Going to a concert in Europe can be an amazing experience. The music scene in Europe is diverse, with concerts happening all over the continent. From small indie bands playing in local venues, to massive festivals attracting hundreds of thousands of people, Europe has it all when it comes to live music.
Buying tickets to concerts in Europe is similar to buying tickets elsewhere, but there are some differences to be aware of. The process varies depending on the size and popularity of the artist or festival. Planning ahead and understanding how ticketing works in Europe will ensure you get tickets to the shows you want to see.
Plan ahead
The key to getting concert tickets in Europe is planning ahead. Unlike smaller shows, tickets for major concerts and festivals sell out extremely quickly. As soon as dates are announced, you’ll want to figure out how to buy tickets when they go on sale.
Join any fan clubs or mailing lists for the artists you want to see. This will keep you updated on new tour dates and ticket sale information. Follow the social media accounts of festivals or venues as well. Turn on notifications so you don’t miss any announcements.
You’ll usually need to buy tickets right when they first go on sale to the general public. For very popular shows, tickets can sell out completely during pre-sales for fan club members or sponsors. Buying early is the best way to ensure you get tickets.
Watch out for pre-sales
As mentioned above, you often need to buy tickets in pre-sales to get the best seats for major concerts and festivals in Europe. There are usually pre-sale windows for fan club members, credit card holders, or spotify listeners.
To access pre-sales, you’ll need to sign up ahead of time for fan clubs or mailing lists. Having an account with a sponsoring credit card company or streaming service like Spotify will also allow you to buy tickets early.
Set reminders for yourself so you remember to check for pre-sales a few days before the general on-sale date. Jumping on tickets during the pre-sale period will give you the widest selection of seats before the best ones sell out.
Choose how you want to buy
There are a few different ways to buy concert tickets in Europe:
Online – Most venues, festivals, bands, and ticket vendors sell tickets on their official websites. Look for links to buy tickets on the event page. You’ll need to create an account and provide payment info.
Ticket agents – Large ticket agencies like Ticketmaster have websites where you can buy tickets for shows all over Europe. This is convenient for buying tickets to various events from different venues in one place.
In person – You may be able to buy tickets at the venue’s box office on the day of the show. There will likely be very limited options left though.
Resellers – Secondary ticket marketplaces like Stubhub let you buy tickets from other fans who can no longer attend. Prices are often higher than face value.
Buying directly from the source (venue, festival, or band) online is usually the best option to get face value tickets and ensure they are legitimate.
Watch out for ticket limits
When buying highly coveted tickets online, most vendors will impose ticket limits to allow more people to get some tickets.
There may be limits per customer for things like:
– Number of tickets you can buy
– Number of times you can access the ticket buying portal
– Specific day or time period you can buy tickets
Limits help prevent bots and scalpers from buying up all the tickets. Be sure to read the fine print so you know what limits apply when you go to purchase tickets. You may need to coordinate with friends to buy the maximum number of tickets for your group.
Allow enough time to buy tickets
On the day tickets go on sale, especially during pre-sales, websites can get very overloaded with traffic. It’s a good idea to log in ahead of time and keep refreshing the page leading up to the sale time. Expect delays and long virtual queues when the sale starts.
Set aside at least an hour to complete the ticket buying process. Have all your information and payment details entered ahead of time so you can checkout faster once you access tickets. Persistence and patience are key. Don’t give up if you don’t score tickets right away.
Understand ticket delivery options
When buying tickets online, you’ll need to choose how you want to receive them. Common ticket delivery options in Europe include:
– Mobile tickets – Tickets are sent to your smartphone that you can scan for entry. Convenient, but you must bring your phone.
– Print at home – You can print your tickets on your own printer. Be sure to bring high quality prints.
– Box office pickup – Your tickets will be held at the venue for you to pick up on the day of the event. You’ll need proof of ID.
– Express mail – Tickets are physically mailed to you. Only choose this with enough time before the event.
E-tickets and print at home options allow you immediate access to tickets without waiting for delivery. Choose mobile tickets if you don’t have access to a printer. Express mail can be risky if tickets get lost or delayed. Pick the option that works best for you.
Watch out for scams
As with any event, you need to be cautious of ticket scams. Fake ticket sellers may create convincing fake websites to trick eager fans. Some signs you may be getting scammed:
– Prices are much lower than normal
– Website looks unofficial or has grammatical errors
– Asked to complete payment transfer outside normal channels
– Seller insists you pay before receiving ticket proof
Only buy from official bands, venues, festivals, or trusted ticket agencies. Pay with a credit card when possible for added protection. Don’t pay directly via money transfer apps or cryptocurrency. Verify the legitimacy of any third party resellers.
Consider VIP or experience add-ons
For special concerts, you may want to consider upgraded ticket options. Things like:
– VIP or priority access for the best seats
– Pre-show receptions or parties
– Merchandise bundles
– Meet and greets with artists
– Soundcheck access
– Parking passes
– Hotel packages
These types of special packages sell out the fastest. They also tend to be the most expensive. Gauge your budget and how big a fan you are before splurging on VIP treatment.
Buy travel and accommodations
Once you secure concert tickets, it’s time to plan the rest of your trip. Book any needed flights, trains, rental cars, or other transportation to get you to the event. Reserve hotel rooms or Airbnbs in the host city as far in advance as possible. Popular areas book up months ahead for big concerts and festivals.
Ground transportation from the airport and to/from the venue each day is key. Research parking if driving or public transit options for the concert venue. Having all your travel arrangements sorted out well ahead of time allows you to focus on enjoying the experience.
Tips for buying concert tickets in Europe:
- Join fan clubs and mailing lists to get pre-sale ticket access
- Be ready online ahead of the start of ticket sales
- Understand ticket limits and restrictions
- Select mobile tickets for quick access
- Only buy from official sources
- Add on VIP options in advance if desired
- Book travel and lodging early
Planning ahead and being strategic gives you the best chance at getting tickets to see your favorite bands or festivals in Europe. With tickets in hand, you can look forward to an amazing concert experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best website for buying concert tickets in Europe?
There is no one overall best website. The best site will depend on the specific concert or festival. Always check the official event website and ticket sellers associated with the venue or band first. Major ticket retailers like Ticketmaster can be good for tickets to various shows.
Should I use a ticket reseller site?
Third party resellers like StubHub can be an option if shows are sold out, but prices are normally higher. Verify the tickets are legitimate and read all policies closely before purchasing. Buying directly from the source is best when possible.
How early should I buy concert tickets in Europe?
As soon as tickets go on pre-sale, if you have access. Otherwise, be ready to buy the moment tickets go on sale to the general public. For very popular shows, the best tickets sell out in minutes or hours. Buying early is a must.
Can I buy concert tickets at the venue?
In limited quantities, yes. There may be some tickets held back for purchase in person at the box office on the day of the show. However, the best tickets are usually sold early online. Don’t count on many (or any) tickets being available for purchase at the venue.
Are concert tickets cheaper in Europe?
Not necessarily. Bigger concerts and festivals in Europe can be similarly priced to large events in the US and other places. Smaller local shows at small venues may have cheaper tickets. Prices vary greatly depending on the type of concert.
Conclusion
Concert-going in Europe can be a life-changing experience with the incredible energy and musical talents on display. While buying tickets takes planning and effort, it’s well worth it to see your favorite artists live. Use pre-sales, buy early, avoid scams, and get your travel arranged to ensure you have an amazing concert experience in Europe.
