If you’re looking for ideal places to visit in July, we’ve put together a mini-guide series to share our favourite destinations for each and every month of the year. In this guide, we share our best July destinations. Having been there ourselves, we’ll share why it’s a good time to go, how to get there, who to fly with, and where to stay. We’ll also share our target prices, which we aim to get as close to as we can. Read on for our tips on where to visit in July:
Places We Recommend Visiting In July
Madrid, Spain
The magnificent capital city of Spain is the seat of government and its centuries old monarchy. The centre of the city is dominated by majestic architecture, grand streets and imposing squares. By summer it bakes in the Iberian sun and in winter is colder and wetter.
Situated right in the centre of Spain, this landlocked capital is home to two world-famous football teams’ imposing stadiums and one very grand royal palace. Visit the towering Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, home of Real Madrid – get tickets for a match or do a stadium tour. Tour the ornate state rooms and impressive throne room at Palacio Real. Take a rowing boat out on the lake at El Retiro Park, then visit the beautiful Crystal Palace. Finish-up at Plaza Mayor to soak up the evening atmosphere while you dine alfresco in the vast square.
Why Visit In July?
On the last weekend of July the entire city comes out to party for the annual pride parade. It’s one of the biggest, most colourful parades in Europe and is also very family friendly. You’ll see locals turnout in their droves to cheer the floats along the road. Some of these impressive moving structures can be as high as 3-storeys.
How To Get There
The Madrid-Barajas international airport (MAD) is well-connected to most European cities and world capitals.
For an intra-European business class seat, the price should range from £150-£350 return. Prices at the lower end can be booked in seat sales. Our target price is under £200 return.
In Economy we’d be looking for something under £100 return. Like all targets, we may not hit them, but we’ll try to get as close as we can.
Business class seats to Madrid from North America occasionally go on sale under $1,400 return for a non-stop flight. Our price target is anything under $1,600.
Keep an eye on our Deals & Offers section for fares that hit our targets.
Where To Stay
Madrid is awash of accommodation to suit all budgets. From quirky, shoebox-sized Airbnb apartments to upscale grand hotels, and everything in between.
Most of the big chains have a presence in the city. The Hyatt on Gran Via is probably the best bet for pointers hunters who also want a central base. We’d recommend the Melia – Palacio de los Duques Gran or the Barcelo Emperatriz if you’re looking for something special.
BG1 Tip
If you’re an EU citizen, visit the Palaco Real in the final hour of the day and get free entry. Remember your passport or ID card.
Lombardy, Italy
Next on our list of places to visit in July is the Lombardy region of Italy. Often overlooked in favour of the famous nearby regions of Veneto and Tuscany, Lombardy has hidden treasures aside from fashion capital, Milan. The beautiful countryside is perfect for cycling between picturesque towns and villages.
There are two jewels in Lombardy’s crown, the vast mountain-fringed lakes of Como and Garda. Squeezed between The Dolomites mountain range (gateway The Alps), the azure waters of Lake Garda come to life in summer like an Italian costal resort. Hike, cycle, swim, or kayak, there’s little you can’t do on or around the lake. The town of Sirmione, and Rocca Scaligera, are perched on a spit of land in the lake and is the main jumping off point for activities. Don’t forget to taste some local Lombardy wine – you’ll pass hundreds of vineyards on your travels.
Why Visit In July?
The weather is warm and dry, and the days are long. Cycling will be bearable early in the morning and later in the day – take shelter in the shaded village streets for lunch. In July, the towns around the lakes will be bustling and the activities out on the water will be plentiful.
How To Get There
Milan is the closest big airport, although the airports of Bologna and Venice are only a little further. Wherever you land, pick up a car on arrival for the greatest freedom on your trip.
From Europe, we wouldn’t bother with a business class seat. The short 1-2 hour flight can be picked up as low as £60 return in economy.
Business class seats to Milan from North America pop up in seat sales as low as $1,500 return for a non-stop flight. Our price target is anything under $1,800.
Our price target for Premium Economy is $700 and our price target for Economy is $400.
Keep an eye on our Deals & Offers section for fares that hit our targets.
Where To Stay
Outside of Milan, big chain hotels are rare and not really the best choice. We’d recommend Airbnb for a selection of town-centre apartments and country villas.
BG1 Tip
Escape the packed tourist streets at Lake Garda; take to the water in your own speedboat! We hired one for a couple of hours for a very reasonable rate.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
As a key gateway to South East Asia, many visitors see Kuala Lumpur International Airport and little else. The Malaysian capital has a lot more to offer than just a convenient transit hub. The towering tropical metropolis of downtown KL offers a refreshing and slightly edgier alternative to Singapore.
Take a trip to the top of the Petronas Twin Towers, once the world’s tallest building until the Taipei 101 overtook it in 2004. Not only are the views from the skybridge still breathtaking, so is the sight towers on KL skyline.
Malaysia is known for it’s incredible cuisine and Kuala Lumpur is a perfect place to taste your way around the country. Chinese, Indian and Malay influences have created dishes you won’t taste anywhere else. Be sure to try Nasi Lemak and satay.
Shopping is a popular pass time in Kuala Lumpur. The city boasts over 20 indoor shopping malls, all air conditioned and open late into the evening.
Why Visit In July?
The weather in July is between the two main monsoons. While you should always expect the occasional tropical shower, the weather should largely be settled. You’ll be able to enjoy the city’s outdoor activities and get plenty of time by the pool.
How To Get There
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is served by the big scheduled airlines and is also the home of Malaysia Airlines. There’s a smaller, entirely separate airport next-door called KLIA2 that receives AirAsia flights.
From Europe, business class fares to KL can be picked up in seat sales for £1,500 return.
Our price target for Premium Economy is £700 and our target in Economy is £500.
Once you arrive, take the fast KLIA Express train right into the centre of KL. Alternatively, jump in a taxi, but be prepared for traffic.
Keep an eye on our Deals & Offers section for fares that hit our targets.
Where To Stay
High-end hotel accommodation is in abundance in KL and it’s also cheaper than a lot of cities in this part of the world. You’ll be able to stay in premium rooms for £100.
We like the Shangri-La in Kuala Lumpur, having enjoyed a couple of lovely stays there. Pay for an executive room or suite and receive access to the club lounge. The lounge offers high quality drinks and snacks throughout day, served by very friendly staff.
BG1 Tip
Take a trip to Batu Caves, an impressive Hindu shrine set into limestone cliffs. It’s easily reached from central Kuala Lumpur.
We’d Like To Hear From You!
Got a tip for places to visit in July that we haven’t included? Put a comment below and we’ll gladly go investigate! Why not also have a look at our recommendations for places to visit in May and where to go in June.
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