European Cities Offer a New Take on Summer Travel
Four European cities, Bologna, Nice, Kraków and Venice are getting ready to welcome the summer of 2025, making it a lot more than just sun and sand for the visitors. Seasonal experiences, for both the cultural curious and outdoor adventurers are curated by each location. From soulful music in the hills of Italy to riverside kayaking in Poland, these cities are drawing attention for their vibrant summer schedules and easy access to authentic experiences.
If Nice & Venice take you to the coast with open air concerts and island hopping, Bologna & Kraków offer an authentic inland adventure. Classic film and regional food events in Bologna, while Kraków offers energetic nightlife with history. This is part of a sweeping shift in summer travel: urban locations that combine cultural discovery and relaxation time in places not choked by over-touristed concrete monoliths.
If you are looking to check out some of Krakow, its riverbanks and parks offer great open spaces for easy exploration. Travellers can paddle down the Vistula, explore Wawel Castle, or cycle through Kazimierz’s street art and cafes. Venice, though often busy, rewards early risers with quiet lagoon boat rides and visits to overlooked islands like Torcello, where nature and history meet in peace.
Bologna and Nice, on the other hand, open doors to culinary and artistic indulgence. Bologna's food festivals and artisanal gelato spots offer sensory delights, while Nice tempts with jazz under the stars and scenic coastal walks. Boat tours from the French Riviera reveal hidden beaches and remote coves, accessible only by sea—ideal for travellers who want to discover something less conventional.
This shift highlights a deeper change in tourism priorities. Not just chasing after some iconic landmarks, but the moments of purpose and difference that you can find from city to city. These destinations reflect a growing desire for balance—between activity and rest, culture and nature—making them ideal choices for a memorable summer journey.