22 Best Places to Visit in Europe in July (+ Summer Tips!)

Europe is brimming with fabulous places to visit all summer long and these are some of the best places to visit in Europe in July!

July is high season on most of the continent but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself! This guide contains some of our favorite places during July in Europe – including destinations with cool concerts, festivals, and more!

We also listed quite a few Nordic destinations for those looking to enjoy a milder summer.

Let us know if we missed your favorite places to go in Europe in July in the comments!

Best Places to Visit in Europe in July

1. Frankfurt

Location: Germany
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 24°C (75°F), lows of 14°C (57°F); 9 days of precipitation 

The first spot on our list goes to Frankfurt, Germany. Known as a financial hub, Frankfurt has still retained its charm and its position as a tourist hotspot.

First, be sure to head to the area around Hauptwache for a quick bite to eat and some shopping on the Zeil.

You can also visit Romerberg, which is located right in the city square and is full of older German architecture, including the Old Town Hall, St. Leonard Church, and St. Nicholas Church.

Another spot to visit is Museumsufer, which is a cluster of museums like the Icon Museum, German Architectural Museum, and Museum of World Cultures, making it the perfect spot for history buffs. It is right along the Main River!

To get in touch with nature, you can also visit the Palmengarten, which covers 54 hectares and features a wide variety of botanical exhibitions.

Finally, grab some “apfelwein” (alcoholic apple cider) in Sachsenhausen, a Frankfurt neighborhood renowned for the stuff!

2. Tromso

Location: Norway
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 15°C (59°F), lows of 9°C (48°F); 11 days of precipitation

Northern Norway might not be the most “summery” destination on our list, but it’s definitely a place that you should consider for a July trip.

One of the best features of Tromso at this time of the year is the midnight sun, which is when the sun essentially never sets and it remains visible even at midnight.

This means that you’ll have more than enough time to truly explore the surroundings, and you can partake in activities like fjord excursions and midnight hikes.

You can also visit some of Tromso’s best sites like the Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden, the Polar Museum, and the Science Centre of Northern Norway.

You can also check out the city’s shopping centers and local food, including delicacies like shrimp, halibut, and cod.

The fjords are some of Norway’s gems, so be sure to take a fjord excursion or two. There is also lively nightlife, where you will be able to participate in music festivals or enjoy the bars and pubs.

3. Salzburg

Location: Austria
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 25°C (77°F), lows of 14°C (57°F); 15 days of precipitation

One of Austria’s most picturesque towns, Salzburg, is especially a wonderful place to visit for your European July trip.

It is most famous for the Salzburg Festival which takes place between July and August. During the festival, you will have the opportunity to partake in more than 200 different events like concerts and operas.

Many of the operas focus on Salzburg’s most famous native, Mozart. Outside of the festival, don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this idyllic town.

You can visit the Old Town and its famous Hohensalzburg Castle, as well as the Mirabell Gardens museum.

There are also plenty of lakes and rivers to take a swim in while enjoying the amazing views.

4. Obidos

Location: Portugal
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 25°C (77°F), lows of 17°C (63°F); 0.7 days of precipitation

Obidos is a small town in Portugal that will only take you a couple of hours to explore, but it’s certainly worth seeing the cobbled streets, medieval castles, and old architecture.

First, be sure to check out the Muralhas da Cidade, which are the town’s ancient walls. You can even walk along the tops of the walls to catch the views.

Next is the gateway to Obidos, the Porta da Villa. Another spot to see is the Igreja de Santa Maria, Obidos’s main church.

For a more quiet part of the town, you can head over to the Obidos’s western side, which is totally free of tourists.

The busiest time of the day here is from 11 am to 2 pm due to tourists, especially in the summer, so you may want to head to the town’s quiet side for lunch. 

5. Verona

Location: Italy
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 19°C (66°F); 7 days of precipitation

Verona is one of Italy’s most beautiful towns, and you should consider visiting if you’re looking for a place to visit in July.

First, you should visit one of Verona’s most famous sites, Juliet’s House, which tells the story of Romeo and Juliet.

Then, you can check out the church where Romeo and Juliet supposedly got married, the Basilica di San Zeno. Don’t forget about Verona’s Colosseum, the Verona Arena, which used to be able to seat 30,000 people.

What is a trip to Italy without trying authentic gelato? There are plenty of shops in Verona and it only costs around 2 euros.

Verona is the city of romance, so if you’re on a trip with your significant other, you can also set up a romantic dinner for two.

Another spot that’s especially great in the summer months is the Giardino Giusti, an Italian garden dating to the Renaissance that is perfect for a nice summer picnic.

