Where to go in

July

Where to go in

July

July’s the moment, and we’re calling it early. That unbridled ‘school’s out for summer’ feeling is starting to simmer, ready to fling you headfirst into your next great escape. What’s not to love? Europe’s heating up with peak sun, high-season energy, and the kind of buzz that makes plans feel limitless.

From apéro hours in Paris to lakeside swims in Zurich (and 35% off while you’re at it), here’s where to go, stay, and stray while life's at its easiest.

Paris

Paris in the summer is always the main event. The city hums a little louder, the evenings stretch out, and suddenly every bench, terrace, and park becomes the best seat in the house. Sure, it’s high season, but that just means Paris is fully switched on. Want the version locals keep to themselves? Mama Shelter East lands you in Saint-Blaise, where leafy terraces and crooked streets lead to Père Lachaise. Mama West brings Left Bank charm without the crowds, but with wide parks, weekend markets, and Haussmann touches in easy reach. You might even forget the Eiffel Tower's behind you. And if you’re after the city at its most cinematic? SO/ Paris delivers rooftop views and a front-row seat to the Seine. Don’t just do Paris...get carried away with it.

Copenhagen

Forget hygge and embrace high summer in the hip Danish capital instead. After hibernating all winter, the Danes are truly ‘out out’ in the summer months with sunsets happening well after 10pm and so much outdoor fun and festivities to be had. Copenhagen is such a pretty, walkable - or cyclable - city so ideal in July to take carefree meanders absorbing the Scandi streetstyle, culture-defining cuisine and lush gardens. It’s also a harbour town - there’s water everywhere - so take a canal boat trip, swim in the super clean harbour with the locals or head to Bellevue beach north of the city for a chic seaside experience with facilities designed by the great Danish designer Arne Jacobsen. Into jazz? Then don’t miss Copenhagen Jazz festival running from 4th – 13th July. As for where to stay? Base yourself at 25hours Indre By, tucked between the Botanical Gardens and the Round Tower, right in Copenhagen’s cultural core where cobbled streets meet contemporary cool. Or, check into 25hours Paper Island, perched on the city’s once-industrial isle-turned-creative-hub, with front-row harbour views, and the Opera House just across the water. Both come with 35% off for Dis-loyalty members this summer.

Marseille

France’s historic and sun-bleached second city is intoxicating in high summer. Hit a town beach, take a culinary tour or play petanque in the city that invented it. Where else but Marseilles would you find a shop dedicated solely to boules? Start your tour there, then head off for pastis and Provencal snacks. Then, of course, there’s the beaches. Marseilles’s best beaches are to the south of the city and you can reach them easily by bus or bike. Jump off at Prophète, below the Corniche, and enjoy the party atmosphere after dark. Marseille is an assault on the senses – mixing up the sublime with the street. You’ll want to check out the amazing graffiti and you can take ‘ugly’ tours of the grittier neighbourhoods if you’re in the mood for keeping it real. As for days to mark in the calendar, Bastille Day on the 14th is one big party with people gathering in the streets and on the Old Port to see the spectacular fireworks fired over Vieux-Port and Fort d’Entrecasteaux.

Bordeaux

A historic 18th Century port, elegant boulevards, world-class culture and, of course, wine. Not least, too, because of the beach life. Yes, really. Bordeaux often gets overlooked for France’s other iconic beach destinations, but it has unmissable beach resorts along the Atlantic coast. Like Arcachon with its laidback vibe and giant sand dunes just a short distance away - perfect for a day trip. Back in town and the city itself comes alive in high summer with a ton of festivals and music events (it’s something of a pioneer of new wave classical music). Bordeaux is a foodie destination, too, with everything from haute cuisine to ‘coffee and a canelé’, a Bordelais version of brioche with lashings of custard. In the summer months, you have to go for a drink (we hear they do a good Bordeaux) in one of the city’s summer bars. Rooftops, terrace cafes and open bars are surging all over the city. Our tip? Head to Mama Shelter’s rooftop bar in the historic centre with jaw-dropping views of Cathédrale Saint André. Cheers to that.

Zurich

Who says Zurich is just for business travellers? This postcard-perfect Swiss lake city might not top your summer shortlist, but that’s exactly why it should. Be the first in your group to trade Alpine clichés for lake swims, rooftop terraces, and a lineup of open-air festivals that make Zurich feel like Europe’s best-kept summer secret. Nature’s the headline act. Uetliberg - Zurich’s very own mountain - delivers sweeping views of the city, lake, and, on a clear day, the Alps. Lake Zurich itself is one of Switzerland’s “Big Five,” a magnet for swimmers, sunbathers, and island-hoppers all summer long. Back on dry land, wander the Old Town or hit the Niederdorf district, where hidden shops and evening buzz bring the charm. There’s culture too: July welcomes the Caliente! Latin Festival, Literaturfestival Zürich, and a city-wide sense of celebration as Zurich joins other Swiss cities in hosting the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 between 2nd –27th July. And when the city’s this alive, your stay has to match: 25hours Hotel Zurich West and Langstrasse bring the retro flair - both 35% off for members this entire month. And for a bold new arrival? Mama Shelter Zurich opens its doors on 28th July with 50% off stays. Just in time to wrap up the July in style.

Mama Shelter Bordeaux

Bordeaux

Elegant yet bold, with plenty of quirky touches that will ensure your stay is a memorable one.