City music festivals to hit this summer

By Carmen Recavarren
Posted on 22 April 2016

The allure of city music festivals is that they're just a short hop from buzzing nightlife and star attractions. Make the most of your experience by staying in a cheap hostel where you'll find great-value rooms and a central location, not to mention plenty of fellow music fans to party with. Book your festival tickets early, as demand around festival season will be high…

 

Primavera Sound

Hostels - Primavera Sound

Where: Barcelona, Spain  

When: Early June

This popular, long-running music festival always has a stellar line-up, with around 150 acts on the bill. At time of writing the 2016 line-up features Radiohead, LCD Soundsystem, PJ Harvey, Tame Impala, The Last Shadow Puppets, Brian Wilson, Suede, Sigur Rós and Air – a roster that would keep most festivals happy for several years. Spend your days eyeing up the works of Barcelona’s famous architect Antoni Gaudí, from the magical grottos of Park Guëll to the soaring spires of the Sagrada Familia. Add in great tapas and a fantastic urban beach, and this festival weekend is a real no-brainer. Caution: Barcelona hostels book up months in advance.

 

Lollapalooza

Where: Chicago, USA

When: Late July

More than 170 bands perform on eight stages at this fabulous festival, which was set up by Jane's Addiction frontman Perry Ferrell in 1991. Previous bills have featured Metallica, Florence and the Machine, Sam Smith and Tame Impala. If you're feeling peckish, there's a mile-long line of food stalls in which to refuel. Chicago itself is chock-full of things to do: ride a 150-foot-high Ferris wheel in Pier Park; enjoy sweeping views over four states from 1,000 feet up on the 94th floor of 360 Chicago; and goggle polar bears and grizzlies at Brookfield Zoo.  

 

Flow Festival

Hostels - Flow Festival

Where: Helsinki, Finland

When: Mid-August

If you like a bit of ‘edge’ to your festivals, you’ll love Flow – this arty event is located in a disused power station. The food and drink offering is equally impressive, with tasty fare from 30 of the city's best cafes and restaurants. Discerning drinkers will appreciate the festival's craft beer area and champagne bar. Don't leave Helsinki without visiting Suomenlinna, a sea fortress built on six islands. Then recharge your batteries in Kotiharjun Sauna, a traditional public wood-fire sauna which dates back to 1928.

 

Sziget

Hostels - Sziget

Where: Budapest, Hungary

When: Mid-August

Boasting a dazzling location on a pretty island on the Danube in central Budapest, this festival is within easy reach of the city's sights. Top names set to rock the bash in 2016 include Bastille, Bloc Party, David Guetta, Jess Glynne, Naughty Boy, Muse, and Years & Years. Cure your hangover by enjoying a soak in a thermal bath, with top picks including the humongous Szechenyi Baths (with 15 indoor pools and three outdoor) and the Art Nouveau Gellért Baths.