The Old Town is ripe with restaurants, boutiques, and tours, all surrounded by the impressive stone wall, where many apartments have been carved into the side. In addition to the many structures you'll recognize if you're a Game Of Thrones fan – including Gothic Rector's Palace – this easy-to-navigate city features many buildings preserved from the 16th century. View over the Dubrovnik Old Town | Photo Copyright: Shandley McMurray To avoid the crowds, try to plan your trip at the very start or end of the high season, running from May to September, for less shoulder-to-shoulder action. And don't forget the food - it's almost impossible to pick a bad restaurant.
No wonder the television series Game of Thrones chose this as one of its shooting locations.ĭubrovnik's old-world beauty, captivating tourist attractions (the view from atop Mount Srd is unbeatable), and popular day cruises to the Elafiti Islands make this a hot spot for travelers during summer. It's easy to see why Dubrovnik has been dubbed the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Surrounded by ancient stone walls and peppered with orange-tiled roofs, this southeastern Croatian gem is one of the most stunning cities on the Dalmatian Coast, and one of the best places to visit in Europe in summer. Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Lisbon.Refurbished in 2018, the lovely Doca de Santo restaurant offers tasty fare almost as impressive as its river views.Īccommodation: Where to Stay in Lisbon: Best Areas & Hotels Make sure to carve out time for a quick beach trip 20 minutes away, and to feast on pastel de nata, the country's delicious desert. Parque Eduardo VII is the city's largest park, and it offers arguably the best view of Praça Marquês do Pombal, Avenida da Liberdade, and the sparkling Targus River. Here, there are many historical buildings to stand in awe of – from Sao Jorge's Castle to the Santa Justa Lift and the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge. View of Lisbon from the Parque Eduardo VII | Photo Copyright: Shandley McMurray Don't worry, hop-on-hop-off buses and trolleys – like in San Francisco – make it easy to give your legs a break. When you fly into this Portuguese capital, get ready for a workout: known as the city of seven hills, you can expect to go up and down, down and up – and repeat. Thanks to an uptick in direct flights in recent years, accessing Spain's neighbor has never been easier – or more affordable.
Generous and enthusiastic by nature, the Portuguese will welcome you with warm smiles and hearty meals. No European trip is complete without a visit to Lisbon.
Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues. From the beach-meets-city vibe of Barcelona to the intriguing wonder of Istanbul's varied customs, a getaway across the Atlantic will tease your senses, while creating memories – and maybe some freckles.įor more ideas, read our list of the top places to visit in Europe in summer. While many of the best places to visit in Europe experience all four seasons, summer's optimal weather makes it easy to get around, shed some layers, and bask in glorious sunshine on antiquated terraces and soft, sandy beaches.įor jet-setters eyeing bright sunshine and blue-skied views, you'll have plenty of choice. The best time of year to advance on your European journey is summer. With so many regions and cities to experience, it could take years to see them all. This is the best time of year to explore charming streets teeming with history enjoy mouthwateringly good food and immerse yourself in a culture so interesting and diverse, you'll want to keep country-hopping.įor many travelers, exploring European destinations is not only a bucket list item, but a lifelong quest. School's out and the "out-of-office" messages are rampant – what better time to quench your thirst for adventure? Visiting Europe in summer means travelers don't have to bundle up when touring the country's best attractions. We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( ) Written by Lindsay Tigar and Shandley McMurray