The meteorological summer will soon be upon us, but in our own country it has already felt summery for a while. Southern Europe has seen a lot of rain over the past month, but warmer and drier weather is coming there soon too. So don’t worry if you haven’t made holiday plans yet – early summer offers countless opportunities for a wonderful city trip!
Our 10 tips for city trips in early summer
Below you’ll find, in no particular order, our tips for 10 fantastic city trips in early summer.
1. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague shows itself at its best in June with pleasant temperatures around 22°C and little rainfall. The crowds remain manageable compared to the high season, making walks across the Charles Bridge extra enjoyable. Take advantage of the longer days by attending an evening concert or taking a boat trip. Prague’s gardens are in full bloom and offer cooling places to rest between sightseeing.
2. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm welcomes summer with open arms and long, light days that last until late in the evening. The Swedish capital offers a perfect mix of culture, design and natural beauty spread across multiple islands. Explore the historic Gamla Stan or take a boat trip through the archipelago with thousands of small islands. Swedish ice cream tastes especially delicious whilst sitting on a bench by the water in Djurgården park.
3. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh benefits from mild summer temperatures, ideal for exploring the medieval streets and alleys. The Scottish capital slowly comes to life without the extreme crowds. Climb Arthur’s Seat for a breathtaking view over the city and enjoy the long evenings. Sample local beer in one of the many historic pubs and definitely visit Edinburgh Castle: the highlight of the city.
4. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest offers the perfect early summer city experience with pleasant temperatures and bustling terraces along the Danube. The city’s thermal baths provide a welcome cooling-off, even on warmer days in June. Admire the illuminated monuments during an evening boat trip or taste local wines in a ruin bar. Margaret Island transforms into a green oasis full of recreational opportunities in the middle of the city.
5. Porto, Portugal
Porto on the Atlantic coast welcomes you with mild temperatures and refreshing sea breezes in early summer. The colourful buildings along the Douro River provide beautiful photos in the soft morning light. Try the local port wines in one of the historic wine cellars or walk to the beach. The city remains relatively quiet before the high season, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
6. Riga, Latvia
Riga surprises visitors with a beautiful historic centre and pleasant temperatures around 20°C in June. The Latvian capital exuberantly celebrates midsummer, an important tradition in the Baltic states with music and dance. Enjoy the UNESCO-protected centre with Art Nouveau architecture and cosy squares full of terraces. The nearby Baltic Sea beaches offer a perfect day trip when temperatures rise a bit higher.
7. Venice, Italy
Venice in early summer offers a rare opportunity to experience this magical city without extreme heat. June brings bearable temperatures and less crowding than the hot summer months of July and August. Get lost in the narrow streets or enjoy a gondola ride during the longer evenings. Admire the Festa del Redentore with spectacular fireworks over the lagoon, an unforgettable experience.
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen shines in early summer with vibrant parks and friendly waterfronts full of locals enjoying the weather. The Danish capital offers a perfect mix of historic buildings and modern design with bicycle-friendly streets. Tivoli Gardens come alive with flowers and summer evening concerts under the open sky. Try the famous smørrebrød on a terrace or dive into the harbour water at Islands Brygge.
9. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is a hidden gem that shines optimally in early summer with green parks and terraces. The compact Slovenian capital can be perfectly explored on foot, with the Ljubljanica River as a charming artery. Visit the lively market in the morning or enjoy the sunset from the castle. The city forms an excellent base for day trips to the stunning Lake Bled.
10. Krakow, Poland
Krakow awakens in June with festivals, street musicians and terraces around the impressive Rynek Główny market square. The Polish city offers a mix of history, culture and surprisingly delicious cuisine for relatively little money. Walk through Planty Park, a green belt around the old town with numerous shady spots. The longer evenings are perfect for tasting Polish vodka in one of the cellar bars.
