San Diego and Tokyo may get the headlines, but Europe's comic cons are every bit as exciting. Here you can watch an entire medieval Italian town fill with cosplayers, play unreleased games in Cologne, meet your favorite voice actors in Germany, or queue for autographs from screen stars in London and Liverpool. Here are the best comic cons in Europe, when they usually take place, and tips for making the most of your first (or fiftieth) con.
Best Comic Cons in Europe at a Glance
- Best overall: Lucca Comics & Games, Italy
- Best for gamers: Gamescom, Germany
- Best in the UK: MCM London Comic Con
- Best for autograph hunters: Liverpool Comic Con
- Best for meeting voice actors: German Film & Comic Con
- Best community vibe: Heroes Dutch Comic Con
- Best for anime and manga fans: Manga Barcelona
- Best for comic art: Angoulême International Comics Festival
Dates and guests change every year, so always check the official website before you book travel.
1. Lucca Comics & Games, Italy
Where: Lucca, Tuscany. When: Usually late October to early November.
Lucca is Europe's biggest comics and games festival, and one of the largest in the world. Its roots go back to 1966, and it marked its 60th anniversary in 2026. Instead of one convention center, the whole walled medieval city becomes the venue, with pavilions in its piazzas, exhibitions in its palaces, and cosplayers on every street and along the tree-lined city walls. Expect comics, board games, video games, anime, and big publisher announcements.
Tip: Accommodation in Lucca sells out fast. Stay in Pisa or Florence and take the train in.
2. Gamescom, Germany
Where: Koelnmesse, Cologne. When: Usually late August.
Gamescom is one of the world's largest gaming events. Publishers show off upcoming releases, the opening night live show brings big announcements, and the halls are packed with playable demos, esports, and cosplay. Weekdays are less crowded than the weekend.
3. MCM London Comic Con, UK
Where: ExCeL London. When: Usually two editions, in late May and late October.
MCM London is the UK's biggest pop culture event, with a huge mix of comics, gaming, anime, film and TV guests, a vast marketplace, and one of the country's most competitive cosplay scenes. While you are in town, see the best things to do in London.
4. Liverpool Comic Con, UK
Where: ACC Liverpool, on the waterfront. When: Usually spring and fall editions.
Liverpool Comic Con is known for its star-studded guest lists, making it a favorite for autograph and photo-op hunters. Combine it with a Beatles tour and an evening on the city's lively waterfront.
5. German Film & Comic Con, Germany
Where: Messe Dortmund. When: Usually more than one edition a year, including one in December.
One of Germany's biggest fan conventions, with international film and TV stars, comic artists, and a strong lineup of German dubbing artists, the voices behind many famous characters on German screens.
6. Heroes Dutch Comic Con, Netherlands
Where: Jaarbeurs, Utrecht. When: Usually held once or twice a year, often including a summer edition.
The Netherlands' biggest comic con has a famously friendly, inclusive atmosphere. Expect celebrity guests, an artist alley, workshops, and plenty of cosplay. Utrecht's canals and cafés are perfect for winding down afterward.
7. Manga Barcelona, Spain
Where: Fira de Barcelona. When: Usually early December.
Spain's biggest anime and manga event fills its halls with Japanese pop culture, from manga publishers and anime screenings to J-pop concerts, Japanese food, and martial arts demonstrations. Spend some extra days exploring Barcelona while you are there.
8. Comic Con France, Paris
Where: Paris area. When: Check the official website for the latest dates.
France has a deep love of comics (bandes dessinées), and Comic Con France brings together French and international comics, film, TV, and gaming. Pair it with a few days exploring Paris.
9. Angoulême International Comics Festival, France
Where: Angoulême, southwest France. When: Usually late January.
Less a cosplay party and more a celebration of comic art, Angoulême is one of the world's most prestigious comics festivals. The town fills with exhibitions, signings, and awards, and murals of comic characters decorate its walls year-round.
What Makes European Comic Cons Special?
- Variety: From French graphic novels to German gaming giants and Spanish anime fandom, every con has its own flavor.
- Big-name guests: Stars, voice actors, and comic creators from around the world.
- Amazing cosplay: European cosplayers take it seriously, and the competitions are spectacular.
- Great destinations: You get a city break thrown in with your con.
Tips for Your Comic Con Trip
- Book early. Tickets, hotels, and photo ops for big guests sell out months in advance.
- Plan your schedule. Mark the panels, demos, and signings you can't miss, and download the event app if there is one.
- Check prop rules. Most cons ban real or sharp weapons and realistic replica firearms. Read the cosplay guidelines before you pack.
- Pack smart. Comfortable shoes, a refillable water bottle, snacks, and a power bank are essentials.
- Explore the city. Don't spend your whole trip inside a convention center.
- Join the community. Many cons run official meetups and online groups where you can make friends before you arrive.
- Stay connected. Crowded halls overload Wi-Fi, and you will want data for event apps, e-tickets, maps, and photo sharing. The egoViet Europe eSIM covers Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, France, the UK, and more on one plan. Heading only to London or Liverpool? Get a UK eSIM.
Make it a bigger trip with our best train trips in Europe and the best European travel apps.
FAQs: Best Comic Cons in Europe
What is the biggest comic con in Europe?
Lucca Comics & Games in Italy is the biggest, taking over the entire walled city of Lucca each fall. For gaming, Gamescom in Cologne is one of the largest events in the world.
What is the best comic con in the UK?
MCM London Comic Con is the UK's largest, held twice a year at ExCeL London. Liverpool Comic Con is popular for its celebrity guests.
What can't I bring to a comic con?
Most cons ban real weapons, sharp or metal blades, and realistic replica firearms. Each event publishes its own prop and cosplay rules, so check before you go.
How do I prepare for my first comic con?
Book tickets and accommodation early, plan the panels you want to see, wear comfortable shoes, bring a power bank, and make sure you have mobile data for the event app and e-tickets.