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When it comes to experiencing memorable concerts and performances in Europe, you are spoiled for choice.

Europe is like a chocolate box brimming over with artsy flavors. Venues in every city and town showcase a wide range of musical styles, from classical to traditional to rock.

In addition to music concerts, you’ll find plenty of theater and dance performances, along with festivals and special events.

Some of my fondest memories are of performances we stumbled across, often as a result of chatting with local artists and fellow travelers, noticing posters and flyers, and checking out “What’s On” pages on local websites.

In this post, I present my favorite venues and performances in seventeen European cities: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Cologne, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Leipzig, Lisbon, London, Paris, Rome, Salzburg, Seville, Stratford-upon-Avon, Venice, Verona, and Vienna.

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Overview – Planning Ahead

While I’m always open to serendipity when it comes to choosing performances and concerts, I also believe in planning ahead.

As soon as you know the dates of your trip, go online and search for concerts, performances, festivals and other live events that will be on while you’re traveling.

A search for “musicals in London”, “classical concerts in Paris”, or “dance performances, Seville” should yield good results.

You can also use generic searches such as “what’s on in Berlin” or “concerts in Vienna” and then narrow down the choices to focus on the music genres that interest you.

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Amsterdam: Concertgebouw

One of Europe’s most beautiful concert halls is Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, located across from the Museumplein. Free lunchtime concerts are held on Wednesdays in the small concert hall adjacent to the main hall.

On a recent visit to Amsterdam, we enjoyed a lively performance by two vibraphonists. Check the website to find out what’s on while you’re in Amsterdam.

You’ll join locals and very few other tourists for a marvelous (and free!) musical experience.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Here are two recommended places to stay in Amsterdam.

Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American: Located within walking distance of the Concertgebouw and close to where you can hop onto a canal cruise, it’s stylish, comfortable, and an excellent value in this expensive city.

Mokum Suites overlooking the Herengracht canal and near the Rembrandtplein is one of my favorite places to stay in Amsterdam. From your suite, watch the canal boats slide past.

Here are more options for staying in Amsterdam:

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Barcelona: Palau de la Música Catalana

If you’re going to Barcelona, hop online and see what’s on at the stunning Palau de la Música Catalana.

If you’re even remotely interested in what’s playing, get tickets! Attending a concert at the astonishingly exquisite Palau de la Música will quite simply blow your mind!

I saw an Ópera y Flamenco performance there that transported me.

Built between 1905 and 1908 by the modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the Palau de la Música Catalana is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you can’t get tickets to a performance, you can still take a tour of the building. I recommend the experience. You’ll learn a lot, and enjoy sitting in the hall and gazing up at the incredible stained glass.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

Here are two of my recommended places to stay in Barcelona.

I loved staying at the Cram Hotel in the Eixample district for obvious reasons! I told the attendant that my last name was Cram, but unfortunately, I didn’t get a discount! Apparently “Cram” is the name of the owner’s son (Marc), spelled backwards. This is a lovely hotel with a rooftop pool.

I also recommend the Casp 74 Apartments near the Eixample district. The apartment hotel includes kitchens and underground parking.

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Berlin: Berlin Philharmoniker

If you’re a classical music fan, check out what’s on at the impressive home of the Berlin Philharmonic (Berlin Philharmoniker).

The building itself is fabulous with wonderful acoustics and is worth touring even if you can’t see a concert there. I enjoyed an awe-inspiring performance of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring performed by the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin.

Check out the concert calendar and buy tickets from the Berlin Philharmoniker website.

Where to Stay in Berlin

HighPark Berlin am Potsdamer Platz: Centrally located not far from the Philharmonie, this place offers suites, studios and apartments.

Hotel Indigo Berlin – East Side Gallery: Stay in this well-located and stylish hotel.

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Cologne: Kölner Philharmonie

While we usually book tickets well in advance, we’re always open to attending concerts on the spur of the moment. One such memorable concert was at the Kölner Philharmonie, a magnificent concert hall a stone’s throw from Cologne’s famous cathedral and in the same complex as the wonderful Ludwig Museum.

