Which cities are best for a summer city break?

For a summer in the city, the best destinations are those where sightseeing and cooling off are close at hand. Barcelona offers a city beach and the Mediterranean; Berlin, lakes and canals; Leipzig, the Neuseenland; Amsterdam, plenty of water in the cityscape; Lübeck, proximity to the Baltic Sea; Edinburgh, Portobello Beach; Salzburg, access to the Salzkammergut; and Freiburg, the Dreisam and the Black Forest.

How do I plan a city break in the summer without suffering from the heat?

Try to plan active parts of your itinerary for the morning or late afternoon where possible; at midday, seek out shade, parks, museums or cafés, and make a point of taking breaks to drink water. A good itinerary for a summer city break combines short walks, flexible stops and places where you can sit down, have a drink or cool off.

What does ‘blue break’ mean on a city break?

A ‘blue break’ is a deliberate stop by the water: at a city beach, riverbank, lake, canal or the sea. It doesn’t have to last long. Even a stroll along the shore, a cool drink whilst looking out over the water, or a short trip to the lake can make a hot day’s travelling a bit more relaxing.

Which destinations offer both beach and city experiences in a single trip?

Barcelona, Lübeck, Edinburgh and Amsterdam are particularly good choices if you want to combine city life with the beach or a view of the water. Barcelona lies right on the Mediterranean; Lübeck offers quick access to Travemünde; Edinburgh has Portobello beach just outside the city; and Amsterdam combines a city break with canals, ferries and waterfront spots.

What should I bear in mind when it comes to swimming spots in the city?

Before going for a swim, always check whether a spot has been officially approved and what the current water quality is rated as. Many towns have designated swimming spots, whilst other riverbanks are intended only for walking or sitting. Sun protection, plenty of water and short breaks will make your summer in the city even more enjoyable.

A breath of fresh air: waterside towns for your summer

Steg erstreckt sich ruhig in einen klaren Bergsee, umgeben von sanften Hügeln und imposanten Bergen unter klarem Himmel. Ideal für Entspannung und Naturerlebnis.

A city break in summer can get hot – which is exactly why a refreshing break by the water is well worth it. This guide brings together cities where culture, historic centres, design, shopping and sightseeing are all situated close to the water, a beach, a lake or a river. From Barcelona to Amsterdam, and from Berlin to Leipzig, you’ll find ideas for summer in the city, quick breaks to cool off and trips to the water that’ll make your city break more relaxing.

Summer in the city? Absolutely! Motel One presents destinations here where you can cool off even before your journey ends. Plan your summer city break with urban beaches, lakes, riverbanks and trips to the seaside – and combine sightseeing with breaks by the water. Our cities with a guarantee of refreshment:

Motel One Strand in Barcelona mit Stadt im Hintergrund

City beach-hopping in Barcelona

Barcelona combines the buzz of a big city with the Mediterranean air: after Gaudí, narrow streets and tapas, the beach isn’t far away. Especially around Barceloneta, your summer city break will quickly turn into a mix of sightseeing, sea views and a quick dip to cool off. Ideal if you’re looking for a summer in the city but don’t want to miss out on the feel of sand beneath your feet.

Get away from it all in the Black Forest: Freiburg stays cool

Freiburg has a light, airy feel in summer: the historic old town, the little ‘Bächle’ streams, plenty of greenery and the River Dreisam providing a natural refreshment right in the heart of the city. If you fancy venturing further afield after a stroll through the city, the Black Forest is practically on your doorstep. This makes Freiburg an excellent choice for anyone looking to combine nature, water and relaxing breaks during a summer city break.

The land of new lakes beckons: Leipzig shows its blue side

Leipzig shows just how well a cultural city and a day at the beach go together. Nestled amongst the city centre, cafés, music and creative neighbourhoods, Leipzig’s Neuseenland is never far away: Lake Cospuden, Lake Markkleeberg and other lakes bring that beach vibe, water sports and long summer days to your travel plans. Leipzig is ideal for a summer in the city if you want to explore first and then take a dip later.

The sea instead of marzipan: Lübeck with a breath of Baltic Sea air

Lübeck is more than just marzipan and Brick Gothic architecture: the water-rich old town is nestled between the River Trave, canals and is just a short distance from the Baltic Sea. Anyone looking for culture, narrow streets and café breaks combined with fresh sea air will find it in Travemünde, with its sandy beach, promenade and harbour views. For a summer city break, Lübeck combines Hanseatic charm with a genuine escape to the seaside.

Refreshingly different: Edinburgh, nestled between the hills and the sea

Edinburgh combines dramatic scenery, history and proximity to the sea. After the Royal Mile, the Castle and Arthur’s Seat, Portobello beckons with its beach, promenade and views of the Firth of Forth. On warm days in particular, this gives the city a pleasantly different feel: urban, rugged, green and just a stone’s throw from the water. Perfect for anyone who doesn’t just think of summer in the city in Mediterranean terms.

Off to the Moon (Lake): Salzburg and the summer retreat

In summer, Salzburg is a city for early morning strolls, shady alleyways and breaks by the Salzach. If, after taking in the views of the fortress, the Old Town and the cultural sights, you’re still craving more water, it’s well worth a trip to the Salzkammergut: Lake Mondsee lies to the west of Salzburg and brings fresh lake air, mountain panoramas and a real sense of getting away from it all to your day. This quickly turns your city break into a little summer retreat.

When’s the best time to visit the Wannsee? Berlin takes a summer break by the water

Berlin can be quite hectic in summer – but the city offers plenty of ways to escape to the water. Between the River Spree, the Landwehr Canal, parks and swimming spots, you can easily combine sightseeing with breaks by the water. Lake Wannsee is a classic choice for anyone looking for sand, beach chairs and lake views. This way, your summer in the city feels a bit more carefree, even when the tarmac gets hot.

More sea: Amsterdam, between canals and sea breezes

Amsterdam thrives on water: canals, bridges, ferries and riverside terraces make even short journeys special. In summer, there are also swimming spots, waterside parks and trips to the IJ or the coast. Anyone planning a city break in the summer will find a relaxed mix of museum visits, boat trips, café breaks and a fresh breeze – urban, yet never far from the water.