12 Cities, 12 Experiences: Staycity’s Travel Bucket List For 2023
January 17, 2023 12:28pm
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At Staycity we’re obsessed with all things travel! As we look ahead to 2023, we’re already planning our getaways for the year, with 12 top travel experiences to choose from across Europe. From Carnival in Venice to Paddy’s Day in Dublin, there’s something here to keep everyone happy. Remember these incredible events attract huge numbers, so make sure you book your flights and any tickets you need nice and early to avoid disappointment!
1. London: Chinese New Year
22nd January 2023 (and surrounding dates)
Celebrate the year of the rabbit! London hosts the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of Asia. Head to West End to see parades and performances, and to dig into some delicious authentic Chinese food. Expect huge dragon and lion floats, and an exciting line up of music, dance and martial arts. Remember to wear red to bring you luck in the new year.
See more: Chinese New Year 2023 in London – Special Event – visitlondon.com
2. Venice: Carnival
4th – 21st February 2023
Have your masks at the ready! It’s time for one of Europe’s most extravagant events… Venice Carnival is where art and performance come together to make magic. With events across the city, delicious Venetian sweets and street performances, it’s an incredible time to visit this bucket-list city.
See more: Home – Carnevale di Venezia 2023 – sito ufficiale
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3. Dublin: Saint Patrick’s Festival
17th March 2023
There’s no better place to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day than the Irish capital, and this festival spans five days and nights of ‘craic agus ceol’ (fun and music). The 2023 programme promises to be as entertaining as ever, with hundreds of events showcasing the best of Ireland’s rich cultural heritage in venues across the city.
See more: Home – St. Patrick’s Festival 2023 (stpatricksfestival.ie)
4. Birmingham: Running Festival
21st May 2023
One for the gym bunnies! Take part in the Birmingham 5k, 10k or half marathon (or cheer them on by the sidelines!). Starting at Sutton Park, run along the paths of the National Road Relays, following in the shoes of Sir Mo Farah. A fun-filled day out for friends and families, expect post-race goodies and a great atmosphere.
See more: Birmingham Half Marathon, 10k & 5k May 2023 | RunThrough UK
5. Bordeaux: Wine Festival
22nd – 25th June 2023
Raise a glass to one of the world’s very best wine regions. Bordeaux needs no introduction when it comes to all things grape! The Wine Festival is the perfect opportunity to sample its juiciest wares for yourself. Buy a Tasting Pass and explore the iconic wine route through villages and wineries. Winemakers from across the region will be showcasing their favourite vintages.
See more: Bordeaux Wine Festival 2023 | Bordeaux Tourism & Conventions (bordeaux-tourism.co.uk)
6. Heidelberg: Castle Festival
11th June – 6th August 2023
Visiting Heidelberg’s majestic castle any time of year is like stepping into a fairytale… But it’s at its very best in summer when it hosts a programme of concerts, operas and theatres. Check out the website below to get tickets to your favourite shows. Shakespeare in Love will take centre stage from the 29th of June.
See more: Heidelberger Schlossfestspiele – Festivals – Theater und Orchester Heidelberg (theaterheidelberg.de)
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7. Manchester: Parklife
10th & 11th June 2023
This multi-genre festival is a key date in the thriving music scene that Manchester’s famous for. Originally hosting the world’s best underground DJs, its line-up has since expanded to include the likes of grime, pop and hip hop. This year you can expect performances from major international acts to be announced soon. Get your tickets to this one fast and check out our blog for Parklife 2023.
See more: Parklife 2023
8. Liverpool: Pride
30th July 2023
This inclusive festival is a rainbow celebration of music, dance, marches, theatre and film. Expect representation from the local and international LGBTQI+ community as they celebrate universal love. This year’s line-up will be announced in Spring and will doubtless be as impressive as always.
See more: Pride in Liverpool – LCR Pride
9. Edinburgh: Fringe
4th – 28th August 2023
When it comes to Edinburgh it’s all about the Fringe, the city’s annual three-week explosion of creativity where thousands of performers take to hundreds of stages across the Scottish capital. With established names and up-and-coming acts performing theatre, comedy, dance, circus, cabaret, opera and more, there’s something to suit every age and interest.
See more: Home | Edinburgh Festival Fringe (edfringe.com)
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10. Frankfurt: Oktoberfest
6th September – 9th October 2023
It’s time to dig out your dirndls and lederhosen, Oktoberfest is Germany’s best loved festival. The main festival takes place in Munich, but Frankfurt offers a more intimate experience for beer lovers everywhere. With games, traditional Bavarian music and more beer than you could shake a keg at, book your tickets as soon as they go on sale to avoid disappointment.
See more: Home (frankfurter-oktoberfest.de)
11. Paris: Fashion Week
26th September – 4th October 2023
Ooh la la! Ger ready to give Anna Wintour a run for her money… Paris Fashion Week is 9 days of glitz and glamour with the rich and famous. Rub shoulders with models and designers in the bars and cafes and be the first to see what the next year of high fashion has in store. Most of the shows are live streamed so it’s more about the vibe of the city at this time than nabbing a ticket to one of the exclusive runways.
See more: Paris Fashion Week 2023
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12. Marseille: Utopia Festival
29th – 30th September
Get ready for a weekend of culture and electronic music. Only in its third year, Utopia has been a wild success of music experimentation. Join the locals as they celebrate their city’s diversity and energy to the backdrop of art and world-famous music acts. This is the way to experience the real Marseille.
See more: Ut⊙pia Festival 2.2 – 1ère Cité Idéale des Cultures Éléctroniques & Solidarités (utopiafestival.fr)
There’s at least one Staycity or Wilde aparthotel centrally located in each of these cities, so if you’re travelling to any of these events, then stay with us. But please be warned we fill up early in these popular times, so we advise you book now!