Bains des Paquis Geneva (by Luc Berthoud)

One one the things that distinguishes Spotted by Locals – the series of iPhone applications, PDF cityguides and cityblogs with tips by handpicked locals in 38 cities in Europe – from other cityguides: the tips are always kept up-to-date by our locals. Summer just started, so you’ll find many tips on summer festivals, and places to have fun outdoors.

To warm you up for the summer, we’ve made a selection of some of 99 of the best summer bars in Europe our locals have spotted.

1. Bains des Paquis – Geneva (by Luc Berthoud)
Bains des Paquis offers a great view across Lake Geneva and of the world’s largest fountain, Jet d’Eau! This diverse place attracts people all year round, but the summer period is most popular. Local Luc Berthoud says, “What would be Geneva without Les Bains des Paquis? Les Bains des Paquis is definitely my favorite place in Geneva, located right on the lake in front of the Jet d’eau!!”.

Strandperle Hamburg (by Kyra Garske)

2. Strandperle – Hamburg (by Kyra Garske)
Strandperle (pictured above) is a special beach area, or more of a snack stall.
“At the beach you can listen to the rushing Elbe and to the seagulls”, Kyra Garske writes. There are no designated seats or tables, just move them around so none of your friends have to sit on the sand and you can enjoy the sun the longest. According to local Kyra Garske, Strandperle has the best fries and a great view of the comings-and-goings of huge container ships.

Image by Jakub Ševčík

3. U Budyho – Prague (by Adam Zbiejczuk)
U Budyho (pictured above) is really an inside tip – you won’t find any tourists here. They have our beer connaisseur Spotter Adam’s favorite beer for a very low price. It’s simple (“When you approach it, it looks rather like someone stole a Svijany beer logo and put it on their garden.”), but that’s the charming thing about this beer garden!

Image by Thomas Jungwirth

4. Mlýnská kavárna – Prague (by Tomáš Jungwirth)
This cafe (pictured above) is located in an old water-mill, in a lovely area Kampa. Prague Spotter Tomáš: “The atmosphere of Mlýnská kavárna is truly charming. Plus there is a pleasant backyard. In the summer though, I prefer to have a beer draught into a plastic cup and go outside to chat at the benches or sit on the grass.”

Le Jemmapes Paris (by Harriet O'Brien)

5. Le Jemmapes – Paris (by Harriet O’Brien)
“Spring is almost upon us and there is nowhere so spring and summer-cool as Qaui de Jemmapes.” How’s that for a good reason to go and visit this café when the sun is out?

Club der Visionäre Berlin (Herrmann Königs)

6. Club der Visionäre – Berlin (by Herrmann Königs)
The picture (above) really says it all. Nice weather, drinks, friendly faces and lots of space to lounge and follow the sun around! Berlin spotter Herrmann Königs says “One of my favourite outside places is the “Club der Visionäre”. […] A great place to relax.”

Witzli Poetli Antwerp (by Ysabel Jongeneelen)

7. Witzli Poetzli – Antwerp (by Ysabel Jongeneelen)
Witzli Poetzli has a great view of the Antwerp Cathedral. And in summers their terrace is located right next to it. The street which the café is on is also prohibited for cars, giving it a very peaceful vibe.
Ysabel Jongeneelen: “It is the most ideal spot to meet friends or to rest after a walk in the city. […] And now summer is here the terrace will be delicious again!”

Hartes Athens (by Lambros Papadopoulos)

8. Hartes – Athens (by Lambros Papadopoulos)
According to Lambros Papadopoulos Hartens bar hardly needs an introduction. It flourishes on its own! “I could find a dozen more reasons to visit the place but I have a feeling there is no need to.”

Helvetia Hotel bar (by Miltiadis Sarakinos)

9. Helvetia Hotel Restaurant – Zurich (by Miltiadis Sarakinos)
Zurich has many hotels, but it’s hard to find out which ones sport a good roof top terrace. Of course our Spotters know! “The Helvti”, as it is commonly known has one of the best rooftop terraces according to Miltiadis. “Last year, I finally got there on the last day of June. 10 days of real summer in Zurich made it a must.”

Kouki bar Athens (by Marilena Salamanou)

10. Kouki bar – Athens (by Marilena Salamanou)
Kouki bar is a small bar with a terrace that serves good tapas and drinks and reminds our Athens local Marilena Salamanou of Alice in Wonderland! What more could you ask for?

Read the rest of the top 99 on Spotted by Locals