The world’s most beautiful summer cities

Summer’s here, which means we’re all likely daydreaming about sun loungers and sandy beaches. But you don’t always have to be by the sea to enjoy a great summer getaway – why not enjoy a scenic city break instead?

To give you a little holiday inspiration, we decided to do a little research into the most beautiful cities to visit in summer. We collected images of over 60 major cities across the globe in summertime and, using eye-tracking technology, studied which pictures people were drawn to quickest, and where their gazes lingered the longest. These times were then combined to create one overall score to discover the most beautiful summer cities around the world.

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Where in the world has the most beautiful summer cities?

Our study revealed that Banff in Canada is the most beautiful summer city, achieving a score of 96.0/100. Participants spent an average of 3.2 seconds gazing at the image of this stunning Canadian city – the longest time for any image in the study.

In second place is Mykonos in Greece, with an overall score of 87.3/100. Mykonos was the top city to get people’s attention - taking only 1.5 seconds for those in the study to notice it. Following closely behind Mykonos is Sydney, Australia, which completes the top three most beautiful summer cities with a score of 85.6/100. Bruges in Belgium ranks in fourth place (84.1/100), with Bristol in the United Kingdom rounding out the top five (83.7/100).

A total of five UK cities appeared in the top 30 rankings – Bristol, Liverpool (15^th place), Bath (25^th place), Glasgow (27^th place) and Brighton (29^th place).

Germany also has four cities in the top 30 rankings, including Munich (14^th place), Freiburg (16^th place), Hamburg (22^nd place) and Dresden (23^rd place). Overall, European destinations dominate the top 30 most beautiful city rankings, with 19 gorgeous spots making the list.

See below for the full ranking of the world’s most beautiful summer cities:

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Rank	City	Country	Continent	Total Score (/100)
1	Banff	Canada	North America	96.0
2	Mykonos	Greece	Europe	87.3
3	Sydney	Australia	Oceania	85.6
4	Bruges	Belgium	Europe	84.1
5	Bristol	UK	Europe	83.7
6	Palma de Mallorca	Spain	Europe	79.7
7	Kyoto	Japan	Asia	78.0
8	Kotor	Montenegro	Europe	77.9
9	Auckland	New Zealand	Oceania	77.6
10	Los Angeles	USA	North America	73.6
11	Queenstown	New Zealand	Oceania	73.1
12	Paris	France	Europe	72.8
13	Wellington	New Zealand	Oceania	72.2
14	Munich	Germany	Europe	71.4
15	Liverpool	UK	Europe	71.3
16	Freiburg	Germany	Europe	70.6
17	Québec	Canada	North America	70.4
18	Granada	Spain	Europe	69.5
19	Copenhagen	Denmark	Europe	67.4
20	Salzburg	Austria	Europe	66.3
21	Chefchaouen	Morocco	Africa	65.4
22	Hamburg	Germany	Europe	64.0
23	Dresden	Germany	Europe	63.5
24	Cape Town	South Africa	Africa	63.2
25	Bath	UK	Europe	61.5
28	Positano	Italy	Europe	61.1
26	Porto	Portugal	Europe	61.5
27	Glasgow	UK	Europe	61.4
29	Brighton	UK	Europe	60.6
30	Singapore	Singapore	Asia	60.3
31	London	UK	Europe	60.0
32	Berlin	Germany	Europe	59.3
34	Melbourne	Australia	Oceania	58.8
36	Washington DC	USA	North America	58.4
33	Frankfurt	Germany	Europe	58.8
35	Belfast	UK	Europe	58.4
37	Boston	USA	North America	57.6
38	Perth	Australia	Oceania	57.3
39	Seoul	South Korea	Asia	56.7
40	San Francisco	USA	North America	55.6
42	Istanbul	Turkey	Asia	54.6
43	Edinburgh	UK	Europe	54.4
41	Budapest	Hungary	Europe	54.7
45	Cologne	Germany	Europe	54.3
44	Tallinn	Estonia	Europe	54.4
46	Bordeaux	France	Europe	53.8
47	Lisbon	Portugal	Europe	53.7
48	Prague	Czech Republic	Europe	53.3
49	Lagos	Nigeria	Africa	53.0
52	Ljubljana	Slovenia	Europe	52.2
50	Oxford	UK	Europe	52.6
51	Dubrovnik	Croatia	Europe	52.3
53	Cambridge	UK	Europe	52.0
54	Leipzig	Germany	Europe	51.4
55	New York	USA	North America	50.7
56	Seville	Spain	Europe	49.8
57	Brisbane	Australia	Oceania	49.2
58	Cardiff	UK	Europe	47.7
58	Vancouver	Canada	North America	47.7
60	Rome	Italy	Europe	46.7
61	York	UK	Europe	45.8
62	Chicago	USA	North America	44.7
63	Montreal	Canada	North America	42.0

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Europe’s most beautiful summer cities

From ancient ruins and medieval old towns to modern skylines and exciting attractions, European cities have something for everyone to enjoy on great-value city breaks this summer.

