Are you a sports enthusiast looking for your next big adventure? Then, Europe in 2025 is calling your name! This magnificent continent isn’t just about stunning architecture and delicious food. It’s also home to some of the world’s most electrifying sporting events, which, as a result, draw passionate fans from every corner of the globe.
Whether you’re dreaming of watching tennis on pristine grass courts, cheering cyclists up mountain passes, or experiencing the thunderous roar of F1 engines echoing through historic streets, 2025 has something special in store. Moreover, our team at Expat Explore has rounded up nine unmissable European sporting events that deserve a prime spot on your travel calendar. Trust us, watching these iconic competitions on TV doesn’t come close to the heart-pounding thrill of being there in person!
Take a look at Europe’s top bucket list sporting events of 2025:
London Marathon: The UK’s foremost long-distance running event
27 April 2025
Fancy witnessing 40,000+ runners push their limits through one of the world’s most iconic cities? The TCS London Marathon will let you do just that. This iconic marathon transforms the streets of London into a moving festival of determination, emotion, and incredible human spirit!
This relatively flat 42.2km (26.2 miles) course takes runners past some of London’s most famous landmarks, including Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace, and loops around the River Thames! But what makes this race truly special is ultimately the atmosphere. The streets are packed with enthusiastic spectators, impromptu bands, and countless charity supporters creating a party-like environment that carries tired runners to the finish line. If you’re an avid runner wanting to watch one of the most renowned marathons, this event is not to be missed!
Our spectator tip: For the best viewing experience, head to spots like Tower Bridge (around the halfway mark) for dramatic views, or the final stretch along the Mall for emotional finishes. Arrive early with snacks, signs, and plenty of energy to cheer on thousands of inspiring runners!
Related: Get a taste of London’s sights on our Europe Taster tour!
Monaco Grand Prix – Monaco
3 – 4 May 2025
Imagine the world’s fastest cars navigating hairpin turns on narrow streets beside the sparkling Mediterranean. The Monaco Grand Prix isn’t just a race, it’s Formula 1’s crown jewel and the epitome of sporting glamour!
Unlike purpose-built tracks, Monaco’s street circuit winds through the actual streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine. The tight corners, elevation changes, and famous tunnel make this one of F1’s most challenging and dangerous circuits, creating nail-biting action as drivers navigate at breakneck speeds with virtually no margin for error.
Our spectator tip: While grandstand tickets offer the best views, they can be eye-wateringly expensive. Consider a general admission ticket to Casino Square or a seat at one of the many restaurants and bars along the route for a more budget-friendly (but still thrilling) experience!
Related: Embark on a Western Adventure to see the sights of Monaco, France, Andorra, Spain, and more!
IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship – Sweden and Denmark
9 – 25 May 2025
Craving lightning-fast action, bone-crunching hits, and edge-of-your-seat drama? The IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship delivers all this and more! Sweden and Denmark will co-host the 2025 tournament, bringing together 16 nations for two weeks of non-stop hockey excitement.
The atmosphere at these games is absolutely buzzing! Passionate fans from hockey powerhouses like Canada, Russia, Finland, and the host countries create a carnival-like environment with national songs, colourful face paint, and rhythmic chants echoing throughout the arenas. Even if you’re new to ice hockey, the speed and skill on display are sure to convert you into a fan!
Our spectator tip: For the best experience, try to catch a game featuring the host nation! The energy when Sweden plays in Stockholm will be absolutely off the charts. And don’t worry about understanding all the rules, just follow the puck and the crowd’s reaction!
Related: Explore Sweden and Denmark on our Nordic & Baltic Escape tour!
French Open – Paris, France
26 May – 8 June 2025
Get ready to witness gritty rallies, sliding footwork, and pure stamina on the iconic red clay of Roland Garros! From 26 May to 8 June 2025, The French Open (or Roland Garros as locals call it) takes over Paris, offering a totally different vibe from Wimbledon, think pain au chocolat and café au lait instead of strawberries and cream. The atmosphere is pure Parisian: passionate, opinionated, and full of flair!
Clay-court tennis demands patience and strategy, making for long, thrilling points that keep the crowd completely absorbed!
Our spectator tip: The outer courts offer incredible value in the first week! You’ll be amazingly close to the action as you watch top players battle it out, often with standing-room-only crowds creating an intimate, electric atmosphere you simply can’t experience watching on TV.
Related: Combine tennis with sightseeing on our Milan to Amsterdam Rail Express tour!
The Championships, Wimbledon – London
30 June – 13 July 2025
Wimbledon isn’t just a tournament, it’s a British institution! The world’s oldest tennis tournament has been serving up unforgettable sporting moments at the All England Club since 1877, and the atmosphere is like no other!
