35 Best European Culture Podcasts to Listen to (2026)

The Europeans is a fresh and entertaining weekly podcast about European politics and culture, recorded each week between Paris and Amsterdam with fascinating guests joining from across Europe. This multiple award-winning podcast fills you in on the major European politics stories and other European news of the week, as well as fun and quirky nuggets that have been missed by most media outlets. Hosted by Katy Lee, a journalist based in Paris, and Dominic Kraemer, an opera singer in Amsterdam, The Europeans covers everything from elections and climate policy to the best new European films and TV shows. We also produce investigative podcasts about everything from the European farming lobby to oat milk. Yes, oat milk. Katy and Dominic are old friends, and the warmth and intimacy of their conversations will soon make you feel like you've known them a long time too. They approach topics with a light and humorous tone that makes The Europeans stand out from other European news podcasts, while remaining journalistically rigorous and meticulously fact-checked. The Europeans has been recommended by The New York Times, The Guardian, Buzzfeed, The Financial Times, and many other outlets. Katy Lee, a British-French reporter, has written for major outlets including The Guardian, Politico Europe, Agence France-Presse (AFP), Foreign Policy and The New Statesman for more than a decade, covering French and European politics and more recently, climate change. Dominic Kraemer, a British-German opera singer, performs across Europe when he is not co-hosting The Europeans, with roles recently at the Staatsoper in Berlin, the Dutch National Opera and the Münchener Biennale. The Europeans' team is completed by producers Katz Laszlo in Amsterdam and Wojciech Oleksiak in Warsaw. You'll hear them joining Katy and Dominic from time to time, particularly during investigative episodes like 'The Oatly Chronicles' and 'The Big-Agri Bully Boys'. The Europeans' breezy, informal approach to covering European news has won awards such as a Covering Climate Now award for an episode about the Swiss women who sued their government at the European Court of Human Rights demanding more climate action; Germany's prestigious CIVIS Media Prize for 'Mohamed', an episode that explores the everyday life of a young undocumented man in Amsterdam; and best LGBTQIA+ short at the MiraBan UK Film Awards for 'Josh and Franco', the coming-of-age story of a father and son, both gay. Our guests have included everyone from major figures in European politics such as Alexander Stubb, now the President of Finland, and Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, to star chefs Asma Khan and Christian Puglisi, celebrated illustrator Christoph Niemann, and environmentalist George Monbiot. Since launching in 2017, we've talked about everything from elections in France, Italy and many more countries besides, to the politics of halloumi cheese in Cyprus, to why Donald Trump is so hard for TV interpreters to translate. We pride ourselves on covering European politics, European news and European culture from a pan-European perspective. You'll often hear stories on The Europeans from parts of the continent that don't usually receive enough attention from major international media outlets, especially Central, Eastern and Southern Europe. You might enjoy The Europeans if you also enjoy one of these other podcasts: The News Agents, On the Media, Today in Focus, Inside Europe, The Journal, EU Confidential, The Daily, The Globalist, Reasons to be Cheerful, The Media Show, Power Play, and The New Statesman. Whether you're already a European news nerd, or simply someone who'd like to be better informed about what's happening across Europe, The Europeans is the podcast for you. Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeanspodcast more

Survive the Jive podcast is about history and ancient religions and folklore. Hosted by historian Thomas Rowsell who is also a documentary film maker, this podcast focuses mainly on Indo-European cultures and most specifically on Germanic/Norse paganism. The podcast takes a holistic approach to programming that informs, educates and improves us. It sometimes covers scientific topics but is mainly concerned with pre-Christian religions of Europe. Sometimes the podcasts are based on videos from the YouTube channel, other times they are exclusive. Guests can include historians, scientists, musicians and religious leaders. more

*We are on our summer break - new episodes will be announced soon* Join friends Kate Walker and Catherine Roehre as they chat, laugh, and learn together in Europhile - a podcast encompassing Europe and its appeal, cultural nuances, lifestyles, histories, figures, and any other topic that sparks their interest! more