Taking the top spot for Europe’s most beautiful city in summer is Mykonos in Greece, achieving a total score of 87.3/100 and an average viewing time of 2.35 seconds. It was also the top city to get participants’ attention - taking only 1.5 seconds for those in the study to notice it. Known as the “Ibiza of Greece”, Mykonos Town is well-regarded as one of the most visited Greek locations thanks to its luxury boutiques, beach clubs and maritime history.

In second place is Bruges, Belgium, with an overall score of 84.1/100. As the sixth most populous city in Belgium, Bruges is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Often referred to as the "Venice of the North”, this city is famous for its waterways, traditional architecture and historic attractions, so it's no surprise that Bruges ranks so highly.

In third place is Bristol in the UK, with a score of 83.7/100. With top Bristol attractions and historic sites such as the Bristol Cathedral, St Mary Redcliffe Church and The Matthew ship on the harbourside, there’s plenty to see and do in Bristol in the summertime. Bristol also ranked third in our previous research into the smoothest cities for travellers, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for UK cities to book a short break.

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Rank	City	Country	Total Score (/100)
1	Mykonos	Greece	87.3
2	Bruges	Belgium	84.1
3	Bristol	UK	83.7
4	Palma de Mallorca	Spain	79.7
5	Kotor	Montenegro	77.9
6	Paris	France	72.8
7	Munich	Germany	71.4
8	Liverpool	UK	71.3
9	Freiburg	Germany	70.6
10	Granada	Spain	69.5
11	Copenhagen	Denmark	67.4
12	Salzburg	Austria	66.3
13	Hamburg	Germany	64.0
14	Dresden	Germany	63.5
15	Bath	UK	61.5
16	Positano	Italy	61.1
17	Porto	Portugal	61.5
18	Glasgow	UK	61.4
19	Brighton	UK	60.6
20	London	UK	60.0
21	Berlin	Germany	59.3
22	Frankfurt	Germany	58.8
23	Belfast	UK	58.4
24	Edinburgh	UK	54.4
25	Budapest	Hungary	54.7
28	Cologne	Germany	54.3
26	Tallinn	Estonia	54.4
27	Bordeaux	France	53.8
29	Lisbon	Portugal	53.7
30	Prague	Czech Republic	53.3
31	Ljubljana	Slovenia	52.2
32	Oxford	UK	52.6
34	Dubrovnik	Croatia	52.3
36	Cambridge	UK	52.0
33	Leipzig	Germany	51.4
35	Seville	Spain	49.8
37	Cardiff	UK	47.7
38	Rome	Italy	46.7
39	York	UK	45.8

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The UK’s most beautiful summer cities

Twelve UK cities rank in our list of the most beautiful cities in summer, with Bristol taking the top spot for the nation and third place globally.

Following Bristol is Liverpool, with an overall score of 71.3/100. Top attractions in Liverpool include iconic spots like the Royal Albert Dock and the World Museum, and tourists and locals alike love visiting Chavasse Park in the summer. It’s one of the largest green roofs in Europe and home to a green living wall, with over 350 species and 15,500 pollinator-friendly plants right next to Liverpool ONE.

In third place for the UK’s most beautiful cities is Bath, with a score of 61.5/100. With historic landmarks and attractions in Bath such as the Thermal Baths, the Holburne Museum and Bath Abbey, there’s plenty to see and do here on UK summer breaks. You can also take part in the Bath Skyline Walk – a 6-mile-long route that offers panoramic views of the city – or take a boat onto the River Avon to soak up the sun on the water.

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Rank	City	Country	Total Score (/100)
1	Bristol	UK	83.7
2	Liverpool	UK	71.3
3	Bath	UK	61.5
4	Glasgow	UK	61.4
5	Brighton	UK	60.6
6	London	UK	60.0
7	Belfast	UK	58.4
8	Edinburgh	UK	54.4
9	Oxford	UK	52.6
10	Cambridge	UK	52.0
11	Cardiff	UK	47.7
12	York	UK	45.8

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North America’s most beautiful summer cities

Ten North American cities ranked in our list of the most beautiful summer cities, with Banff, Canada, taking the top spot (both in North America and the world overall) with a score of 96.0/100. Participants noticed this beautiful city in just 1.63 seconds and lingered on the image for an average of 3.28 seconds - the longest out of any city in the study. Located within Banff National Park, this Canadian resort town is well-known for its stunning glacial lakes, panoramic views from the mountains, and popular walking trails.

Los Angeles in the United States of America takes second place, achieving an overall score of 73.6/100. With high summertime temperatures and a vibrant downtown area, Los Angeles is one of the most stunning and culturally diverse metropolitan areas in the world. In the summertime, you can enjoy a picnic at the legendary Hollywood Bowl venue, go surfing in Santa Monica or enjoy a bike ride through Venice Beach to soak up the sun.

In third place is Québec, Canada, achieving a total score of 70.4/100. Participants were drawn to this city in just 1.71 seconds (the fourth highest in the study overall). Québec is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its distinct French-Canadian culture that’s steeped in history. From daytime strolls to view the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac to ziplining across Montmorency Falls, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in this city during the summer.

