25 Places To Party Before You Die
We have talked about bucket lists and things to go see and do before you die. Now, online travel magazine, Matador Network, has published 101 Places to Get F—– Up Before You Die.
We thought we would share 25 with you. Funny thing, NFDA has had a convention in a few of these cities! Coincidence?
How many of these cities have you been to?
Austin, Texas, U.S.A.
Known for its young population and unofficial slogan “Keep Austin Weird,” Austin is a diverse mix of college students, musicians, tech, and business people.
For those who want to party in this Texas town, Matador editors say to “Start at Sixth Street, at the far eastern end of the street, and work your way west, drinking in as many places as you can and seeing how far you make it.”
Barcelona, Spain
REUTERS/Albert Gea
Filled with gorgeous beaches and teeming with nightlife, Barcelona even has a bar that’s dedicated to producing hundreds of different types of shots for only 2 euros.
As Matador’s writer Sarah Briggs put it, “Throughout the year, multi-generational party-seekers travel to Barcelona or BCN as cool people abbreviate it, many remaining to embrace the Mediterranean and the opportunity to nap on a daily basis without tan lines or scorn.” Enough said.
Berlin, Germany
Matador writer Josh Heller says of Berlin: “Everyone has their own version of where to go totally bonkers in Berlin, and each one of these prescriptions is 100% right.”
And clubs never seem to close, either. “No matter how early you arrive in town, you’ll hear the thumping bassline of a familiar track,” Heller says. “You’ll soon realize that it’s 8:00 A.M. and they’re playing an extended remix of the theme song from Ferris Bueller. This is Berlin.”
Black Rock City, Nevada, U.S.A.
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Everyone knows about the craziness that is Burning Man in Black Rock City, Nevada. The tents, the costumes, and the drugs are now a part of popular culture.
As Matador editor Josh Johnson writes, “This is the type of scene you could parachute into stark naked and singing the Star Spangled Banner, and upon landing you would be absorbed by the great 50,000-person organism — clothed, fed, and imbibed before your ’chute touched the desert ground.”
Bucharest, Romania
This capital city is easy to get to from all parts of Europe, and has an incredible history with phenomenal architecture and museums. It was once even known as “Little Paris.”
What else will you find in Bucharest? Matador editors say: “Meet liquored-up punks and follow them to the old Lipscani neighborhood, once a center of Middle Ages trade, left derelict by the Communists, now in the process of good old Brooklyn or LA style gentrification.” Whoa.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
According to Matador, “Buenos Aires (and most of Argentina in general) has a culture where socializing comes first.”
That means parties, and lots of them. “Parties are de la familia, meaning if there’s a big celebration, kids are part of it, and bedtimes are out the window,” the travel magazine adds. “Thus kids grow up with a partying stamina that you’re liable to hurt yourself if you try to keep up. Ease into it.”
Chișinău, Moldova
According to the World Health Organization, Moldova is the drunkest nation on earth, consuming an average of 18.2 liters of booze per person per year.
Though a little off the beaten track, if you happen to be anywhere between Bucharest and Odessa, drop in to Chișinău and try some Moldovian liquor.
Dublin, Ireland
Where else are you going to go for St. Patrick’s Day besides Dublin? With parades, pubs, and plenty of pride, there’s nowhere better to celebrate the Irish holiday.
As Matador writer Pietro Buzzanca wrote, “If there were a school to learn how to get f-ed up, the headmaster would be Irish. The average Irishman can drink up to two six-packs of Dutch Gold on a quiet Tuesday night while staying in watching a movie, just for the exercise.”
Goa, India
According to Matador, Goa has amazing beaches and combines old-school India with blowout EDM parties with DJs, dancing, and lights.
Matador writer Robert Hirschfield also added that “there are spiritual beaches, and ghosts.” Whatever that means.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
One Matador editor said of Halifax, “I love places that completely subvert people’s expectations.”
You wouldn’t guess it, but Halifax is actually an insane surf town. “You can fly in and be surfing within two hours, and during certain times of year there are tidal bores to paddle/surf,” Matador editors said. Plus, thanks to the major universities in the city, the population skews young and boisterous.
Ibiza, Spain
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Those hitting up Ibiza should forget they ever had a boyfriend or girlfriend. The Mediterranean city is known for its raucous nightlife in Ibiza Town on the southern shore and Sant Antoni to the West.
As Matador writer Larissa Coleman said, “In the 1950s, hippies were drawn to Ibiza’s postcard beaches. The rich and famous followed suit. Now, every flip-flop clad backpacker can be spotted shuffling to house music in Space.”
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City has a ton of awesome things for tourists, be it the amazing and varied cuisines or massive amounts of shopping.
