Sun’s up, glasses on! Now, turn up the volume, because there’s no party like a summer party! When people say that summertime is always the best of what might be, they are definitely not kidding. Life is just better when the sun is shining, water is calling, and paradise is waiting. If you’re ready for an epic summer holiday, check out our 5 picks of the best summer cities to visit :

1. Miami, USA

The nights are long and the parties are longer. Miami’s sublime beaches and happening nightlife is living summer like no other cities’ business. This city is always celebrating food, art and entertainment, representing the best cultures from every corner of the world. You can expect beach hopping, endless shopping, food tasting, Latin dancing, sightseeing, and the list goes on.

SInce this part of Florida enjoys a subtropical climate, the weather is usually warm all year-round. It can be a bit rainy or light showers, but nothing overwhelming in nature. The best time to visit Miami is between March and May when the sun is shining and the temperature is low. There’s also the annual Ultra Music Festival around late March where some of the world’s best DJs are ready to get your blood pumping!

2. Bali, Indonesia

Yes, you know it. This list wouldn’t be accurate without our very own tropical paradise island : Bali. It’s beach-weather everyday with a side of stunning views, even when it sometimes rains briefly between November to April.

Beyond beaches or natural beauty, Bali is an experience of magical temples, exotic culture, friendly locals, and endless opportunities to discover the old and the new at the same time. You can be enjoying the thriving Bali art markets or performance by the day, and dancing in high-end beach clubs by night.

Anytime you change your mind about the beach and want to have a change of scene, there are other adventures in nature already waiting for you ( hiking or waterfall hunting anyone?). Just know that you’re going to have the best summer stories, whether you are alone, couple or even family with kids!

3. Nice, France

Summer in France is made for the storybook, and the best setting we can recommend is in Nice. Located in the South of France on the famous French Riviera, Nice is a wonderful destination filled with the promise of wine, cheese, pastry and adventure. With an average of 300 days of sunshine annually, there’s no going wrong with the weather in this beach town.

During summer months ( July - August), Nice is a hot tourist attraction, both figuratively and literally. It’s common to be extra-packed and prices tend to go up. Still, it’s simply the best time to really enjoy the city’s summer vibes when even the locals are slowing down for some summer appreciation. Festivals are lining up too, from music, food, arts, you name it and they have it!

4. Melbourne, Australia

As one of the cities encircling the Port Philip Bay, the city of Melbourne consists of many beautiful attractions for you to indulge on. First, the city is basically lined with the infamous Brighton Beach, bars, clubs, restaurants, coffee shops, all waiting for your summer memories. Next is the excellent public transportation system, giving you the chance to travel affordably and efficiently. From great seafood cuisines by the beach, to the actual beach, you will find yourself never wanting to leave the place.

Melbourne is highly diverse in terms of lifestyle, giving you plenty of chances to catch up with their art or music scene, local community and nightlife. With a laid back summer vibe, the festival galores in Melbourne is guaranteed to blow your mind as well. From great seafood cuisines by the beach, to the actual beach, you will find yourself never wanting to leave the place.

5. Barcelona, Spain

A relaxed pace, endless sunshine, glorious food - Barcelona offers everything that is most anticipated about enjoying summer in Mediterranean cities. There are countless summer things to do in Barcelona, especially for you beach lovers. With endless coastline stretching along the province, go with your suntanning mission in Barceloneta Beach, Nova Icaria, to Mar Bella Beach.

When you’re done with the sea and sand, you can either continue strolling for the beautiful natural landscape through bike tours or sampling tapas in local cuisine. You can also have a picnic in the park, have beer in the square, or rock out at a music festival. Primavera Sound and Sonar are the two best known, but there are plenty more!

For whichever destination you choose for your summer-city getaway, let SweetEscape make your trip memorable and long lasting in print! We connect you to 2000+ professional photographers in more than 400 cities around the world, so all you have to do is to create your memories, while we take great photos of your every moment! (Use the code FIRSTESCAPE on your first SweetEscape booking to get USD50 off and let's) #MakeLifeMemorable!