We had just finished visiting the Romano-Germanic-Museum (a must-see!) and were walking past the Kölner Philharmonie when we noticed a poster for the evening’s concert.

The programme appealed to us and so we inquired at the box office about tickets. The very friendly, English-speaking attendant told us that tickets were available and at a price we considered incredibly reasonable compared to what we were accustomed to paying in Vancouver.

Two hours later, we took our seats in one of the most dazzling modern concert halls I’d ever been in. Built in 1986, the Kölner Philharmonie is constructed like an amphitheatre and provides near-perfect acoustics.

Even the size and padding of the seats have been designed to ensure constant acoustics regardless of whether or not the seat is occupied.

Check the Kölner Philharmonie website to see what’s on.

Where to Stay in Cologne

Select one of the hotels overlooking the Rhine and within walking distance of the cathedral and the concert hall. I recommend the Hotel Drei Kronen.

Here are more options in Cologne:

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Copenhagen: DR Koncerthuset

Copenhagen’s DR Koncerthuset is an ultra-modern, acoustically stunning concert hall a short metro ride from the city center.

If you’re visiting Copenhagen and love classical music, check the DR Koncerthuset website as soon as you know your travel dates and purchase tickets. The site is available in both Danish and English.

We had perfect seats close to the front and in line with the piano keyboard (always a priority for me!). The concert included a Rachmaninoff concerto that knocked our socks off. The hall itself is worth the visit on its own.

Royal Danish Opera House

Copenhagen’s Opera House (Operaen) sits directly across the harbor from the Royal Palace and is one of the most architecturally striking opera houses in Europe.

Designed by Henning Larsen and opened in 2005, it’s worth admiring from the outside even if you don’t catch a performance. Regrettably, the season hadn’t started when I was in Copenhagen.

Check the Royal Danish Opera website well in advance for the season program; tickets go quickly. The building is also visible from the harbor on a bike tour, which is a good way to appreciate the scale of it without committing to a full evening out.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is not Europe’s most budget-friendly city, but the Copenhagen Card helps offset costs. Check my Copenhagen accommodation guide for recommendations.

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Hamburg: Elbphilharmonie

In Hamburg, take in a performance at the ultra-modern Elbphilharmonie, one of the world’s most stunning concert halls.

I saw a classical concert here that was inspiring, not least because of the beauty of the venue itself. You’ll climb up, up, up (elevators are available) and enjoy stunning views over Hamburg before and after the concert.

Where to Stay in Hamburg

Here are two recommended hotels in Hamburg:

Radisson Blu Hotel Hamburg: I find the Radisson Blu hotels consistently good in Europe (I also recommend the one in Leipzig).

Hotel Wedina an der Alster: The room was small, but the breakfast area was spacious and the food excellent.

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Leipzig: Gewandhaus

Marvelous Leipzig is a must-visit for classical music lovers, particularly if you adore (as I do!) the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Read my post about our visit to the Bach Museum (I still swoon when I think of it!).

While in Leipzig, we attended a wonderful concert at the famed Gewandhaus where the young Clara Wieck (who became Clara Schumann and the inspiration for my second novel, A Woman of Note) debuted as a solo pianist in 1828.

Many other famous musicians have played at Gewandhaus so I was curious to attend a performance there.

The ultra-modern Gewandhaus concert hall is nothing like the venue Clara played in, and is, in fact, the third concert hall to bear the name Gewandhaus; the first was built in 1781, the second in 1884 (designed by famed architect Martin Gropius), and the current hall in 1981.

We snagged tickets to a solo piano concert of music by Mozart and Chopin. What a treat, and at less than $30 CAD per ticket probably the best value for a concert I’ve ever enjoyed.

At the interval, we thought the concert was over. The pianist had played for so long that we couldn’t imagine he’d be able to perform any longer. As we prepared to leave, a local woman came up to us and told us in careful English that it was only the break and that we needed to stay for the second half.