Plus, according to Matador editors, “Mexico City has more than 20 million people and almost as many cantinas. If you’re doing it right, you’ll find yourself suddenly singing corridas with the locals.”
Munich, Germany
Getty Images / Alexandra Beier
Celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich is essentially a no-brainer. The 16-day festival attracts more than 6 million people from around the world and has some of the best beer and German food.
Writing for Matador, journalist Jessica Peter puts it this way: “Guys in little leather shorts and girls with healthy racks squeezed into corseted dresses. Start practicing now: Ein Maß bitte.”
New Orleans, Lousiana, U.S.A.
New Orleans is known for it’s nightlife, but especially when it comes to Mardi Gras.
“People may just associate Mardi Gras with titty flashing for beads, but there are all kinds of cultural layers, such as the Mardi Gras Indians,” Matador editors wrote. “Stretching back to at least the mid 1800s, the ‘Indians’ of Mardi Gras pay tribute to Native Americans who helped African Slaves escape the bayou to freedom.”
If you can’t make if for Mardi Gras, just make it down to New Orleans whenever.
New York City, New York, U.S.A.
It’s only fitting that the city that never sleeps gets a spot on this list. Whether you’re into the “models and bottles” scene or EDM and house music, there’s always a spot for New Yorkers to party.
According to one Matador editor, “Every time I’m there, I feel simultaneously happy I don’t live there but envious of people who do.”
Phuket, Thailand
Millions of tourists (especially backpackers) travel to Phuket, an island in Thailand with views of the Andaman Sea and off-beat beaches.
Matador editors say to “make the most of Phuket, but after your logic reaches a point where you’re like, ‘If I just rent a beach chair, someone will bring me a coconut to wash down my Vicodin,’ it’s time to leave.”
Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina
The Quebrada de Humahuaca is a valley in the northern province of Jujuy, Argentina, whose population stretches back 10,000 years.
Because of it’s history, native Andean traditions have mixed over time with Christianity, which has in turn created the Carnaval Humahuaqueña. Matador editors say the Carnaval is, “a celebration of Pachamama (mother Earth) and el Diablo! If you are here during Carnaval, you’re simply in the mix; there’s no sidelines.”
Raglan, New Zealand
Raglan may seem just like a small pastoral town, but as Matador writer Evan Timpy says, there are plenty of “musicians, photographers, environmentalists, and free-thinking itinerants to get wasted with.”
Plus, Raglan is one of the few places in the world that has same-day access to snow and surf, with the largest ski area in New Zealand and world-class surf breaks.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia is one of the largest salt flats in the world, not to mention one of the most surreal destinations on earth.
Plus, according to Matador editors, “There’s a tradition among travelers to take tequila.” Alcohol plus crazy landscapes equals fun for everyone.
San Francisco, California, U.S.A.
San Francisco has become one of the best places to party in the country, thanks to tech startups, electronic music, and festival culture.
Matador editors say, “it seems like you only get how it’s a treasure chest at the bottom of the sea if you really spend time there. ”
Tel Aviv, Israel
When you think of Israel, you may think of beaches, Jerusalem, and the Palestinian conflict. Partying doesn’t usually come to mind.
But Matador editors insist that couldn’t be further from the truth. “As soon as you get there, you realize how much of a spirit of carpe diem rules the culture. Kids in Tel Aviv are extended a level of freedom far beyond mainstream society in the U.S.”
Tokyo, Japan
When it comes to nightlife, Tokyo becomes one of the craziest cities in the world with its neon lights, jam-packed clubs, and the more risqué “sex shows” and massage parlors.
Matador editors said: “You don’t just bring your karaoke A-game to Tokyo, but your willingness to dwell in a futuristic world where the referents include horse sashimi, ninja-themed bars, maid outfits.” Sounds awesome.
Utila, Honduras
On the more low-key side for partying, Utila, Honduras is mostly frequented by divers and backpackers. The town is known for its amazing ocean life (including whale sharks) and kayaking.
Matador editors said: “Utila, Honduras is basically the epicenter for dive instructors around the world, but the town is still totally chill, not yet blown out.” After a dive, kick back and drink with the locals before going out dancing.
Valparaiso, Chile
Matador Network describes Valparaiso as “a crazily steep port town that feels vaguely Dr. Seuss-like.”
The views are gorgeous and the homes and bars extremely colorful. Plus, they drink in a very particular way: “A mixed drink here is five to twelve ounces of liquor poured into a glass and served with a bottle of soda. Mix as you like.”
Whistler, Canada
This Canadian resort town is equally known for pampering spa services and awesome skiing and snowboarding. It’s also known for throwing some epic parties.
Matador editors wrote: “With the right snow conditions, Whistler is all time during the day, and then at night turns into a fucking hot mess of beautiful people with goggle tans and Volcom V-necks.” Sign us up.
