Top 10 Best Events in Europe to Look Forward to!

Greetings traveler! Are you an explorer looking for the best events in Europe? Look no further!

Europe is home to many incredible events and festivals that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. There’s something for everyone in Europe, from winter sun destinations to outdoor music concerts to art galleries and museums.

Europe is known for its rich culture, cuisine, nightlife, and history. During the summer, many European cities come alive with street performances, live music, and colorful markets. In wintertime, some cities offer snow-filled activities such as skiing or snowboarding while other European winter sun destinations offer warmer temperatures perfect for exploring local beaches or wandering through quaint towns and villages.

If you’re looking for grand spectacles of performances or art installations, look no further than the world-famous carnivals of Venice or Rio de Janeiro. For more traditional European celebrations, there is Oktoberfest in Germany which celebrates beer and feasting, and the Running of the Bulls in Spain, a daring event that dates back centuries. If you’d like to witness a more modern event, attend one of Europe’s numerous music festivals, such as Glastonbury in England or Tomorrowland in Belgium, where you can listen to all genres of music worldwide while celebrating alongside thousands of festival goers.

No matter what type of event interests you, Europe offers experiences like no other place on earth. So grab your passport and explore some of Europe’s best events! Remember to include a few days in one of the many European winter sun destinations when planning your next holiday!

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Table of Contents

Top 10 Best Events in Europe to Look Forward to!

Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany

Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany. Woman waiter with traditional costume holding beers

Munich’s Oktoberfest is one of Europe’s best events where you can join the party and experience German culture at its finest. The 16-day festival is held each year in September/October and offers a unique experience for everyone. Imagine being surrounded by delicious German dishes, ice-cold beer, traditional Bavarian music, and friendly locals gathering worldwide to celebrate this special event.

The atmosphere of Oktoberfest is one of merriment and joy; it truly feels like you’re part of a giant family! There are smiles, laughter, and singing everywhere you look as visitors participate in fun activities such as weaving flower crowns or playing carnival games. An abundance of stalls serving traditional dishes, such as tasty sausages or pretzels, add to the festive feel. All are welcome to enjoy dancing to oompah bands while sipping on beer steins – an iconic Bavarian tradition!

Oktoberfest has been running since 1810 and continues to be celebrated with great enthusiasm today. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience German culture in all its glory – so make sure you don’t miss it! From fantastic food to live entertainment, Oktoberfest is undoubtedly one of Europe’s best events that will leave lasting memories for all involved.

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La Tomatina Festival in Buñol, Spain

Bunol, Spain - August 28: Young people having fun on Tomatina festival in Bunol, August 28, 2013 in Spain

You haven’t experienced the best of Europe until you’ve attended the La Tomatina Festival in Buñol, Spain. This unique event is a celebration and will leave a lasting impression on all participating. To start, this festival requires a full-on tomato fight, where participants throw tomatoes at each other for thirty minutes! The pleasure continues after that as the streets are filled with tasty treats, music, and dancing. There is also an epic fireworks display that lights up the night sky.

Aside from all this fun, there is something much deeper that makes La Tomatina one of the greatest events in Europe – its cultural significance. La Tomatina has been celebrated since 1944 when it was first held in honor of a local saint by throwing fruits and vegetables. Today, it has evolved into a beloved tradition and symbolizes unity among Spaniards nationwide. Not only does it bring together people from Spain but also tourists from around the world.

The La Tomatina Festival is one of Europe’s best events and an experience. It offers traditional Spanish culture combined with thrilling activities such as tomato fights, festive treats, and musical performances followed by stunning fireworks displays. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in Europe – don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the La Tomatina Festival and be part of something magical!

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Ultra Europe, Split, Croatia

Ultra Europe in Split, Croatia, is one of the best events in Europe. Stunning venues and locations come to life with the sounds of some of the biggest names in EDM. With a backdrop of beautiful blue waters and breathtaking views, Ultra Europe creates a unique atmosphere that can’t be found anywhere else. It’s no wonder why Ultra Europe draws thousands of people from all around the world every year.

The festival offers more than just music: art installations, food stalls, and even daredevil acts are scattered throughout the event grounds, giving guests something truly special to experience. You’ll get lost in the crowd dancing away until sunrise or relax on one of their deck chairs and take it all in. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable night out or a weekend getaway with friends, Ultra Europe is sure to deliver.

