Europe in the summertime is like heaven on Earth, but July is one of the best months for a European sojourn. For one thing, longer days with more sunshine mean spending more time outdoors enjoying your destination. While the weather is warmer, you avoid the worst heat of August. You also avoid the worst of the summer crowds, especially since many Europeans take their vacation in August.
Whether you’re into sunny Mediterranean beaches, historic architecture, or gastronomic exploration, these are the best European cities to visit the next month. Not only will you get to experience all the above, but you also get to soak up the culture that makes each city unique and worth discovering.
Verona, Italy
Of course, this city in northern Italy’s Veneto region is best known for being the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. While you can visit Juliet’s House and the iconic “oh Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou” balcony in a 14th-century house, there is so much more to do here not tied to the star-crossed lovers.
You can wander through the historic city center with its elegant piazzas, churches, and homes. Head to the top of the Torre dei Lamberti for elevated views of the city. Walk across historic bridges and down side streets to explore the city, stopping at local restaurants for food, wine, and gelato. You can even have a concert at the Colosseum at the Verona Arena, a well-preserved Roman amphitheater that now hosts live performances like operas and shows.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
With their abundance of historic buildings, European cities are renowned for their beauty and attractiveness. Well, Slovenia’s capital city of Ljubljana takes things to a whole other level. Covered in modern buildings, bridges, and intriguing design features like street lamps by architect Jože Plečnik, the engineered, uniform style, look, and atmosphere of the city has been likened to Gaudi’s impact on Barcelona.
Along with crown jewels like the Triple Bridge, the embankments on the Ljubljanica River, and the Slovene National and University Library, other must-see architectural gems include the Dragon Bridge, the hilltop Ljubljana medieval castle, and Prešernov Trg square. As a university city, you can also find hip, young art and culture at places like the Metelkova Art Center. Along with visiting world-class museums, trying local cuisine, and wandering in Tivoli Park, the car-free city center, full of lush greenery that makes Ljubljana one of Europe’s greenest cities, is great to explore on foot.
Faro, Portugal
With long, sweeping stretches of sand and warm waters perfect for swimming, the beaches of Portugal’s coastal Algarve region are the ultimate summer destination. Some of the best beaches, offering swimming, kitesurfing, and windsurfing, can be found near the town of Faro.
But soaking up the sun and surf at local beaches like Praia de Faro are just one reason to visit Faro in July. Along with beachtime fun, you can explore the Old Town with its medieval walls, visit Neoclassical architectural gems like the Arco da Vila, or take a boat cruise through the lagoons and waterways of the protected Ria Formosa Natural Park to see wildlife like flamingos.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Step back in time in the beautifully-preserved medieval town of Lucerne. From the highly-walkable historic center to art-filled museums, there’s no lack of cultural things to do around town. But one of the best reasons to come here in July is for the outdoorsy offerings.
Located on the edge of Lake Lucerne and within driving distance of the Swiss Alps, spending time hiking, climbing, sailing, or boating are some of the best ways to experience Lucerne in July. You can take a cogwheel railway and gondola to the top of Mount Pilatus for breathtaking views of the city and landscape, go hiking in the Alps, or swim, kayak, and sail on Lake Lucerne. Then, fuel up on fondue, stungiss stew, and other Swiss dishes for the next day of adventures.
Nuremberg, Germany
While the name Nuremberg may live in infamy for being the site of the Nuremberg Trials after World War 2, this beautiful Bavarian city is full of history, art, culture, and cuisine to discover.
See architecture from multiple centuries in a single day, like the medieval Imperial Castle, the imposing Kongresshalle of the Nazi Party, classic timber-framed houses, and the Gothic-styled St. Lorenz Cathedral. At local museums, you can learn about everything from the history of the Nazi Party to the life of famed German painter Albrecht Dürer. The sunny July days are perfect for wandering the historic streets and dining on local beer and the city’s iconic Nuremberg bratwurst sausages.
