Europe’s best food festivals that are worth travelling for this summer

Summer is but a heartbeat away and it’s time for us to share some of the most exciting food festivals in Europe this summer that are worth packing the bags for.

From a sardine festival in Lisbon to the famous Omnivore festival in Paris, here are our top picks and a recommendation of where to stay.

Lisbon’s Sardine Festival: 12 June

Where to stay: Moxy Lisbon City

Also known as the Feast of St. Anthony, every year in June, this Lisbon Sardine Festival honours St. Anthony of Padua, its most revered Patron Saint, with a holiday and huge street party that culminates on 12th June. In late May locals start constructing temporary bars and barbecues, and hang colourful streamers and decorations ahead of the month-long party that brings Lisboetas out dancing and drinking on the streets. Every June the smell of sardines and sound of pimba music ricochets through the narrow cobbled streets of the city’s most traditional neighbourhoods. 

Located in the centre of Lisbon with a modern and chic design, Moxy Lisbon City is the perfect base for exploring the city’s top attractions. This contemporary and energetic hotel features the Moxy Bar which serves 24/7 quick and easy meals, a social open-plan lobby and notably a rooftop swimming pool – which is especially convenient during the summer months! Moxy Lisbon City is an affordable option with an inviting, playful atmosphere and is ideally located within walking distance of Belém, Castelo de São Jorge and the lively Rossio Square.

Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival: 18-27 August

Where to stay: Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen Nordhavn

Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival is the biggest food festival of late summer, where chefs from Denmark and abroad, food artisans, producers, food experts and passionate foodies gather to share tips, tricks, flavors and experiences across the city. Celebrating the joy of food and all those who work to elevate Danish gastronomy, and 20 years on the food scene, is more than just a milestone – it’s proof of an ongoing commitment and ambition to create a space where gastronomy, culture and community come together.

Having just opened its doors this year, Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen Nordhavn, celebrates the beauty of simplicity with an effortless hotel experience focused on bringing productivity and a great night’s sleep. Located in Copenhagen’s North Harbour District, one of Northern Europe’s largest new urban development areas, a fully sustainable, energy carbon neutral hub, this uber-convenient green area on the waterfront is a stunning new destination to complement any visit to Denmark’s capital this summer.

Omnivore Paris, 8-10 September

Where to stay: Prince De Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Known as one of Europe’s leading festivals in this category, Omnivore Paris is more than just food stalls. The festival offers a variety of activities for food enthusiasts, including Chef demonstrations, Conferences and talks, Degustations, Exhibits and much more. In the heart of the Bois de Vincennes, in Paris’ splendid Parc Floral, Omnivore is the meeting point for catering professionals, up and coming chefs, producers, winegrowers and all those involved in the food industry.

During a foodie trip to Paris this September, the beautiful Prince De Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel is a stunning choice for a hotel. Located on Avenue George V, a few steps from the iconic Champs-Elysées, this family hotel places guests near luxury boutiques, the tranquil beauty of the Seine and legendary landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe.