Vienna, Austria
Why you should go in June: Gorgeous weather, live outdoor concerts, and delicious summer picnics
Cost from UAE to Vienna: From around AED1,127 per person
What to do there
If you’re looking for a sophisticated break over the summer, add Vienna to your list. It’s a city full of fascinating museums, coffee houses (they’re not just coffee ‘shops’ in Vienna!) and stunning palaces. Catch a concert at the State Opera House – in June there are giant outdoor screens showing live concerts from inside – or climb the stairs to the Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral before relaxing in a Vienna coffee house or picnicking in Prater Park. The weather in Vienna in June is very pleasant, with temperatures around 22 degrees Celcius; perfect for a walk around this beautiful city.
Read more: Best 15 attractions and things to do in Vienna
Where to stay
Despite its rather quirky exterior, the rooms at the Hotel Viennart Am Museumsquartier are rather plain. But it has a great location – a 10 minute walk from the Museums Quarter and Museum of Art History – and reasonable prices at around AED415 per night in June. The rooms vary in size so speak to reception when you’re checking-in about what you’ve got.
Lisbon, Portugal
Why you should go in June: Lisbon has great weather in June, and direct flights are available from the UAE
Cost from UAE to Lisbon, Portugal: From around AED1,148 per person
What to do there
Lisbon is sometimes overlooked in favor of Paris or London, but it’s truly one of the Europe’s best capital cities with wonderful food, lots of culture and plenty of things to do. There’s some wonderful beaches under an hour’s drive away, as well as smaller, stunning little towns such as Sintra and Obidos, which make excellent day trips. The city itself is pedestrian friendly (if a little hilly!) and has some lovely architecture all around. There’s lots of independent cafes and restaurants, and we urge you to walk away from the main pedestrian streets (the main one is Rua da Augusta) to neighborhoods such as Bairro Alto to find the best of the bunch. There’s also no shortage of historical sites, most of them in and around – and including – the São Jorge Castle right in the center.
Where to stay
Lisbon has some excellent hotel and hostel options to suit every budget. At the lower end is the This is Lisbon Hostel which has seven rooms – private and dormitories – and is steps away from São Jorge Castle. It’s very plain but clean and smart, and rooms in June cost from around AED200 per night. At the other end of the spectrum is the stunning Solar Do Castelo, inside the walls of the Castle. The rooms are large, bright and airy, and many of the building’s original features remain inside and out. Rooms in June start at around AED750 per night. For other mid-range Lisbon hotel options, click here.
Glasgow, UK
Why you should go in June: Emirates Airline is now operating a new A380 service from Dubai to Glasgow, the first of its kind to Scotland. Time to travel in style!
Cost from UAE to Glasgow: From around AED1,512 per person
What to do there
While sometimes passed over in favor of Edinburgh, Scotland’s biggest city has lots to offer travelers. The architecture is grand as you’ll find anywhere in Scotland and there’s culture galore – it has some of the country’s best museums, galleries, theaters, restaurants, nightlife and shops. With summer temperatures in June averaging just under 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) it’s one of the nicest places to go in June in the UK.
Where to stay
The Alexander Thomson hotel is right in the centre of Glasgow and very easy walking distance from the train station if you want to take day trips elsewhere. The rooms are large, neat and very affordable with June prices starting from around AED280 a night. For something with a bit more character – and a higher price tag – book a room at the Malmaison Glasgow for around AED560 per night in June.
Paris, France
Why you should go in June: There isn’t really a bad month to visit Paris, and its cultural calendar is jam-packed in the summer with music festivals, exhibitions and sporting events
Cost from UAE to Paris: From around AED1,087 per person
Best time to book flights to France: 15 weeks in advance, save 15%
What to do there
It can be hot in the summer, but the busy outdoor calendar makes it a great summer vacation destination. The Paris Jazz Festival, Fête de la Musique and the Download Festival – Paris are three major music festivals that take place in June and usually hold concerts around the city in lovely settings. The French Open tennis tournament is also held in June, as well as a number of large horse races. If that’s not enough for you, there’s the usual Paris attractions including Disneyland Paris and the Eiffel Tower. Every neighborhood in Paris has at last one attractive public park, which make the perfect setting for a summer lunchtime picnic.
Read more: Top 10 attractions and things to do in Paris
Where to stay
There’s a huge range of luxury Parisian hotels as well as cheap Paris hostels, depending on your budget. If you’d rather spend your money on concert or exhibition tickets, book a room at the Best Western Premier 61 Paris Nation Hotel in the 12th Arrondissement near the Opéra Bastille. It has a fun 60s vibe but won’t come cheap. Rooms start at around AED1,000 per night. At the much higher end of the scale is the stunning Paris Marriott Champs Elysees Hotel on the Avenue des Champs Elysees. There’s tons of shops, restaurants and museums nearby, so you’re really in the heart of the action. Rooms in June start at around AED2,900 – a serious summer treat.
Switzerland
Why you should go in June: What is arguably Europe’s prettiest country is even prettier when the flowers are in bloom and the sun is shining
Cost from UAE to Switzerland: From around AED1,133 per person
What to do there
The June weather in Switzerland is a great time to get out and explore the country’s best sights. Taking a boat trip on Lake Geneva is even better when it’s warm, and a great way to relax and spend a day. Or if you’re going to get wet on a tour at Rhine Falls, why not do it when the sun is shining enough to dry you off? Switzerland’s best cities and towns – including Lucerne, Genva, Basel and Lugano – are perfect places to visit any time of year and have excellent museums, shops and historical sites.
Read more: Top 8 places to visit in Switzerland
Where to stay
If you’re staying in Geneva, home to the UN headquarters at the Palais des Nations, a room at the four star Hotel Montbrillant, which has 82 rooms and one restaurant, is a good place to crash. It’s very close to the central train station so it’s easy to get in and out of the city to explore. Rooms are traditionally decorated and many come with small kitchenettes, which is especially useful if you’re traveling with kids.
*Updated May 2019. Prices correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change and/or availability.
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