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Best festivals in Europe

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London
A Tapestry of History and Modernity
9.2
Compared with most European cities, this capital hosts festivals in almost every month. Notting Hill Carnival, held on the August bank holiday weekend, features Caribbean music, costumes and food on the streets. Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown include lion dances. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park runs before Christmas.
Highlights:
  • 🎖️ Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
  • 🎡 Ride the London Eye for sweeping Thames views
  • 👑 See the Crown Jewels inside the Tower of London
Amsterdam
Canals, culture and a vibrant spirit
9.3
This city in the western Netherlands is built around a ring of 17th century canals. On King's Day, held every year on 27 April, the streets and boats are full of people dressed in orange. Street markets and open air parties take place across the centre. Amsterdam Pride holds a canal boat parade in summer.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Explore Van Gogh Museum’s masterpieces up close
  • 🏠 Visit the Anne Frank House for a moving experience
  • 🚤 Cruise the scenic canals and pass under arched bridges
Venice
A floating city of romance and history
9.0
Unlike most festivals, many events in this canal city use boats and narrow lanes instead of wide streets. The Carnival in February is known for masks and costumes. The Venice Film Festival runs in late August and early September on the Lido. The Biennale shows art in odd years and architecture in even years.
Highlights:
  • 🎵 Stand in Piazza San Marco and listen to live musicians
  • ⛪ Marvel at St. Mark’s Basilica and its golden mosaics
  • 🛶 Glide through the canals on a romantic gondola ride
Valencia
Sunlit Shores and Rich Culture
8.2
Residents of this city spend months building huge sculptures of wood, cardboard and papier mâché for the Las Fallas festival. The figures are set on fire on the last night of the festival, around 19 March. Loud firework displays called mascletàs take place each day. UNESCO lists the festival as intangible cultural heritage.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Explore Valencia’s historic Old Town and Valencia Cathedral
  • 🏖️ Relax on the golden sands of Malvarrosa Beach
  • 🏙️ Admire futuristic architecture at the City of Arts and Sciences
Edinburgh
History, Culture and Festival Fever
8.3
Many main festivals take place in August, including the Fringe, the International Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a very large arts festival with comedy, theatre and music in venues across the city. Hogmanay street parties on 31 December are another highlight.
Highlights:
  • 🚶‍♀️ Walk the cobbled Royal Mile and shop local crafts
  • 🏰 Tour the historic Edinburgh Castle atop Castle Rock
  • 🌄 Climb Arthur’s Seat for sweeping city views
Munich
Bavarian capital of beer gardens and museums
8.7
The capital of Bavaria lies in southern Germany, just north of the Alps. Oktoberfest takes place on the Theresienwiese from late September to early October. Visitors drink beer in large tents, wear traditional clothes and ride fairground attractions. Christmas markets in December are a quieter alternative.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Climb St. Peter’s Church tower for city views
  • 🏰 Visit the grand Nymphenburg Palace and gardens
  • 🍺 Raise a stein at Oktoberfest in Theresienwiese
Zurich
A city of lakes, luxury and history
8.8
At the north end of Lake Zurich, this city has hills around it and views towards the Alps. The Street Parade is a large techno music parade held on a Saturday in August along the lake. In spring, people burn a snowman figure called the Böögg at the Sechseläuten festival.
Highlights:
  • 🚞 Ride the Polybahn funicular for panoramic city views
  • 🏘️ Wander through the medieval Old Town’s narrow alleys
  • 🛥️ Cruise across Lake Zurich and admire the Alpine backdrop
Seville
Andalusia's Heartbeat of History
8.5
As the capital of Andalusia, this city hosts two large festivals in spring. During Semana Santa, around 60 brotherhoods carry religious floats through the streets. The Feria de Abril usually takes place a couple of weeks after Easter. It has flamenco dresses, horse carriages and decorated tents.
Highlights:
  • 💃 Watch an authentic flamenco performance in a local tablao
  • 🌇 Climb La Giralda Tower for sweeping city views
  • 🏰 Marvel at the stunning Moorish architecture of the Alcázar Palace
Bruges
Medieval Charm and Chocolate Bliss
8.6
Trade in the Middle Ages made this city rich. Many old traditions have survived since then. A well known example is the Procession of the Holy Blood, held every year on Ascension Day. Hundreds of people in costume walk through the old streets. Christmas markets in the main squares are also popular.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Stroll across Markt Square and admire the colorful guildhouses
  • 🏰 Climb the Belfry Tower for panoramic city views
  • ⛵ Take a romantic canal cruise through Bruges’ medieval heart
Nice
Sun, Sea and Sophistication on the Riviera
8.2
Until it joined France in 1860, this Riviera city was part of the Savoy lands. Its Carnival has records going back to the 1200s and takes place in February. Parades of giant floats and the Battle of Flowers are the main events. Winters are mild, so a visit is pleasant.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pebble beaches of the French Riviera
  • 🏘️ Explore the colorful markets and narrow streets of Old Town
  • 🌅 Stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais at sunset
Cologne
Gothic cathedral, Roman ruins and Kölsch
8.4
With about one million residents, this is one of the largest cities in Germany. Its carnival is a major street festival in Europe. Costumed crowds gather in the old town from the Thursday before Lent. The Rose Monday parade is watched by hundreds of thousands of spectators. Floats throw sweets into the crowd.
Highlights:
  • 🍺 Taste authentic Kölsch beer in a traditional brewhouse
  • 🌇 Stroll along the Rhine River promenade at sunset
  • ⛪ Climb the Cologne Cathedral towers for panoramic Rhine views
Tromsø
Arctic Lights, Culture and Wild Beauty
7.7
Festivals are held at both ends of the dark and bright seasons in this Arctic city in northern Norway. In late January, the Northern Lights Festival has concerts in churches and halls. In June, the Midnight Sun Marathon is run under a sun that does not set.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Visit the Arctic Cathedral and admire its striking design
  • 🛳️ Take a fjord cruise and marvel at frozen landscapes
  • 🌌 Chase the Northern Lights across the Arctic night sky
Cannes
Glamour, Sun and French Riviera Charm
8.2
This glamorous resort city on the French Riviera has a long seafront promenade and sandy beaches. The Cannes Film Festival takes place each May at the Palais des Festivals and awards the Palme d'Or. Entry to most screenings is limited to industry guests. Visitors can still watch the red carpet arrivals from the street.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the golden sands of Plage de la Croisette
  • 🛥️ Stroll along La Croisette and spot luxury yachts
  • 🎥 Walk the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals
Pamplona
Beyond the Running of Bulls
7.4
Local pride is clearest in this old northern Spanish city during the San Fermín festival. From 6 to 14 July people dress in white with red scarves. The encierro, the running of the bulls, takes place each morning along a short route through the old streets.
Highlights:
  • 🎉 Experience the lively atmosphere of Plaza del Castillo
  • ⛪ Visit Gothic Catedral de Santa María la Real
  • 🏰 Walk the ancient walls of Casco Antiguo
Glastonbury
Mystic abbey shadows, festival spirit alive
8.7
A rest year every few years is a tradition of the Glastonbury Festival. It is held on a working farm in Pilton near this Somerset town. Many stages host music acts. Circus, theatre and healing fields add variety. In town, the Tor hill and abbey ruins can be visited year round.
Highlights:
  • 🛡️ Discover legend of King Arthur at Camelot attraction
  • 🎶 Attend the iconic Glastonbury Festival music extravaganza
  • ⛰️ Explore ancient Glastonbury Tor cliffside ruins
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