6. Edinburgh

Location: Scotland
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 18°C (64°F), lows of 11°C (52°F); 10 days of precipitation

With its relatively mild July temperatures, Edinburgh is another city that you should consider visiting. First, visit Edinburgh Castle, which dates back to the 12th century.

You can also take a hop-on, hop-off tour to get the most out of the city, or a boat tour, where you can check out the Edinburgh skyline, its islands, and the bridges.

Walking tours are also popular, including a Harry Potter walking tour or the Royal Mile tour, which is a cobblestone street that takes you through the Old Town.

Edinburgh is also home to many museums, such as the National Museum of Scotland, the Scottish National Gallery, and Camera Obscura. 

7. Rotterdam

Location: Netherlands
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 22°C (72°F), lows of 13°C (55°F); 9 days of precipitation

The Netherlands’s second-largest city is full of art, culture, and architecture, earning it a special spot on our list.

First, you can take a Spido boat tour to see the city from the water, as well as to see all the activity here as Rotterdam is home to Europe’s largest port.

For even better views of the city, check out the Euromast, which is the tallest tower in Rotterdam. At the top, you’ll be able to have 360-degree views of the whole city.

Then, visit the Kinderdijk windmills, where you can learn more about this iconic Dutch landmark. It truly is a must for any Rotterdam itinerary!

Speaking of Dutch landmarks, you should also visit the Keukenhof tulip garden, which is the most famous in the Netherlands and home to more than 1,600 types of flowers.

Rotterdam is also home to a variety of shopping centers, including the Binnenrotte Market and Market Hall.

Finally, you can visit Museumpark, which hosts some of Rotterdam’s best museums, like the Kunsthal Rotterdam and the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen.

8. Cognac

Location: France
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 26°C (79°F), lows of 15°C (59°F); 6 days of precipitation

Cognac, France is best known for what the name suggests- cognac! Aside from its brandy, Cognac is also home to many historical sites, like the Chateau of Cognac, the Valois castle, and the Saint-Leger church.

There are also a variety of museums for history buffs, including the Museum of the Arts of Cognac, where you can learn more about how cognac is developed, as well as the Museum of Art and History, where you can check out paintings, sculptures, and other works of art.

For those who enjoy hiking, check out the trail along the Charente, which will provide views of the river and castles.

When visiting in July, you can also check out the Festival of Cognac and the Blue Passions Festival, both of which are dedicated to, well, cognac and music! 

This small French town has something for everyone!

9. Helsinki

Location: Finland
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 21°C (70°F), lows of 13°C (55°F); 7 days of precipitation

Enjoy what this northern capital has to offer this summer! First, you can’t miss out on a Finnish sauna, which is one of the most important aspects of the Finnish culture and lifestyle.

You can visit the Allas Sea Pool, for example, where you can enjoy a traditional sauna, as well as outdoor pools and a restaurant.

Helsinki is also home to approximately 330 islands, making it perfect for island hopping. Some of the best islands include Suomenlinna, Lonna, and Vallisaari.

The shores of the Vantaa River can be explored via bike, and you can also go camping on Pihlajasaari Island, which is also home to campsites, beaches, trails, saunas, and more!

Helsinki also hosts summer cafes, which only pop up in the summertime. 

10. Split

Location: Croatia
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 31°C (88°F), lows of 20°C (68°F); 3 days of precipitation

Split, Croatia might not be one of Europe’s biggest travel destinations, but it’s home to so many summer activities and festivals that it would be a shame to skip over!

For festivals, be sure to check out the Split Summer Festival and the Diocletian Days.

Then, be sure to stroll along the promenade, Riva, to see more of the old city. You should also check out the Diocletian Palace, which is home to 31,000 square meters of history.

Other sites to see include the Jupiter Temple, St. Duje’s Cathedral, the Golden Gate, and Peristil Square. Climb the bell tower on Peristil Square to catch some of the best views of the city.

There are also plenty of walking tours to see more of what Split has to offer. You can also visit some of Split’s most famous museums, including the Split City Museum and the Museum of Fine Art.

Split is also famous for its coastline, so be sure to check out the beaches, such as Bacvice Beach, which is among the best for enjoying swimming, sunbathing, and cocktails!

11. Trapani

Location: Italy
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 21°C (70°F); 1 day of precipitation

You know that Italy is a dream for tourists if a travel guide features multiple Italian locations!

Trapani, although not as famous as some of Italy’s other cities, is another spot that you should consider for a trip in July.

You can start off your trip with a visit to the village of Erice, where you can catch stunning views of the blue sea and see Italian architecture, like the Madrice Church and Castello di Venere.

Then, visit the Tonnara di Scopello, which is an open-air museum dedicated to Mediterranean history and fishing culture.

