Europe's top 10 cities for summer fun

With so many great summer city destinations to choose from, each offering more events than you can shake an itinerary at, it can be hard to separate the wheat from the chaff ? which is why we've devised this handy guide to the hottest cities to visit...

Culture fests in Athens and Rhodes

From mid-June until the end of July, Athens comes alive with the city's biggest event the Hellenic Festival, which attracts home-grown and foreign artists of the highest calibre. This is certainly not to be missed by those wanting an authentic cultural experience where you can enjoy drama, dance, local and international music and much more. Events at the Rhodes festival, which runs from June until mid-September, are held throughout the town and in the beautiful Medieval Moat Theatre.
- Book a city break | Athens city guide

Arts a gogo in Barcelona... and the beach

Summer is a great time to visit this cosmopolitan city. Whether you're strolling down Las Ramblas admiring the street performers or taking a break from the heat of the day and sipping cocktails by the beach, Barcelona is the place to be. Check out the Festival del Grec (from the end of June to early August), where you can enjoy over 40 shows of fantastic theatre, music and dance - 2006's programme includes concerts by Teresa Parodi, Marina Rossell and Lila Downs. In September, you can enjoy Catalan popular culture and mythology, including fire-breathing dragons at the Fiesta of La Mercè.
- Book a city break | Barcelona city guide

High-octane Budapest

Undeniably one of the most beautiful of central European cities, Budapest offers a programme of diverse activities, which means you'll be spoilt for choice. Hungary's number one event on the sporting calendar is the Formula One Grand Prix, which takes place mid-August. Around this time you can also enjoy the Budapest Parade, and don't miss the Sziget Music Festival, which takes place in a disused shipyard.
- Book a city break | Budapest city guide

Hurling in Dublin

If you're after good craic, head over to Dublin to experience the all-Ireland finals for both hurling and Gaelic football in early September. A popular event, the all-Ireland finals will afford you a glimpse into Ireland's best-loved sports from atmospheric Croke Park. If sports aren't your thing, Diversions 2005, where you can enjoy contemporary arts including dance, theatre, film and visual art, takes place from June until the end of August.
- Book a city break | Dublin city guide

Drums and drams in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is undoubtedly the jewel of Scotland's crown, beating other cities hands down with its mix of cultural diversity, long history and friendly locals. You will need to book early to find a hotel in Edinburgh to afford you easy access to its world-famous festival and fringe, which takes place from August to early September. Around the same time you can enjoy the Military Tattoo ? guaranteed fun for all the family ? the International Film Festival and even the International Book Festival.
- Book a city break | Edinburgh city guide

Lush Lisbon

Following a devastating earthquake in 1755, Lisbon has risen from the ashes and is a perfect example of 18th-century architecture. A beautiful city nestling on seven low-lying hills, Lisbon is a vibrant city with plenty of events to keep it abuzz ? not surprisingly it was the European Capital of Culture in 1994. From July until September, the BaixAnima Street Festival ? a curious mix of music, dance, street theatre and circus acts, which come together every weekend ? is not to be missed.
- Book a city break | Lisbon city guide

Beach life in Paris?

One of the usual suspects among the popular city destinations, Paris always has something different to offer the discerning traveller. Visit Le Paris Plage, a specially built beach on the banks of the Seine, where you can lounge on sunbeds, nursing cooling drinks and soaking up the atmosphere, or take part in free sporting activities, including pétanque and volleyball. If you feel a bit nifty on your skates, why not join the thousands who bring Paris' traffic to a halt every Friday night during their three-hour roll around the streets?
- Book a city break | Paris city guide

Merrymaking in Reykjavik

Summer is the ideal time of year to visit the stunning, most northerly capital city in Europe. Besides enjoying the thermal pools and stunning natural vistas, you can take part in Verslunarmannahelgi, which takes place from the beginning of August and involves serious drinking and partying in Iceland's scenic spots. But only the hardiest of folk should attempt to out-drink the Icelanders ? you have been warned.
- Book a city break | Reykjavik city guide

All-night dancing in Rome

Take advantage of the holiday season to enjoy a less-crowded Rome as residents usually vacate the city until September. Gay Village at Mount Testaccio is where the young people hang out dancing until the early hours in one of the area's many clubs and gay-friendly events. From June until September, you can enjoy the Estate Romana Festival, which includes dance, music, sport and theatre, all held at barmy outdoor venues.
- Book a city break | Rome city guide

Film firsts in Venice

Though better known for gondolas and romance than art-house films, the city hosts the Venice International Film Festival from the end of August until mid-September. The Venice Biennale is also well worth checking out ? dedicated to representing the arts in all their forms, it's so good that they only hold it every other year. Both events give you all the excuse you need to pack your bags and head off to one of the most romantic cities in the world.
- Book a city break | Venice city guide