7. Things to do: culture, festivals and discounts for young people

European Capitals of Culture

Every year two or three cities hold a full year of concerts, exhibitions and events:

• 2026: Oulu (Finland) and Trenčín (Slovakia)
• 2027: Liepāja (Latvia) and Évora (Portugal)
• 2028: České Budějovice (Czechia), Skopje (North Macedonia) and Bourges (France)

Discounts for young people

• European Youth Card (EYCA): for anyone up to 31 – you do not have to be a student. Over 25,000 discounts in 34 countries: transport, culture, food, accommodation and sport.
• Student card: your university card or an international student card often gets you lower prices at museums, cinemas and on public transport – always ask.
• Museums: many countries let young people in free or at a reduced price – in France, for example, national museums and monuments are free for EU residents under 26.
• Turning 18? DiscoverEU gives free travel passes to 18-year-olds. DiscoverEU »

More ideas

• Summer music festivals, Christmas markets, city festivals – most countries' official tourism websites have event calendars.
• Taste the local food: Tastes of Europe – recipes from European countries »
• Winter in the mountains: Skiing in Europe »
• Combine travel with study, a traineeship or volunteering: Erasmus+ »

Sources: European Commission – European Capitals of Culture · European Youth Card Association · European Youth Portal – DiscoverEU Checked: 2 October 2026.