8 of the Best Music Venues in Europe

Ever wanted to travel abroad to see your favourite band? Or maybe you’re planning your next city break and want to see some live music during your trip? Music is a universal language, but every music venue has its own unique atmosphere. Here’s our pick of the 8 best music venues in Europe.

1. King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow

best music venues in Europe King Tut's Wah Wah Hut
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King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut has a reputation as a proving ground for up and coming artists. Oasis, Blur, Biffy Clyro, and Coldplay all cut their teeth in this intimate venue before becoming global stars. Check out the venue’s gig listings to see what’s on – and you can say you saw Britain’s next big band before they were cool.

 

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2. Szimpla, Budapest

best music venues in Europe Szimpla Kert
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Budapest’s most famous ruin pub, Szimpla, has garnered that reputation for a reason. They host farmers’ markets, record and music fairs, movie screenings, and art exhibitions but where Szimpla really comes into its own is live music. With punk, funk, folk, electro, and everything in between on show, no trip to Budapest is complete without a visit to Szimpla.

 

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3. Paradiso, Amsterdam

best music venues in Europe Paradiso
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Paradiso opened on March 30th 1968 with the goal of being an open place for creative talent. That sentiment still rings true today, with many emerging artists performing each week in one of the best music venues in Europe.

 

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4. Monarch, Berlin

best music venues in Europe Monarch
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Live music and Berlin go hand-in-hand, but instead of going to one of the popular venues there is no better way to discover the German capital’s music scene than in an underground venue. Monarch is one of the best music venues in Europe for electro and indie fans. Bands and DJs perform to a packed room for an unforgettable experience.

 

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5. Whelan’s, Dublin

best music venues in Europe Whelan's
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The home of live music in Dublin – almost all of Ireland’s music scene have performed on the Whelan’s stage at some point. There’s live music every night of the week, silent discos, top class indie DJs, and even stand-up comedy on Mondays if you’re looking for a laugh. Head to their website to see what’s on during your visit, and don’t forget to pop in for a pint of Guinness in Bourke’s before the gig!

 

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6. The 100 Club, London

best music venues in Europe The 100 Club
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Located on 100 Oxford Street, The 100 Club has been hosting live music in England’s capital since 1942. The biggest names in punk have graced the stage over the years, including Sex Pistols, Black Flag, and The Clash, to name a few. The Rolling Stones famously even played an unannounced show in The 100 Club, so you never know who might show up!

 

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7. Sidecar, Barcelona

best music venues in Europe Sidecar
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You’ll find Sidecar just off Las Ramblas in the centre of Barcelona. It’s open every night of the week and offers up a diverse music selection with everything from electro DJs, rock bands, and the odd karaoke night for good measure.

 

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8. Prinzenbar, Hamburg

best music venues in Europe Prinzenbar
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Decorated with crystal chandeliers and delicate stuccos, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were going to see an opera in this cosy club. But no, Prinzenbar is actually a revered techno and electronic music venue in the heart of St. Pauli. It used to be a cinema but now plays host to some of the most electric parties and concerts in Hamburg.

 

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That’s our list of our favourite music venues in Europe. Discover more musical things to do when you fly with Ryanair by reading our article about Europe’s most musical cities.

 

- Seán Walsh