Gratefully, we returned to the concert hall to enjoy another ninety minutes of jaw-dropping music performed by the very hard-working pianist.

Check the Gewandhaus website to see what’s on.

Here are some tour options in Leipzig with GetYourGuide:

Where to Stay in Leipzig

Here are two recommendations for where to stay in Leipzig:

Radisson Blu Hotel Leipzig: This excellent modern hotel is right across the street from the Gewandhaus. Highly recommended.

StayCity Aparthotels Leipzig City Centre: Spacious suites; good location. I like the StayCity chain.

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Lisbon: Fado

When you’re visiting Lisbon, make time for a fado performance (or two). We favor the smaller clubs with intimate performances over the more touristy offerings.

Our favorite place for fado in Lisbon was Restaurante Canto do Camões on Travessa da Espera in the Bairro Alto. Sadly, Restaurante Canto do Camões is now closed permanently; however, you’ll find other small restaurants that feature fado in the Bairro Alto and the Alfama. Walk around and listen!

Another option is to book a fado performance. Here is an option with GetYourGuide:

You can also see fado performances in Porto and Coimbra. In Porto, we loved the performance at the Casa da Guitarra, which also included a glass of port. In Coimbra, fado is sung only by men.

We saw a performance by a troupe of men wearing traditional costumes at À Capella, a 14th-century chapel that included a bar and tapas with the live fado serenades.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

I suggest staying in the central Baixa area. From there, you can walk just about everywhere. I highly recommend Vincci Baixa. It’s stylish, with excellent service.

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London: Theater

The first thing I do after booking a trip to London is check out what’s playing in the West End and what’s on at the National Theater and the Globe.

I’ve enjoyed so many memorable performances in London, starting in the 1970s when I was a student at Reading University, a 40-minute train ride from the bright lights of the West End. In those days, performances in London were so reasonably priced that even a student could afford them!

Even today, I find that prices for musicals in the West End are far below what I’ve paid in New York.

Go to the London Theatre website, see what’s on and get tickets well in advance.

You can also take your chances and purchase last-minute tickets, often at a reduced rate. However, I don’t recommend doing this for a performance that you really want to see.

If you are flexible and open to seeing what’s playing, you could well get lucky. On a recent trip to London, I got a ticket for Mamma Mia on the day of the performance for just 40 GBP.

Before going to the theater, enjoy an early dinner at one of the many restaurants in the West End advertising pre-theatre menus.

And while planning your entertainment options in London, don’t forget to check out what’s on at venues such as the Albert Hall and the Barbican Centre.

Another option is the lunchtime and evening concerts at the achingly lovely St Martin-in-the-Fields near Trafalgar Square.

Here are more options for concerts in London:

Where to Stay in London

I visit London frequently, and these are two of my favorite places:

Park Plaza Victoria London Hotel: Located right across the street from Victoria Station, this hotel is a remarkably good deal for a modern, four-star hotel in the heart of London.

The Wilde ApartHotel just off the Strand is also a wonderful choice. I love its very central location within walking distance of Trafalgar Square and most of the West End theaters.

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Paris: Opera & Classical Music

We love going to concerts in Paris. Spectacular venues such as the Opéra Bastille, the Paris Philharmonie and Sainte-Chapelle enhance the musical experiences, and the quality of the performances is always first-rate. Here are just a few of the venues to check out, particularly if you love classical music.

Opéra Bastille

Seeing an opera in Paris is definitely a cool experience, and one that we hope to repeat. One of our most memorable opera experiences was seeing Götterdämmerung at the Opéra Bastille. Talk about mind-exploding!

The Opéra national de Paris presents operas at two venues: the ultra-chic and modern Opéra Bastille and the sumptuously decorated and historic Opéra Garnier. Check the website for the Opéra national de Paris.

Paris Philharmonie

The Philharmonie de Paris is just breathtaking! Located in Parc de la Villette in northeastern Paris, the Philharmonie is a complex of buildings that also house exhibition spaces and rehearsal rooms.

