Sharing the 6 best countries to visit for Summer in Europe 2024!
As summertime is quickly approaching, we all have our mind on one thing: summer vacations to Europe! I for one am itching to get across the pond and explore one of my favorite European cities and maybe a new one, too!
With COVID restrictions greatly relaxing, now is the perfect time to plan your holiday abroad. Here are my top 5 best countries in Europe to visit this summer and all my guides to help you plan what to do once you get there!
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The Best Countries for Summer in Europe
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1. Greece
Let’s start this off with one of my top picks for the best countries in Europe to visit in the summer. I’m heading back to the Greek Isles in September and can not wait!
When the weather starts to warm up, all I can think about is getting my toes in the sand. Take your vacation up a notch with island hopping in the Greek Isles! Are you dreaming of seeing the famous Santorini sunset in person? Maybe you are looking for the foodie island with all the best restaurants? Or maybe you want to park it on one island and beach hop to dozens of different beaches on your ATV? Here are allllll of my tips for planning your perfect summer in Greece.
2. Paris, France
Summer in Paris, anyone?? The city of lights is calling! When summer hits, the days get longer in Paris with sunset happening around 10pm! Enjoy a rosé filled picnic in Luxembourg Gardens, a stroll along the Seine, see the Eiffel Tower sparkle, have lunch at outdoor cafes, and of course shop in the many fabulous boutiques!
Some of the most iconic sites include the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Montmartre, a day trip to Versailles, Notre Dame Cathedral and of course the Eiffel Tower.
3. Denmark
I will let you in on where I am heading later this summer: Denmark! I am so excited to head back to beautiful Copenhagen. Named one of the happiest cities in the world, Copenhagen is filled with bike friendly streets, Michelin starred restaurants, and colorful buildings!
A small country, you can make your way around easily. In addition to exploring this main city of Copenhagen, you can visit the beaches, head north to Skagen where the North Sea meets the Baltic, or catch a short flight over to a tiny island called Bornholm.
Leisurely Tips: Stay at my favorite boutique property and be sure to eat at the best restaurant in the WORLD. Plan to bike everywhere!
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
The weather in Amsterdam is perfect for a summer visit when you can expect temperatures in the mid-70s! Enjoy a drink along their beautiful canal system, visit the Van Gogh museum, take a bike ride through this cycle friendly town, find a music festival, and soak it all in. You will find the perfect mix of historic and modern in Amsterdam.
5. Switzerland
Switzerland is one of my absolute favorite countries in Europe for Summer. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I adored it on my first visit this past year. Bordered by four countries, you can get a taste of Germany, France, Austria, and Italy depending on which area you choose!
Get a taste of France in Geneva where you can enjoy sailing on Lake Geneva, dining on amazing French and Italian cuisine, and admire the architecture of the old town.
Or maybe Zurich is more your speed. Stay at the trendy Storchen Hotel, walk the cobblestone streets of Altstadt or join the locals for a swim in Lake Zurich. If you are more into the creative scene, wander over to Zurich West, the former industrial zone turned super trendy district with breweries, concert venues, international cuisine, and plenty of art galleries!
Head toward the mountains to Lucerne and stay at the ultra-luxury Burgenstock Resort and Alpine Spa! It will feel like a high end summer camp where you can explore the old town of Lucerne, cruise on Lake Lucerne, take a hike up the mountain, play golf, relax at the spa and choose from their several on property restaurants!
If you can’t decide, do all three on a fun road trip through Switzerland like we did!
6. Italy
Italy is always a good idea! I went last May to visit the Amalfi Coast for my babymoon and had the most wonderful experience along the coast. Enjoy one of the worlds most iconic destinations in its prime season – summer! Drink Aperol Spritz in the warm sun and take a boat cruise up and down the coastline. Be sure to dine at all of the best restaurants for fresh seafood, veggies and of course PASTA!
Be sure to spend a few nights in Rome to experience the sites of the eternal city. I surprisingly LOVED Rome – it is a beautiful city with so much charm for being such a large, touristy city at the same time.
Travel Tips for European Summers
Consider Shoulder Season
In August, many Europeans head toward coastal destinations for their holiday. I would plan to avoid August in beach destinations like Greece. Plan to visit in September which is considered “shoulder season”. There will still be fabulously hot weather with less crowds and better rates – win/win!
Pack your SPF
It gets incredibly hot in southern Europe, similar to here in the US. Take plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin while exploring.
Plan Ahead
You will want to book your hotel in advance as everyone else is heading to Europe for this magical season as well! Be sure to scope out places you want to eat and make reservations if you can. Same goes for any tours you would like to do! When I went to France a few summers back, the Louvre would sell out every single day so its important to buy tickets to places like this in advance.
Travel Insurance
With so many unknowns, trip insurance makes sense to keep you protected. We use and recommend World Nomads.
Avoid Peak Times
If you want to enjoy the Eiffel Tower without tons of tourists, plan to wake up early and have coffee while you admire its beauty. This goes for about anywhere that is a popular attraction- always avoid peak times if you can!
Pack Your Patience
The world is getting back to normal and the tourism industry is busier than ever. Not to mention, there is still a huge workforce issue causing many places to be short staffed. Be kind and always tip your hospitality providers like hotel front desks, restaurant waitstaff, and tour guides!
What to Pack for Europe this Summer
Whether you plan to sail around the Greek Isles or enjoy the cooler temperatures in Denmark, I’ve got you covered with stylish options!