A weekly one-hour conversation with guest experts and callers about travel, cultures, people, and the things we find around the world that give life its extra sparkle. Rick Steves is America's leading authority on travel to Europe and beyond. Host and writer of over a hundred public television travel shows and author of 30 best-selling guidebooks, Rick now brings his passion for exploring and understanding our world to public radio. Related travel information and message boards on www.ricksteves.com more

A history podcast that aims to cover the birth of the European state system by examining the Early Modern Period of European history. Along the way, the podcast will delve into the geography, economy, politics, ideas, and culture of the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period to give the listener a view into the lives of the people who lived the events. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

The original European current affairs podcast from Germany's international broadcaster. Bringing you expert analysis and on-the ground reporting from the European capitals and beyond. Join host Kate Laycock and DW's network of seasoned correspondents for your weekly dose of euro-politics and culture. Published every Thursday. more

Ready to skip the cookie-cutter itinerary and experience Europe travel your way? Hosted by Lynne Nieman, Wander Your Way: Europe Travel Your Way is the podcast for independent travelers who crave off-the-beaten-path destinations, authentic local connections, and thoughtfully planned European adventures. Each episode is filled with practical Europe travel tips, destination inspiration, and insider advice to help you design a personalized Europe itinerary. Discover hidden gems in Scotland, Ireland, Italy, France, Switzerland, and beyond — along with guidance on accommodations, transportation, cultural experiences, and how to travel deeper, not faster. Some shows feature Lynne's firsthand stories from years of exploring Europe; others include expert guests sharing regional knowledge, travel strategies, and unique experiences you won't find in a typical guidebook. If you're looking for meaningful, independent Europe travel — with scenic landscapes, charming villages, incredible food, and immersive experiences — this podcast will help you plan with confidence. Subscribe now and start creating your next Europe adventure. Find more Europe travel resources at wanderyourway.com. more

A podcast tracing the development of theatre from ancient Greece to the present day through the places and people who made theatre happen. More than just dates and lists of plays we'll learn about the social. political and historical context that fostered the creation of dramatic art.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

🇵🇹 Practice European Portuguese through interesting and authentic content! Learn about Portuguese Culture and History, Language Learning, Self-Improvement and more. 📝 Each episode comes with a FREE transcript in Portuguese & English: https://www.portuguesewithleo.com/podcast/beginner more

This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field. Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: ⁠newbooksnetwork.com⁠ Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: ⁠https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/⁠ Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetwork Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/eastern-european-studies more

Entertaining lectures on European history by college professor Dr. Jason Hansen (Furman University) that help explain how the modern world came to be.  Covers culture and technology in addition to politics, with focus on France, Germany, England, Russia and more. Latest episodes help explain history of Israel and Palestine conflict and the Russia Ukraine war. more

Travel podcasts for city break fans. All the historical and cultural background you need to enjoy your visit.

Radio Goethe Podcast

This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field. Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: ⁠newbooksnetwork.com⁠ Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: ⁠https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/⁠ Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetwork Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/european-studies more

Follow a narrative history of the vast lands of Central Europe through new episodes every Monday. Here, we learn the traditions of the many rich cultures of the region, and follow them through their political highs and lows.In the show, we'll tell a history of modern day Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland from the Early Medieval Period to the Modern Day.Have questions or comments? Contact me at ****@zohomail.com more

