A European summer sojourn is one of the most epic trips you can take in your lifetime! Europe in August is at its liveliest and most beautiful. Summer is at its peak, the weather is pleasant and everything is in abundance, right from the variety of activities and events, to an assortment of culinary delights!
Take your pick from our list of the 10 best places to visit in Europe in August that features Rome, Florence, Munich, Paris, Barcelona, Prague, Amsterdam, Venice, London, and Budapest. Or even better? Visit them all!
10 Best Places to Visit in Europe in August
Florence, Italy
Average High: 32°C | Average Low: 18°C
Florence is abundant with art and architecture and the bright clear skies of summer are the best time to photograph the city in all its brilliance. Spend the hot afternoons within the confines of Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery and the Florence Duomo, witnessing works of Italian masters. The highlight of Florence in August is the Feast of San Lorenzo, the patron saint of Florence. The real treasures of Florence are in the winemaking region of Tuscany, where multiple culinary delights await you! Don’t forget to feast on Bruschetta and Gelato!
Read More About Florence in August
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Top Recommended Experiences in Florence
Istanbul, Turkey
Average High: 27°C | Average Low: 20°C
With its location straddling two continents, Europe and Asia, Istanbul is the ultimate destination for a unique combination of cultures. From the historic centre of Sultanahmet - where the famous Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar can be found - to the modern part of the city, bustling with bars and restaurants, there is something for everyone. In summer, temperatures range from the low 20s to the mid 30s, making it an ideal time to explore the city. Take a ferry ride along the Bosphorus and soak in the beautiful views, and make sure you take a day to explore the beautiful Prince's Islands of Buyukada and the Princes' Caves.
Top Recommended Experiences in Istanbul
Best Bosphorus Cruises | Skip the Line at Topkapi Palace | Dolmabache Guided Tours | Hagia Sophia Guided Tours | Basilica Cistern
Rome, Italy
Average High: 31°C | Average Low: 19°C
Your summer Euro trip would be incomplete without a stop in Rome. The ancient city is abuzz with people from all over the world, reminiscent of an era when ‘All roads led to Rome’! The sun is bright and hot in August but you can stay cool inside monuments and attractions like Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Roman Catacombs, and Borghese Gallery.
When the sun lowers its gaze you can take a walk around the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill and go for a Trastevere Neighborhood Walk. The city compares with the best in Europe with summer festivals like Festa Della Madonna Della Neve, Ferragosto and Festival di Caracalla. Summer also means the freshest produce and you shouldn’t miss out on eating delicious ‘Caponata’, ‘Cacio E Pepe’ and ‘Carciofi Alla Romana’.
Read More About Rome in August
Rome Itineraries | Rome On A Budget | Rome Travel Guide | Trastevere Guide | Rome Food Tours | Best Guided Tours In Rome | Piazza Navona
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Budapest, Hungary
Average High: 28°C | Average Low: 17°C
Budapest has become a favorite on the itineraries of tourists visiting Europe in summer! The capital of Hungary, Budapest is a wonderful mix of the old and new. The city’s long history and rich architecture is a sight to behold and a walking tour of Buda and Pest will take you through its landmarks like the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building, Széchenyi Bath, Matthias Church, Charles Bridge and Hungarian State Opera.
In August, the waters of the Danube are pleasant and an evening dinner cruise is the best way to soak in the vibe of the city. There is no dearth of events ranging from Formula One Grand Prix to Sziget Festival and Budapest Summer Festival increasing the excitement level! Ensure you take a break and gorge on Hungarian delicacies like Langos, Gulyas and Dobos Torta.
Read More About Budapest in August
Budapest Itineraries | Best Day Trips from Budapest | Battle of the Budapest Baths | Budapest River Cruises | Best Time To Visit Budapest
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Barcelona, Spain
Average High: 21°C | Average Low: 13°C
Barcelona is hands down one of the best places to visit in August in the world! The city turns into a big party where people come from all over the world to let their hair down. Yes, the city is hot but the beaches and the sea are the perfect temperatures for swimming and water adventure activities.
