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A pop superstar's stadium tour, a rock legend in the arena or a summer of festivals: the biggest live moments happen in Europe's stadiums and arenas. To make your concert day stress-free, here are the key venues in Germany and Europe – with tips on tickets, nearby hotels and getting there by train and public transport.
Stadium or arena – what's the difference?
Stadiums usually hold 50,000 to 90,000 fans for concerts and host the big summer tours. Many are open-air – pack a rain jacket! Arenas are indoor venues with around 12,000 to 20,000 seats, better sound and a year-round programme from pop and rock to comedy and shows.
The big venues in Germany
Olympiastadion Berlin
One of Germany's largest stadiums and a fixed stop on almost every world tour. Getting there: S-Bahn to "Olympiastadion" or U2 to "Olympia-Stadion". Where to stay: Charlottenburg and Westend – quiet, well connected and close by after the show.
Olympiastadion & Olympiahalle Munich
The tent-roofed stadium is legendary for open-air concerts, and the Olympiahalle next door is one of southern Germany's key arenas. Getting there: U3 to "Olympiazentrum". Where to stay: Schwabing or Maxvorstadt, both right on the U-Bahn.
Lanxess Arena Cologne
Germany's largest multi-purpose arena with around 20,000 seats – home to international pop and rock acts as well as German chart stars. Getting there: Köln Messe/Deutz station is right opposite; the main station is a short walk across the Hohenzollern Bridge. Where to stay: Deutz or the old town around the cathedral.
Uber Arena Berlin
A modern arena on the Spree with a packed programme all year. Getting there: S- and U-Bahn "Warschauer Straße" or S-Bahn "Ostbahnhof". Where to stay: Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg – with bars and clubs for the after-party.
Veltins-Arena Gelsenkirchen
A stadium with a retractable roof in the Ruhr area – big concerts go ahead even in bad weather. Getting there: Tram 302 from Gelsenkirchen Hbf, with extra services on concert days. Where to stay: Gelsenkirchen, Essen or Bochum, all well connected by local transport.
Europe's concert icons
Wembley Stadium, London
With around 90,000 places, the dream venue of every stadium tour. Getting there: Underground to "Wembley Park" (Jubilee/Metropolitan line) or train to "Wembley Stadium". Where to stay: Right in Wembley Park or centrally along the Jubilee line.
The O2, London
One of the world's busiest arenas, with around 20,000 seats on the Greenwich peninsula. Getting there: Jubilee line to "North Greenwich". Where to stay: Greenwich or Canary Wharf.
Stade de France & Accor Arena, Paris
France's national stadium for the biggest shows, plus the Accor Arena in Bercy for arena concerts. Getting there: RER D "Stade de France–Saint-Denis" or RER B "La Plaine–Stade de France"; Accor Arena via Métro "Bercy". Where to stay: For the stadium, stay centrally in the north of Paris; for Bercy, around Gare de Lyon.
Johan Cruijff ArenA & Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam
Stadium and arena sit side by side in the south-east of the city – ideal for a concert weekend. Getting there: "Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA" station, easy to reach by train from Germany too. Where to stay: Hotels around the ArenA or centrally with a quick metro connection.
Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Vienna
Austria's largest stadium, in the Prater – concerts here pair perfectly with a Vienna weekend. Getting there: U2 to "Stadion". Where to stay: Leopoldstadt or the Innere Stadt. More in our Vienna guide.
Standing or seated?
Floor/standing: closest to the stage with the best atmosphere – arrive early. Lower-tier seats: good view, less crowding, ideal for long shows. Upper tier: cheaper, with a view of the whole light show. VIP and hospitality packages: separate entrance, lounge, catering and often merch – perfect for special occasions.
Ticket tips for big tours
- Sign up for newsletters from artists, promoters and ticket sellers – presales often start days before general sale.
- Buy only from official sellers or their official resale platforms – black-market tickets are often personalised or invalid.
- Watch for extra dates: high demand often leads to additional shows.
- Book your hotel right after buying tickets – prices rise fast on concert weekends. Free-cancellation rates keep you flexible.
Getting there on concert day
Travelling by train is stress-free and saves you parking and post-show traffic jams. Early-bird saver fares keep costs down, and some promoters include local transport in the ticket – check yours. Allow plenty of time for the return: trains are packed after stadium shows, and a hotel nearby makes the evening much more relaxed.
Make a weekend of it
A stadium concert is the perfect excuse for a city break: city walks, boat trips and stadium tours turn one evening into a whole weekend.
Note: Capacities and connections are guide values and may vary depending on stage set-up and event. Please check the promoter's latest information.
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