Summer travel inspiration: 5 cities that are at their best in summer

There are several surfable spots here, around which a strong and welcoming community has formed.

If you’re a swimmer, you can simply drift along the Isar through the green parts of the city. The most popular starting point for this is the English Garden. 

It’s absolutely mad here! Flavours like rosé raspberry, beer or white sausage go down a treat with the Munich sense of humour and are just begging to be tried. But don’t worry, there are ‘normal’ flavours available at the outlets too. 

If the hustle and bustle of Oktoberfest is a bit too much for you, you’ll fall in love with Munich’s more than 100 beer gardens. Here, you can enjoy a delicious beer or traditional Bavarian delicacies late into the night, beneath the shade of large trees and a blue-and-white sky. 

Whether it’s the Isar Cycle Path, the M-Waterway, the “Isar Highway” or a 4-Lakes Tour, when you hop on your bike in Munich, you’ll be by the water in no time, ready to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can plan your route here. 

If you’re out and about along the Seine and want to feel like a local, why not pop into the Joséphine Baker floating pool? Not only can you cool off right in the heart of the city, but you’ll also enjoy a stunning view over the Seine. And best of all: the pool is only about 3 kilometres from Motel One Porte Dorée!

The Piscine Molitor in western Paris is a real gem, combining refreshment and history. The swimming pool has been in operation since 1929 (!). Not far from the Eiffel Tower and just three kilometres from Motel One Paris Porte de Versailles, you can step back in time to the Art Deco era here. It offers a truly unique and immersive experience. 

As soon as the weather turns summery, many cinemas in Paris start showing films outdoors. La Villette is one of them. What could be better than watching a film under the stars and then strolling through the streets of Paris? 

Würzburg is surrounded by vineyards. This not only gives the city a romantic feel, but also means that the wine served at the Staatlicher Hofkeller Würzburg, for example, comes directly from the ‘Stein Berg’ vineyard, just a 10-minute drive from the city centre. 

With its striking castle and historic corners, Würzburg is a mecca for Baroque enthusiasts and romantics. So why not slip into your prettiest summer dresses and organise a little photo shoot in the Fürstengarten? 

The Hafensommer festival in Würzburg, taking place from 24 July to 9 August 2026 on the floating stage at the Old Harbour, promises a musical treat.

In summer, Würzburg never stands still. Almost every weekend there are wine festivals where people enjoy a drink and dance in a traditional atmosphere. 

A glass of wine from local vintners on the Old Main Bridge, with a view of the Baroque Marienberg Fortress, surrounded by lively conversation. What more can we say? This is Franconian Tuscany at its best, and this Würzburg phenomenon is something you simply have to savour with all your senses. 

In historic Heaton Park, you can go for a stroll, visit a small farm, take a dip in the lake and even join the local astronomy club for some stargazing.

Our tip: for the ultimate British charm, pick up a few treats beforehand and enjoy an afternoon tea picnic near Heaton Park Temple. 

Freight Island is Manchester’s creative hotspot. A free festival takes place here all summer long, where you can dance the night away to music from a wide range of artists! From 55cm-long slices of pizza to cheesecake on a stick, every foodie is sure to find their favourite treat after a night out.

Manchester is a UNESCO City of Literature! This is evident not least from its more than 24 public libraries. These include Chetham’s Library, founded in 1421, which houses the world’s oldest collection of English-language writings. With a mix of Gothic and modern libraries, you’re sure to find the library of your dreams in Manchester!