Where to go?

My friend and I are planning to take a trip to somewhere in Europe next summer. We are both young single guys and would like to see some of the main cultural and historic sites, but we also like to party. We would like to meet some of the local ladies too, lol. We were thinking of somewhere in Eastern Europe like Budapest... I have been reading up on Budapest a little and it seems it is a very corrupt place and most of the nightclubs are brothels. I'm not interested in brothels and I don't want to go somewhere that would ultimately dissapoint. I've been to 9 different countries in Europe and Central America, so I am an experienced traveller, but my buddy has never been out of the US. I'd like him to have a good experience and get even more interested in travelling. So where would you recommend we go?

What about Barcelona and then a side trip to Ibiza?

Budapest is a stunning city. There is so much more than nightclubs and brothels. You don't go there for the nightlife, you go because it is a stunningly beautiful city with amazing baths, architecture and amazing people.

Yes there are dodgy nightclubs, but when you get there just ask some nice local people where to go out for the evening. A few years ago there were still plenty of "squat" bars and clubs. These were enterprising people who had taken over buildings abandoned after the fall of communism and have created great unique places to go out...however, property developers have been eating them up so get there quick before they all disappear.

Tom

Ohh and on the whole almost everywhere you go in Europe is as safe and as dangerous as anywhere in the US, and just as fun and friendly or visa versa. It just depends where you go and who you speak to. Just use common sense.

Don't believe all the hysteria about how dangerous places are and be positive and ENJOY!

What time of the year would be best to visit Budapest? Are there any festivals taking place during this time? What are the must see things in Budapest?