Traveling through Europe in the summer time is one of those bucket list experiences that many people never really believe until they actually do it. From long, sunlit evenings and alfresco cafes full of people laughing and chatting to cobblestone streets decked out in celebration and coastlines sparkling under blue skies, European summers are magical.
Whether this is your first time visiting Europe or your tenth trip back, planning your summer travels through Europe will have you packing your bags in no time.
In this guide, you will learn how to plan every step of your summer travels through Europe. Choosing destinations, staying on budget, packing like a pro, immersing yourself in the culture, and planning your itinerary are all made easy and stress-free with this guide.
Why Summer Is Europe’s Best Season
Summer in Europe can technically occur anywhere between June and August. However, in many places in Europe, even the beginning of September is still considered summertime.
Pros:
Summer in Europe means mostly sunny and warm weather (for the most part)
Every single day there are music festivals, cultural festivals, or celebrations taking place somewhere in Europe
Sunsets as late as 9–10pm
Nighttime cities become full of life when everyone is eating outdoors, music is flowing from every street corner, and there are people packed into public squares socializing.
The biggest con of summer travel in Europe is crowds and prices. However, there are still ways to travel in Europe during the summer and have an incredible time while staying on budget.
Let’s get started.
How to Plan Your European Summer Vacation
Step 1: Figure Out Your Ideal Trip
Some questions to ask yourself:
Do you enjoy city trips, beach trips, or countryside trips more?
What attracts you more? History? Food? Nightlife? Nature?
Do you prefer to rush through places or take your time?
When mapping out your ideal trip, many people try and squeeze too much into their time in Europe. While Europe may look small on a map, you’ll spend a lot of time traveling between places.
Step 2: Create a Budget
Again, prices will vary depending on the areas you choose to visit.
Western Europe > Eastern Europe/Central Europe
Southern Europe will vary depending on what city you choose and if it’s peak season.
Keep in mind costs for:
Flights
Accommodations
Getting around
Food
Attractions
Emergency fund
Step 3: Book As Early As Possible
For summer travel, it’s ideal to book your flights and accommodations 2–4 months in advance. The most popular spots will fill up quickly!
Best European Summer Destinations
Paris, France
Summer in Paris will make you feel like you are in a film. Locals take their lunch breaks and have picnics along the Seine river. Outdoor markets are overflowing with fresh produce and pastries and rooftop bars are packed with people people watching the sunset.
Best Activities:
Picnic by the river
Visit world-class museums
Wander around Montmartre
River cruises at night
Why visit Paris in the Summer: With long evenings and bustling nightlife, sightseeing can feel not like a task but enjoyable.
Rome, Italy
Rome is a summer traveler’s paradise. Full of culture and history but also fun festivals and nightlife. You will be boiling under the summer heat but it is so worth it!
Best Activities:
Explore Ancient Rome early in the morning
Savor a gelato stroll at night
Visit The Vatican
People-watch at local cafes
Why visit Rome in the Summer: There’s always something to do after dark and meal times allow you to enjoy the heat!
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of Europe’s best destinations for beach and city culture.
Best Activities:
Hit the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea
Explore iconic Gaudí architecture
Food markets
Nightlife
Why visit Barcelona in the Summer: You can essentially do both sightseeing and relaxing at the beach.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
There’s something about Amsterdam in the summer that makes it feel extra special. Take a ride through the canals and embrace the bike culture.
Best Activities:
Rent a bike and explore the city
Canal Cruise
Outdoor cafes
Day trips from Amsterdam
Why visit Amsterdam in the Summer: Temperatures are nice and you can actually enjoy walking and biking.
Santorini, Greece
Need we say more?
Best Activities:
Watch the sun set over Oia
Relax on Santorini’s beaches
Boat tours
Wine tasting
Why visit Santorini in the Summer: Warm weather and bright blue water create the perfect photo opportunities.
Prague, Czech Republic
Beautiful fairy-tale like cities at a cheaper price than some of Western Europe.
Best Activities:
Visit Old Town Square
Take a day trip to Prague Castle
Walk across Charles Bridge at sunrise
Explore local Czech cuisine at a beer garden
Why visit Prague in the Summer: Summer is prime time for outdoor concerts and walks along the river.
2 Week European Summer Itinerary
1–3: Arrival city, explore main sites
4–6: Second city focused more on culture
7–9: Beach/countryside destination
10–12: European history/central city
13–14: Relax before heading home/ shopping
Don’t try and travel every day. You’ll need days to rest in between if you want to fully enjoy yourself.
Tips on Getting Around Europe
Budget Airlines
There are multiple budget airlines that travel throughout Europe. Make sure to pay attention to baggage restrictions and which airports these fly into.
Train
Europe has some of the best train travel in the world. Most trains are comfortable and travel city-to-city.
Public Transportation
Metro, buses, and trams are also efficient ways to get around if you’re staying in a city for multiple days.
What to Pack for Europe in the Summer
Clothing:
1: Pack light and breezy clothing.
2: Pack comfortable walking shoes.
3: Pack a light jacket for evenings.
Don’t forget your swimsuit!
Essentials:
Remember to bring a universal adapter for electronics.
Bring a portable charger.
Make copies of your travel documents and store them separately from the originals.
Bring a reusable water bottle.
Must-Eat Food During European Summer
Food during the summer in Europe is some of the best because everything is fresh, local, and in-season.
Search for:
Outdoor food markets
Local bakeries
Street vendors
Local wine and cheese
As a general tip, try to avoid eating as close to a main attraction as possible. Take a few steps away and you will notice prices drop and quality go up.
Summer European Festivals
Festival season is in full swing during the European summer.
Some examples:
Music festivals
Cultural festivals
Food and wine
National holidays
There are always local festivals even in smaller cities that you can take part in.
European Summer On a Budget
Travel in June or Early September.
Stay outside the city center.
Avoid taxis and use public transportation.
Eat lunch instead of dinner at pricey restaurants.
Book attraction tickets online beforehand.
Safety Around Europe
As with any place in the world, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings.
Some tips:
Pickpocketing is common around crowds of tourists.
Keep your valuables close to you and avoid showing off expensive jewelry or bags.
Avoid dingy alleys or streets that are void of people late at night.
Use official taxis or ride share apps.
European Summer Culture Tips
Learn how to say hello and thank you in the local’s language.
Know what the dress code is for visiting religious sites.
Tip, but not as much as you would think (compared to other countries).
Practice patience and be polite when interacting with locals.
How to Avoid Burnout When Travelling in Europe During Summer
One mistake a lot of travelers make is underestimating how exhausting traveling in Europe in the summer can be. You’re walking around all day in the sun, possibly touring cities with old, stone buildings that retain heat, and you’re doing new things every day that you want to remember.
Here are some things you can do to avoid burning out:
Take a rest day in the mornings.
Don’t visit attractions every day.
Drink water!
Learn How to Say I’m Tired in Every Language You Visit
Should You Visit Europe in the Summer?
If you haven’t already noticed, Europe during the summer is special. There’s truly nothing else like Europe in the summer.
Europe offers summer travelers culture, history, food, breathtaking nature, and fun nightlife all in one. Whether you’re watching the sunset on a seaside cliff or exploring historic cities by night, every moment is different and new.
The key to having the best trip through Europe in the summer isn’t trying to see as much as you can. It’s about picking the things you really want to do and allowing yourself the time to enjoy it.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide has helped you with the basics of planning your European summer trip. Remember, Europe is an exciting place to travel in the summer no matter where you decide to go. Whether you’re wandering through historic cities, relaxing on the Mediterranean coast, or finding your selves in Europe’s hidden gems, you’re sure to create lasting memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.
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