With 17 city-centre locations across Europe and the UK, Safestay Hostels & Hotels puts you right in the heart of the action, making it the perfect gateway to some of the top events happening in 2024.
From concerts and festivals to local delicacies and cultural history, each month around Europe and the UK, there are stand-out events you won’t want to miss. Whether you're a solo traveler or looking for a family-friendly getaway, Safestay ensures you’re at the heart of it all, offering stays from just £18 per bed, per night across all their city-centre hostels and hotels. With a host of private rooms available too, let this be your gateway to a tapestry of adventures.
Join us as we take you through the highlights of each month, with recommendations on what to do and places to explore. How many of these will you check off the list?
January
What: The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity: Grand Finale fundraiser,
Where: Warsaw, Poland
When: 28 January
Stay: Safestay Warsaw Old Town
Start 2024 off on a positive note by supporting a worthwhile cause at the 32nd annual Grand Finale fundraiser, hosted by The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity. Celebrations will be held at Poland’s national stadium — PGE Narodowy, which is only a 10-minute taxi ride from Safestay Warsaw Old Town. There will be live musical performances, a dazzling light show, a slew of fun activities and sports challenges, and a televised auction. Money raised will be used to support Polish children’s hospitals. Find out more here.
February
What: Jorvik Viking Festival
Where: York, England
When: 12 - 18 February 2024
Stay: Safestay York Micklegate
At the Jorvik Viking Festival you’ll be transported back to the time of York’s Viking rule, which lasted for more than 100 years after the town was invaded in 866AD. The week-long event offers visitors a packed programme for all ages. From Mead-tasting and a torch-lit banquet, to combat displays, crafts and music performances, there’s no shortage of Viking-themed entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Harking back to another historic era, Safestay York Micklegate is housed within a charming Georgian townhouse in the heart of York’s city centre. Find out more here.
March
What: Prague Easter Market at Náměstí Míru (Peace Square)
Where: Prague, Czechia
When: 15 March to 1 April
This is a great time to visit the Czech Republic’s capital (which is also home to the largest castle complex in the world!). Every year, thousands flock to Prague’s parade of Easter markets to sample traditional cuisine and buy from local businesses. The closest market to Safestay’s Prague Charles Bridge location — which has a private courtyard, a games room and a rooftop terrace — is at Náměstí Míru (Peace Square). You can use this as your starting point before venturing over to the bigger markets at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Find out more here.
April
What: Olympic flame lighting
Where: Athens, Greece
When: 16 April
Immerse yourself in the pomp and circumstance of the Olympic flame lighting ceremony at the first leg of the torch relay, held at Ancient Olympia. The historic event will be televised worldwide, as a group of ‘priestesses’ light the fire that will burn until the games conclude on 11 August. The ceremony is free to attend, and all ages are welcome. Think of a stay at Safestay Athens Monastiraki as the icing on the cake, and take advantage of its rooftop terrace which offers an incredible 360-degree view of the city. Find out more here.
May
What: Two Coffee Champs festival
Where: Bratislava, Slovakia
When: 10 - 11 May
With its modern decor and gorgeous views, Safestay Bratislava Presidential Palace is an ideal choice for those attending the Two Coffee Champs festival. The event provides fellowship for coffee lovers, connoisseurs, farmers and traders from around the world. Blending music and art with one of the world’s most beloved and widely consumed beverages, this year’s event will feature a variety of tastings and workshops focused on coffee sensory (the study of the senses as they relate to coffee) and at-home coffee making. How do you take yours? Find out more here.
June
What: The Santo Antonio Festival
Where: Lisbon, Portugal
When: 12 June
The Santo Antonio Festival is the most important annual event in Lisbon. This proud and vibrant celebration is held in remembrance of Saint Antony, the capital’s patron saint, and reaches its peak on the evening of 12 June. Every year the decorated streets welcome swathes of visitors from near and far selling local food and lots of sardines, which are a staple in Portuguese culture. Let the party vibes continue at Safestay Lisbon Bairro Alto which has a rooftop terrace with a bar, live music and DJs. Find out more here.
July
What: UEFA Euros 2024
Where: Berlin, Germany
When: 15 June to 14 July
Heading to the Euros this year? Safestay Berlin Kurfürstendamm is a fuss-free option for footy fans in need of a comfortable place to stay. Conveniently located in the heart of the Bavarian Quarter, it’s just a 10-minute walk to some of Berlin’s most popular attractions including the famous Kurfürstendamm shopping boulevard and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. Find out more here.
August
What: Notting Hill Carnival
Where: London, England
When: 24 - 26 August
The Notting Hill Carnival celebrates the legacy of Caribbean culture in Britain, and attracts around a million visitors each year. Since the first carnival in 1966, the event has grown to become Europe’s largest street party, welcoming people from all over the world with its colourful dancers, booming sound systems, flavourful food and endless good vibes. Safestay London Kensington Holland Park is only a short walk from Notting Hill, a stone’s throw away from High Street Kensington and Holland Park underground stations, and has been crowned the greenest Safestay hostel of them all! Find out more here.
September
What: La Mercè Festival
Where: Barcelona, Spain
When: Date TBC
The La Mercè Festival dates back to 1902 and celebrates the Patron Saint of Barcelona, Mare de Deu de la Mercè. Now the largest street party in the city, visitors can expect an electrifying experience as they peruse the buzzing streets, enjoy the passing parades and processions, and light sparklers for the famous Correfoc (fire run). You can stay at either Safestay Barcelona Passeig de Gràcia which is beside Antonio Gaudi’s iconic Casa Batlló, or Safestay Barcelona Gothic located in the oldest part of the city. Take your pick! Find out more here.
October
What: Marc Chagall Exhibition
Where: Vienna, Austria
When: 28 September 2024 – 9 February 2025
Visit the Albertina Museum’s must-see Chagall exhibition which features around 90 works created by the prolific artist. Home to the world’s largest and most valuable graphical collections, there’s lots more to see at the Albertina too. It only takes about 15 minutes to get to the museum on public transport from the stylish Safestay Vienna Margaretenviertel. If you were ever in need of a reason to hop, skip and jump over to Vienna for a short stint, this is it! Find out more here.
November
What: Edinburgh Short Film Festival
Where: Edinburgh, Scotland
When: October 2024
One thing you should definitely have on your 2024 cultural calendar is the Edinburgh Short Film Festival, which is returning for its 14th year. Having built a reputation for bringing the world’s best short films to Scotland, expect to see shorts created both on home soil and across the globe. Safestay’s newest hostel Edinburgh Cowgate is opening in Summer 2024, located on one of Edinburgh’s oldest streets, making it the perfect base for movie buffs. Find out more here.
December
What: Brussels Christmas Market
Where: Grand Place, Rue de la Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine and Marché aux Poissons
When: Date TBC
The Brussels Christmas market is widely regarded as one of the best in Europe, offering its visitors a fun-filled festive experience brimming with Belgian charm. Last year’s event offered more than 200 chalets, a glittering light show, a Ferris wheel, merry-go-rounds, ice skating and lots more, and all just steps away from Safestay Brussels Grand Place. The hostel is also just 350 yards from Brussels’ central square, Grand Place, and an eight-minute walk from Brussels-Central railway station. Find out more here.
For more information visit: www.safestay.com