Planning a trip around European festivals - any recommendations?

traveleuropefestivals

Krum_1995

Joined:
31.08.2021
Posts: 1467

Topic Starter

11.01.2025 10:40

I've been looking into different cultural festivals across Europe and I'm trying to plan my next big vacation around one of them. There are so many options like the Carnival of Venice or La Tomatina, but I'm worried about the crowds and the actual logistics of getting there. Has anyone here attended any of these major events? I'd love to hear some honest feedback on which ones are actually worth the hype versus the ones that are just overcrowded tourist traps.

13 replies in this topic

Maks_D

Joined:
15.10.2022
Posts: 2256

05.03.2025 17:50

Honestly, avoid La Tomatina. It's just an hour of being shoved in the mud and then you're done. Total tourist trap.

Kaya_J

Joined:
27.09.2021
Posts: 2247

25.03.2025 16:52

In reply to a previous post

I second that. I went to La Tomatina in 2019 and spent more time in line than actually throwing tomatoes. Not worth the hassle.

Znaesht

Joined:
30.11.2023
Posts: 865

13.07.2025 22:00

If you want something smaller but authentic, look into the smaller folk festivals in rural Romania or Bulgaria. Way less crowded and much more genuine.

Poli_H

Joined:
28.06.2025
Posts: 658

27.08.2025 22:24

Venice during Carnival is beautiful but absolutely suffocating. You can barely walk through the streets, let alone enjoy the costumes.

Znaesht

Joined:
14.08.2025
Posts: 1097

15.10.2025 06:51

In reply to a previous post

That's a fair point about Venice. If you go, stay on the island of Lido and take the boat in; it's much more manageable than staying in the main city center.

Igor_Tech

Joined:
10.10.2023
Posts: 1918

15.10.2025 17:42

Has anyone been to Up Helly Aa in Shetland? It’s on my bucket list but I’m curious about the weather logistics.

Denis_P

Joined:
12.06.2023
Posts: 1785

26.11.2025 15:52

In reply to a previous post

I went to Up Helly Aa! It's incredible, but be prepared for the wind. It’s not really a 'tourist trap' in the traditional sense, but accommodation books up years in advance.

Maya_L

Joined:
06.08.2021
Posts: 2247

30.11.2025 08:45

Octoberfest in Munich is a bucket list item for many, but be prepared for high prices and very drunk people. It's fun once, but definitely overrated.

bai_ivan

Joined:
14.08.2021
Posts: 936

07.12.2025 19:41

In reply to a previous post

I disagree about Octoberfest! If you go during the weekdays and sit in the smaller tents, it’s actually a great cultural experience.

Maks_D

Joined:
06.03.2024
Posts: 165

02.01.2026 13:44

Try the Edinburgh Fringe Festival instead. It’s huge, but because it’s spread out across the whole city, it never feels quite as claustrophobic as a single-site festival.

ObiknovenChovek

Joined:
11.05.2021
Posts: 1859

25.01.2026 03:33

In reply to a previous post

Good luck finding a room in Edinburgh during the Fringe, though! You'll need to book months ahead or pay a fortune.

Fabi_W

Joined:
02.05.2022
Posts: 25

05.02.2026 10:19

Whatever you choose, just make sure you book your transport early. The trains across Europe get insanely expensive if you leave it until the last minute.

Brayan_Z

Joined:
18.03.2023
Posts: 758

17.02.2026 11:59

In reply to a previous post

Thanks for the advice everyone! I think I'll skip La Tomatina and start looking into the Fringe instead.

Planning a trip around European festivals - any recommendations?

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