Explore the city’s landmarks during the day, including Antoni Gaudi’s creations like Sagrada Familia, Casa Vicens and Casa Guell. At night, watch the city transform into the hippest haunt with clubs where the party goes into the wee hours of the morning. Some of the best music festivals like the Mas I Mas Music Festival, Festa Major de Sants and Circuit Music Festival happen in Barcelona in August.
Read More About Barcelona in August
Top Recommended Experiences in Barcelona
Prague, Czech Republic
Average High: 26°C | Average Low: 15°C
If you are a backpacker or budget traveler, then you should have Prague on your list as it is one of the cheapest places to go in Europe in August. The capital city of the Czech Republic, it is also called the ‘City of Spires’. The city’s best attractions include Prague Castle Complex, St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague National Museum and the Old Quarter.
The best way to explore the city is on a walking tour or a cruise on the Vltava. Summer is an ideal time to also go on day trips to Kutna Hora and Karlštejn Castle. The city has a pulsating nightlife and a pub crawl is a must on your itinerary! Prague even hosts exciting summer festivals like Prague Jazz Week and Holi Open Air Festival in August.
Read More About Prague in August
Top Recommended Experiences in Prague
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Average High: 36°C | Average Low: 19°C
Many travelers prefer cool weather summer vacations in Europe and if that’s a criterion you have then you should visit Amsterdam in August. The city itself has a long list of things to do ranging from visiting the famous Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank’s House, as well as an Amsterdam Canal cruise and a walking tour of the Red Light District.
It’s the outdoor events, however, that take the cake as it has events like Pride Amsterdam, World Cinema Amsterdam, ARTIS ZOOmeravonden, Grachtenfestival and Mysteryland. Make sure you dig into local summer delicacies like Broodje Haring, Appeltaart and Kielbasa Sausage!
Read More About Amsterdam in August
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Venice, Italy
Average High: 28°C | Average Low: 18°C
Venice is one of those eternal destinations which are amazing to visit given any time of the year. However, it is often counted amongst the most beautiful places in Europe in summer because the bright weather makes the floating city look even more charming and colorful! The sight of the bright blue sky against the red roof architecture makes for breathtaking photographs.
What’s more, take a boat trip to the nearby islands of Burano, Murano and Torcello for even more picturesque views. In August, the city comes alive with festivals like Ferragosto, Pellestrina Regatta and summer-specific festivals like Cinema Under the Stars. When in Venice don’t miss out on a gondola ride and serenade your loved one which watching the sunset over the Venetian Lagoon!
Read More About Venice in August
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London, United Kingdom
Average High: 23°C | Average Low: 15°C
London is one of the ‘Great Cities of the world’ and it is at its finest in the summer! As always the clouds play peek-a-boo, but during August you enjoy maximum sunshine throughout the day. Walking is the best way to explore the city and there are multiple things to see and do in the summer.
Explore Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, White Tower and catch expansive and clear views of London from the London Eye. The city is buzzing with events like BBC Proms, and Underbelly Festival and lots of summer festivals. Make the most of your time outdoors and enjoy activities like a Thames River Cruise and don’t forget to catch a show at West End.
Read More About London in August
London Itineraries | London Airport Transfers | River Thames Cruises | London Travel Guide | Hampton Court Palace | London Palace Pass | The Shard
Top Recommended Experiences in London
Paris, France
Average High: 25°C | Average Low: 16°C
You will never find Paris on the list of least crowded European cities in summer, but it is certainly one of the top cities to visit! In August, the locals are off on their annual holiday and the city is taken over by tourists, everything is geared towards ensuring the visitors have a good time. Once you are done visiting the iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Museum D’Orsay, spend time outdoors and enjoy the beautiful summer weather.
You can enjoy outdoor events like Paris Plages (outdoor beaches), Open-air cinema at Parc de la Villette, Rock En Seine festival and national holidays like Assumption Day and Liberation Day. Enjoy the best of summer cuisine like escargot, foie gras, and baked delights like macaroons and croissants.
Read More About Paris in August
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Europe Through the Year
