COVID-19 in 2020 meant the end of plans for summer trips to Europe. However, with the crisis receding, people once again have the opportunity to go on a Europe summer vacation.
What makes Europe the most popular continent in the world for foreign travelers is the variety it offers. From the stunning lights and romance of Paris to the immersive history of Dubrovnik, there are endless possibilities while on a summer vacation in Europe.
That said, what are the best summer destinations in Europe? Here are some recommendations!
Before we list where to go, let’s cover why Europe in the summertime is truly a wonderful time of year to visit.
Europe is a year-round continent, with vacationers flocking to this continent throughout the seasons. One can unlock the magic of the Old World at any month and any time. Summer in Europe, however, is remarkable. It features warm weather, a multitude of cultural events, and the longer days allow visitors to experience even more of their destination.
For those planning a summer vacation in Europe, rest assured incredible memories will be made!
Whether you are someone who wants to enjoy a simple sabbatical or a remote worker looking to become a fully-fledged digital nomad, let’s take a look at some of the top destinations to visit right now.
Discovering the places to visit in Europe in summer can make that next trip the adventure of a lifetime. Of course, figuring out where to go is half the fun. Here are the best places to visit in Europe in August.
It was the famous English poet Lord Byron who once called Dubrovnik the Pearl of the Adriatic. This UNESCO World Heritage site is popular throughout the year, but it is glorious during the summer months.
What makes Dubrovnik so unique is the walls towering above crystal blue waters gently lapping at the foundations. Spend some time strolling along the walls and enjoy postcard view after postcard view.
Or why not combine it with a Game of Thrones tour? After all, Dubrovnik was the setting for King’s Landing. Stroll around the city and take in the 15th century Rector’s Palace, enjoy a coffee at Panorama, or just aimlessly wander the cobbled streets.
If you’re in town between July 10th and August 25th, attend the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, which includes film screenings, music concerts, and theater productions.
If you’re looking for one of the best European cities to visit in summer, or you just love history, Dubrovnik is the place for you.
Mostar has grown into a must-see stop on most backpacking summer trips to Europe. This lesser-known gem is less than three hours north of Dubrovnik.
Stretching along the Neretva River, the incredible Stari Most bridge is the highlight here. This Ottoman-style bridge connects the beautiful old town, consisting of the traditional Turkish style Bazaar.
We also recommend a trip to Poctitelj, a walled city only 30km away. While not a place to spend your whole trip, Mostar truly is a wonder to behold.
Anyone who loves architecture must pay a visit to Mostar. It’s also a great place to indulge in traditional Balkan food.
Become one of the 20 million annual foreign visitors to the Dutch capital. This is one of the best European cities to visit in summer and is especially popular among young people in Northern Europe.
Amsterdam has two sides to it. Spend some time in its world-class museums, such as the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Anne Frank House, before partying the night away as Rembrandtplein comes to life.
There are also canal tours and music festivals in Amsterdam. Plus, it’s the only place in Europe where visitors can enjoy legal marijuana.
For everything the Netherlands has to offer wrapped in one city, spend a summer in Europe in Amsterdam.
Culture bugs, party people, and anyone who wants to see some utterly unique architecture will love it here. This is most definitely a destination for everyone.
Perhaps one of the gloomiest cities in Europe, London weather is known for being awful. However, London can be the picture of summer—sunny skies included—during the summer months. (Keep in mind, it will probably be gloomy a bit, but that’s part of London’s charm!)
What more could you say about the British capital?
Here, visitors have access to some of the world’s best-known sites, including the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Hampton Court (just outside the city), and the Tower of London. Also, take the time to visit the Portobello Road Market and Camden Market.
Or why not sample the world-beating museums, such as the British Museum and the Imperial War Museum?
Spend evenings in a traditional English pub or splurge on a show at one of the many famous theaters in the West End.
And all that is only scratching the surface of what this city has to offer!
Everybody! London is truly one of the world’s greatest cities with something to suit every taste.
London weather is always unpredictable, but it is one of the best summer vacations in Europe because most days are clear and sunny during summer, especially in August. Finally, many locals leave London in summer, so it is not as crowded as one may think.
Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires, welcomes eight million visitors every year. Be one of them as you explore a city brimming with history and beauty.
From the unique Charles Bridge to Prague Castle towering above the city, our advice is to walk these streets to get an authentic taste of Prague.
Visit the St. Vitus Cathedral, soak up the atmosphere in the Old Town Square, and enjoy a cruise down the Vltava River.
At night, get ready for Prague’s legendary nightlife, or if you’re feeling cultural, why not enjoy a medieval dining experience?
Prague is another city that has something to offer everyone. From incredible architecture to a memorable nightlife experience, this is a perfect destination for both families and the lone traveler.
Paris, France, may seem like a surprise on a list of the best summer destinations in Europe, but it shouldn’t be. This epicenter of culture, gastronomy, and art is a “must-see” on anyone’s list.
Paris is one of the world’s leading cities. From the art and culture of the Louvre, Moulin Rouge, and the Musee d’Orsay to the architectural marvels of the Cathedrale Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, Paris is a city that would take a lifetime to explore.
Most locals leave the city in summer, leaving it for visitors to enjoy. This leads to fewer crowds, which is always a nice bonus. Furthermore, there are plenty of ways to cool off in Paris. Why not a Seine River cruise to refresh the senses?
Paris is unmatched in its mastery. As such, it’s undoubtedly one of the top summer trips to Europe.
Everyone will fall in love with the City of Light. There is something for all travelers to enjoy here, as long as one can handle the summer heat!
Combine the best of city life and a beach destination this summer with a trip to Spain’s second city of Barcelona. The Catalonian capital offers vibrant architecture, rambunctious nightlife, and an epic coastline.
Discover the incredible masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi during a trip to Barcelona. From Park Güell to the La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona is an architect’s dream.
Stroll along Las Ramblas from the Placa de Catalunya to Christopher Columbus’ monument at Port Vell. Chill out at the city’s beach, which sees sunbathing during the day and beach parties at night.
Sample some of the best tapas in the whole of Spain or grab tickets to a Barcelona FC game at Camp Nou.
Barcelona is the place to go for those searching for a more laidback vacation this summer in Europe. From fabulous architecture to lazy days by the Mediterranean, the Catalonian capital has it all. The best part is it rarely gets above 30 degrees celsius, even in August.
Looking to escape the crowds in the best summer destinations in Europe? Pay a trip to the rugged western coasts of the Emerald Isle.
Galway is Ireland’s hub of traditional culture. Enjoy historical pubs with incredible live music in the evenings, along with some of the best food this side of Dublin.
Whereas most people head to Dublin, a visit to Galway allows you to escape the crowds. With lower summer temperatures upon the high Cliffs of Moher, Galway is the perfect location to explore rural Ireland.
Pop over to Dublin for a day trip, with trains to the capital taking less than two hours.
Witness some rare great weather and see the Emerald Isle at its most spectacular in Galway.
Anyone looking for something different this summer in Europe will fall in love with Galway. Universally known as a hotspot of Irish culture, escape the crowds and indulge in this quaint little Irish town.
When planning a trip to Europe this summer, there have many destinations to choose from. Europe will not disappoint for digital nomads who want a great place to work as they move or for those simply looking for a relaxing vacation.
As a premier Destination management company, SmartWorks can help organizations plan meetings, conferences, and more all across Europe. Contact us today to get started!