As preparations for the forthcoming Eurovision Song Contest 2026 are in full swing, let’s delve into the ESC history books and find out how many cities have hosted the coveted contest? In circa a month ORF will be unveiling the ESC 2026 host city. Will we have a new city hosting the event and charming us or will a former host city host the event again and entice us with its magic?
Next year marks the 70th edition of our beloved song contest, 46 different cities have hosted the event, with Dublin having hosted the competition a total of 6 times a record it retains, followed by London and Luxembourg whom have hosted the event four times each.
The United Kingdom retains the record of having hosted the competition the most times, a whopping 9 times (1960, 1963,1968, 1972, 1974, 1977, 1982, 1998, 2023).
Austria will have the grand honour of welcoming the Eurovision bandwagon with all its glitz, glitter and glam for the third time in the history of the ESC.
The story so far….
Oh, Europe! Land of rich history, diverse cultures, and, of course, the most fabulous music extravaganza the world has ever known: the Eurovision Song Contest! Since its humble beginnings in 1956, this annual spectacle has hopped, skipped, and jumped across the continent, transforming city after city into a vibrant hub of music, glitter, and pure, unadulterated joy. But just how many lucky locales have had the honour of hosting this iconic competition? Let’s take a dazzling dive into the geographical history of Eurovision!
From the very first contest in Lugano, Switzerland, to the last Eurovision spectacle in Basel in 2025, Eurovision has graced the stages of 46 different cities! That’s right, almost five dozen unique urban landscapes have welcomed the Eurovision family, each adding their own flavour and flair to the beloved contest. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the show, proving that no matter where it lands, the Eurovision spirit thrives!
Some cities have become repeat offenders, so to speak, embracing the chance to host the continent’s biggest party multiple times. Dublin, Ireland, holds the glittering crown for hosting the most Eurovision Song Contests, with a remarkable six editions under its belt. The Irish capital truly knows how to throw a Eurovision bash! London, UK, and Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, are also seasoned hosts, having welcomed the contest four times each, showcasing their unwavering dedication to the grand show.
But it’s not just the bustling capitals that get all the glory! Eurovision has a wonderful habit of shining a spotlight on lesser-known gems, turning them into household names (at least for a week!). Who could forget the charming Irish town of Millstreet, which defied expectations to host in 1993? Or the picturesque Harrogate in the UK, which welcomed the contest in 1982? These unexpected choices only add to the magic, demonstrating that any city with enough heart (and a suitable venue!) can become a Eurovision legend.
Each host city brings its own unique character to the contest. We’ve seen grand opera houses transformed into pop palaces, sports arenas turned into theatrical wonders, and convention centres buzzing with the energy of thousands of fans. The architecture, the cultural references in the postcards, the very atmosphere of the city – all become an integral part of that year’s Eurovision story, creating unforgettable memories for millions of viewers.
The logistics of hosting Eurovision are immense, a true feat of engineering and entertainment. Imagine the planning involved in housing thousands of delegates, journalists, and fans, not to mention designing a stage that will captivate a global audience! Yet, year after year, cities rise to the challenge, eager to showcase their hospitality and leave their indelible mark on the Eurovision tapestry. It’s a badge of honour, a symbol of their ability to bring people together through the power of music.
As we look back on the incredible journey of the Eurovision Song Contest, it’s clear that its spirit of unity and celebration is truly infectious. Each new host city, whether a bustling metropolis or a charming town, contributes to the ongoing narrative of this beloved competition. So, let’s raise a glass (or two!) to all the cities that have opened their arms to Eurovision, and to the many more that are yet to come!
And now, for the moment you’ve all been waiting for! Get ready to travel through time and geography with our comprehensive list of every city that has had the honour of hosting the Eurovision Song Contest:
