Summer in Europe can be hot and overcrowded with tourists, which could make for a very frustrating summer vacation even in one of the most beautiful and historic regions of the world. With that being said, I would recommend considering a few “alternative” cities in Europe to consider that are absolutely breathtaking and rival the popular staples like Rome, Paris and London.
So I made a list of possible destinations you should discover on your next trip to Europe, and here are the places I’d hit if I were heading east this year.
5 Great Summer Cities in Europe:
Nice, France
The south of France has been a popular tourist destination for decades and rightfully so. The beautiful beaches, enjoyable climate and seductive eye candy make for an ideal European summer destination.
There are incredible viewpoints like Castle Hill, rich history in Old Town and a variety of museums across the city for those seeking more than just fun and sun. But for those who picture summer vacation with a cocktail in hand and the sun on your back, Nice has you covered. Bring flip-flops and sunglasses because the beaches are more rocky than sandy and the women are more topless than… not.
Budapest, Hungary
There are two-dozen baths and thirteen medicinal baths in Budapest, what more can you ask for during a summer vacation through Europe? Budapest is the capital and largest city of Hungary and the eighth largest in the European Union, so if you want big city dreams without the crowds of London or Paris than Budapest might be a nice option. You can cruise along the Danube River along the Danube Promenade or cut through the streets admiring the majestic architecture the city has to offer.
Vienna, Austria
From Budapest you should head north to Vienna for another amazing European city experience in Austria. Vienna is absolutely jam packed with history and is one of the most picturesque cities in all of Eastern Europe. If you want to escape city life for a while you could head to Lake Neusiedlersee, where many Austrians go to vacation. In 2001, the region to the east of Lake Neusidlersee the Seewinkel area was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. A popular even for tourists and locals alike is the “Seedurchquerung”, essentially walking or swim-walking through the shallow lake between Mörbisch and Illmitz. Perfect for summer!
Antwerp, Belgium
The temperature highs in Antwerp during July and August are a cool 70 degrees (F), which makes for a comfortable vacation if you compare that against some of the sweltering days other popular cities get during the summer months in Europe. You pair the weather with the beautiful river-front and delicious food and you got yourself one relaxing vacation spot away from all the hoards of tourists.
Istanbul, Turkey
Let’s head further east now and check out one of the major up and coming tourist destinations of Eastern Europe in Istanbul. When you think summer vacation, Turkey doesn’t usually come to mind, well at least not to me, but it definitely deserves reconsidering. Whether you’re exploring the Blue Mosque, haggling for carpets at the Grand Bazaar Istanbul or enjoying the bold flavors of Turkish cuisine, Istanbul is definitely a place to long for this summer.
There you have it 5 great destinations to vacation this summer throughout Europe!