Aside from its musical offerings, guests can access some of Croatia’s most captivating attractions, like Krka National Park and Diocletian’s Palace, which provide ample opportunities for exploration and adventure during this epic weekend. Plus, there are plenty of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants for those who want to explore beyond the event grounds.

Without question, Ultra Europe is one of the premier destinations for EDM fans seeking an unforgettable experience with unparalleled beauty and amazing music.

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Are you planning your travels? Here’re my top travel resources!

I’m a serial planner both in life and in travel – I have bucket lists, things to do, see, and everything. So, I always love when my life is sorted easily using tools and resources that would make my general planning a little smoother and easier. Therefore, in my many years of traveling the world, I’ve seen myself returning to these travel resources repeatedly. And here I am, sharing my tips to make your life easy and breezy so you can stress less, travel heaps, and focus on the fun part of travel!

Booking.com – I book all my hotels through this website and don’t honestly use anything else. They always have the best prices, in my opinion.
Airbnb – If I’m traveling long-term to one destination, I book my flats through Airbnb.
Skyscanner – The best place to find cheap flights on flexible dates. I use this a lot to score cheap flights within Europe!
SafetyWing – Always travel insured! Never leave your home country without one. It is worth the extra money, I promise you!
GetYourGuide – Hands-down, the best place to find cool and unique tours if you don’t feel like winging it, and go straight to a local expert. I use this a lot in new destinations to get acquainted with the area!
My Pretty Wild World Travel Diary (coming soon) – A book you can write down your travel plans, create itineraries, track down your budget, and dot down memories along the way! A handy book you can keep and read later to revisit memory lane.
Pretty Wild World Travel Planning Printables (coming soon) – Are you a nut like me when it comes to planning? Yes? Good. My travel planning resource in one zip file is an easy-to-use printable planner that comes with tips that helps you plan your travels during the planning stage, a pre-flight checklist, an itinerary planner, and so on.

Salzburg Festival in Austria

The Salzburg Festival in Austria is one of the best events in Europe, and you can see why. With a history spanning more than a century, it’s no surprise that this festival continues to captivate audiences from all across the continent. Each year, an eclectic mix of music, theatre, opera, and dance performances occurs in some of the most beautiful venues – from the Great Hall of Salzburg’s Residenz to the modern Stadttheater theater. The Salzburg Festival offers something for everyone, from world-famous orchestras and choirs to renowned singers and actors.

You may also be lucky enough to attend one of the many special events during the festival. Here you can enjoy local culinary delights and traditional Austrian dances like Jodler and Schuhplattler. The atmosphere at these events is always electric – with enthusiastic locals dressed in their finest clothes ready to show off their culture and heritage.

If classical music is more your thing, there are plenty of options, with Mozart’s famous works often performed at venues like Mozart Square or Mirabell Palace Gardens by renowned orchestras such as London Symphony Orchestra or Wiener Philharmoniker. For those looking for something little different, contemporary acts like Radiohead have also appeared at past festivals!

The Salzburg Festival truly has something for everyone – making it one of Europe’s most iconic summer events. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience full of artistic talent, delicious food, and friendly locals, attend this wonderful celebration!

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Top 6 Places to Visit in the Czech Republic

Tour de France

The Tour de France is one of the most spectacular events in Europe. Every year, cyclists worldwide compete on some of the toughest terrain imaginable. As a spectator, it’s amazing to watch the riders tackle tough inclines and winding descents with skill and courage. You can feel their determination as they push themselves further than ever before. The racers often battle through wind and rain, showing their true grit and strength as they strive for victory.

For those who enjoy cycling, it’s an incredible experience to join in on one of the stages. You get to see firsthand how hard it is to ride up steep climbs and how quickly you can feel fatigued after hours of tough pedaling. You greatly appreciate what these athletes put themselves through to reach the finish line first.

The Tour de France is not just a race; it’s an event that brings people together from all walks of life. There are cheering spectators on every street corner, encouraging their favorite riders and offering their support. It’s an inspiring atmosphere that brings out the best in everyone who participates or watches from home.

The Tour de France has become an iconic symbol of strength, resilience, and perseverance that stands out among other sporting events in Europe. It will bring joy and excitement each year, no matter what happens during the race itself — something that will forever be remembered by many people who are passionate about cycling.