Love seafood? Trapani is the perfect place for you! There are a plethora of restaurants you can visit for authentic fish and more seafood.

Additionally, Trapani’s main dish is couscous, which you will be able to try just about anywhere.

If you’re visiting in the summer, then it’s a must to check out the beaches and swim in the Egadi Sea.

You can also visit the saltworks, where there are plenty of flamingos, and where you can learn more about sea salt extraction, an ancient tradition that continues today.

12. Budapest

Location: Hungary
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 27°C (81°F), lows of 16°C (61°F); 8 days of precipitation

This Central European gem is a hub of culture and architecture. You can first take a cruise along the Danube to see Budapest’s landmarks from another perspective.

There are also plenty of walking tours because of how walkable Budapest is. If you’re up for a challenge, you can also try out a segway tour.

Don’t forget about the thermal springs, where you can try some of the mud baths, saunas, and massages that are said to heal a variety of ailments.

Budapest is home to several museums if you’re a history buff, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Ludwig Museum, and the Hungarian National Museum, which you can access at better rates with a tourist pass.

If you want to catch views of the whole city, you can visit the Buda Castle, which overlooks the Danube River and is home to museums like the Budapest History Museum, the National Szechenyi Library, and the Hungarian National Gallery.

13. London

Location: England
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 23°C (73°F), lows of 15°C (59°F); 7 days of precipitation

One of the world’s top tourist destinations will have you experiencing the most royal treatment if you visit in July.

There is so much to do in London, including tours of Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London; a ride in the London Eye to catch views of the whole city; an exploration of the historical Westminster Abbey; and another way to view the entire city from the top of the Shard, which is the tallest building in Europe.

If you want to experience a romantic picnic in a park on a nice day, be sure to check out Kensington Gardens or Kew Gardens, where you can also view London’s skyline.

14. Ljubljana

Location: Slovenia
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 26°C (79°F), lows of 15°C (59°); 9 days of precipitation

Slovenia may not have been at the top of your travel bucket list this summer, but you should definitely not miss out on the chance to visit this hidden gem.

One of its most popular attractions is the Ljubljana Castle, where you can catch views of the city and even try one of the restaurants.

Also, be sure to visit the stunning Ljubljana Cathedral. The Town Square is one of the most central points of Ljubljana, where you can see beautiful architecture, cafes, and restaurants.

Be sure to also take a stroll along the Ljubljanica River, which comes alive in the summer with street performers and bands.

Don’t forget to check out Congress Square, which is home to some of Ljubljana’s most beautiful landmarks like the Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity or the Slovenian Philharmonic Building.

Finally, check out the National Gallery and the Natural History Museum if you want to learn more about the region’s history.

15. Ibiza

Location: Spain
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 29°C (84°F), lows of 22°C (72°F); 1 day of precipitation

Spain’s resident party town is not a spot that should be missed in July.

The nightlife of Ibiza is packed with parties, beach bars, DJs, and more, making it the perfect summer destination in Europe if that’s your scene.

Outside of making the most of Ibiza’s nightclubs and bars, you can also check out the beaches, historic Ibiza, and resorts such as Santa Eulalia and Cara Llonga.

Be sure to also roam the Old Town’s cobbled streets to get a taste of Ibiza’s history.

Ibiza is also well-known for its stunning and clear beaches, where you can swim in bright blue water and sunbathe under the warm sun.

16. Prague

Location: Czech Republic
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 24°C (75°F), lows of 14°C (57°F); 10 days of precipitation

Prague is another ideal European summer destination. The best part of all is that Prague is most likely to charm any and all travelers regardless of their interests and preferences.

The Czech Republic’s capital city is best known for its cultural history, so don’t miss out on the chance to see some of its palaces, exhibitions, and festivals.

Some places in particular where you can check out performances include the National Marionette, the Prague State Opera, and the National Theatre.

You can explore the Old Town Square in Prague, as well as check out the Bohemia JazzFest.

Be sure to also visit Prague Castle, located right in the heart of the city, and walk across the Charles Bridge, one of the city’s most prominent historical landmarks.

17. Stockholm

Location: Sweden
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 22°C (72°F), lows of 13°C (55°F); 8 days of precipitation

Stockholm is famous for its high standards of living and is considered to be one of the best European capital cities to visit.

There is plenty to do in this Scandinavian city in July. First, you can check out a concert at one of Stockholm’s venues, like the Cirkus or Friends Arena.

You can also visit the Old Town, Gamla Stan, where you can visit the Den Gyldene Freden restaurant, known to be the second-oldest restaurant that has the same surroundings along the sidewalks.