Whether you're an expat chasing the dream, a traveller inspired by European elegance or a foodie seeking the perfect paella, Made in Spain is your insider's guide to all things chic, cultural and quintessentially Spanish. Join hosts Nalini Sharma and Laura Senior García for a glamorous mix of travel, food, fashion and the rich cultural narratives that make Spain a global icon of style and sophistication. Nalini is a former Canadian TV presenter, who has previously covered red carpet and live events, and major news stories. She channels the same wit and curiosity to the Made in Spain podcast, offering sharp, unscripted takes on everything from Spanish traditions to expat surprises. Laura, a seasoned leadership coach and global traveler, shares her deep, first-hand knowledge of Spain—not just as her birthplace, but as a country she continues to rediscover. With a British father and Spanish mother, she considers herself a global citizen with deep roots in Spain. Her insights connect Spain's rich past with its modern evolution, offering a unique and personal perspective on life, culture, and luxury in Spain today. Every episode of Made in Spain explores the country's hidden gems and exclusive experiences, but it's more than just a guide—it's a conversation. The show's Slice of Life segment gives listeners an unfiltered peek into Nalini and Laura's daily experiences the joys, frustrations, and unexpected moments that make life in Spain, and beyond, full of surprises. Sometimes, it's about the reality of settling into a new country at other times, it's about their travels, funny mishaps, or behind-the-scenes stories from researching the podcast. No matter the topic, listeners feel like they are right there with them, stepping into their world. more

The Irish Itinerary Podcast is an audio podcast brought to you by EFACIS, the European Federation of Associations and Centres of Irish Studies. As an innovative addition to our longstanding Irish Itinerary circuit which organises live events all across Europe, this series will bring together some of the best contemporary Irish authors and artists in conversation with leading Irish Studies scholars from across Europe. This exciting new project is designed in the spirit of open access and inclusivity, and made possible by the generous support of Culture Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Irish College, Leuven.  more

Briefed - Your Daily European Podcast Briefed is Europod's new daily podcast covering stories around Europe. In just five minutes, host Léa Marchal brings a fresh perspective on European politics and major news happening in European countries. On issues like tech sovereignty, climate scepticism or the rise of the extremes, the podcast brings you a different angle than your national one. Starting January 22nd, episodes of Briefed will be released at 6:00 AM CET, Monday through Friday. Briefed is produced by Europod in co-production with the Sphera Network . 'Briefed Your Daily European Podcast is produced within the framework of the European project SPHERA, co-funded by the European Union.' Follow us on: Linkedin Instagram Interested in collaborating with Europod? For sponsorships and editorial partnerships: ****@europod.eu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

We bring immersive, border-breaking stories about identity and culture from all corners of Europe straight to your ears. Every week you can listen to a readout from our print magazine, an episode from one of the podcasts in our Podcast Family, an exclusive behind the scenes interview or an original narrative story. Using cutting-edge audio storytelling techniques, we tell the stories of Europeans from Moldova to Ireland. more

A weekly podcast in English about Portugal´s culture, history and daily life with various guests. Living in Portugal, moving to Portugal or visiting Portugal? Podcast Portugal is your essential resource for everything Portugal in English. more

In this podcast, I explore the history of Europe from the Renaissance to the present. In each episode, we talk about the social, political, cultural, and economic changes that Europe went through, and how they brought us the Europe that we know today. more

Join BJ as he talks to his guests about various things European, and how they may impact our lives, even if we're not actually in Europe. From Game of Thrones to Brexit, and from populism to Netflix's Money Heist. BJ and his guests will be uncovering connections to Europe in some of our everyday experiences. This is The Eurospeak Podcast.Get in touch with us! ****@gmail.comhttps://www.facebook.com/TheEurospeakPodcast more

In this podcast, Dr Olesya Khromeychuk and Dr Uilleam Blacker speak to leading authors, intellectuals, scholars and journalists about Ukraine and its place in the world.Ukraine is at the centre of world events today, and understanding the country's politics, history and culture has never been more important. The Ukraine Shelf talks to leading authors, intellectuals, scholars and journalists about what we should be reading to understand Ukraine and its place in the world. The Ukraine Shelf is co-sponsored by the UCL European Institute, the Ukrainian Institute London, and the UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies, with the support of the British Academy.The podcast is presented by Dr Olesya Khromeychuk and Dr Uilleam Blacker. more

