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As much as I love a beach vacation, the thought of having to lie in an open-air sauna and sweat for hours is unpleasant, to say the least.
And it seems I’m far from the only one who feels this way.
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As temperatures soar to unprecedented heights, more and more travelers are abandoning their tropical dream vacations in favor of fresher, culturally enriching city breaks – at least that’s what Chase travel revealed in the latest European Travel Trends report.
In fact, four cities that most of us would only consider for a Christmas getaway have managed to make their way into the continent’s trendiest summer destinations, so if you’re looking for a change of pace this coming season, consider to immediately move these places to the top of your bucket list.
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Warsaw
If you’ve been following the latest travel news, you know that Warsaw is all the rage.
It’s been voted a top destination for solo travelers, an underrated budget choice, and now it’s even on the list of the ‘coolest European cities of the summer’ – talk about a destination that has it all!
During the period June to August, the city typically experiences temperatures ranging between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F), the perfect climate for those long sightseeing excursions you know you want to take.
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After all, the Warsaw Uprising Museum, the Royal Castle, the iconic Old Town and the Market Square (Rynek Starego Miasta) are just too beautiful to miss.
Music lovers will also have a great time in Warsaw this coming season – the Summer Jazz Days, the Baby Lasagna Concert and the Chopin Concerts in Łazienki Park are just around the corner.
Brussels
Moving on to what I personally consider one of Europe’s most consistently overlooked destinations: the Belgian capital promises visitors balmy days, cool nights and the kind of architecture that would put most other cities to shame.
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Even beyond the Royal Palace, the heart of the city and perhaps one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, you’ll see more stunning attractions in Brussels than you can count.
But I can help you get started: the Atomium, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium and the Cinquantenaire Park are all as good as they say.
Whatever you do, it’s important to stay energetic.
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Luckily, that’s easy to do when you’re somewhere with such a fantastic food scene; Between all the waffles, chocolates and spicy mayonnaise-covered fries, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Munich
Although Germany has always been one of Europe’s most coveted hotspots, summer in the country is usually a bit quieter. After all, when everyone is lazing on a beach on the Mediterranean, people here should bring a light jacket to dress for the 21°C. C (70°F) weather.
If you’re like me and are tired of the scorching heat, that sounds like a dream.
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You’ll need all the focus and energy you can muster to explore Munich, the Bavarian capital.
Here you not only get the typical European city experience with Nymphenburg Palace and the English Garden, but you can also enjoy the modernity of Marienplatz with its famous chime show and tireless crowds.
Of course, a visit here wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a beer garden, and if I were you, the Hofbräuhaus, the Augustiner-Keller, and the Chinese Tower beer garden would be my top picks.
Zurich
Normally I’m not a fan of places that are notorious for their high prices, but Zurich is one of those cities that you want to experience at least once in your life, even if just for a few hours.
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The great thing about Europe is that you can stay in any of the destinations we’ve talked about so far and take a fast train or flight to the Swiss hub – that way you get the stunning scenery and lush feeling without you have to pay the extra costs. matching price tag.
Whether you want to spend your time here taking a boat trip on Lake Zurich, enjoying the views from the Uetliberg or exploring Kunsthaus Zurich, that’s up to you.
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The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.