9 Great Tips For Attending an Event While Traveling In Europe

Attending an event while traveling in Europe can be a reason why many folks go to Europe in the first place.

Perhaps it’s to attend a music festival like Glastonbury or a cultural festival like the Running of the Bulls.

It could be to experience natural phenomena such as the Northern Lights or a solar eclipse.

Some folks are even traveling to see some of their favorite bands and musicians in Europe. 

And some travelers, like me, are going to sporting events.

Traveling for concerts, festivals and special events — natural, sporting, cultural — is definitely a hot trend in travel right now. 

So what is the best way to plan for this type of travel?

In this post I want to offer up some tips so you are prepared.

Get your tickets first

Whatever event you plan to attend, be sure you have your tickets first.

If this is the reason you are going, then you should probably be 100% sure you have a ticket to the actual event if you need a ticket.

Obviously, if you are traveling to Europe for a natural phenomena or something that doesn’t require tickets, this doesn’t apply.

But for a concert or sporting event, you’ll want — and need — a ticket.

This is the first tip for attending an event while traveling in Europe.

Book accommodation as soon as possible

The second tip for attending an event while traveling in Europe is to book your hotel.

Once you know you are going to this event, my advice is to book that hotel or apartment or guesthouse ASAP.

Rooms will go fast if this is a major event.

Think Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain or Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany or Bastille Day (La Fête Nationale) in Paris, France.

Accommodation fills up quickly for these events, so book your room as soon as possible.

And….

Be prepared to pay more for EVERYTHING

Accommodation prices will be up as will prices for food, transportation (things like taxi or Über) and souvenirs.

So have some cushion in your budget so you can still enjoy yourself.

It’s unfortunate, but business owners will take advantage of a captive audience and will try to make a bit more money off of you.

Be ready for crowds

You aren’t the only one who has always wanted to attend The Fringe Festival in Edinburgh or Carnival in Venice.

So you need to be prepared for lots of people.

Lots of people in your hotel.

Lots of people out on the streets.

And loads of people in restaurants, cafes and pubs.

Of course, if you’re going for natural phenomena this may be different — unless you’re going for the solar eclipse.

But when it comes to something like the Northern Lights, it may not be as busy.

However, when it comes to those famous festivals and events, there are going to be a lot of people.

Which leads to…

Guard yourself and your belongings

I truly believe people are good — for the most part.

It’s something travel has taught me.

But there are some bad humans out there who want to take advantage of you.

So please be on alert.

Keep your belongings safe by using waist belts or bags with lots of zippers that are NOT easy to get into.

Don’t drink too much as you’ll make yourself a target for theft or worse.

I still want you to enjoy yourself so no need to be paranoid.

But just have your guard up — to some degree — so you stay safe as you have fun.

I really believe this is an important tip for attending an event while traveling in Europe because it gets you ready for what to expect and keeps you safe!

Know the itinerary/schedule

Are you attending a music festival with many acts?

Or a cultural event like the Palio in Siena?

It will be helpful to know the itinerary or schedule of events so you know what is going on where and when.

This way you can plan your time.

Or if you are attending an event like Oktoberfest or a Christmas market, you need to know the hours and how things work.

Do you need reservations for any part of the event?

Is there a good time to go?

Knowing the itinerary — if there is one — is good to know if you are attending an event while traveling in Europe.

And simply knowing how it all works is also good to know too!

Know how you will pay for things

So many venues have gone cashless since the pandemic.

Know what types of payments the food and drink vendors accept.

If it’s strictly cashless, then there’s no need to take cash — or at least not much.

It could be that some vendors will still take cash or only accept cash.

So you may need to have some cash with you.

I recommend always having a small amount of cash with you no matter where you are or what you are doing as you travel in Europe.

You just never know.

But knowing what types of payment is accepted at this festival or event will be very helpful.

You’d hate to be attending an event while traveling in Europe and go hungry or not be able to buy some amazing souvenirs!

Be respectful of local customs and laws

Some festivals and events may revolve around certain traditions and customs.

You may even be attending a religious event.

Be respectful of any customs.

And also know the laws of the region you are traveling in.

For instance, are you allowed to walk around with an open container (an alcoholic beverage)?

In some places you can.

And in others it’s not legal.

Know the laws and know the customs.

Then follow them and respect them.

This is definitely an important tip for attending an event while traveling in Europe.

Are there other tips for attending an event while traveling in Europe?

If you have some other suggestions or recommendations, drop them in the comments below.

I am sure I missed a few.

And … I’d love to hear ‘em!

Some of the best festivals and events in Europe

Fringe Festival — Edinburgh, Scotland

Glastonbury Music Festival — near Pilton, Somerset, England

Running with the Bulls — Pamplona, Spain

Oktoberfest — Munich, Germany

Bastille Day — Paris, France

Christmas Markets — various places throughout Europe with many in Germany and Austria

La Tomatina — Bunol, Spain (near Valencia)

Krampusnacht (night of Krampaus) — various locations in Austria and Germany as well as South Tyrol, Italy

Montreux Jazz Festival — Lake Geneva Switzerland

Cannes Film Festival — Cannes, France

Keukenhof Tulip Festival — Netherlands

Palio di Siena — Siena, Italy

Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) — Edinburgh, Scotland

Euros (soccer/football) — varies

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