From The Bloc is a podcast that puts a spotlight on Central and Eastern Europeans living in the UK. Producer and presenter, Ella Natalia Hopkins, interviews artists, musicians, actors, directors, photographers, dancers and other creatively-minded people from CEE backgrounds. Podcast guests talk about their creative projects, inspirations and life in the UK. They also share their personal stories about being a migrant in the Western world. Through the authentic stories, the podcast aims to bring Central and Eastern European culture closer to the British audience and build a stronger sense of community amongst the CEE diaspora. The show is brought to you by @izbaarts . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

In the podcast Music Webs we talk about music and cultural policy in Europe. The European Music Council invites guests from the broad spectrum of the music sector, be it music educators, people from live music venues, choir singers/conductors, composers, performers, festival makers, instrument manufacturers, broadcasters, etc. The podcast music was exclusively composed by Moritz Eggert for the EMC, it is performed by Luise Enzian (baroque harp) and Moritz Eggert (piano). Find out more about the European Music Council: Find out more about the European Music Council: https://www.emc-imc.org/ more

In our podcast series, produced by the Forum on Central and Eastern Europe at KU Leuven, we explore the latest academic research on the region. Through 20-minute conversations, researchers share their personal experiences from fieldwork, along with their latest findings and ideas. Tune in to hear captivating stories about politics, history, anthropology, sociology, literature, music, visual arts, and architecture. more

In this podcast we discuss the European literary canon and the history, culture, philosophy, art, and science that surrounds it. more

An Esperia Podcast on student life and all the things about European Languages and Cultures. Enjoy Listening!

My new podcast explores many of the European cities that I have had the pleasure of visiting.In fact, over time I plan to discover more hidden gems, find out about historical old towns and try out the local delicacies of as many European cities as I can.Why not join me as I reflect on journeying by train across Europe? more

Each month, we meet international people who have settled in the Gothenburg region and West Sweden. They share honest stories about their journeys — from creating a social circle and understanding Swedish culture to overcoming personal and professional challenges. Whether you already live in West Sweden, are planning a move, or are starting fresh in any new country, these real-life experiences are for you! The podcast is produced by Move to Gothenburg, a regional public-private partnership, co-funded by the European Union, to help attract and support international professionals. more

Craft Matters is a podcast by the European Crafts Alliance exploring the people, policies, and practices shaping craft across Europe — from independent makers to cultural institutions and decision-makers. Through interviews, stories, and field recordings, the series reveals how craft lives, evolves, and contributes to Europe's economic and cultural future.Come for the stories, leave informed.Hosted by Adriana Campo.Produced by the European Crafts Alliance. Co-funded by the European Union. more

ProtoAIrt: the Deep Dive an AI-powered art history podcast that brings the original Russian blog Tararumbia to English-speaking listeners. The podcast explores European, Soviet and Russian art from ancient to contemporary times, mixing human insight with new generation tools to offer a fresh, curious, and research-minded take on visual arts, architecture, cinema, and museum culture.For inquiries: ****@gmail.com more

Do you plan your trips around your next meal? Welcome to The European Compass, the podcast for travelers who believe the best way to discover a culture is through its food.Join the host, Julia Doust for an honest look at the iconic dishes of the continent. We explore what to eat, what it actually tastes like, and how it fits into the history of the place.Episodes alternate between first-hand food accounts and practical tips for building your itinerary around regional specialties. Turn your next trip into a culinary adventure at https://theeuropeancompass.com/ more

A podcast on EU international cultural relations by culture SolutionsWe go deep into questioning the ways Europeans and the EU engage culturally with the world. The podcast follows an intercultural approach and brings cultural professionals, artists, policy makers and civil society around the table to discuss and share good practice on how best the EU can contribute to cultural relations in today's world. More information on our website > https://www.culturesolutions.eu/podcast/ more

The UBC Centre for European Studies Podcast explores contemporary and historical ideas, debates, and developments shaping Europe today. The podcast brings together scholars, policy experts, activists, and practitioners to discuss politics, society, culture, and international affairs across Europe and its global connections. more