Holidays in Europe: Top Eurovision Inspired Holidays

Not sure where to go on holiday in Europe this year? Why not take inspiration from Europe’s most popular music competition- the Eurovision song contest? The competition has brought tourism and fame to locations such as Estonia and Latvia and enriched the culture of Europe through music. Look through our list to pick your European holiday destination today.

Kiev, Ukraine
Thanks to the Xena: Warrior Princess stylings of 2004 winner Ruslana, Ukraine was the focus of the world for Eurovision 2005. May is the best time for a visit, as the warm Med winds see off the freezing winter.
Kiev is the scenic capital city. Make sure you take in the Cathedral of St Sophia, a footie match at Dynamo Kiev, and some lovely cheap Ukrainian plonk.

Istanbul, Turkey
Turkish superstar Sertab Erener took home the coveted Eurovision gong in 2003. Enjoy a traditional hammam, haggle at the city's intoxicating selection of bazaars and wonder at the architecture of Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.
Whether you're interested in nightlife, shopping, culture, cuisine, religion or romance, Istanbul should be able to service your needs.

For more fun things to do and see in Istanbul, check out our Guide to Holidays in Istanbul

Riga, Latvia
So, who honestly remembers the song that brought Latvia Eurovision glory in 2002? No-one? OK, well, you'll certainly find a place in your heart for Riga.
This Baltic city is famous for its medieval castles, lush river valleys and many music festivals. Soak up the sights in Riga Vec, the old town, with a plate of their local speciality, smoked fish.

Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is a beautiful, charming destination and the oldest capital city in Northern Europe. Explore the nearby islands like Hiiumaa, Saaremaa and Abruka, and take a tour of the bog lands - much more fun than it sounds.
Back in the town, there's culture aplenty from opera to techno, and narrow, winding streets to explore to your heart's content.

Copenhagen, Denmark
The dreadful Fly On The Wings Of Love brought Eurovision victory for Denmark in 2001. Its capital Copenhagen is considerably more pleasant.
There's a treasure trove of clubs, cars, cafes, museums, castles and churches to explore and if you're of a lazier disposition, take a boat trip down the Nyhavn canal to see the famous Little Mermaid sculpture.

Stockholm, Sweden
A truly beautiful capital city, Stockholm is built over 14 separate islands, which stop it from having a claustrophobic, crowded atmosphere prevalent in other bustling metropolis.
Gamla Stan, Stockholm's old town, is a charming muddle of mazes, arches and stairways. Try and keep up with the city's party crowd, who are often up until 5am at the clubs and bars around the Stureplan. But take plenty of money - it's not a cheap city.

For more information about Stockholm have a look at our Guide to Holidays in Stockholm

Jerusalem, Israel
Flamboyant transsexual Dana International stormed to Eurovision victory in 1999 with Viva La Diva, but you're unlikely to come across many like her on a trip to Jerusalem.
Exhilarating sights in the city include the Western (or Wailing) Wall, the Via Dolorosa (along which Jesus carried his cross to Calvary) and the Mount of Olives with its many churches and chapels. Local cuisine is delicious.

Birmingham, UK
Britain's last victorious Eurovision moment came in 1997, thanks to Katrina And The Waves. And Britain's second city has now shrugged off its gloomy, industrial, spaghetti-junction past to reinvent itself as a cool cosmopolitan centre.
With more canals than Venice and a thriving curry scene, local highlights include the Ikon Gallery, St Philip's Cathedral, Chamberlain Square and the now sexy Bullring.

Dublin, Ireland
The Eurovision ceremony has taken place on the banks of the River Liffey many times and the party atmosphere still reigns supreme in the Irish capital.
Temple Bar has a multitude of pubs, bars and restaurants to rival any European capital and away from the craic and the black stuff, Dublin is an intensely cultured city, celebrating the lives of literary giants such as James Joyce and Daniel Defoe.

Oslo, Norway
Few capital cities in the world are as clean and green as Oslo. Situated next to the water, it is surrounded by the kind of Alpine greenery that makes one think of efficient shampoos.
Its centre is compact and walkable and the transport system excellent. After a day exploring the castle, fortress and museums, Oslo's bars and clubs make for an invigorating nightlife.

For somewhere more exotic use our holiday finder form.

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