A Selection of Local Hotspots for This Summer (2021)

Plac Zabaw (by PutiPuti.pl)

Summer is finally here! We made a selection out of the many recommendations our locals in 81 cities have for this summer. All perfect for chill and relaxed summer days spent with friends and family. So get your sunglasses, sunscreen, and a good mood, and get ready to have the best summer of your life!

Swim in the open waters of Copenhagen

Nordhaven Basin (by Visit Copenhagen)

Nothing better than a refreshing dip on a hot day! There are multiple ‘beaches’ in Copenhagen, but Sigrid recommends the Nordhavn basin, where you can either take a dip in the harbor, or relax and sunbathe on the terraces. The locals take great pride in their clean open water. Actually, Copenhagen was named the world’s best city for swimming by CNN in 2018.

Visit a vineyard in Vienna by tram

Heuriger Schübel-Auer Vienna (by WienTourismus)

Fun fact: Vienna is the biggest winemaking capital in the world. If you take tram 31 you will soon be surprised with vineyards, small colorful houses, good wine, and tasty food. At the end of the line and a short walk to the main cobblestone alley, you’ll find all the taverns, wine cellars, and vineyards in the back gardens. Zur Christl is open all day long during the summer, and Linda recommends it for its beautiful terrace with a fantastic view!

Go kayaking in Cairo

Kayaking in the Nile (by Watter AlBahry)

Kayaking in the longest river in the world is an appealing summer activity in and of itself. But here, you can augment your experience by combining it with birdwatching. This experience is something Rym fell in love with. The tall buildings of Cairo within sight and surrounded by palm trees, connect with nature and learn about all kinds of birds.

Explore Finnish nature in Helsinki

Seurasaari beach (by Kathrin Deter)

Seurasaari is one of the bigger islands (and Kathrin’s favorite place!) in Helsinki – one that you will absolutely adore if you get the chance to explore it. Locals often spend their time here during holidays, and for good reason. The northern half of this island is an open-air museum that gives you a glimpse of the past, while the southern half is an untamed forest. What makes it ideal to explore in the summer are the small beaches that you will constantly come across.

Enjoy arts & music by the water in Zurich

People by the water at Rote Fabrik (by zuerich.com)

The Rote Fabrik is one of the bigger cultural centers in Zurich and recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. As the name implies, the building complex was once a factory. Today it’s the main hub for music (which is why the concert-loving Roman likes it so much), panels, theatre, and many other forms of art. On top of that, they have an amazing bar and restaurant by the water where you can unwind on a hot summer day.

Enjoy movies in the park in Prishtina

People getting ready for the movie (by Film n’park)

At Film n’park every summer weekend, right as the sky begins to darken, a projector turns on and plays a remarkable movie. The fun starts much earlier though, in the late afternoon, when everybody is invited to bring their own entertainment. The park turns into a huge playground until the sun goes down and the movie can start, so take this time to make friends with the locals (you might even find Dren here)!

Explore curiosities in Los Angeles.

Garden of Oz (by Val Douroux)

Hollywood is filled with hidden gems just like this one! The garden of Oz is a mosaic masterpiece of art, eclectic objects, and inspiring quotes. You can feel like the main character in your own movie for a while. The neighborhood around the garden is also perfect for a summer stroll. If you pay attention you might even find a castle! P.S. Val apologizes for not doing what the sign says, but can you really blame her?

Play with dogs in Tel Aviv

Dog on the beach (by Tel Aviv on Twitter)

Beach days and summer obviously go hand in hand, but what if you could add dogs to your beach days? The Dog Beach is much like all the other beaches in Tel Aviv. Only it’s always filled with dogs! This beach is the go-to for all dog owners in the city as it is one of the only places they are allowed. Get ready to swim and cuddle all day long – on one of Tel Aviv’s happiest beaches (according to Ari).

Have a day of fun by the water in Warsaw

Plac Zabaw (by PutiPuti.pl)

Plac Zabaw has 2000 m² of space to get some sun and fresh air while enjoying: some of the best concerts in Warsaw, awesome documentaries and movies, comedy from Warsaw’s own Klub Komediowy, food fairs, all sorts of workshops for kids and adults alike, cycling, a diving pool, and three bars. And you can share all of these experiences with Warsaw’s amazing people – that made Nitzan fall in love with the city. What else could you ask for?