As summer approaches, many people are starting to plan their travels to exciting destinations around the world, but three cities are at the top of their minds. According to recent data released by Google, three cities have emerged as top summer travel destinations: London, Paris, and Tokyo.
From things to do, great weather, and special events, here are four reasons travelers might add them to their must-see lists.
Weather Made for Sightseeing
With daily summer highs between 70 and 80 degrees, each destination is ideal for an outdoor, walkable vacation. They each have a unique city vibe that encourages going outside and experiencing the city.
London, while it’s known for being a colder city with much overcast, summers spent there can be a welcomed change for people coming from hotter, sunnier areas. Travelers from the U.S. South might find a 75-degree day to be a luxury in July compared to the 100+ degrees they might experience at home.
In Paris, July and August are the warmest months of the year, but still teeter on a milder climate. During this time, there’s also a low chance of rain, with temperatures remaining steadily in the 80s.
Tokyo, on the other hand, while still relatively mild, can be humid during summer. Occasional heatwaves can push the temperature into the 90s. However, the weather typically sticks around the high 70s and 80s during the summer. Tokyo’s moderately warm temperatures make it a fitting time to sightsee outdoors without suffering from the heat.
Festivals and Events All Summer Season
Each of these trending cities hosts a variety of festivals, events, and cultural celebrations throughout the summer months. Concerts, special events, and traveling exhibitions are known to make stops in Tokyo, London, and Paris each year. The events provide visitors with unique and memorable experiences for their trips.
In London, the Notting Hill Carnival, a Caribbean-themed festival takes place each summer in August. Sexyy Red, Nicki Minaj, and 21 Savage are just a few of the artists performing at this year’s Wireless Festival, a multi-day music festival in July. The Summertime Hyde Park Festival is a series of events and concerts, each set to attract visitors to the city.
In Japan, there are several events and festivals planned to draw crowds, like the annual Sumida River Fireworks Festival, an event that highlights more than 20,000 fireworks at night. Another event is the Asakusa Samba Carnival. It happens each year in August and features a parade of Samba dancers in traditional Brazilian Carnival wear.
The biggest event on the radar for upcoming visits to Paris is the 2024 Olympics. The world sporting event is set to draw millions of people to the city and will be at the top of many travelers’ wish lists this year. The Olympics are projected to bring nearly 15 million to the area.
Shopping and Dining to Suit Any Taste
London, Paris, and Tokyo are also known for their vibrant shopping and dining scenes. Each city offers a wide range of boutiques, department stores, markets, restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls for visitors to explore.
Shopping, especially for a high-end experience, is part of Paris culture. Travelers can easily find Louis Vuitton, Rolex, and more in Paris. Various areas, like Place Vendome, known for its jewelry shops; Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, a world-renowned luxury shopping street; and Saint Germain des Pres, an area popular for its high-end boutique shops, are all places of reference travelers might be interested in checking out.
London’s famous Oxford Street is well-known for its shopping. London’s shopping scene is a mixture of timeless fashion houses, like Gucci and Hermes, although visitors can also find more modern brands like Zara and Pretty Little Thing. Oxford Street, a major road on the city’s west side, is full of department stores and boutiques. It happens to be one of the busiest streets in the U.K. and attracts millions of visitors each year.
Tokyo is also a shopper’s paradise. Ginza is one of the city’s most famous shopping areas. The area is often frequented by luxury shopping and offers many global and Tokyo-based designs. The famous Wako building and clock tower, streets lined with cherry blossom trees, and various entertainment make Ginza a must-see for both active shoppers and sightseers. The area is also home to various art galleries and theaters that travelers can experience.
Ease of Access Through Transportation Options
London, Paris, and Tokyo are each major transportation hubs which makes travel during the summer a bit easier. Each city is connected to several airports and train stations and has world-class public transportation. Vast transportation systems make getting to and from these places seamless, whether as a final stop or on the way to other destinations.
London has led the way in major European city transportation for many years. The city’s famous Tube includes buses and trains that run round the clock for nearly every part of the city. London has an extensive network of underground trains that are relatively easy to navigate and dependable. This is attractive to many travelers, especially those from major U.S. cities because the Tube can feel delightfully familiar for those who utilize public transportation at home.
Tokyo also has a well-established public transportation system that includes buses and trains. The city is served by multiple train and subway lines that go all over its huge territory. The trains are known, and celebrated by visitors, for their punctuality and cleanliness.
In Paris, The Metro is a popular choice of transportation for residents and visitors alike. The Metro operates from early in the morning through the night. For areas that The Metro does not service, the city also has a bus line that operates all day and night.
Overall, the combination of culture, attractions, shopping, dining, festivals, and accessibility makes London, Paris, and Tokyo popular choices for summer travel in 2024.