Also, take advantage of a free walking tour of the medieval churches and the Royal Palace. You can also visit museums like the Medeltidsmueseum, the Nordic Museum, and the Nobel Prize Museum.

Other Stockholm activities include watching performances at the Royal Swedish Opera, taking a Royal Canal sightseeing tour, or checking out all things ABBA at ABBA: The Museum.

18. Copenhagen

Location: Denmark
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 21°C (70°F), lows of 13°C (55°F); 8 days of precipitation

Copenhagen is another great option for a July trip. The warm weather makes for the best opportunity to properly explore the city.

First, you can go on a walking tour of the city to discover the town’s history and modern locations. There are also food tours, bike tours, and segway tours for a spin.

You can also check out a concert in the town or enjoy a summertime festival like the Skagen Festival, Hindsgavl Festival, Jels Viking Pageant, or the Vig Festival.

Visitors should also take advantage of a tourist pass to gain access to some of Copenhagen’s most popular sites, including the Kronborg Castle, the National Museum, and the Planetarium.

There are also hop-on-hop-off bus tours, where you can choose the spots to tour based on your interests with the help of a knowledgeable guide.

19. Bruges

Location: Belgium
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 21°C (70°F), lows of 14°C (57°F); 8 days of precipitation

Bruges, Belgium is known for its stunning landscapes, and July makes the perfect time to make the most of it.

In the nearby town of Ghent (located only 20 minutes by train), you can check out a variety of festivals and performances, including the Gent Jazz Festival, which is held every year in mid-July.

Bruges is also known for its markets, such as the Fish Market and the Zandfeesten Market, where many events also take place.

Flemish National Day is held on July 11 every year, and you can expect a variety of events held before and after that date.

Another gem of Bruges is its canals, giving it the name “Venice of the North.” You can explore these canals via boat tours, which will give you the opportunity to see the town’s old architecture from a unique vantage point. 

20. Krakow

Location: Poland
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 24°C (75°F), lows of 14°C (57°F); 11 days of precipitation

July is rather comfortable in terms of weather in Krakow, Poland, but do keep in mind that it’s the city’s peak tourist month.

There is also quite a lot of rain in Krakow in July as it’s the town’s wettest month, so be sure to bring a poncho or umbrella!

Krakow comes alive with many festivals throughout the month of July, including the Summer Jazz Festival, the International Street Theater Festival, and the Festival of Polish Music.

You should also take the time to stroll along the cobblestone streets and go shopping at the city’s open-air markets.

Another favorite activity is to go on a sightseeing boat cruise along the Vistula River, where you can see Krakow from a different perspective.

At the center of Krakow’s Old Town is Market Square, where you can check out the beautiful architecture and enjoy a cup of coffee.

21. Reykjavik

Location: Iceland
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 14°C (57°F), lows of 9°C (48°F); 10 days of precipitation

Reykjavik is another city you shouldn’t skip out on visiting in July. It is the busiest month for tourism, but the long days, short nights, and pleasant weather make for the perfect time to visit.

June and July are the only months of the year when you can experience the unique midnight sun, meaning that you can do more sightseeing during the 20 hours of daylight.

If you join tours outside of normal business hours, for example, you will likely be able to enjoy the sights without the crowds!

You must try out Icelandic ice cream at places like Valdis, Huppa, and Gaeta Gelato, featuring favorites like Italian gelato and homemade Icelandic favorites.

You should also try cold-water swimming, and the best place to try this is the Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach. Another spot to visit is the Hallgrímskirkja, which is one of Iceland’s tallest buildings.

22. Crete

Location: Greece
Average temperatures and precipitation: Highs of 29°C (84°F), lows of 23°C (73°F); 0 days of precipitation

Last but not least, Crete is another popular destination among tourists during the hot summer.

There are many summer activities to take part in here, such as swimming at a beautiful beach like Preveli Beach, Balos Beach, or Matala Beach.

You can also go on a sea cruise or kayak trip to get the most out of the crystal-blue water. There are also plenty of opportunities to go on wine and olive oil tasting tours throughout Crete.

Other events that take place on the island throughout July include the Kornaria Festival, the Cretan Diet Festival, and the Summer Festival.

When you dine at one of Crete’s fabulous restaurants, you will also likely be served fresh watermelon, which is known to have its peak season right in July.

Did we miss any of the best places to visit in Europe in July? Let us know in the comments!

More Europe Travel Guides

• Best places to visit in Europe in January
• Best places to visit in Europe in February
• Best places to visit in Europe in March
• Best places to visit in Europe in April
• Best places to visit in Europe in May
• Best places to visit in Europe in June
• Best places to visit in Europe in December
• Best places to visit in Europe at Christmas
• Best spring break in Europe destinations
• Romantic cities and towns in Europe

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