A summer break in dreamy European Cities
Stunning architecture, delightful city centers, breathtaking landscapes, quaint restaurants, and vibrant festivals are just a few of the attractions that await you when you travel to some of the most vibrant cities in Central Europe – Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Amsterdam, Budapest, and Prague. With so much to do, it is prudent to find out the best time to visit these European cities so that you don’t miss out on any of the highlights.
The most popular time to visit European cities is the summer months of June, July, and August, but the months before and after summer also offer ideal weathers with fewer crowds.
Best Time To Visit
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- Ski down the Austrian Alps in Kitzbühel, located between Innsbruck and Salzburg
- Attend a New Year concert at the Danube Palace in Budapest
- It’s colors galore at the National Tulip Day celebrations in Amsterdam
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- How about sampling some hearty Czech cuisine that’s perfect for cold winter evenings in Prague – hot potato soup and a steaming plate of meat and gravy!
- Dress up for Farsang, Hungary’s colorful carnival
- Ice skate surrounded by magical lights at the Wiener Eistraum in Vienna
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- Take a tour of the 9th century Prague Castle, known to be the largest ancient castle in the world
- A visit to the Anne Frank museum in Amsterdam is a must for history buffs
- Beat the cold with a soak in a thermal bath at Budapest
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- Explore the twin cities of Buda and Pest on foot
- Float down the Vltava River as you take in the springtime sights of picturesque Prague
- Visit Keukenhof, the largest flower garden in Europe and an easy day trip from Amsterdam
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- Discover the Salzburg Altstadt or Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Walk under a canopy of pink, purple and yellow blooms in Prague
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- Immerse yourself in music concerts and dance performances at the Holland Festival
- Walk down the Charles Bridge in Prague taking in expansive views of the river on both sides
- Take a guided tour of the grand Parliament Building in Budapest
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- Experience the summer buzz of Amsterdam as you float down its charming waterways in a canal cruise
- Relive the grand lifestyle of Austria’s erstwhile monarchs as you tour Schloss Schönbrunn and Schloss Belvedere in Vienna
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- For some nature therapy, head to Vondelpark in Amsterdam, a favorite among locals and tourists alike
- Retrace the footsteps of Mozart and the Von Trapp family (from The Sound of Music!) in Salzburg
- Get tickets to the Hungarian Grand Prix for an adrenaline rush
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- Go gallery hopping in the lively Jordaan neighborhood in Amsterdam
- Marvel at the art and architecture of the Hofburg Palace in Vienna
- Wander the alleys of Prague’s Jewish Quarters
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- Spend a day at the world-famous Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam
- For the best autumn colors, head to Buda Hills
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- Witness some of the best opera artists flex their vocal cords at the Vienna Staatsoper
- Warm yourself with some hot cocoa at one of the many hip coffee shops in Vienna
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- Watch spectacular light art installations at the Amsterdam Light Festival
- Shop, eat, and soak in the festive spirit at the Old Town Christmas Market in Innsbruck
- Witness the beauty of Prague, Budapest and Vienna lit up in all its Christmas glory on a lunch or dinner river cruise
Seasons
Located in what is considered to be Central Europe, these European cities have distinct seasons that follow a fairly predictable pattern. June to August is summer with warm temperatures and plenty of tourists. The leaves change hues and temperatures drop during the fall months of September, October, and November. The crowds thin out, but it is still a great time to visit these cities. Winter brings in freezing temperatures and snow, but it is also one of the most festive times to visit the European cities. Austria and Budapest host some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Temperatures start inching up in March, and the landscape changes from white to green, and it’s an excellent time to explore the countryside and hike up some trails.
What to Pack
With significant variations in temperatures and weather conditions between seasons, what you pack for your European cities tour depends on when you are visiting these destinations.
With day time highs ranging from the mid-70s in Amsterdam to the low 80s in Prague and Vienna, summer calls for breezy dresses, cotton tops/t-shirts, shorts, and light trousers. There’s plenty of walking to do, so pack a pair of good walking shoes. To protect yourself from the sun, take some sunscreen, sunglasses and a sunhat along. If you are planning on trying out some water activities, swimsuits or water-resistant clothing needs to be part of your luggage.
While day time temperatures during spring and fall are pleasant, early morning and evenings can get quite chilly. It’s advisable to pack layers, warm scarves, and cardigans. A waterproof jacket or an umbrella will protect you from a sudden shower.
Winters call for heavy-duty winter jackets, warm gloves, scarves, and hats. Thermal inners, long trousers, and layers are a must if you are planning to travel during the winter months. Also recommended are waterproof walking shoes and rain jackets.
With many fine dining and opera experiences available, we recommend packing a formal dress or suit.
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Travel guide
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