If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Europe in July, you’ll have plenty of choices. From Stockholm to Rome, the summer is in full swing but the peak season of August has yet to arrive.
There are long hours of daylight to enjoy outdoor dining and sightseeing, even more so in Nordic countries such as Norway or Iceland. Further south in Europe, it’s a time for lazing on beaches, browsing colorful markets, and experiencing summer festivals.
Barcelona, Spain
Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
In July, Barcelona can be hot and humid but its lovely beaches are there to cool down on. It’s a time for al fresco dining, afternoon siestas, and exploring the city on foot outside the heat of the day.
The Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s extraordinary gothic basilica, is a sight everyone has to see. You will need to book ahead in July, though, as the city is busy. At the hilltop Park Güell you can find more of the Catalan architect’s whimsical work.
Explore the Gothic Quarter, the city’s medieval heart, for shaded streets and tree-filled plazas. Browse the shops, relax in a café, and admire the awesome Barcelona Cathedral.
Seville, Spain
Plaza España in Seville, Spain
Seville can be very hot in July, when temperatures might hit 90°F. It’s cooler in Cadiz, where La Caleta Beach and the picturesque roads of the Old Town offer respite.
However, Seville Cathedral, the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, and Plaza España remain extraordinary at any time of year. Cool off afterwards in the lush gardens of the Royal Alcázar palace complex.
To escape the noon-time sun, enjoy Seville’s remarkable food. In the quaint Santa Cruz neighborhood, you’ll find the cool darkness of tapas bars beckoning, the strains of flamenco music on the breeze.
Paris, France
Paris, France
Paris in July is when the urban beaches on the River Seine become the place to be. Bastille Day on July 14, with extravagant fireworks displays, and the Tour de France final stage later in the month add even more excitement.
There is no greater thrill than seeing the Eiffel Tower in all its web-like grandeur. At the Louvre, you can escape hotter days by admiring countless masterpieces, not least the Mona Lisa.
Stroll the Champs-Élysées to see its luxury shops and Parisian landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and Tuileries Gardens. Then ride the funicular up Montmartre to see the gleaming Sacré-Cœur Basilica and the artists around it.
Nice, France
Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France
July brings perfect Mediterranean weather to the French Riviera and its glamorous beaches. Stroll the seafront Promenade des Anglais to take in the wonderful coastal views and beautiful people.
In Vieux Nice, the Old Town, the colorful streets are filled with markets and the best in French cuisine. Indoors, you escape hot days in places such as the Matisse Museum, housed in a lovely 17th-century villa.
Nearby Villefranche has refreshing sea breezes and sights such as Chapelle Saint-Pierre with its Jean Cocteau artwork. Climb to Citadelle Saint-Elme, a 16th-century fortress, for views of one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbors.
Bilbao, Spain
Casco Viejo in Bilbao, Spain
Northern Spain is much cooler in summer than the south, making Bilbao a perfect July destination. The famous Basque culinary scene is also at its best then, with fresh seasonal ingredients.
Start your visit at the titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum, Frank Gehry’s waterfront architectural masterpiece. The Casco Viejo, the medieval old town, is the place to sample the Basque version of tapas: pintxos.
Make the most of the summer weather by taking the metro to nearby beaches such as Playa de Sopelana. The funicular railway up Mount Artxanda will give you panoramic city views.
Florence, Italy
Florence, Italy
In July, the Renaissance splendor of Florence glows under the Tuscan sun. The skyline is dominated by the magnificent terracotta dome of the Duomo and its bell tower offering panoramic city views.
In the Uffizi Gallery, you’ll find wonders such as Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. Michelangelo’s David stands in pure white marble at the Accademia Gallery.
Cross the Arno River on the medieval Ponte Vecchio to browse in centuries-old jewelry shops. And you can’t leave Florence, or Tuscany, without sampling the exquisite food—and wines.
Provence, France
Marseille in Provence, France
With its lavender fields in full bloom, Provence is one of the best places to visit in July in Europe. Add Marseille to combine the best of French countryside beauty with urban style.
