How far would you go – literally – to see your fave band or pop star? 2024 has seen the rise of Tour-ism, a trend where music fans travel to destinations further afield to catch live shows. No more spending all your hard-earned £££ on resale tickets for those London tour dates. Plus, it’s an excuse to finally book that city break you’ve had your eye on. So, whether you’re going for one-night-only or fancy making a weekend of it, here’s what else you can pack in to make the most of your gig trip.
Lisbon
If you were lucky enough to nab tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, then you’ll be touching down here in May. Lisbon’s got a good reputation for sunshine, and it’s perfectly placed near the coast, so you can mix sea and sand with sightseeing in your spare time. Grab a pastel del nata or get the bevs in around Rossio square, dance ‘til dawn in buzzy Bairro Alto – or if you’re tight on time, pack all the sites into one handy trip on a bright yellow tram.
Munich
Germany’s a real gem for great cities, and this Bavarian beaut’s no exception. Seeing Adele in August? Spend summer days strolling the streets, keeping your eyes peeled for the traditional beer halls, Baroque churches and Gothic buildings it’s famous for. But Munich’s definitely no concrete jungle – there’s plenty of green space to chill out in, and no trip to the home of Oktoberfest is complete without a crisp stein of the cold stuff in a beer garden.
Barcelona
The Jonas Brothers concert + a Barcelona break = every 2000s teenager dream-come-true. And when you’re not trying to get Nick to notice you, tick off all the tour guide classics – the obligatory Sagrada Familia selfie, flopping down on La Barceloneta Beach, roaming down Las Ramblas or watching the world go by as you sip sangria outside a tapas bar.
Copenhagen
What’s cooler than Copenhagen? Seeing Olivia Rodrigo in Copenhagen ofc. While you’re here, make time for Insta-worthy snaps next to colourful cafés and cute canal-side streets, or brush up on your Danish history at the many castles, palaces and museums. The city’s home to lots of little neighborhoods, too, so hop over to Vesterbro for grungy art galleries and nightclubs, or find your gig fit in Østerbro’s shops.
Cologne
This riverside stunner’s going to be painted pink in June because Nikki Minaj will be in town for her Pink Friday 2 Tour. Other must-things to see in Cologne include the mother of all cathedrals – a whopper of a building that looks extra pretty when it’s all lit up at night – and a wander down the old town’s cobbled streets. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the chocolate museum is a must – and yes, you do get to eat some.
Budapest
Budapest’s split in half, but it’s got double the personality, which makes total sense why Ed Sheeran booked it for his global Mathematics Tour. The Buda part brings the history with its hilltop castle, while Pest brings the vibes with its open-air ruin bars and lively club scene. And of course, you can’t come here without a dip in the city’s famous thermal baths.
Athens
Coldplay is playing Athens on their Spheres Tour, and the word ‘Sphere’ is Greek. Coincidence? Absolutely not. Get your Greek on with a trip up to the Acropolis that overlooks the historic centre, then it’s back down to visit ancient temples and museums. If you’re more of a modernist, the city’s also known for its jazz bars and contemporary art galleries.
If you fancy turning your gig into a getaway, check out all the cities we go to.
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Author: Daisy Colley
Last updated: 12/03/2024
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