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Rank	City	Country	Total Score (/100)
1	Banff	Canada	96.0
2	Los Angeles	USA	73.6
3	Québec	Canada	70.4
4	Washington DC	USA	58.4
5	Boston	USA	57.6
6	San Francisco	USA	55.6
7	New York	USA	50.7
8	Vancouver	Canada	47.7
9	Chicago	USA	44.7
10	Montreal	Canada	42.0

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Asia’s most beautiful summer cities

Four cities in Asia made their way into the overall rankings, with Kyoto, Japan ranking at number one for the continent, and seventh overall, with a total score of 78.0/100. The former capital of Japan is known for its vast array of classic Buddhist temples, Zen gardens, imperial palaces and traditional wooden houses. Top attractions such as the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are beautiful places to visit all year round, but especially during the summer.

In second place is Singapore, achieving an overall score of 60.3/100. Participants in the study spent an average of 1.76 seconds observing this modern city, famous for its lush greenery and world-class attractions, including Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which was also listed as one of the best value tourist attractions in a different study.

Seoul in South Korea completes the top three most beautiful summer cities in Asia, with a total score of 56.7/100. Home to over 10 million people, Seoul is a modern metropolis that’s still filled with ancient culture and historic landmarks, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. During the summer, you can escape the heat by enjoying water sports activities on the Han River, including kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing, or why not hop on a cruise to enjoy the sunset?

Rank	City	Country	Total Score (/100)
1	Kyoto	Japan	78.0
2	Singapore	Singapore	60.3
3	Seoul	South Korea	56.7
4	Istanbul	Turkey	54.6

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Oceania’s most beautiful summer cities

Sydney, Australia ranks in the top spot for Oceania’s most beautiful summer cities, with a total score of 85.6/100. Sydney also ranked third globally in the study, with participants viewing this city for 2.77 seconds. Home to some of the world's top attractions such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, this city is a great place to visit for a summer break as you can split your time between the bustling city sights and the golden sands of Bondi Beach.

In second place is Auckland in New Zealand, achieving a score of 77.6/100. With the nickname “The City of Sails”, this destination is renowned for its connection to the ocean, with bustling maritime culture and stunning harbours that are sure to catch your eye. You can also visit the Auckland Botanical Gardens, which ranked in our previous research as one of the world’s most vibrant gardens.

Rounding out the top three most beautiful summer cities in Oceania is Queenstown, New Zealand (73.1/100). Filled with a vibrant nightlife and dining scene, Queenstown also offers many activities to enjoy during the summer, including bungee jumping, gondola rides and scenic drives. It’s known as the “adventure capital of the world” for a reason!

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Rank	City	Country	Total Score (/100)
1	Sydney	Australia	85.6
2	Auckland	New Zealand	77.6
3	Queenstown	New Zealand	73.1
4	Wellington	New Zealand	72.2
5	Melbourne	Australia	58.8
6	Perth	Australia	57.3
7	Brisbane	Australia	49.2

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Africa’s most beautiful summer cities

Three African destinations ranked in the top 50 summer cities list, with Chefchaouen taking the top spot with a total score of 65.4/100. Located in the northwest of Morocco, this stunning city is nicknamed the “Blue City” thanks to its iconic blue buildings. You can wander through the old town or visit the Spanish Mosque for picturesque views of the local landscape.

Following closely behind in second place is Cape Town, South Africa, achieving an overall score of 63.2/100. Home to Table Mountain, one of the new seven wonders of the world and one of the only natural sites in the world to have a constellation of stars named after it (Mensa). With a thriving art scene and rich cultural diversity, Cape Town is one of the top summer cities to visit, so it’s no surprise that participants spent 1.27 seconds observing this location.

Finally, Lagos, Nigeria comes in third place with a total score of 53.0/100. With an estimated population of over 24 million, Lagos is Africa’s largest metropolitan city and manages the majority of maritime imports in the nation. With temperatures ranging up to 32°C, this city is great for a summer break, offering a vibrant culture and various attractions, such as the Lagos National Museum and Freedom Park.

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Rank	City	Country	Total Score (/100)
1	Chefchaouen	Morocco	65.4
2	Cape Town	South Africa	63.2
3	Lagos	Nigeria	53.0

Ready to book your next summer break? Browse our full range of travel guides for more destination inspiration, or book one of our airport hotels to help you rest easy ahead of your trip. You know what you’re getting with Premier Inn.

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Methodology

To create the ranking of top summer cities, we compiled a list of 63 cities from around the globe during the summertime using desk research. This series of images were then shown to a sample of 200 people and, using eye-tracking software, we recorded the average length of time it took for people to first look at the images (average time to first fixation) and the average time spent looking at the image.

These values were then sorted using a weighted scoring system to create an overall score out of 100 for each city. The cities were then ranked based on these scores to reveal which were the most eye-catching and thus, the most beautiful summer cities overall.

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