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Vinterjazz, Denmark

VinterJazz, Denmark, is one of the best events in Europe for music lovers. It occurs annually in February and showcases the world’s best jazz musicians from many countries. It has been running since 1991 and is now an internationally acclaimed event with thousands coming to watch yearly.

This breathtaking event brings together a wide variety of Jazz performers, ranging from traditional to modern styles, making it an ideal opportunity to experience the diverse richness of this genre. From local acts to world-renowned superstars, VinterJazz offers something for everyone. It also allows fans to discover new artists that may not be widely known but are worth exploring.

The atmosphere at VinterJazz is unique and special; you can feel the energy radiating from each performance as you explore the range of artist venues throughout the city. The vibrant cityscape comes alive with street food, bars, nightlife, and art exhibitions, giving you a full cultural experience on top of your love for music.

VinterJazz is an incredible event that will leave you feeling inspired and energized after experiencing all it offers. Whether you’re a jazz fan or simply looking for an amazing cultural experience while visiting Denmark, VinterJazz is the place to be!

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Hold up! Have you thought about the importance of travel insurance?

Remember this: anything can happen. Travel is fun, but your health is more important; thus, I always, always, always recommend getting insured during the duration of your trip. I have benefitted from having one multiple times, and it has been covered for thousands of euros!

The latest one is not necessarily “health” related – it was during the peak of the unspeakable terrible C that consumed the world. I was living in Vietnam when I received an email from SafetyWing (my travel insurance) that if I want they’ll fly be back home to Finland as the world goes through a global emergency alert. I flew back fully covered, and dealing with SafetyWing was a breeze despite the roar of people in contact with them trying to get back home.

I can’t highly recommend them enough. Otherwise, I rarely get sick; hence I don’t always need to head to a hospital, but knowing that I have travel insurance makes me feel safe at the very least.

Read my post about why you should get travel insurance for more information. Otherwise, you can get a free quote from SafetyWing – they’re the best, in my opinion.

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Concurs de Castells de Tarragona, Spain

The Concurs de Castells de Tarragona, Spain, is one of the best events in Europe. A stunning spectacle of human ability and strength will take your breath away. Towering structures composed of daringly balanced humans form an awe-inspiring sight. The sheer physical skill required to construct such magnificent shapes makes it one of the most impressive spectacles on the continent.

This event has been running for centuries, with teams from all over Catalonia competing for various titles and prizes. But it’s not just about winning; each team puts weeks and months of practice into creating these miraculous towers, hoping to produce an indelible memory that will stay with spectators forever. During the event, hundreds of thousands of people descend on the streets to watch as the competitive spirit reaches its peak.

At this time, you can feel a palpable energy in the air as spectators cheer and support their favorites, raising hope and anticipation to fever-pitch levels. And when those castells are built successfully and reach up towards the sky, one cannot help but be taken by the beauty and complexity – whether you have seen them before or not. It is one of Europe’s most majestic events, which demands admiration and respect, proving what human collaboration can achieve when working together!

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Venice Carnival Italy

Characters in colorful costumes at the carnival in Venice

You have to experience the Venice Carnival in Italy at least once in your lifetime. It is one of the best events in Europe and will leave you with unforgettable memories. The entire city of Venice becomes alive with lights and bright colors as people come out to celebrate. People are dressed in their most beautiful costumes, painted masks, and interesting hats, further adding to the enchanted atmosphere.

The Carnival has been celebrated for centuries, so it is full of customs and traditions that make it unique from other festivities worldwide. There are parades on the water, concerts in squares and churches, outdoor banquets, and open-air theater performances every day. It’s a great opportunity for travelers to connect with the locals through dance, food, or simply observing the celebrations.

In addition to that, you must try some of the delicious Venetian delicacies while you’re there – like fegato alia Veneziana (liver sautéed with onions), risotto con gamberi e zucchine (risotto with shrimp and zucchini) and baccala mantecato (mashed cod). Don’t miss an opportunity to treat yourself to a ride on a traditional Venetian gondola – it’s an absolute must!

It is said that there’s no better way to experience Venice than during its carnival season. These combined experiences make this event one of the most captivating festivals in Europe – something you’ll never forget!

Stockholm Pride, Sweden

STOCKHOLM - AUG 2: Happy crowd waving rainbow flags during Stockholm Pride Parade at Hornsgatan. August 2, 2014 in Stockholm, Sweden.