We attended a performance in the symphonic concert hall, a 2,400-seat über-modern venue designed by Jean Nouvel which opened in 2015. It was a stunning experience.

Check the website for upcoming performances and events.

Piano Concerts at Église Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre

Located just across the Seine from Notre-Dame Cathedral in the 5^th arrondissement, the Église Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre is one of the oldest churches in Paris.

Concerts featuring either solo piano or duos (e.g., violin and piano or cello and piano) are frequently held there—and are well worth attending. We’ve been to several. Tickets are reasonably priced, the venue is deliciously ancient and atmospheric, and the quality of the playing is first-rate.

Check the website for upcoming concerts and keep an eye out for posters in the area (that’s how we discovered what was on).

Sainte-Chapelle Concerts

Fancy spending an hour or two staring up at stunning stained glass supported by impossibly slender columns while listening to sublimely beautiful classical music? Then check out the website for Sainte-Chapelle’s concerts and purchase tickets for a performance. You won’t be disappointed!

We’ve enjoyed several concerts at Sainte-Chapelle and have always floated out on a wave of euphoria.

A favorite evening out is to enjoy the performance at 7 pm and then wander starry-eyed through the cobbled streets of Île de la Cité to Île Saint-Louis and dine at one of the many small bistros in the area. Artsy traveling doesn’t get much better!

Where to Stay in Paris

I favor hotels and apartments on the Left Bank in Paris. These are two of my favorites:

• Hôtel de L’Université: A boutique hotel in the heart of Saint-Germain, a bit removed from the crowds
• Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris: Steps from the Seine and Boulevard Saint-Michel; includes a kitchenette

Here are more options for staying in Paris:

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Rome: Opera and Classical Music

Rome has no shortage of small concert venues. I recommend Opera Lirica di Roma at the Palazzo Poli for an evening of classical music’s greatest hits and Auditorium Parco della Musica for a more varied classical music repertoire.

Palazzo Poli: Opera Lirica di Roma

The Great Opera Arias Concert by Opera Lirica di Roma takes place inside the Palazzo Poli, the grand building that forms the backdrop to the Trevi Fountain.

The hall is comfortable and spacious, a welcome contrast to the sweltering little churches where I’ve suffered through otherwise excellent concerts.

The program features a string quartet plus soprano and tenor, and the repertoire strikes a good balance between beloved arias and lesser-known gems.

The tenor’s Nessun dorma alone is worth the price of the ticket. Afterward, step onto the palazzo’s balcony for a bird’s-eye view of the Trevi Fountain at night, then wander off to dinner. It’s a quintessential Rome evening.

Book tickets in advance here.

Auditorium Parco della Musica

If you want to experience classical music in Rome the way Romans do, head to the Auditorium Parco della Musica, a massive complex designed by Renzo Piano located in the Flaminio district.

Three main halls — Sala Santa Cecilia, Sala Sinopoli, and Sala Petrassi — plus an outdoor amphitheater make it one of Europe’s most impressive music venues, and the home of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia.

The acoustics are world-class and the tickets are remarkably reasonable. Best of all, when Gregg and I attended several concerts there, we were pretty much the only tourists in the room.

This is where Romans come for serious music, and that alone makes it worth the trip across town. Check the Auditorium website for the program before you go.

Where to Stay in Rome

Here are some good options:

•  Sant’Angelo Apartments in the Jewish Ghetto area of Rome is very close to a lot of Roman ruins in addition to the Capitoline Museum and the Piazza Venezia. The apartment I rented was quite spacious and the location can’t be beat for exploring ancient Rome.
• Viam 6B located between the Spanish Steps and the Piazza Popolo, a very upscale and chichi part of Rome with lots of designer stores. The apartment was very modern and comfortable and features a beautiful outdoor terrace.
• Torre Capranica just around the corner from the Pantheon in a crowded but exciting part of Rome. This 14th century renovated tower is staffed by friendly people and includes an elevator.

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Salzburg: Concerts

Salzburg is Mozart’s birthplace and takes its musical heritage seriously. The city hosts the world-famous Salzburg Festival every summer, drawing top-tier performers from across the globe, but concerts take place year-round in some of Europe’s most atmospheric venues.

