The Best Late-Summer City Events in Europe
We may have said goodbye to the greater part of August, but there's no need to think about crunching leaves and woolly hats quite yet. Late summer is the perfect time to enjoy a sun-soaked city break in Europe, as the crowds begin to ease off but the weather stays beautiful. Europe's cities have cultural and historic charm that is often thousands of years in the making, perfect if you want something a little different from a beach holiday in the lingering sunshine of September.
Drinking exceptional coffee in canal-side cafes, lazy days spent picnicking in leafy parks, or escaping the heat in shady museums are all ways to enjoy Europe's most beautiful cities. But if this isn't quite enough to fill your time, there's also an array of late summer events that you can attend, all of which can be booked and arranged through your personal concierge.
London
The weather is always unpredictable in Britain (which is surely part of its charm) but you can rely on London to provide plenty of entertainment, whether in glorious sunshine or pouring rain.
Colour and Vision - Natural History Museum. 15th July to 6th November 2016.
Described as "mind-expanding", "groundbreaking" and "highly recommended", the Colour and Vision exhibition at the Natural History Museum allows its visitors to submerge themselves into a visual cornucopia and "marvel at nature's spectacular palette". Explaining how the eye evolved over countless millennia, you can look through interactive lenses to experience how different animals see the world, and think about what colour means to you.
Travel Photographer of the Year - University of Greenwich. 22nd July to 4th September.
The University of Greenwich's award-winning Stockwell Building is at the heart of Maritime Greenwich, an UNESCO World Heritage Site that's worth visiting at any time of year. It's also the location the Travel Photographer of the Year exhibition, which runs throughout summer and makes going to Greenwich an even more attractive prospect. With stunning images depicting everything from hidden streets in Chinese villages to the Louisiana wetlands, you'll be transported to another world.
Dinner at The Twits - The Vaults, Waterloo. 4th September to 30th October.
Hosted by Les Enfants Terribles theatre company and creators of spectacular culinary events (as well as fine English jelly) Bompas and Parr, this adults-only immersive dining experience is perfect for anyone with fond memories of Roald Dahl's most gruesome couple, Mr and Mrs Twit. Fun, interactive and including cocktails, canapes and dinner, this event brings the vibrant (and violent) creations of one of Britain's most celebrated authors to life.
Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Festival - Royal Borough of Greenwich. 14th September to 18th September.
Dozens of tall-masted ships sailing the Thames is a captivating sight, and one that gives observers a small glimpse into the history of London. You can even climb aboard, and enjoy the firework displays, parades and art installations of Totally Thames festival.
Rome
Rome needs no introduction, and with festivals and events throughout the year, there's even more reason to enjoy the charms of The Eternal City.
Estate Romana - across Rome. June, July, August and September.
The Roman Summer festival is defined by near-countless outdoor events, where the courtyards, parks, palazzi and town squares of the city become vibrant with everything from music concerts to late night film screenings and gastronomic experiences.
With an energised and exciting atmosphere, the festival lasts well into September and includes a myriad of cultural events - here, you could find yourself stumbling across any number of unexpected and delightful shows.
Paris
You don't have to go to Paris to know its iconic sights, arguably no city in the world is as instantly recognisable. Nothing beats actually being there however, and Paris still keeps enough secrets to surprise even a seasoned visitor.
Paris Design Week - throughout Paris. 3rd to 10th September.
Perfect for anyone with an eye for good design and an interest in emerging talent, Paris Design Week is an extension of the Maison & Object trade fair. The event aims to provide a platform for young design talent, and presents a broad view of the subject. Paris Design Week is spread across 180 venues, including some of Paris's best exhibition spaces, art galleries, museums, shops and even restaurants.
Le Grand Feu - Parc de Saint-Cloud. 10th September.
The largest firework display in Europe, Le Grand Feu is a truly spectacular way to celebrate the last days of summer. Designed to showcase the newest and most extravagant pyrotechnic techniques, Le Grand Feu is in its 8th year and illuminates Paris in an unforgettable fashion.
Prague
With beauty to match Paris, the best beer in Europe and a labyrinth of lanes and courtyards to discover, going off the beaten track in Prague can garner great rewards.
Dvorak's Prague Festival - Czech Philharmonic, Rudolfinum. 5th September to 24th September 2016.
Celebrating the work of the great Czech composer Antonín Dvořák, this festival features a series of concerts performed by Czech and International orchestras in the magnificent surroundings of Rudolfinum's main hall.
Festival of the Grape Harvest - Prague Botanical Gardens . 10th September to 11th September.
Set in beautiful gardens that span across 30 hectres and feature the historic vineyards of St Clara, (as well as a Japanese meditation garden and tropical greenhouse) this a festival that champions local wine. Working in the green outskirts of Prague, leading winemakers open up the best bottles from their cellars, and give you the chance to discover a new favourite. There's also live music, entertainment and tempting food stalls, providing you with everything you need to relax in the sunshine.
Festival of the Grape & Wine Tasting - Prague Castle. 17 September 2016 to 18 September 2016.
If the Festival of the Grape Harvest leaves you with an enthusiasm for the gardens and wine of the Czech Republic, another festival celebrating the grape harvest can be found in the Royal Garden at Prague Castle. Local, seasonal food and Czech wines (such as the partially fermented young wine Burcak) are served in attractive gardens, with historic grape pressing, a fencing tournament and performances by folk musicians giving you an insight into Prague culture.
Birell Prague Grand Prix 2016. 10th September.
This running event is a little different, with participants jogging through Prague's historic streets after the sun has gone down. Cheer them on and enjoy the sparkling atmosphere of the Old Town Square, where dancing and live music will keep you entertained until the early hours.
Berlin
Cool, contemporary and imbued with a truly unique culture, Berlin is very much on the cutting edge. Combined with a laidback lifestyle and iconic sights, it's the perfect place to spend a September weekend.
Berlin Biennale. 4th June to 18th September .
Curated by the New York based collective DIS, The Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art takes place every two years in changing locations throughout Berlin. Bringing together the work of renowned artists and new talent, the event this year seeks to "materialize the paradoxes that increasingly make up the world in 2016: the virtual as the real, nations as brands, people as data, culture as capital, wellness as politics, happiness as GDP, and so on."
International Literature Festival - Haus der Berliner Festspiele. 7th to 17th September.
The International Literature Festival has taken place every September in Berlin since 2001, showcasing international prose and lyric poetry. World-renowned authors travel to Berlin to conduct readings, and interpreters translate their words into German. Split into five themes (world literature, reflections, children's and young adult literature, speech and memory), there's talks, readings, workshops and exhibitions to enjoy.