The streets of Stockholm light up with colorful flags and banners, signaling that it’s time for the city’s annual Pride celebration. This event is one of Europe’s most inclusive and beloved festivals, drawing people from far and wide to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights and culture. From stunning parades to live music events, this week-long event is a joyous occasion.

One of the highlights of Stockholm Pride is its world-class entertainment lineup. The festival stages feature some of Europe’s best alternative music acts and popular DJs and drag queens. Plus, other events like film screenings and lectures help keep up the energy throughout the week.

Stockholm Pride also stands out for its commitment to creating a safe and inclusive space for everyone who attends. The event organizers work hard to ensure that everyone feels comfortable participating however they choose, without fear of judgment or discrimination. Additionally, they provide an array of social activities such as ice skating trips or talks on queer history – all so participants can have a truly unique experience while honoring their prideful identity at the same time.

All these factors make Stockholm Pride one of the most celebrated festivals in Europe – a place where diversity is celebrated not just within its community but around the entire continent too! Whether you’re looking for musical entertainment or educational activities or want to join the festivities, Stockholm Pride is an unforgettable experience that helps us remember why we should always fight for our rights.

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What are my favorite travel must-haves?

As a frequent traveler, I’ve learned a lot throughout my years of travel, and there are five items that I always carry with me regardless of where I go and how long the trip is. Here are my five travel must-haves!

Warm packable jacket – I always carry a light jacket, even when heading to warm countries. There hasn’t been a time I never used it, especially in airports and planes.
Transparent toiletry bag – I often bring a carry-on if I’m only traveling within Europe for a few days. Life is so much easier to go through security checks with a transparent toiletry bag.
Kindle Paperwhite – I love a good read and always take my Kindle everywhere. It keeps me entertained during long flights and waiting times.
Powerbank – I don’t know how I could travel without one! Having a power bank saved me a ton since I carry a lot of electronic devices with me.
Travel Adapter – I never leave my luggage without a travel adapter! I carry one with me all the time. It is just one of that travel-must haves that doesn’t hurt to have in your bag at all times.

St. Patrick’s Day, Ireland

Ah, St. Patrick’s Day! A day of celebration of all that is Irish. Ireland has much to offer, from the rolling hills and green pastures to the vibrant culture and rich history!

St. Patrick’s Day is one of Europe’s best events, highlighting what makes Ireland such a unique and beautiful place. Parades are full of vibrant colors, lively music, traditional Irish dancing, and plenty of delicious food. And don’t forget the iconic shamrock! This three-leaf clover symbolizes good luck and unity throughout the Emerald Isle.

The country comes alive for this special day, with festivities everywhere from Dublin to Belfast and beyond. It’s a chance for Irish people worldwide to celebrate their heritage. After all, every family has a story about leaving Ireland for faraway places in search of a better life.

But St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just about drinking and partying – it’s also about honoring Ireland’s culture, traditions, beliefs, artistry, and history by reflecting on past accomplishments and looking toward a brighter future. So why not take the time to discover what makes Ireland such an amazing place? Put your shamrock on proudly this St Patrick’s Day – you won’t be disappointed!

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Semana Santa, Spain

Photograph Taken During Easter in Avila, Spain

Semana Santa in Spain is one of the most spectacular events in Europe, and it’s easy to see why. This annual Easter celebration is awe-inspiring, with grand processions of monks carrying ornate floats through the streets. People from all walks gather to observe and celebrate this special event. The streets are filled with vibrant music and colors, creating a truly special atmosphere as people join together for the festivities.

The cultural significance behind Semana Santa is immense, highlighting a sense of faith that binds the nation together. It is also an opportunity for families to come together, share in the joyous festivities, and participate in traditional activities with loved ones. From playing traditional music, such as marching drums, to tasting local dishes like flamenquín (pork roll), this unforgettable celebration has something for everyone.

In addition to its spiritual significance, Semana Santa is also an incredible spectacle from an aesthetic perspective. Every float is adorned with intricate statues and sculptures intricately crafted by local artisans. Many works represent key characters from Jesus’ life story or depict important religious scenes. As you take in their beauty, you can’t help but feel a sense of wonderment at how vast and varied this event is!

Whether it’s your first time visiting Spain or you’ve been before, attending Semana Santa will surely be a unique experience that will stay with you forever. From its spiritual roots to its cultural symbolism, it’s clear why this event has become one of Europe’s best celebrations – and why it’s worth experiencing at least once in your lifetime!

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