5 Reasons to go to Sziget Festival

The Sziget Festival in Budapest has skyrocketed to one of the biggest music and cultural events in Europe. Held in August each year it draws attendees from all over the world, with a record 565,000 visitors coming together in 2018. Since its inception in 1993, Sziget really has become a highlight of the festival calendar. Here are just some reasons to add it to yours.

The Sziget Experience

Sziget Festival is an experience like no other. Music rings out across the grounds from a stellar line up of massive artists across a range of genres, with an eclectic mix from hip hop to folk serenading the crowds. Over 1,000 shows are hosted during this seven-day event, with 60 stages welcoming some of the biggest names in the music business. People from all walks of life come together to celebrate the music and the atmosphere of Sziget, donning costumes or their favourite festival attire and throwing themselves into the good times. There are themed parties, workshops, games, sports, art installations, food stalls, and oh so much more!

Share Sziget with New Friends

Sziget brings festival goers from over 100 nations together to share the Sziget experience. Celebrate a fusion of music and culture in an uplifting environment and enjoy this incredible event with new-found friends. Taking a tour to Sziget Festival is a great way to get to know some kindred spirits before hitting the festival together. A tour not only provides a cohort of likeminded travellers, but also a safety network and a trip manager to take the reins – so you can just enjoy the show!

Budapest – the Home of Sziget

Sziget Festival is hosted on an island in the Danube with Budapest hugging the banks either size of the river. Óbuda Island is also affectionately termed the Island of Freedom and festival goers embrace the location, either staying on the island during the festival or heading into the heart of Budapest. Budapest is an incredible city rich with architecture, history, and a lively café scene. Explore its cobblestone streets, check out the church of St. Matthias, the Royal Palace and the Chain Bridge, and perhaps soak in the thermal baths to recover from your assault on Sziget.

The Hungarian Food

Budapest delivers with hearty soul warming food. Down some goulash and cabbage rolls, perhaps try a classic fisherman’s soup, or pick up some Langos at the market (you can’t say no to fried dough topped with your choice of deliciousness!). If you have any room left, finish off with a chimney cake covered in cinnamon with chocolate oozing from the warm dough. You’ll find places to satisfy your palate all over Budapest, and at Sziget Festival there are food stalls aplenty to sample the cuisine. One thing is for sure, you won’t go hungry in Hungary!

Explore More of Europe

Sziget Festival may be a highlight of your Europe tour, and as well as an incredible destination, Budapest is also a gateway to Europe’s best nearby. Spend some time next door in Austria being serenaded by the arts and music in Vienna, wander below the charming spires of Prague, and discover the street art scene and tumultuous history of Berlin. With so much to see, Sziget won’t be the only celebration of your time in Europe – but it will likely be your biggest!