The main concert venue in Salzburg is the Großes Festspielhaus (Grand Festival Hall), which is the primary venue for the famous Salzburg Festival.

Several years ago, we attended a concert there and failed to take into account the formal dress code observed by the vast majority of patrons.

In our grubby tourist clothes (Gregg in shorts!) we did not fit in. Make sure you dress well when attending concerts in Salzburg. For more about Salzburg, see Visit Vienna & Salzburg: Best Tips for Artsy Sightseeing Options.

If you’re driving between Vienna and the west of Austria or crossing into Germany, Salzburg makes an essential overnight stop. Allow at least two days and book concert tickets well in advance.

Here’s an option on GetYourGuide for a Mozart concert at Mirabell Palace:

Where to Stay in Salzburg

Check the map below for places to stay in Salzburg:

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Seville: Flamenco

We’re firm fans of flamenco. See my post describing the flamenco performance we enjoyed during our first visit to Seville. There, you can see flamenco at several venues. I recommend two.

Flamenco Museum

From the website, purchase the combo ticket that includes the museum and a late afternoon flamenco performance that will leave you breathless.

Los Gallos

Situated in a charming little courtyard in the heart of Seville, Los Gallos is an intimate venue with world-class talent. Sip the sangria included in the ticket price and prepare to be blasted into the stratosphere.

Where to Stay in Seville

I recommend the Hotel Amadeus Sevilla deep in the old town in Seville. If you’re driving, park on the outskirts and take a taxi into the city.

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Stratford-upon-Avon: Theater

Every time I visit England, I try to squeeze in a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon to see a performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company. I have been fortunate to see many wondrous performances there including productions of Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet, both starring the incomparable David Tennant.

When I was a student at Reading University, two hours southeast of Stratford-upon-Avon, I frequently made the trek to see a performance. I was studying for a degree in English Literature so taking in as many Shakespeare productions as possible was almost mandatory.

You can also see Shakespeare productions at the Globe in London and the experience is highly recommended.

However, I must admit that I prefer the productions at Stratford-upon-Avon. The seating is more comfortable and the quality is top-notch.

I regard seeing a production by the Royal Shakespeare Company as the auditory equivalent of looking at high-quality cut crystal. Every word and gesture is crisp and perfect.

When you go up to Stratford-upon-Avon to slake your Shakespeare yen, you’ll also get the bonus of having time to wander the charming streets of Stratford.

Sure, it’s a bit touristy, but so what? I love touring Shakespeare’s birthplace, paying my respects at his grave in the church, and watching the swans glide by on the River Avon.

Visit the RSC’s website for details about upcoming productions in Stratford-upon-Avon and London. Here are some other options:

Where to Stay in Stratford-upon-Avon

I recommend the Pen and Parchment Inn. The location is convenient to the theater and the breakfast was first-rate.

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Venice: Vivaldi

On one visit to Venice, we were strolling through the quiet streets after dark when a young man dressed in 18^th-century garb and carrying a violin case hurried past. We caught up to him and asked if he was a musician. He told us he was on his way to play a concert of 17^th- and 18^th-century music in a church. Did we like music like that?

Is Vivaldi Venetian?

Yes!

We followed him to the church and half an hour later were sitting beneath a mural painted by Titian and listening to a selection of Venetian classical music favorites. Bliss! The orchestra was clad in 18^th-century garb and the performance was obviously aimed at tourists, but that didn’t affect the quality of the musicianship or the depth of our enjoyment.

After the concert, we floated out into a warm evening to find ourselves, moments later, at the edge of the Grand Canal. A barge filled with another group of musicians in period dress slid past, the music wafting through the balmy air like the rustling of silk stockings.

Magical!

In Venice, several venues feature classical music concerts. Check out the Music in Venice website for programs and dates.

Where to Stay in Venice

Here are two places I’ve stayed at in Venice.

