Sziget, Europe's Biggest Music Festival

Jump right in

The festival takes place on an island in the middle of the Danube River, so it’s best to arrive by boat. But don’t worry, getting there is easy. There are plenty of options to get to Budapest, including cheap flights from the UK. Once you’re there, you can catch a shuttle to the island from the Árpád Bridge, which is just a short walk from Sziget’s main festival site. You’ll need to arrive at least one hour before departure to get your ticket and make it through security.

Who’s playing?

This year’s line up was amazing! The festival has an eclectic mix of rock, pop, electronic and hip-hop artists, so there’s something for everyone.

AC/DC - The legendary Australian rock band is bringing their ‘Rock or Bust’ tour to Sziget.

Arctic Monkeys - This British indie rock band is currently on tour promoting their new album.

Bring Me the Horizon - British rock band Bring Me The Horizon are on tour promoting their new album.

David Guetta - French DJ and producer David Guetta has been entertaining fans for over 30 years.

What to bring (and what to leave at home)

The weather in Budapest is generally mild in August, but it gets cooler at night, so bring a jacket and a pair of gloves. It can also rain, so an umbrella and a rain jacket are a good idea. Some items are prohibited on the island, so it’s best to leave them at home. Drugs and weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited, as is smoking in the concert areas. You can bring your own food to the festival, but you can’t bring your own drink. You’ll find plenty of food vendors at the festival, with everything from Asian to pizza.

When and where: The festival site

There are four stages on the island: the Main Stage, The Alternative Stage, the Heineken Stage, and the House of Culture Stage. Each is unique and offers something different for every taste. The Main Stage is the biggest, hosting some of the biggest names, including Arctic Monkeys, Bring Me the Horizon, and David Guetta. It’s also where you’ll find the Pit, the festival’s wildest area. The Alternative Stage hosts up-and-coming DJs and artists and is the place to hear new music. The Heineken Stage is where you’ll find the biggest names in pop and hip-hop such as Katy Perry, Stormzy, and the winner of the 2018 Sziget Award, Shawn Mendes. The House of Culture Stage is where you’ll find folk, world music, and other cultural events.

Accommodation on Sziget island

If you want to stay in a hotel, you can find plenty in the city, but they can be more expensive. Hostels tend to be more affordable and are usually located in the centre of the city. If you want to stay on the island, then you have limited options. You can either get really lucky and find a space at the island’s Youth Hostel, or you can stay at one of the nearby hotels. The Hilton and Corinthia hotels are both close to the island.

Don’t miss the boat!

Boat traffic on the river can be unpredictable, so if you’re coming by boat, keep an eye on the weather forecast. If there’s bad weather, don’t risk it. You could get stuck for days. If you’re taking the SzigetShuttle from the Árpád Bridge, keep an eye on the shuttle departure times to make sure you don’t miss the boat. The shuttle departs every 30 minutes between 10:00 and 23:30. If you do miss the shuttle, don’t panic. The SzigetExpress water taxi runs between the island and the city centre. Make sure you bring enough cash.

After Parties and Where to Eat

After the last performance ends, Sziget really comes alive, with a host of after-parties taking place across the city. Whether you like your music old school, house, or hip-hop, there are parties to suit every taste. There are plenty of places to eat in the city. If you want something quick, you can’t go wrong with a traditional Hungarian dish such as goulash or a meat dish. If you’re looking for something a bit different, you’ll find plenty of Asian or Chinese restaurants.

Final Words

Sziget is the perfect festival to take your mind off your troubles and put a smile on your face before autumn kicks in. It’s the perfect mix of music, culture, and fun, with something for both young and old. Sziget is a great way to experience the best of what Budapest has to offer. It’s a city that combines ancient buildings and culture with modern architecture and art.