15 Best European Cities to Visit in Summer
Looking for the perfect summer escape? When temperatures rise, Europe’s most beautiful cities offer countless reasons to visit.
Read on for hidden gems alongside famous hotspots in our roundup of Europe’s must-visit summer cities.
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1. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is where East meets West, and old meets new. The city’s skyline is a mix of ancient minarets and modern skyscrapers.
You can shop for spices and carpets in the Grand Bazaar, then head to a rooftop bar for cocktails with a view of the Bosphorus.
Don’t miss the Hagia Sophia, a 1,500-year-old marvel that’s been both a church and a mosque.
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet. This luxurious hotel is set in a former Ottoman prison, offering a unique blend of history and modern comfort.
2. Riga, Latvia
Riga is a hidden gem in the Baltics. Its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with colorful Art Nouveau buildings and cobblestone streets.
Don’t miss the Central Market, housed in old Zeppelin hangars, where you can sample local cheeses and smoked fish.
For a dose of history, visit the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia to learn about the country’s Soviet past.
Where to Stay: Grand Poet Hotel by Semarah. This stylish hotel is inspired by Latvian poets and offers a fantastic spa for relaxation after a day of sightseeing.
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3. Seville, Spain
Seville is the heart of Andalusia, and it beats fastest in summer. The city’s orange-tree-lined streets lead to stunning Moorish palaces and lively tapas bars.
Don’t miss the Real Alcázar, a royal palace with stunning gardens. In the evenings, catch a flamenco show in the Triana neighborhood.
Despite the heat, Seville doesn’t slow down in summer – it just shifts to a nighttime schedule, with dinners starting late and parties going until dawn.
Where to Stay: Hotel Alfonso XIII. This iconic hotel was built for a king and offers a taste of royal luxury in the heart of Seville.
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam in summer is a city in bloom. The canals are lined with flowers, and locals flock to the parks for picnics and outdoor concerts.
Rent a bike to explore like a local, pedaling along the canals and through the charming Jordaan neighborhood.
Take a break at a brown café (traditional Dutch pub) for a cold beer and some bitterballen.
For culture, visit the newly renovated Rijksmuseum or take a tour of the Anne Frank House.
Where to Stay: Pulitzer Amsterdam. This unique hotel is made up of 25 restored 17th and 18th century canal houses, offering a truly Dutch experience.
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5. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a fairytale city on the Adriatic coast. Its Old Town, surrounded by massive stone walls, is a maze of marble streets and baroque buildings.
In summer, you can cool off with a swim in the crystal-clear waters or take a boat trip to nearby islands.
As the sun sets, head to Buža Bar, carved into the cliffs, for a drink with an incredible view.
Game of Thrones fans will recognize the city as King’s Landing, and can take themed tours of filming locations.
Where to Stay: Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik. This iconic hotel offers stunning views of the Old Town and Adriatic Sea from its clifftop location.
6. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is cool, colorful, and crazy fun in summer. The Danish capital gets up to 17 hours of daylight, giving you plenty of time to explore.
Hop on a bike and cruise past the rainbow-hued houses of Nyhavn harbor. Tivoli Gardens amusement park is a must-visit – it’s one of the world’s oldest theme parks and Walt Disney’s inspiration!
Food fans should hit Torvehallerne market for smørrebrød (open sandwiches) or grab a hot dog from one of the city’s famous pølsevogn (sausage wagons).
Where to Stay: Nimb Hotel. This fairy-tale boutique hotel is located within Tivoli Gardens and features Moorish-inspired architecture with twinkling lights.
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7. Namur, Belgium
Namur sits at the meeting point of two rivers, making it one of Belgium’s prettiest cities. The massive Citadel fortress towers over town – climb up for amazing valley views.
In summer, locals hang out along the riverbanks, sipping Belgian beers at waterfront cafés.
Don’t miss the Saturday market in Place d’Armes where farmers sell fresh produce, cheeses, and homemade jams. For a fun day trip, rent a kayak and paddle down the Lesse River.
Where to Stay: The Royal Snail Hotel. This quirky design hotel has themed rooms, an outdoor pool and views of the citadel.
8. Porto, Portugal
Porto is the city that gave Portugal (and the world) port wine! Wander through the UNESCO-listed Ribeira district with its narrow streets and colorful houses stacked like LEGO on the hillside.
Cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge for knockout views of the Douro River. Summer brings outdoor concerts and beach days at nearby Matosinhos.