In Marseille, start at the historic Old Port, rich with seafood restaurants and interesting markets. At Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, you have panoramic city views, while the Cours Julien neighborhood is famed for colorful street art.
Across Provence, the purple lavender fields are a dream for photographers. You’ll also love medieval hilltop villages such as Gordes or Roussillon and the soaring Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini, Greece
July is peak season for the beautiful Greek island of Santorini for good reason. The weather is perfect for its combination of Mediterranean seascape and photogenic white-and-blue townscapes.
Climb to Oia, a clifftop village of iconic blue-domed churches and restaurant terraces. The views of the Santorini caldera are one of the world’s great delights.
The island also has ancient archaeological sites, pretty vineyards, and some of Greece’s best beaches. The clear blue waters and black sands make a memorable combination.
Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos in July sees temperatures of around 80-90°F but the seasonal Meltemi winds bring cool relief. Among the island’s beautiful beaches, the long Elia Beach stands out for its bars and cafes.
In Chora—also known as Mykonos Town—you can linger in shops and restaurants along pretty winding streets. Its hilltop windmills and Little Venice area are particularly photogenic.
The remarkable ancient ruins on tiny Delos island are a must-see if you have an interest in history. This UNESCO World Heritage site protects the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
With temperatures ranging from 65 to 85°F, Lisbon is one of the best places in Europe to visit in July. There are plenty of beaches nearby if you do need to cool down,
Any visit should start with the panoramic view across the Tagus River from São Jorge Castle. Then explore the historic Alfama district and visit magnificent Lisbon Cathedral.
Taking tram 15 to Belém, home to the ornate Jerónimos Monastery, is another must-do in Lisbon. Besides its history of Portuguese exploration, it’s also home to the original pastéis de nata—custard tarts.
Rome, Italy
Colosseum in Rome, Italy
Rome is hot in July but the intense heat of August is yet to come. If you still need respite, find it in the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, rich in masterpieces by Michelangelo.
In Rome itself, the Trevi Fountain and Bernini’s magnificent Four Rivers Fountain cool the air. In the Villa Borghese gardens, you can find shaded refuge or go row-boating on its lake.
The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon will remind you of the glories of Ancient Rome. The Italian sunshine is also a good excuse to stop for gelato and wander along Via del Corso or down the Spanish Steps.
Porto, Portugal
Porto, Portugal
The warm days of July are also seafood season, when Porto comes alive in a buzzing outdoor dining scene. Restaurants abound in the lively Ribeira District, whose colorful buildings spill down to the Douro River.
Escape the afternoon heat in some of the famous port wine cellars across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. Other sights to visit include Torre dos Clérigos, Livraria Lello and Palacio da Bolsa.
Take a coach or boat tour to explore the beautiful Douro Valley wine region. It’s full of grand quintas, historic wine estates where you can enjoy tastings.
Cork, Ireland
Cork, Ireland
The Irish say, tongue in cheek, you can always tell it’s summer because the rain is warmer. Fortunately, Cork has plenty of indoor attractions to escape any July rain showers.
The English Market of 1788, and Cork City Gaol are among the top things to do in Cork. Another is nearby Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone in hopes of gaining that Irish “Gift of the Gab”.
The Irish countryside is at its most wonderful and greenest in July. See more of it on excursions to the pretty seaside town of Kinsale, or the mountainous Killarney National Park.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Stradun in Dubrovnik, Croatia
The UNESCO-listed Old Town of Dubrovnik is perfect in July, with its massive 16th-century stone walls and Adriatic Sea setting. Its heart is Stradun, the limestone-paved main street that’s lined with cafés, shops, and ornate Renaissance buildings.
To cool down, head for Banje Beach, whose clear water and busy bars stand under the city walls. For a higher view and mountain breezes, take the cable car to Mount Srđ.
