Eurovision 2026 Vienna: Dates, Tickets, and Travel Tips

Eurovision fans, it is time to circle the dates on your calendar because the 70th edition of the contest is heading to Vienna, Austria in May 2026. When we first heard the news, our whole team cheered. Vienna is one of the most beautiful European capitals out there. This is really a city of elegance and history and of course music. For Eurovision to land here feels like a match made in heaven.

The shows will unfold at the Wiener Stadthalle, which is currently Austria’s biggest indoor arena. If you have ever seen photos of it, you know it is massive, modern, and built to hold the kind of electric energy only Eurovision can bring. We started imagining the lights, the flags, and the roar of the crowd, and honestly, it gave us chills.

Julia leaned in and said: “Just picture it – thousands of people singing along in dozens of languages under one roof. It is going to be magic.”

And when you think of it she is right. That is what makes Eurovision so special.

Eurovision 2026 Dates

Here are the official dates to keep in mind:

• Semi-Final 1: Tuesday, 12 May 2026
• Semi-Final 2: Thursday, 14 May 2026
• Grand Final: Saturday, 16 May 2026

The City of Vienna

Vienna won hosting rights after a fierce bid process, and the reasons are clear. The city has top-notch infrastructure, excellent transport, and the capacity to welcome delegations, media, and tens of thousands of fans from across Europe and beyond. But more than that, Vienna carries a spirit of music that goes deeper than logistics.

Kojo laughed and added: “It’s like bringing Eurovision home to Mozart’s backyard. Imagine the clash of opera and pop, tradition and disco, all blending in the same city. Only Vienna could handle that.”

And as Maria quickly pointed out, the best part will not only be inside the arena. The streets, squares, and coffee houses of Vienna will turn into Eurovision playgrounds. We are already looking forward to soaking up that atmosphere, walking among fans waving flags from every country, and hearing spontaneous singalongs echo through the city.

How to Get Eurovision 2026 Tickets

If there is one thing every Eurovision fan knows, it is that tickets disappear faster than you can say “douze points”. The moment they go on sale, thousands of fans from across Europe and beyond are refreshing their browsers, hoping to snag a seat.

So how do you improve your chances? Here is what we recommend as a team:

• Sign up for the official Eurovision newsletter. That way, you’ll be among the first to know when tickets go live.
• Keep an eye on the host broadcaster’s website. In this case, it will be the Austrian national broadcaster, which manages all ticketing. Bookmark it, check it often, and be ready the moment sales open.
• Aim for the semi-finals if possible. The Grand Final is the crown jewel, but semi-final tickets are easier to grab, cheaper, and still give you that once-in-a-lifetime Eurovision atmosphere.
• Stay cautious with resales. As the date gets closer, some fans put their tickets up for resale. If you go down this route, always use official or verified resale channels to avoid scams.

Our team’s tip: Don’t stress if you miss out on tickets. Vienna will set up fan zones, outdoor screenings, and themed parties all over the city. Sometimes the best memories happen outside the arena, when you’re dancing with strangers under the stars while the show plays on a giant screen. And you don’t even need to queue for overpriced drinks. The energy in those fan villages is unreal.

In short, whether you’re inside Wiener Stadthalle or outside in a buzzing square, Eurovision 2026 will find you.

Where to Stay in Vienna

Accommodation in Vienna during Eurovision week will be like gold dust. Prices rise the moment the host city is announced, and hotels closest to Wiener Stadthalle sell out first. But don’t worry yourself at all because we’ve got strategies.

• Book as early as possible. Even if you don’t have tickets yet, lock in your accommodation now. Many hotels and booking sites let you cancel later if plans change.
• Consider nearby towns. Vienna has excellent transport links, which means you can stay in surrounding areas like Baden, Wiener Neustadt, or even Bratislava, Slovakia, which is just an hour away by train. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also get a more local experience.
• Explore alternatives. Hostels, Airbnb apartments, and budget hotels are perfect for groups of friends or solo travelers looking to cut costs without sacrificing comfort.

