Rome by exploring the map below:
Rimini: Italy’s clubbing capital
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 – we learned about the place thanks to a local tip.
Rimini’s world-class superclubs
Check out the fun local bars like the Carnaby Club or Coconuts, for drinks and dancing to kick off the night. Then you can take a disco bus to the nearby superclubs, which attract some of the world’s top DJs (your accommodation can usually organise this).
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!
This photo is of me in a hostel dorm getting ready in for a night out one summer in Rimini (it was so hot, my make-up was melting as soon as I put it on!). My friends and I had an awesome time so we stayed there way longer than planned.
Where to stay in Rimini for the party scene
Party hotels in Rimini include Hotel Morfeo, which is exclusively for guests under 35. It’s just two minutes’ walk from Rimini beach and five minutes from discos, bars and restaurants. Breakfast is served until a comfortable 12:30 every day in the summer.
Rimini’s party hostels give you 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.
Check out the best accommodation deals for your dates in Rimini by exploring the map below:
Milan: Where fashion meets nightlife
Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, brings style to its nightlife scene. I’ve been here for both work – organising a party for my company – and for play.
How to find the best nightlife in Milan
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.
Where to stay: Milan’s stylish nightlife districts
The Navigli district’s canal is pretty when it’s lit up at night (see photo above) and it has plenty of bars and restaurants. We enjoyed staying at the fabulous Art Hotel Navigli, on a quiet side street.
At Corso Como you’ll find Milan’s most exclusive clubs, lounge bars, boutiques and restaurants. The nearby Largo la Foppa is loved by locals for its more casual bars lining the street.
Check out the map below to find best places to stay in Milan for your dates:
Florence: Renaissance city after dark
Florence is known for its Renaissance art, but after dark, it comes alive. I’ve been here several times and I love how Tuscany’s capital perfectly balances historical charm with modern energy.
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 accommodation deals for your dates in Florence – check out the map below:
Bologna: University city energy
Bologna, Italy’s oldest university city, knows how to party. I went here with some friends and we had a wild time.
Bologna’s nightlife scene
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.’
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 feel.
Here’s me and my friends getting ready in our hotel room for a night out in Bologna.
Where to stay in Bologna for a fun vibe
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.
Discover the latest prices at the best hotels and places to stay in Bologna using the map below:
Essential resources to find the best nightlife in Italy
It’s always worth doing your homework to find the coolest events during your stay in Italy. I swear by Resident Advisor for its curated list of club nights, parties and electronic music festivals. Otherwise, Facebook Events is a great resource for authentic local DJ events that are usually under-the-radar for tourists. Filter by date and location and you may well find a great night out.
How to dress for Italian nightlife
Smart casual dress codes are common in Italian clubs. Think Italian chic – leave your sportswear and beachwear at the hotel. Men should wear stylish shoes, as sneakers are not allowed in more upscale venues. Jeans are fine – but without rips, holes or fraying – and pair them with a smart collared shirt or polo. For women, a dress or jeans and a nice top is perfect.
Budget tips for making the most of Italy’s nightlife
The aperitivo culture is your best friend for saving money. Hit up bars between 6-8pm when they serve free buffets with your drinks purchase. I always recommend having a few drinks at your accommodation before heading out, as club prices can be steep. If you’re a student, bring your ID everywhere because some venues give discounts.
For getting around safely at night, ride-sharing apps are more reliable than trying to flag down a taxi at 3am. The smartest move is booking accommodation right in the nightlife districts so you can stumble home without expensive transport costs.
Frequently asked questions about Italian nightlife
Where has the best nightlife in Italy?
Rimini takes the crown as Italy’s clubbing capital and wildest party destination during summer months, transforming into a mini-Ibiza with world-class superclubs like Cocoricò and Baia Imperiale. For year-round nightlife variety, Rome leads with everything from underground techno venues to sophisticated rooftop lounges. If you want pure party intensity, Rimini is unbeatable, but Rome wins for all-around nightlife diversity.
Where are the most clubs in Italy?
Rome has the highest concentration of nightlife venues, from intimate bars in Testaccio to massive clubs in EUR district. Milan follows closely with its fashion-forward scene in Navigli and Corso Como. However, Rimini packs the most impact per square kilometer during summer.
What time do clubs open and close in Italy?
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. Most Italian clubs stay open until 4-6am, especially on weekends. In Rimini’s superclubs, parties often continue until sunrise. Bars typically close around 2am, but the real party doesn’t start until after midnight anyway.
Is Italian nightlife expensive?
Costs vary significantly by city and venue type. Expect to pay €10-25 for club entry, €8-15 for cocktails, and €3-6 for beer. Rimini tends to be more affordable than Milan or Rome. A smart money-saving tip is to take advantage of aperitivo hours for free food with your drinks.
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.
Next up, discover the ultimate itinerary for 3 days in Sorrento, the gateway to Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
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