Make sure to tour the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia – many offer tastings with chocolate pairings.
Where to Stay: The Yeatman. This luxury wine hotel offers rooms with private terraces and a decanter-shaped infinity pool overlooking the entire city.
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9. Monaco
Monaco packs major glitz into a country smaller than Central Park. This tiny principality on the French Riviera is where celebrities and billionaires come to play.
Wander along the harbor filled with mega-yachts, or try your luck at the famous Monte Carlo Casino.
Summer brings perfect beach weather at Larvotto Beach, where clear Mediterranean waters meet golden sand.
F1 fans should check out the exact route of the Monaco Grand Prix – you can drive or walk the same streets as racing legends!
Where to Stay: Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. This legendary Belle Époque hotel sits next to the casino and features a three-Michelin-starred restaurant.
10. Madrid, Spain
Madrid cranks up the vibes in summer with outdoor markets, rooftop bars, and festivals. The Spanish capital stays up late – dinner rarely starts before 9 PM.
Spend your days in the magnificent El Retiro Park, rowing boats on the lake or napping under 400-year-old trees.
Art buffs can’t miss the “Golden Triangle” museums: the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Where to Stay: Only YOU Boutique Hotel. This trendy hotel in a former 19th-century palace features colonial-inspired decor and a killer cocktail bar.
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11. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is the poster child for a Greek island getaway. This volcanic beauty is famous for its white-washed buildings with blue domes perched on cliffs.
Summer days are perfect for lounging on black sand beaches or sailing around the caldera.
Don’t miss the sunset in Oia – it’s so stunning, people actually applaud when the sun dips below the horizon!
Foodies should try the island’s specialty: sweet and tiny Santorini tomatoes. For a cool break, tour the underground wine caves and sip on crisp Assyrtiko wine grown in volcanic soil.
Where to Stay: Canaves Oia Suites. This cliffside hotel offers luxurious rooms with private plunge pools and jaw-dropping caldera views.
12. Rome, Italy
Rome is where ancient ruins rub shoulders with trendy cafes. Summer in the Eternal City means evening strolls (passeggiata) and outdoor concerts in historic venues.
Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return, then cool off with a cone from nearby Giolitti, Rome’s most famous gelato shop.
Skip the line at the Colosseum with a pre-booked ticket, then head to the hip Monti neighborhood for aperitivo hour.
Where to Stay: Hotel Artemide. This elegant hotel in a 19th-century building offers a rooftop restaurant with panoramic city views and a complimentary minibar.
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13. Olhão, Portugal
Olhão is the Algarve’s best-kept secret. This fishing town skips the tourist crowds but keeps all the charm.
The star attraction is the bustling fish market – arrive early to watch fishermen unload their catch. Take a boat trip to the nearby Ilha da Culatra for pristine beaches without the crowds.
Back in town, wander through the Moorish-influenced old quarter with its cube-shaped houses and hidden courtyards.
Summer brings the Festival do Marisco (Seafood Festival), where you can sample the freshest fish and shellfish cooked in traditional Algarvian style.
Where to Stay: Real Marina Hotel & Spa. This modern hotel offers stunning views of the Ria Formosa lagoon and islands from its rooftop pool.
14. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is where beach meets big-city buzz. Start your day with a stroll down Las Ramblas, stopping at La Boqueria market for fresh fruit smoothies.
Gawk at Gaudí’s whimsical buildings – the still-unfinished Sagrada Família is mind-blowing.
When the sun gets too hot, duck into the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter for shade and surprise plazas.
As night falls, join locals for sunset drinks at a chiringuito (beach bar), then dance till dawn at one of the city’s famous clubs.
Where to Stay: Hotel Arts Barcelona. This striking skyscraper hotel offers sea views, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, and a spectacular infinity pool.
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15. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a sun-soaked city that mixes old-world charm with hipster cool. Ride the famous yellow trams up and down the city’s seven hills, stopping to admire the view from miradouros (lookout points).
Summer evenings are perfect for enjoying fado music in the winding streets of Alfama.
Don’t leave without trying a pastel de nata (custard tart) from Belém – they’re so good, you might need a second… or third!
Beach lovers can hop on a train to nearby Cascais for golden sands and seafood feasts.
Where to Stay: Memmo Príncipe Real. This boutique hotel offers a sleek rooftop pool with panoramic views over the city and complimentary port wine at check-in.
