Thought city breaks were just for the cooler months? Think again!
Whether they’re coming alive with festivals and concerts or flinging open their doors for drinks in the sunshine and al fresco dining, some cities were just made for summer time travelling. Plus, sightseeing is always more enjoyable when the sun is shining!
From Edinburgh to New York, here’s our top ten destinations for a city break this summer.
1. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm comes out of hibernation for summer – and it really makes the most of the long days and warm weather! The annual crayfish parties (yes, really) of kräftskiva begin in August and locals flock to the waterfront for outdoor drinking, dining and low-key watersports like kayaking. You can even do a spot of island-hopping – the better weather makes for a great opportunity to adventure to Stockholm’s archipelago.
Alternatively, you can walk along the usually snow-covered rooftops by doing a guided tour, or take in views of the city from the popular picnic spot of Montelivsvagen.
2. Dubrovnik, Croatia
With its iconic old town city walls overlooking the Adriatic Sea, it's no surprise that Dubrovnik has tourists flocking to its streets each year. But you’ll discover its real charm in the summer months as you enjoy drinks at cliff-edge bars and picture-perfect views from the top of Mount Srd.
The Dubrovnik Summer Festival is the main draw over July and August as the whole city is taken over by open-air theatre, live music and dance performances. It’s also the best time of year to make the most of Dubrovnik’s stunning coast – discover hidden bays and sheltered beaches either on foot or by boat.
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Often bypassed as a gateway to the coast during the warmer months, summer is a fantastic time to enjoy a city break in Portugal’s capital. Head to Lisbon between June and August and you can expect long, sun-filled days, perfect for exploring the city’s historic sights and making the most of lively outdoor events.
If you like to try out local food and drink, make sure to visit the Festas de Lisboa where the city’s neighbourhoods are enthralled in a street festival atmosphere. Here, guests can eat, drink and be merry all through the month of June and then relax the next day on the nearby beaches of Cascais and Estoril. You’ll find live music concerts and summer street parties popping up all over the city during summer too – perfect for evening entertainment.
4. New York, USA
The autumn leaves in Central Park, the giant Christmas trees during winter, New York can be magical at any time of year. However, summer in the Big Apple is just as inviting as all the other seasons, and you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to city break activities.
Enjoy the stylish rooftop bars that are dotted around the city, go see a baseball game at the Yankee Stadium or head over to Coney Island for a day full of amusement park rides. Central Park will also be at its finest as well so you can enjoy a picnic in the park among the lush greenery of New York’s most iconic bit of land. Visit in July to take part in 4th of July celebrations, especially to see the Macy's fireworks.
5. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s main draw in summer is undoubtedly the Fringe Festival. Considered the largest celebration of arts and media in the world, the festival takes place every August and sees Edinburgh’s streets filled with everything from theatre performances to comedy sketches. Make sure to book your city break in advance if you plan on attending – hotels fill up quickly and last-minute prices are steep.
Elsewhere in the Scottish capital, pleasant summer temperatures are perfect for visiting the city’s top attractions, which include Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish National Gallery. When you’ve had your fill of sightseeing, spend sunny afternoons wandering in the Royal Botanic Garden, enjoy picnics in the city's leafy parks, or hike up Salisbury Crags for panoramic city views from Arthur’s Seat.
6. Barcelona, Spain
Known for its stunning Gaudi architecture, thriving food scene and vibrant nightlife, Barcelona makes for a captivating city break all year round. But, visit between June and August to see the city come alive with neighbourhood parties, open-air concerts and summertime festivals. It’s the best time of year to enjoy all things alfresco, from outdoor dining and seafront bars to open-top bus tours and open-air cinemas.
While the Mediterranean climate gets toasty during the summer months, the heat remains bearable in Barcelona compared to other cities further down the Spanish coast. Plus, when you need to cool off, there’s beautiful sandy beaches right on your doorstep.
7. Budapest, Hungary
Winter may be your first thought when booking a city break to Budapest for days spent browsing festive Christmas markets and soaking in the thermal baths. However, opt for a city break in Hungary’s capital during summer and you’ll be treated to music festivals, riverside beaches and outdoor activities aplenty.
Temperatures are perfect for days ambling around popular landmarks such as Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament Building and for outdoors adventures – try a cycling tour, cruise down the Danube or hike off into the Buda Hills. And if the mercury does rise, head to one of the city’s lidos for a refreshing dip or find a shady spot along the river bank.
8. Milan, Italy
Often overlooked by other Italian hotspots such as Rome and Venice, Milan is a fantastic city break destination for those craving culture, art and fashion. There are palaces and churches to explore, museums and art galleries to browse, and designer boutiques galore to shop at – this is Italy’s world-famous fashion hub, after all!
Summer is a great time for annual event highlights in Milan. Listen to legendary bands at the Milano Summer Festival, join in the celebrations of Milano Pride and seek out budding music maestros at the Terraforma Festival. It's the prime time to make the most of the city’s green spaces too. In an effort to combat climate change, the city is transforming into an ‘urban forest’, planting several million trees and shrubs not only in the city's public gardens and parks, but even covering residential buildings too.
9. Reykjavík, Iceland
Winter isn’t the only time to witness Iceland’s impressive landscapes in all their glory. During the summer months, the longer days and milder climate covers the island with lush vegetation, the fjords are spectacular and it's one of the best times of year for wildlife spotting – whale-watching in particular.
Head to Reykjavík for a city break that is just as enchanting as the surrounding scenery. Home to world-class art galleries, a multitude of museum exhibits, a renowned seafood scene and the stonkingly impressive Hallgrimskirkja Church, there’s plenty to see and do here. It’s also a fantastic base for day trips to the famous Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle, or the ideal starting point for road trips into the Icelandic highlands – only accessible in the summer when the snow has melted.
10. Paphos, Cyprus
With a historic town centre and ancient archaeological sites as well as golden sandy beaches and turquoise seas, Paphos is the perfect combination of city break and beach escape rolled into one. History buffs can have their fill of famous landmarks including The Tomb of the King’s and Aphrodite’s Rock while beach bums can soak up the summer sun on the likes of Lara Bay and Blue Lagoon beach – temperatures between June and August easily reach the high 20s.
You’ll find plenty of markets and shops to browse through in the old town, along with streetside restaurants offering traditional meze style meals. Summer evenings are best spent sampling Cypriot wine while watching the sunset over Paphos harbour.
Which of these cities would you like to go to this summer? Tweet us @icelollyholiday and let us know!
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