Sziget is a monster of a festival, welcoming around 400,000 people through its gates each year. If the comparisons to Nevada’s Burning Man are true, expect one hell of a party.
Location
The festival venue, on the island of Óbudai-Sziget (Old-Buda Island), Hungary.
Getting There
Sziget is easily reached from anywhere in the Hungarian capital of Budapest. Head in by local train (HÉV), which departs from Batthyány square and get off the train at Filatorigát.
In recent years people have even made attempts to cross the Danube by either swimming or in a dinghy! It’s strictly forbidden and a bit pointless, especially given the deluge of inexpensive options available (buses run all day and night for a mere £1.50).
What to See
Sziget prides itself on covering almost every musical genre so it’s no surprise it has been dubbed ‘the Glastonbury on the Danube’. As well as the main stages, be sure to check out the jazz, blues, world, fusion, folk and hip hop tents. Previous event saw The xx, Friendly Fires, Paolo Nutini, Glasvegas and The Stone Roses topping the bill. Away from the music, there’s a lot going on from film showings and plays to zip wiring, rock climbing and bungee jumping. And for those needing a some down time, there’s a dedicated chill-out tent.
Tickets
With day tickets pretty good value at EUR 45 (£40), it might be a good idea to enjoy the festival from the city of Budapest and go each day.
If you want to do the camping thing, enter on the first day of the event and stay for the week, tickets are going for EUR 195 (£163) with non-camping tickets at EUR 165 (£138).
Though the ticket cost is high, beer and food is eastern European cheap. More, Sziget offers a recycling scheme that can seriously save you some green; 1 free beer for every 20 red cups returned
The Sziget-Budapest Citypass offers public transport in and around the city and festival site, with shuttle buses, boats and lots of other discounts.
A 13-day pass costs around 25 EUR (£22), with a two day pass costing 8 EUR (£7).
Where to Stay
Budapest is home to many cheap hostels and hotels that offer great value for money for anyone considering heading down to the festival. Casa de la Musica is taking dorm bookings from £8 per person, while backpacker central Red Bus hostel has privates from £19.
See more recommendations on my travel guide to Hungary.