Julia, who is a huge fan of the contest, joked: “I don’t care where we stay as long as the Wi-Fi is strong enough for me to upload footage and maybe stream the semi-finals again after we get back.”

Our team’s advice: Do not wait. Even if you’re unsure about your exact schedule, book something now and keep it flexible. Trust us, future-you will thank you.

Countries Participating in Eurovision 2026

As of now, the following countries have confirmed their participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026:

1. Albania

2. Australia

3. Austria

4. Azerbaijan

5. Cyprus

6. Croatia

7. Czechia

8. Denmark

9. Estonia

10. France

11. Germany

12. Greece

13. Israel

14. Latvia

15. Lithuania

16. Luxembourg

17. Malta

18. Montenegro

19. Norway

20. San Marino

21. Serbia

22. Sweden

23. Switzerland

24. Ukraine

25. United Kingdom

NOTE: This list will continue to grow as more broadcasters confirm their entries in the coming months. Fans can expect further announcements regarding selected artists and songs as deadlines approach.

Also, some countries have already stated that they will withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel takes part, a development that has stirred a lot of debate among fans and organizers. You can read more about this in our detailed article here.

Travel Tips for Eurovision 2026

Here are our best tips to make your Eurovision 2026 trip smooth, memorable, and stress-free:

Flights

Book your tickets to Vienna as early as possible. Airfares almost always rise as May approaches, especially once fans across Europe and beyond start making their plans. The earlier you secure your flight, the more you’ll save.

Local Transport

Vienna has one of the most efficient transport networks in Europe. During Eurovision week, public transport hours are often extended to accommodate the rush of fans. Invest in a travel card such as the Vienna City Card or a weekly metro pass to save both money and time while getting around.

Food and Drink

To outsiders, Eurovision might seem like just a music contest but the truth is it goes beyond that. It is also an invitation to dive into local culture. Between shows, sample Austria’s culinary highlights. From classic schnitzel to Sachertorte, and from colorful markets to cozy coffee houses, Vienna offers stuff that will make your trip even more memorable. Don’t overlook street food stalls either, especially if you want a quick bite on the go.

Cultural Etiquette

Austria is welcoming, but it helps to be mindful of local customs. Greet people politely, follow the queueing culture, and remember that Eurovision brings together fans from across the world. Treat fellow visitors with respect, and embrace the sense of unity that makes the event so special.

Budgeting

Your costs will extend beyond tickets and accommodation. Factor in expenses for Eurovision merchandise, fan parties, concerts outside the main show, and sightseeing around Vienna. The city will be alive with special events, exhibitions, and themed activities, so setting aside extra funds will ensure you don’t miss out.

What to Pack for Eurovision 2026

National Flags and Accessories

Eurovision is all about representing your country or favorite artist. Pack flags, scarves, or face paint to show your support. They also make great photo props.

Outfits for the Shows

Many fans go all out with creative costumes, sequined outfits, or themed clothing. Even if you prefer something simple, pack at least one fun outfit for the arena or fan zones. You’ll feel the spirit of Eurovision more when you join in.

Comfortable Shoes

You’ll be walking a lot, whether between venues, sightseeing, or dancing in the fan zones. A comfortable pair of shoes is essential if you want to enjoy the week without sore feet.

Chargers and Power Banks

Between filming performances, posting on social media, and navigating with maps, your phone battery will drain fast. Bring a reliable power bank and any plug adapters needed for Austria.

Weather-Appropriate Clothing

Vienna in May is generally mild, but evenings can still be chilly. Pack layers so you’re comfortable both indoors at the arena and outdoors at fan events. A light jacket or hoodie will come in handy.

Travel Essentials

Don’t forget the basics: your tickets, ID or passport, travel insurance documents, and accommodation confirmations. Keep them in a safe but accessible folder.

SIM Card or eSIM

To stay connected affordably, consider buying an Austrian SIM card or using an international eSIM. This way, you won’t be hit with expensive roaming charges while livestreaming or posting your Eurovision experience.