Tips for Sziget

I have now been back for over a week and have let all the Sziget experiences sink in. Many people asked me if they should go next year and my answer is always a very loud YES. Why it is so awesome I already wrote about here (and scroll through my photos on Instagram) but I have learned a few things that will help you next year.

Bring your own water

That's allowed, and you'll need it. When I was there, Budapest was under a heatwave and it was easily around 40 degrees, and that is really really really hot. But even without a heatwave, it can reach mid-30s in the summer, so make sure you at least drink enough. At Dutch festivals, they always make a big fuss if you bring a bottle of water, but luckily they are much easier about it in Budapest.

Download the app

Of course, Sziget has its own app and usually, I think about such things: too much hassle, I don't need it, forget it. But the Sziget app is really cool and especially very very handy. Don't forget: Sziget is very large, you will never remember where everything is, so an app with at least the schedule and map sorted by time is very nice. Of course, you also immediately have background information and photos and everything the Internet has to offer. I was a fan.

Don't stand all the way at the front at the main stage

Yes. The closing show of the festival was given by Martin Garrix, and there was a three-quarter hour gap between him and his predecessor (Limp Bizkit). In those three-quarters of an hour, the main stage emptied out and suddenly there was all the space. “Wow, then we can stand at the front for Martin Garrix!” we thought enthusiastically. So off we went, equipped with four gin and tonics as a supply, and even 10 minutes before the show started, it was quite manageable there in our spot, about 20 meters from the stage. Well, BIG mistake. In those last 10 minutes, another 10,000 people (or so) joined in and we were packed in like sardines in a can. Thousands of people throwing their fresh-smelling bodies (...) arms in the air and continuously jumping. That became a bit too much for me. I lasted half an hour, but then went to the side, where someone told me that you should NEVER stand all the way at the front – unless you are a real diehard who doesn't mind being crushed. So, lesson learned.

Don't forget the non-music acts

There are stages full of the biggest artists, but there is also a lot to do outside of the music. Or outside of the regular music, that is. There was a beautiful tent where beautiful interactive opera was performed and it was always busy there, because it was really fun. There is also an art village, a circus village – really, there is so much to do. So don't just fill your days with big stages, but take a little walk past all the other things.

Don't forget Budapest

I stayed in a hotel in the city and that was a party for several reasons (own bathroom and soft bed, anyone?) but also because I was right in the city, and could see Budapest. There will be a travel report about Budapest soon, but take my word for it; it is really an amazing city and you MUST go there once. So, yes go to Sziget, but don't forget to take a day off to really explore the city.