These cities are actually ideal to visit at any time of the year. However, many people prefer to explore them during the summer months for various reasons. If you’re looking for a good time this summer, these are some great places to consider.
1. Budapest, Hungary
Hungary’s beautiful capital city lies on the shores of the famous Danube River as it eagerly flows out to the Black Sea. Many people compare Budapest to Paris, but it’s finitely not as crowded and is typically more affordable. The city is filled with history and natural beauty, including numerous fantastic parks. City Park is home to a top-class zoo, Vajdahunyad Castle, and the Szechenyi Spa.
The history and culture are amazing and the nightlife’s quite vibrant. One of the most popular attractions here is the annual Sziget Music Festival which takes place each August on an island in the Danube River.
2. San Francisco, California, USA
The City by the Bay is one of the most gorgeous in the world and there’s plenty to see and do here. Some of the top attractions include Coit Tower, Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the infamous Alcatraz prison.
If you’d like to climb the hills like the locals do, then just hop on one of the city’s historic cable cars and visit the wonderful neighborhoods such as Haight-Ashbury and the Castro.
3. Copenhagen, Denmark
The harbor in Copenhagen is definitely one of the cleanest in the world and is a hub of activity with restaurant lining the street from one end to the other. There are even a couple of swimming pools where you can cool down.
Tours of the city’s canals are popular and there are some good beaches nearby. The shopping is top-class and there are plenty of historical sites. Tivoli and Bakken can also be found here, which are the two oldest amusement parks on the globe.
4. Oxford, England
This city combines a university city with English country life. It’s only an hour from London, but a lot more tranquil. It’s filled with beautiful college buildings, pubs, gardens, and parks.
The Bodleian and Ashmolean museums are among the best in the world and offer free admission. The markets and shops are definitely worth exploring and you’ll be able to take a leisurely cruise down the Harwell and Thames Rivers.
Stay in Britain and enjoy luxury midweek breaks at Tor Farm.
5. Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Montreal is actually the second-largest French-speaking city in the world. It’s home to several excellent festivals such as the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal.
There are some fantastic beaches along the St. Lawrence River and the old town is filled with vibrant shops, clubs, cobblestone squares, and pubs. The architecture is very European and there are plenty of trails and parks to enjoy.
6. Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden’s capital city is quite similar to Venice in many ways, but is far less crowded. It’s set on 14 Baltic sea islands and during the summer months, you’ll be treated to about 18 hours of daylight each day.
There are many waterways to explore and the dining and shopping are magnificent. Two of the most popular sites are Stureplan Square and the Drottninggatan pedestrian street. In the Old Town, you’ll find the Swedish parliament and Royal Palace sitting on the cobblestone streets.
7. St. Petersburg, Russia
This is the second-largest city in Russia and was formerly known as Leningrad. It’s now a popular World Heritage Site due to the amazing architecture, Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, Palace Square, and Winter Palace.
The city is also home to over 200 museums, 60 cinemas, and 80 theaters. It attracts thousands of visitors to the White Nights Festival which features opera, ballet, and an assortment of other music genres. The nightlife has to be seen to be believed as well.
Today Russia is a growing tourist destination, so planning your Moscow – St. Petersburg tours is no longer a drag. There are plenty of offers out there, so all you have to do is pick one that fits you best and start exploring one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
8. Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland’s capital city is the northernmost capital in the world. This means the summer days are full if light and you’ll be able to enjoy the geothermal-heated outdoor pools at just about any time of the day. The city center is easy to walk and filled with nightclubs, restaurants, and boutiques. The countryside is wonderful and filled with plenty of hiking trails, geysers, waterfalls, and volcanic vestiges.
