Europe/Middle East

1. Montreal, Canada
In need of some culture during the summer months? From fireworks to fashion, a summer in Montreal will offer up more cultural festivals than you can shake a stick at. Highlights include the Montréal International Fireworks Competition (June to August), Just for Laughs comedy Festival (July), Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (June/July) and the Montréal Fashion & Design Festival (August). Complimented by warm weather, boutique shops and an impressive restaurant scene – Montreal is the ideal cultural escape.
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Plus! Find out more about Montreal's festival season with Tourism Montreal

2. Edinburgh, Scotland
If you're a fan of arts festivals, look no further than Scotland's capital city. Dotted through the summer are the world-famous Edinburgh festivals - during August alone you can catch the Jazz and Blues festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and of course, the Tattoo: a mix of music, ceremony, entertainment and theatre set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Whether you want some red carpet glamour at the International Film Festival or to watch comedy and theatre in the streets of the old town, festival season in Edinburgh won't disappoint.
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Best for city beaches...

3. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Spend a summer in Dubrovnik to get the best of both worlds – a fascinating old town brimming with sights and a long pebbly coastline with inviting turquoise waters. You can swim and sunbathe in many spots along Dubrovnik's coastline but the most well-known beaches include Banje, Kopakabana, Uvala and Lokrum beach on Lokrum Island – an easy boat trip away from Dubrovnik old town.  And, if you can tear yourself away from your sun bed, take a stroll round the old city walls for stunning views of the Adriatic.
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4. San Sebastian, Spain
San Sebastian is the ultimate destination for an urban beach break. This pretty city in the Basque country of northern Spain is ideally situated on the Bay of Biscay and boasts come of the best city beaches in the world. It's the summer capital of Spain so don't expect to find it deserted but the beaches are so lovely, you'll soon forget the crowds. San Sebastian is also famed for its food (the city has 15 Michelin stars!) – so don't forget to refuel on some delicious Spanish tapas in one of the city's many fine eateries as the sun sets.
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5. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is a beautiful city to visit at any time of year, but it really comes to life in the summer months when it's warm enough to see the sights and explore the city to the full. Many visitors are unaware of Stockholm's secret weapon – the spectacular archipelago featuring a staggering 30,000 islands, islets and skerries – and just a boat trip or ferry ride away from the city. Find fine sandy beaches where you can sunbathe, take a dip in the Baltic Sea and eat seafood till your heart's content on islands such as Sandhamm, Möja and Utö.
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Best for outdoor activities...

6. Denver, USA
It's often thought of as a winter travel destination but Denver has plenty to offer on warm summers' days. Watch outdoor theatre and movies at Red Rocks Amphitheatre or one of the many free Jazz concerts in City Park - and if you want to stay outside as you see the sights, try a visit to the botanic gardens, Denver Zoo or the Elitch Gardens theme park. There's plenty for more active travellers too, including kayaking on the Colorado River and exploring the Rocky Mountain National Park – just a short journey from the city.
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Best for culture...

7. Quito, Ecuador
The temperatures in Quito can plummet for much of the year long so take advantage of the summer respite and plan your trip for July or August. From centuries-old cathedrals to traditional restaurants and local crafts markets, you can really embrace the local cultures with a visit to Ecuador's capital city. Discover beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture in the old town (an UNESCO World Heritage Site) where you'll meet crowds of indígenas and mestizos – and can visit Ecuador's premier museum: the Museo del Banco Central.
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8. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Have a cultural summer city break in Ljubljana where you'll find numerous theatres, museums and galleries as well as ten international festivals each year – you'll discover all the charm of Prague but without the crowds. The summer is the best time to explore this picturesque city – discover incredible architecture including buildings, bridges and pathways bestowed by Joze Plecnik, (Slovenia's greatest architect) or visit the magical old town and climb the clock tower of Ljubljana Castle to take in spectacular views of the Alps.
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Best for eating al fresco...

9. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur's continually warm climate makes it the perfect place for eating outdoors – from dining al fresco to strolling through the many food markets. KL is a foodie paradise with a melting pot of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures resulting in a tasty range of cuisines to suit every palette. Find a range of delicious eateries and bustling local food markets in Little India, Chinatown and the Golden Triangle; where Bukit Bintang offers plenty of outside dining options and live entertainment in its many cafes and bistros.
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10. San Francisco, USA
With more than three thousand restaurants and food from every corner of the globe, food-lovers can indulge in a whole host of culinary delights during the summer in San Francisco. The Californian city is great to explore on foot so the summer months are the ideal time to browse the many restaurants and cafes before choosing your spot. The al fresco dining options are endless in this foodie city – head downtown to Taylor's Automatic Refresher – for classic burgers on a huge outdoor terrace - or bistro Plouf, if you're after something more upmarket.
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