San Teodoro Palace: This one-bedroom apartment is huge by Venice standards and located steps from the Rialto Bridge in a very lively and touristy area.

Ca’ Mirò: Settle into this two-floor apartment in a quiet area of Venice not far from the train station and become a temporary Venetian. It’s gorgeous.

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Verona: Opera

The Arena di Verona, the Roman amphitheatre in Verona, Italy, periodically presents operas to hundreds of fans who are mostly perched on the edge of very hard, very ancient Roman stone steps. We know because several years ago, we were such fans. To read about an evening that, for our family, has become synonymous with disaster, check out Meltdown in Verona.

Our experience aside, attending a performance at the Roman arena in Verona could be the magical experience we expected.

The detailed RM Europa Tickets website contains information about all the opera festivals in Europe in a given year. You’ll find opera festivals in almost all European countries, along with a detailed list of venues and their schedules, including the Arena di Verona.

Where to Stay in Verona

Check out Hotel Torcolo, located a few steps from the arena in the heart of the old town. 

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Vienna: Classical Concerts

You can’t walk two feet in Vienna’s Stephansplatz without tripping over a bewigged young person trying to sell you tickets to a performance of Strauss, Mozart, or both. Vienna has several venues featuring tourist-oriented shows designed to showcase the golden oldies of several of its most famous composers, particularly Johann Strauss.

The last time I visited Vienna, traveling solo, I attended a delightful string quartet concert at the gorgeous Sala Terrena, an intimate and heavily decorated venue in the center of the city.

Mozart allegedly lived in the building in which the Sala Terrena is housed when he first came to Vienna as a young man. While you wait for the concert to begin, feast your eyes on the riotous Baroque frescoes and look out especially for the leopard!

For more about my experience at the Sala Terrena concert, check out my post on Music in Vienna.

On the same trip to Vienna, I took the tram and then a bus out to Schloss Laudon (Water Palace) in the bucolic countryside surrounding Vienna to attend a concert that was part of the five-day Schloss Laudon festival.

I discovered the festival while planning my trip to Vienna and was very glad I managed to snag a ticket for a performance that featured an early Beethoven piano trio in the style of Haydn and a marvelous rendition of Tchaikovsky’s piano trio.

No visit to Vienna is complete for a classical music lover without at least walking past the Musikverein, and ideally attending a performance there.

Home to the Vienna Philharmonic, its Golden Hall is considered one of the finest concert halls in the world for acoustics. The annual New Year’s Concert broadcast from here reaches over a billion listeners globally. Tickets sell out fast so book well in advance, particularly for the Vienna Philharmonic’s own series.

Here is a music experience at Musikverein in Vienna on GetYourGuide:

Where to Stay in Vienna

Here are some hotels in the center of Vienna with +9 ratings on booking.com that offer good value:

• House of Ble: Close to the Kunsthistoriches and Natural History Museums; stylish and modern
• Apartment-Hotel an der Riemergasse: Located in a restored Art Nouveau building close to St. Stephen’s Cathedral

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Conclusion

Before you travel, check websites for venues and performance times and budget as much money as you can afford for live entertainment. You’ll be making memories that last a lifetime.

And be on the lookout for local folk performances that are often free, with some even encouraging participation. You’ll typically find these advertised in flyers and on posters.

Watch a flag-waving demonstration by young people dressed in medieval garb in Siena, dance the Sardana in front of Barcelona Cathedral along with hundreds of locals and tourists, watch a concert featuring ancient instruments in a tiny chapel in Les Baux de Provence, and more!

Keep your eyes and ears open; you never know what’s around the next corner.

Have you attended concerts while traveling in Europe? Share your experiences and recommendations in the Comments below. Here are more posts that feature information about concert-going in Europe:

• Opera in Rome at Palazzo Poli: Magic Meets Music
• A Music Lover’s Guide to Enjoying Vienna–The City of Music
• Amazing Artsy Sightseeing in Germany for the Independent Traveler
• What to See in Cologne & the Rhine Valley
• Best Tips for Visiting Beethoven House in Bonn