Best European cities for budget-friendly beer and vibrant nightlife?

Me and a group of friends are planning a backpacking trip across Europe for next summer, and our main priorities are finding cheap pints and an incredible party scene. We want to avoid overly expensive tourist traps like London or Paris, but we still want places with great clubs, pubs, and hostels. Where would you recommend we go that won't completely drain our student bank accounts?

Budapest is hands down the best place for you guys. Between the ruin bars like Szimpla Kert and the ridiculously cheap beer, it's a backpacker paradise. Hostels are super social too.

You definitely need to add Prague to your list. Pilsner is cheaper than water over there, and the nightlife is non-stop. If you are mapping out your trip, you might find some inspiration in this Ultimate 2-week Europe itinerary.

Krakow is another amazing and underrated option. The main square has endless underground pubs, and a pint of local beer will cost you like two bucks. Highly recommend checking it out.

Belgrade is wild if you want an intense party scene. The floating river clubs (splavovi) are legendary, and prices are still very budget-friendly compared to Western Europe.

Berlin is a bit pricier than it used to be, but it's still way cheaper than London or Paris. The club scene is unmatched anywhere else in the world, just be prepared for strict door policies.

Sofia in Bulgaria is super cheap. You can easily get a great night out for under twenty bucks, beer flows endlessly, and the hostel culture there is really tight-knit.

Riga, Latvia is another hidden gem for students. Great architecture, incredible nightlife, and the beer is dirt cheap. Plus it's super walkable for backpackers.

Make sure you hit up Bucharest. The Old Town is packed with clubs and pubs that stay open until dawn, and your student bank account will barely feel a dent.

If you want a mix of great nightlife and some coastal vibes later on, you should check out some guides, or even look into best beaches in Europe for a summer holiday if you decide to extend your trip south!