The Best Shows in Europe

When it comes to shows, Europe has it all. Whether it is music, dance, theatre or an authentic cultural experience you are after, you will find it here.

The beautiful countries of Europe are the birthplace of some of the world’s finest artistic performances. Even though you can see an opera, ballet or stage show just about anywhere around the world today, nothing compares to seeing an Opera in Italy, a cabaret show in France or a bullfight in Spain.

So pack your bags and book that ticket and explore Europe without missing out on any of its culture by checking out some of these spectacular shows.

Opera in Italy

A music lover’s paradise, Italy is the birthplace of Opera and as such is home to some of the most spectacular opera theatres in the world. Opera originated in Tuscany's beautiful capital of Florence, however you will find historic theatre venues in cities all over Italy.

The oldest opera house intact in Italy is the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, dating back to 1737, and the Teatro Alla Scala in Milan and the Teatro Massimos in Sicily are some of the finest venues to see opera in all of Europe, so get out that Visa Credit card splurge on some tickets.

For those lucky enough to be travelling in the summertime, you may even be able to catch a performance in one of the magnificent outdoor amphitheatres like the historic Arena di Verona, which dates back to AD 30. Once able to accommodate upwards of 30,000 patrons, today it holds just 15,000, who on a balmy summer’s eve are serenaded under a canopy of stars as the city lights of Verona glow in the distance.

So what are you waiting for? - grab your card and go - discover Florence

Cabaret in France

A trip to Paris would not be complete without seeing a cabaret show, and there is simply nothing like the most famous cabaret of all; Moulin Rouge. This is where it all started; the ‘spiritual birthplace’ of that very French, very sexy dance that has inspired countless cabaret and burlesque shows; the Can-Can.

The Moulin Rouge began as a place where courtesans could entice patrons with their risqué dance in an informal atmosphere, and quickly inspired similar cabaret show all across Europe. Today the Moulin Rouge is just one of many cabaret theatres in Paris, however seeing a cabaret show there is the ultimate French experience. Forget the bank balance, get out the Visa card and prepare yourself for a night to remember in the city of light.

So what are you waiting for? - grab your card and go - discover Paris

Bullfight in Spain

There are few things more Spanish than a bullfight. Today this traditional performance is viewed as controversial, but in Spain and other countries such as Portugal, Mexico and even France is an important cultural custom.

True, it is an acquired taste, but if you can handle a bit of gore, watching a bullfight is an awe-inspiring experience. True aficionados argue that it is not a blood sport as many suggest, but a ‘fine art form’.

The world-renowned and widely popular ‘running of the bulls’ is actually a way to transport the bulls who will participate in the bullfight from their holding corrals to the bullring where the show will take place.

The most popular running of the bulls and subsequent bullfight happens annually in the city of Pamplona on the Northern Coast of Spain to mark the 7 day San Fermín festival in July. However nothing compares to seeing a bullfight in La Maestranza, Spain’s largest bullring in Seville, the capital of Andalusia.

So what are you waiting for? - grab your card and go - discover Madrid

Marionette Show in the Czech Republic

Puppet or ‘Marionette’ shows as they are known in Europe have a long history in many European countries that dates back to the Middle Ages. The Czech Republic is particularly renowned for its spectacular marionette shows, both for children and adults.

For a truly authentic experience, see a performance at the National Marionette Theatre in the beautiful city of Prague, renowned for its performance of Mozart’s legendary Don Giovanni, but also performing adaptations of famous operas and theatre plays. Situated in Prague’s’ historic Old Town, the theatre is built upon an historic site for puppetry shows that dates back to 1929 called the Říše Loutek, meaning ‘King of Puppets’.

So what are you waiting for? - grab your card and go - discover Prague

West End Show in London

A visit to London just would not be right without seeing a world-renowned West End Show. The Broadway of London, the West End theatre district, now referred to as ‘Theatreland’, has been home to theatre since the 16th century. You can use your Visa debit card to get yourself tickets to one of these amazing shows -- you will seriously regret it if you miss out!

This is the site of London’s first stages; The Theatre and The Curtain, both used by William Shakespeare. Today the theatres in this district, many with beautifully preserved Victorian, Edwardian or Romanesque architecture, offer performances from the world’s finest stage and screen actors.

With over forty venues playing some of the world’s most famous classic theatre productions including Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Oliver!, Evita and Wicked, along with modern shows, everyone can find something to see .

So what are you waiting for? - grab your card and go - discover London

Ballet in Russia

It is no secret that some of the finest ballet in the world comes from Russia. Renowned for their precision and beauty, the Russian Ballet tours throughout Europe and the rest of the world, performing the most popular classical ballets such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Gisele, Sleeping Beauty and Romeo and Juliet.

If you find yourself in Russia’s grand capital of Moscow, a visit to the historic Bolshoi Theatre is an absolute must. Home to the world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet Company, it is one of the oldest and grandest ballet theatres in the world and seeing a ballet here is what many can only dream of. Get that Visa Credit card ready and splurge on a night of true decadence, with premium seats and a intermission cocktail made with some of Russia’s finest vodka.

So what are you waiting for? - grab your card and go - discover Russia

Andalusian Horse Show in Spain

While exploring the spectacular south of Spain, an absolute must-see is an Andalusian Horse Show. Also called Pure Spanish Horses or Pura Raza Española in Spanish, Andalusians are widely regarded as some of the most beautiful horses in the world. Historically considered the finest war horses for their strength and regal appearance, they are renowned today for their prowess as dressage and show jumping horses.

Check out the El Ranchito show in Torremolinos in the Spains spectacular Costa del Sol, or 'Coast of the Sun'. Host to the region’s finest riders and their magnificent mounts, El Ranchito offers spectators a chance to witness the skill and artistry of Spanish horse riding. After the show, enjoy a delicious dinner while watching a flamenco show, making it a truly authentic Spanish evening.

So what are you waiting for? - grab your card and go - discover Andalucia

Vienna Boy’s Choir in Austria

Renowned as one of the finest choirs in the world, seeing a performance by the Vienna Boys Choir is an experience like no other. An institution founded over 500 years ago, the choir of trebles and altos performs together with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra and over the centuries has worked with some of the world’s most famous composers.

The choir tours throughout Europe, however the best place to witness this truly amazing performance is in their home country of Austria, at the renowned Vienna Musikverein. This is the home of the renowned Austrian Philharmonic Orchestra and is also considered to be one of the most magnificent music halls in the world.

So what are you waiting for? - grab your card and go - discover Vienna