Want to plan a holiday while catching your favourite singer or band on tour? Here’s our guide to holiday destinations to catch a concert around the world. Many of those listed are multi-purpose arenas, so there’s also sporting events or other entertainment on offer. Some are stunning for their architecture alone!
Photo by: Gino Santa Maria/Fotolia
Czech Republic
The O2 arena in Prague can hold up to 18,000 spectators. It’s the second largest ice hockey arena in Europe so catch a game if you can.
The arena has hosted acts such as Rod Stewart, Elton John and Bryan Adams.
In 2017, you can catch the Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games show.
Austria
The Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna is Austria’s largest event centre. It was opened in 1958 where, for the first and only time, the Vienna Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestras played together. As they played, the Vienna State Opera Ballet took to the stage.
It has opened up to performances from the likes of Sting and Madonna. It hosted the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest, after controversial Conchita Wurst won in 2014.
Sweden
The second largest indoor arena in Sweden is home to Swedish Hockey League (SHL) club, the Malmo Redhawks.
The Malmo Arena has had Elton John, Bob Dylan and Cliff Richard grace it’s halls.
The Emporia shopping mall is situated next door. The 2 billion Swedish Krona construction of. Home to 200 shops, go shopping or grab some food before enjoying a performance.
Sweden is also the location of the largest hemispherical building on earth; the Ericsson Globe Arena. Although primarily used for ice hockey matches, the 2000 and 2016 Eurovision Song Contests have been held here. There’s also been shows such as Top Gear Live and the Ultimate Fighting Championships. Sounds from Andrea Bocelli, U2 and Cher have filled the building.
Be sure to take a ride with SkyView. It will treat you to a fantastic view of Stockholm from the very top of the arena.
Photo by: cittadinodelmondo/Fotolia
Portugal
The largest indoor arena in Portugal, the MEO Arena in Lisbon has welcomed a whole list of stars such as Simply Red, Meatloaf, Rick Astley, and Guns N’ Roses. It’s also hosted Futsal finals and World Wrestling Entertainment events.
Germany
Metallica was the first band to play at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin. Since then it’s caught acts such as Sting, The Beach Boys, and Iron Maiden. Live albums for Sting and Depeche Mode have been recorded here. You can also catch a variety of sports events such as ice hockey, basketball and handball matches.
France
Although no longer an operating concert space, the Pavillon de Paris, near the Porte de Pantin Metro stop, has had some truly iconic acts play under its roof. From Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd, and Black Sabbath, to David Bowie, ELO, and Blondie.
You can revel in live performances now at either the Le Zenith or the AccorHotels Arena.
If you prefer a full orchestra, visit the home of the Orchestre de Paris, the Philharmonie de Paris.
Spain
Translating as ‘St George’s Palace’, Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona is the eleventh largest indoor arena in the world, the third largest in Europe and the largest in Spain. It has hosted Olympic events.
The venue boasts an incredible history of performances from Janet Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, and AC/DC.
America
No guide to concert venues would be complete without mentioning Madison Square Garden. It’s the fourth busiest music arena in the world in terms of ticket sales (and the busiest outside the UK). It’s arguably the most popular music venue in America.
It’s used for a wide variety of entertainment performances and sporting events. There’s sure to be something to your taste!
Make your holiday even more memorable
Check the tour dates of your favourite singer or band and consider booking a holiday to an international destination the next time they tour. Booking a hire car will make sure you have easy transportation to the venues and can check other sights while there. You’ll have a memorable trip away for more than one reason!
Have you ever travelled abroad to see a performance? Let us know in the comments!
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Written by Jessica Juby.
