Best Places in Europe to Travel for July 4th
If you want to do something more than a backyard barbecue next year for July 4th, then head over to Europe. I’ve found that early July is one of the most underrated windows to travel there. You get the summer vibes without the peak-season chaos, especially if you know where to go. Most of the continent is alive with events, yet still breathable before things hit fever pitch mid-July.
And while Europe doesn’t celebrate Independence Day, that’s actually the beauty of it. You’re stepping into something new, not just recreating what you already know.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon in early July, where the air is warm, but there’s always a breeze off the Atlantic that takes the edge off. You’ll walk through narrow cobbled streets that feel like a mosaic underfoot, especially around Alfama. Ride Tram 28 for that postcard feeling, then stop for grilled sardines and vinho verde in a back alley restaurant.
If you're looking for a place that feels lively but not overrun, Lisbon is where I’d go. It’s easier to get into top-rated restaurants and day trips to Sintra or Cascais are easy to manage without fighting crowds.
Split, Croatia
Croatia in early July is magic. It’s summer, but it hasn’t tipped into that August intensity where everything feels full. In Split, you’ll find a rhythm of island hopping, old town wandering, and Adriatic swims that’s hard to beat.
Lake Como or Amalfi Coast, Italy
If you’ve ever dreamed of living your Italian summer fantasy, early July is when to make it real. I’ve spent time sipping espresso with a lake view in Como and chasing golden light along Amalfi’s cliffs. It’s stylish, warm, and you won’t need to fight for that sunset terrace table—yet.
Try to stay somewhere with a view. Even a basic spritz feels luxurious when you’re watching boats drift across blue water. Take the ferry across the lake or hike the Path of the Gods. Either way, it’s indulgent without being chaotic.
The French Riviera, France
The French Riviera is buzzing. I’ve caught jazz festivals in Nice that felt like stumbling onto a movie set. You’ll find early Bastille Day celebrations starting to bubble up, which can include fireworks, food markets, and music under the stars.
Santorini, Greece
Yes, Greece gets busy in July, but if you go early and pick the right island, it’s more dreamy than hectic. Santorini has that iconic beauty, and you can still grab a table on the beach, toes in the sand, fresh seafood on the plate.
Oia sunsets live up to the hype, but I actually loved the quieter beaches on the east coast and the long dinners that stretch late into the night with local wine and music.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona in July is where beach life and city life mix perfectly. I loved wandering from Gaudí architecture straight to a beachside tapas bar. The city stays up late, and so should you.
You might be surprised at how many American expats call the city home.
A Cooler Option: Scotland or the Swiss Alps
If heat isn’t your thing, don’t force it. July is also the perfect time to head north. Scotland gives you wide open landscapes, lochs, castles, and weather that doesn’t melt you.
The Swiss Alps are another kind of beauty. You’ve got green meadows, glacier-fed lakes, and fresh air that wakes you up in the best way. Interlaken, Zermatt, Lauterbrunnen, these aren’t just names, they’re experiences that reset your entire nervous system.
Final Thoughts
Traveling in early July gives you that sweet spot. You’re ahead of the August rush, you’ve got long days, and most places feel alive but not overrun. Whether you’re dipping into coastal towns or climbing into the Alps, there’s something freeing about spending July 4th out in the world instead of watching the same old fireworks in your hometown.
If you’re ready to make this July 4th the one you’ll actually remember, Europe is waiting.