A short boat ride away is Lokrum Island, home to botanical gardens, strutting peacocks, and cool swimming spots. Take the ferry from just outside the city walls, find a shady spot under the pine trees, and jump straight into the cool Adriatic.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Nearly endless daylight and temperatures around 55°F make July a perfect time to visit Iceland. Many visitors rush off to see geysers and waterfalls but the capital, Reykjavik, has its own attractions.
The colorful houses of Old Reykjavik are a photogenic backdrop for some Icelandic designer shopping. The tall tower of Hallgrímskirkja Church, built in an unusual expressionist style, has panoramic city views.
Outside Reykjavik is the Blue Lagoon, where you can enjoy water heated by geothermal activity. Explore Thingvellir National Park to learn more about Iceland’s history and its active geological wonders.
Stockholm, Sweden
Gamla Stan in Stockholm, Sweden
The many hours of sunlight in July allow even more time to explore the delights of Stockholm. Start in Gamla Stan, the Old Town, full of cobblestones and colorful 13th century buildings.
One of the best things to do in Stockholm is to take a canal cruise to see sights such as the Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral. At Fotografiska, the contemporary photo museum, you have sweeping harbor views from its top-floor café.
On Djurgården island, the incredible 17th-century Vasa warship is beautifully preserved. Also here is the open-air Skansen museum, and the uplifting ABBA Museum.
Bergen, Norway
Bergen, Norway
Norway’s fjords are at their glorious best in July and Bergen is a great base for exploring them. Its historic harbor, Bryggen, is listed by UNESCO for its colorful wooden houses—many now cafés and shops.
Overlooking Bryggen—once part of the Hanseatic League—is the impressive Bergenhus Fortress, dating to the early 1500s. There are more wonderful views from Mount Fløyen, reached by the Fløibanen funicular.
Find out more about the Hanseatic League in the dedicated museum, housed in one of the oldest wooden buildings in Bergen. Then visit the Fish Market, a reminder of the trade the league was founded on.
Valletta, Malta
Valletta, Malta
Valletta sees temperatures up to 90°F in July but there are plenty of places to escape the midday heat. This imposing city, built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, has a grid of shaded narrow streets full of historic treasures.
The ornate Baroque interior of St. John’s Co-Cathedral holds unique masterpieces by Caravaggio. In the Upper Barrakka Gardens, take in outstanding views of Valletta’s mighty 16th-century fortifications and the Grand Harbour they protect.
Summer is also a time to explore the striking, cliff-lined Mediterranean shoreline. A boat trip to the Blue Grotto or one of the nearby beaches is always a delight.
Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, Finland
In July, it’s party time in Helsinki as the city enjoys up to 19 hours of daylight. The Helsinki Festival starts to kick off, with music, dance, theater, and other arts events.
Temperatures from 60°F to the low 70s are perfect for sightseeing. Start in Senate Square, the historic heart of the city, enjoying beautiful Helsinki Cathedral and the outdoor café scene.
Other things to do in Helsinki include visiting the sprawling Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and impressive Temppeliaukio Church. Nicknamed “Rock Church”, the latter is carved into solid rock and has amazing acoustics.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen sees temperatures around 63-72°F in July and up to 17 hours of daylight. It’s perfect weather to stroll around Nyhavn, the colorful harbor district of historic ships and outdoor beer gardens.
The Tivoli Gardens combine an amusement park and a vast garden that’s really lovely in summer. The grounds of the Christiansborg Palace are also looking their best.
July is a time for events such as the Copenhagen Jazz Festival and a Festival of Electronic music. Both are spread across the city in various venues, from cafés to parks.
Tallinn, Estonia
Old Town Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn has similar weather to both Helsinki and Copenhagen in July. Its major event that takes advantage of the sunshine is Tallinn Maritime Days, which brings a fleet of historic tall ships to the harbour.
Festival events sprawl out into Tallinn’s Old Town and Toompea Castle. See it all from atop the medieval St. Olaf’s Church, once the tallest building in the world.
Kadriorg Palace is a striking Baroque palace surrounded by meticulously tended gardens. At St. Catherine’s Passage, shop for traditional handicrafts and clothing.
Florence, Italy
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