June in Europe is simply incredible – warm enough for beach days but not yet sweltering, with tourist crowds still manageable and prices that won’t completely destroy your savings.
I’ve spent the last five Junes hopping around different European spots. It’s hard to pick a favourite month, but June is certainly up there with those gloriously long days (in some northern spots, it barely gets dark!), local festivals, and a certain excitement as Europe shakes off spring and flowers into summer.
I thought it might be helpful if I put together genuine recommendations based on places that truly impressed me, alongside practical tips to help you make the most of a June adventure in Europe. Here are the best places to go in Europe in June, and why.
Top European Destinations to Visit in June
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon in June is so beautiful. The city has this irresistible, slightly worn charm that made me fall in love with it and return many times. In June, the weather’s warm but not scorching (low 80s°F), the hills are alive with Santo António celebrations, and the light turns everything golden in the evening.
One of my favourite pastimes here is to wander around the narrow, tiled streets of Alfama during Santo António. Locals set up plastic tables outside their homes, grilling sardines right on the street while fado music plays from hidden bars.
Don’t miss Belém Tower at sunset (get there an hour before closing to avoid queues), it lit me up inside gazing at it. Oh, and you absolutely must eat at least one pastel de nata daily – the ones from Manteigaria were my favourite, still warm from the oven.
If you’ve got time, take the train to Cascais for beach time; the water might still be a bit chilly, but the beaches are far less crowded than in high summer.
Book your accommodation early, though. Lisbon’s popularity has skyrocketed, and those Alfama hotels with rooftop terraces get snapped up months in advance.
2. Valencia, Spain
Valencia feels like Barcelona’s more relaxed, affordable cousin. The beaches are amazing, the food scene is incredible (this is the birthplace of paella), and the city somehow balances historic olde worlde with futuristic architecture.
One gorgeous afternoon I cycled through Turia Garden – a dried-up riverbed transformed into a 9km green belt cutting through the city. It’s completely flat, making it easy even for all abilities, and leads right to the City of Arts and Sciences, which looks like something from a sci-fi film.
Food-wise, I dragged myself to La Pepica on the beachfront for traditional paella Valenciana. It’s a bit of a splurge, but watching them cook massive pans of saffron-scented rice while sitting on that Mediterranean terrace was worth every euro. And unlike Barcelona, Valencia still has plenty of local places where you can eat and drink at a very affordable prices.
Pack for humid weather, and rent a bike – it’s by far the best way to explore the city, especially with the shaded cycle paths through Turia Garden.
3. Bologna, Italy
Bologna doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves. While tourists cram into Florence and Rome, Bologna offers all that gorgeous Italian architecture and food without the crushing crowds. The UNESCO-listed porticoes provide essential shade during June’s warm days, and the food is unbelievable.
I had what might’ve been the best meal of my life at a tiny trattoria called Osteria dell’Orsa, where the tagliatelle al ragù (avoid calling it spaghetti bolognese here) was rich, silky perfection. The city’s nickname is “La Grassa” (The Fat One) for good reason.
Climbing the wonky Asinelli Tower gave me vertigo but also stunning views across terracotta roofs. And using Bologna as a base for day trips is brilliant – I took the train to Modena (35 minutes) for balsamic vinegar tasting and Ravenna (an hour) to see incredible Byzantine mosaics.
Book restaurants in advance – the good ones fill up quickly, and Italians eat later than you might expect. And don’t stay in anywhere without air conditioning. Those charming medieval buildings hold heat like ovens.
4. Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb doesn’t get the love that Croatia’s coastal cities do, which makes it brilliant for a June visit. It’s affordable, laid-back, and shows you some of the best of Croatia’s natural wonders.
The Upper Town’s cobbled streets and red-roofed buildings feel distinctly Central European, with cafe culture to match. I discovered Tolkien House here – a tiny bar dedicated to Lord of the Rings – and spent a happy evening sampling Croatian craft beers under wooden beams carved with Elvish script.
The real highlight, though, was using Zagreb as a base to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park. Those magnificent waterfalls surrounded by lush forest were even more stunning in person than in photos. June is perfect timing – the winter weather feeds the falls, and summer crowds haven’t yet descended.
Book your Plitvice tour at least a day in advance – the park limits daily visitors, and you don’t want to miss out. And consider staying in Zagreb rather than at the park itself – accommodation is significantly cheaper in the capital.
5. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana might be the most underrated capital in Europe. The city itself is small, green, and incredibly walkable, with a fairytale castle perched above and the emerald Ljubljanica River winding through the centre of it.
I spent evenings sipping Slovenian wine at riverside cafes, watching locals chat and paddle by on stand-up boards. It’s so relaxed here – much more so than the more commonly known, touristy cities. Open Kitchen (Odprta Kuhna) food market on Fridays I can certainly recommend – local chefs cooking everything from traditional Slovenian dishes to international street food.
The real magic of Slovenia, though, is using Ljubljana as a base for day trips. Lake Bled is just an hour away – that impossibly picturesque church on an island, surrounded by mountains, looks like something from a fantasy novel. It’s certainly one for the bucket list. And Triglav National Park offers hiking that rivals the Alps without the Swiss prices.
Definitely rent a car if you can – public transport exists but limits your access to the most beautiful spots. And pack layers – even in June, mountain weather can change rapidly.
6. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is at its best in June – warm but not stifling, with its cafe culture spilling onto the streets and parks filled with locals. The city has an imperial grandeur about it, but with modern livability too.
I recommend you take a stroll through Schönbrunn Palace gardens at dusk, when the baroque palace glows in the evening light – it looks amazing. I spent hours in the Naschmarkt, sampling everything from Austrian cheeses to Turkish delight, and found myself in an impromptu classical concert in one of the city’s many churches.
For a break from classical culture, the Prater amusement park offers nostalgic fun – riding the giant ferris wheel at sunset gives incredible city views. And despite Vienna’s fancy reputation, I found plenty of affordable places to eat (the Würstelstände hot dog stands became a daily habit).
Buy a weekly transit pass – Vienna’s public transport is immaculate, and you’ll use it constantly. And check the summer music festival schedule – there’ll be everything, from classical concerts in palaces to electronic music on the Danube Canal.
Hidden Treasures for June
If you’re after something a bit less obvious, Ghent in Belgium stole my travelling heart with its medieval architecture and a fraction of Bruges’ tourist numbers. The canals lit up at night were magical, and Belgian beer on a summer evening is heaven.
Krakow remains incredibly good value, with a stunning Old Town and easy access to both sobering history (Auschwitz) and natural beauty (Zakopane mountains). A full dinner with drinks in the main square cost me less than a sandwich would in Paris.
And for beach lovers seeking value, Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast – particularly Obzor – has golden sand and clear water at prices way more appealing compared to the French Riviera.
Ready for Your June Adventure?
June in Europe offers that perfect balance – good weather, manageable crowds (mostly), and authentic local life before the tourists and heat enter the scene.
Remember to pack light, book accommodation early for the best deals, and leave room in your itinerary for spontaneous discoveries – those unplanned moments often become the highlights of any trip!