It’s steeped in tradition, from the must-try combo of strawberries, cream, and a glass of Pimm’s to the players’ strict all-white dress code and the Royal Box filled with celebrities and royalty. This Grand Slam tournament offers a quintessentially British experience you won’t find anywhere else!
Our spectator tip: Want tickets without breaking the bank? Join the famous queue! Thousands of ground passes are available each day for those willing to wait in the legendary Wimbledon Queue; it’s practically a tradition itself and a great way to meet fellow tennis enthusiasts!
Related: Continue your royal time with these top places to visit in London!
Palio di Siena – Siena, Italy
2 July + 16 August 2025
Looking for something completely different? The Palio di Siena will transport you back in time! This isn’t just a horse race. It’s a 400-year-old tradition that transforms the heart of stunning Siena into a medieval spectacle of neighbourhood pride, pageantry, and heart-stopping action.
Twice each summer, ten bareback riders representing different districts (contrade) of Siena race three laps around the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo in a chaotic, 90-second adrenaline rush. But the race itself is just part of the experience! The four days leading up to the race are filled with rehearsals, blessings, and historical pageants, providing a rich cultural experience!
Our spectator tip: For the best free view, arrive at the Piazza del Campo by 10am on race day to claim a spot in the centre of the square. Be prepared for a long day in potentially hot conditions, and don’t forget to bring water, snacks, and sun protection!
Related: Saddle up for a true Italian experience with one of our tours to Italy.
UEFA Women’s Euro – Switzerland
2 – 27 July 2025
Meanwhile, on the football pitch, the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 is set to be an absolute spectacle as the finest female footballers in Europe battle for continental glory. Switzerland will host this prestigious tournament, with matches played across eight vibrant host cities including Zürich, Basel, and Geneva.
Women’s football has exploded in popularity in recent years, and for good reason! The technical skill, tactical awareness, and sheer passion on display are absolutely breathtaking. Plus, the family-friendly atmosphere makes this tournament perfect for introducing younger fans to the beautiful game.
Our spectator tip: Women’s international tournaments often offer incredible value! Tickets are typically more affordable than men’s events, while the accessibility to players for autographs and photos after matches creates unforgettable memories, especially for young fans.
Related: Explore the best of Switzerland with our Classic Europe tour!
The Open Championship 2025 – County Antrim, Northern Ireland
17-20 July 2025
Golf doesn’t get more prestigious or atmospheric than The Open Championship (often called The British Open)! In 2025, this historic tournament returns to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, challenging the world’s best golfers with unpredictable weather, punishing rough, and deep pot bunkers that can swallow a player’s championship hopes in an instant.
What makes The Open spectacular to watch? The natural challenge of it all. Unlike manicured American courses, links golf is played as nature intended, alongside the sea, on rolling dunes, with howling winds that can change direction in seconds. It’s golf in its purest, most dramatic form, and watching the world’s elite adapt their game to these conditions is absolutely fascinating!
Our spectator tip: Unlike arena sports, a golf tournament gives you freedom to explore! Our favourite strategy is to find a spot where multiple holes converge, allowing you to watch different groups play through various challenges without moving. Bring binoculars, dress in layers for changeable weather, and wear comfortable shoes for walking the course!
Related: Explore Northern Ireland’s second-largest city, Derry, on our Best of UK & Ireland tour!
Tour de France – France
5 – 27 July 2025
Now, we’re returning to mainland France for the world’s premier cycling race, the Tour de France! This classic race moves across the country, combining elite athletic competition with France’s stunning scenery and passionate local culture.
The 2025 route promises to be spectacular, beginning in Lille and ultimately finishing with the traditional Champs-Élysées stage in Paris! In between, riders will tackle punishing climbs in the Massif Central, Pyrenees, Alps, and Jura mountains. Each day brings a new town, new terrain, and new drama as teams battle for the coveted yellow jersey.
Our spectator tip: Pick a mountain stage for the most exciting viewing! Riders climb more slowly, giving you a better look at the action, and the party atmosphere on legendary climbs like Alpe d’Huez or Mont Ventoux is unbeatable. Arrive early (or even camp overnight), bring provisions, and prepare to cheer yourself hoarse!
Game plan complete: Your ultimate sporting escape awaits
So, whether you’re a sports fan or simply love combining travel with unique experiences, Europe’s 2025 sporting events promise unforgettable memories and vibrant cultural experiences, for everyone.
Cheers to a year full of iconic European sporting events! Explore our multi-country Europe tours and stay tuned to the blog for more inspiration to fuel your next travel adventure.
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