The best festivals in Europe (and therefore very easy to combine with a city trip!)
We love to dance – preferably at a (summer) festival, with our toes in the sun. Of course, we have nothing to complain about when it comes to the range of festivals in the Netherlands, but that sun on our toes... that remains exciting. So we went looking for the best summer festivals in Europe. And precisely those festivals that can also be combined very well with a city trip. Our tickets have been bought, so hopefully we will see you there?
From July 10 to 12, you can indulge your pop/rock/indie heart in Bilbao, during bbk live. This festival takes place on the beautiful green hills of Mount Cobetas on the Spanish coast. Major artists such as Raye, Michael Kiwanuka, Pulp, Kylie Minogue and many more perform here. You can camp there (there is also a glamping), and for a 3-day festival the ticket prices are very reasonable – think: half of Lowlands, for example.
And while you're there: Bilbao is fun!
Gure Toki, Sorgínzulo and Cafe Bar Bilbao
Gure Toki, Sorgínzulo and Café Bar Bilbao
The perfect place for pintxos can be found in the heart of the city, at Plaza Nueva – definitely the happiest and most fun square in Bilbao. Here is Gure Toki our favorite: recognizable by the crowds (so not only our favorite!). Also duck around the corner to Gure Toki, because the neighbors of Sorginzulo can't miss. This pintxos café is hot on Gure Toki's heels when it comes to Bilbao favorites. The pastrami sandwich here is an absolute must.
Cafe Bar Bilbao, also on the square, has been a household name since 1911. The shop is impossible to miss: you can also find it on Plaza Nueva and the signs with bacalao pill-pill – cod fried in olive oil and garlic – smile at you from afar.
Don't linger too long; stroll through Casco Viejo and the Seven Streets (Seven Streets) is a black.
From June 19 to 21, Lisbon is the place to be. Of course it always is, but we'll give you another reason to travel to this favorite spot in Portugal. MEO Kalorama has 'only' had three editions, but is already a household name. We saw the Arctic Monkeys perform there once and for 2025 the Scissor Sisters, the Pet Shop Boys, FKA Twigs, Azealia Banks and many more on the line-up.
In any case, it is fun to experience a festival in another country – where things are just a little bit different than in the Netherlands. In Lisbon, for example, the program only starts towards the end of the afternoon. So plenty of time to explore the city before that.
So. Much. Fun (and. Tasty). In. Lisbon.
We have our list of hot spots just gave an update – check it out – but we’d like to highlight a few favorites:
- A morning or afternoon of wandering? Do that at LX Factory: Westerpark Amsterdam meets food market. Good restaurants, bars, often live music, nice boutiques - in short: top place to enjoy yourself before you go to the festival.
- Leonetta: best Italian in town. For a good base in a nice tent.
- Fauna & Flora: Breakfast and brunch are the place to be. Everything looks tiptop and tastes that way too. Think: fresh juices, good coffee and a salted caramel brownie what you say to.
- Enjoy wandering through the neighborhood Graça and settle down in the sun at Graça77 for a snack platter and a good glass of wine? Yes, of course.
Think Rock Werchter meets Glastonbury – but in Madrid: Mad Cool, from July 10 to 13.
Since 2016, the festival has become one of the most important in Spain, and every year the most popular rock, indie, pop and electronic acts take to the stage. Think: Kings of Leon, Gracie Abrams, Benson Boone, Alanis Morissette and many more cool ones.
Madrid = hot in summer? True. But don't worry: the festival doesn't start until the afternoon and goes on until the early hours. So it's perfectly doable.
Even – or also – in the middle of summer, Madrid is worth a visit. In the middle of the country, yes. And therefore no sea, no. But that does not mean that Madrid does not have a great heat plan. Certainly. Roof terraces with cooling sprinklers, swimming pools and – of course – refreshing drinks.
- The Social Hub Madrid: around the corner from Plaza de España and Gran Vía. Parties on the rooftop terrace, events in the coworking space, weekly drinks and a swimming pool on the roof for a well-deserved dip.
- Salmon Master: not for nothing in the top 50 best cocktail bars in the world. Here you get your cocktail served in a fish, bee, frog or cactus glass – you name it. And the flavors? As far as we're concerned, they get a big ten.
- La Vaquería Montañesa: first of all – what a handsome place. Sleek white interior, large black and white posters, great service and tasty food. Everything is great. Come on!
From 12 to 15 June, Mallorca will host the Mallorca Live Festival place. We are really looking forward to Massive Attack, but the rest of the line-up is also very good with a nice mix of pop, rock, indie and electronic music. So if you want something different than another day hanging on the beach (that is possible people!): go and dance for a day.
Staying in one place in Mallorca is simply a waste: you get the most out of the island by visiting at least the north, the west, the center and of course Palma de Mallorca. The list is long, here is a small selection our favorites.
- Santa Catalina: You can visit the center of Palma de Mallorca, but also visit the district Santa Catalina – this former fishing district is by far the nicest district of Palma in 2023. The most innovative catering concepts can be found here.
- Restaurant Brutus: this new Italian – a tavern to be precise – the restaurant can be found in Palma de Mallorca, in the El Terreno district.
- Café Parisien: This favourite is located in the east of bustling Mallorca. The café has a cosy and relaxed atmosphere, enhanced by the beautiful courtyard.
Much more Mallorca you can find here.
From 6 to 11 August, Sziget will take place again. One of the most famous festivals abroad and perhaps the best festival-city trip combination imaginable. The festival takes place in the middle of the city – on an island in the Danube. It only starts in the afternoon and lasts six days, so plenty of time to explore Budapest. And Budapest is a really cool city, with delicious (and affordable) restaurants.
- VAJ: handy if you want to get to the festival quickly - this is the place to be for a quick (but tasty) bite. This local bakery/cafe has many options of pastries and sandwiches.
- Mazel Tov: the tourist restaurant of the city – and we understand that. Behind the neglected facade and door lies a hip and cozy tent. Reservations at the inner garden of Mazel Tov are a must.
- Beerstro14: this is where you come for the tastiest steak (super tender) in Budapest. Not that they only have steaks mind you - there are also vegetarian options, chicken and fish on the menu.
Much more Budapest you can find here.
