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If you’re wondering where to go in Europe in August, you’re in good company. August is peak summer in Europe, and with it comes lively festivals, long sunny days, and plenty of time to indulge in culture, coastlines, and countryside escapes. While many locals take time off, travelers have the chance to experience both iconic cities and hidden gems in full seasonal swing.
Whether you’re chasing mild weather in the north or beach bliss in the Mediterranean, this curated list of the best places to travel in Europe in August offers something unforgettable in every corner of the continent. From coastal escapes to cool capital cities, these picks highlight the best places in Europe for every type of traveler.
12 Best Places to Visit in August in Europe
1. Oslo, Norway (Cool)
Average Temperature: 55°F - 70°F
With cooler temps and long daylight hours, Oslo is one of the best European cities to visit in August if you want to escape the heat without missing out on vibrant culture. Stroll the harbor promenade, kayak through the fjord, or take a ferry to the islands for swimming and sunbathing. Stay 3 to 4 days to enjoy Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Munch Museum, and late-night dining in the Aker Brygge district. Don’t miss the Oslo Jazz Festival, which brings world-class performances across town mid-month. For an off-the-beaten-path experience, visit Ekebergparken Sculpture Park or take a hike in Nordmarka forest. Be sure to sample traditional dishes like fårikål (lamb and cabbage stew) or smoked salmon with flatbrød at one of the harborfront restaurants.
Related: Things to do in Tromso, Norway
2. Granada, Spain (Hot)
Average Temperature: 68°F - 92°F
Granada bakes in the August sun, but its magic remains undeniable. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to explore the Alhambra, one of Europe’s most breathtaking Moorish sites. This Andalusian city is where flamenco beats echo through the Albaicín, and tapas come free with your drink. Visit during the last week of August for the Feria de Agosto, a colorful local festival with music, dancing, and traditional dress. Spend a few days enjoying shaded garden courtyards, tea houses, and panoramic views from Mirador de San Nicolás. Don’t leave without tasting local specialties like berenjenas con miel (fried eggplant with honey) or the sweet pionono pastries. If you're deciding where to travel in Europe in August, Granada offers a blend of culture, cuisine, and charisma all in one.
3. Nice, France (Warm)
Average Temperature: 70°F - 84°F
The French Riviera peaks in elegance and energy during August. For those chasing the best places in Europe to visit in August, Nice checks every box for food, views, and coastal glamour. The promenade buzzes with life well into the evening, and day trips to Eze, Monaco, or Villefranche-sur-Mer are just a train ride away. Stay at least 3 days, and time your trip with the Nice Jazz Festival if you're visiting in early August. Nice is also ideal for scenic walks up Castle Hill or day cruises along the Côte d’Azur. While you’re here, try the famous salade niçoise or grab a slice of socca, a savory chickpea pancake, at a market stand.
4. Vienna, Austria (Cool)
Average Temperature: 61°F - 78°F
Vienna in August feels both regal and relaxed. It's one of the best European countries to visit in August for culture without the crowds. The palaces and museums are still open, but the locals have largely vacated, making it easier to explore at your own pace. Enjoy classical music performances, sip Aperol spritzes along the Danube Canal, and cycle through the city's leafy parks. Plan for 3 to 4 days and attend the Film Festival at Rathausplatz, a free open-air cinema and food market experience. Take a day trip to the Wachau Valley or enjoy an afternoon at a traditional Viennese coffee house. And yes, indulge in a wiener schnitzel followed by a slice of Sacher torte for dessert, two Viennese staples.
5. Santorini, Greece (Hot)
Average Temperature: 75°F - 89°F
Yes, it’s busy, but there’s a reason people keep coming back. Still, if you're asking where to vacation in Europe in August, Santorini's romance and beauty are hard to top. Santorini in August delivers dramatic sunsets, clifftop dining, and whitewashed villages that look like a postcard come to life. Beat the daytime heat by relaxing at your hotel pool or heading to the beaches of Perissa or Kamari. In the evening, explore Oia or catch a wine tasting in Pyrgos. Book ahead—this is high season. August also hosts cultural events like the Ifestia Festival, with fireworks and music. For a taste of island flavor, try tomato keftedes (fried tomato fritters) or Santorini fava, a creamy yellow split pea dip served with fresh bread.
6. Edinburgh, Scotland (Cool)
Average Temperature: 55°F - 66°F
August is festival season in Edinburgh, and that makes it one of the best places in Europe in August for entertainment lovers. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe takes over the city with hundreds of performances daily comedy, theater, music, you name it. Book accommodations early and stay 4 to 5 days to soak it all in. Between shows, walk the Royal Mile, tour Edinburgh Castle, and hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city. Stop by Princes Street Gardens or explore the city’s haunted history on a ghost tour. While in town, try a plate of haggis, neeps, and tatties or a flaky Scotch pie from a local pub.
7. Porto, Portugal (Warm)
Average Temperature: 63°F - 79°F
For those wondering where to visit in Europe in August, Porto is a flavorful, photogenic choice. If Lisbon is the life of the party, Porto is the charming best friend with great taste in wine. August in Porto is warm and lively, with music festivals, food markets, and Douro River cruises. Explore the Ribeira district, taste your way through port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, and catch some sun at Matosinhos Beach. Three to four days gives you time to explore the city's rich architecture and laid-back cafes. You can also take a scenic train ride to the Douro Valley for a day of vineyard visits. Don’t miss out on a francesinha, Porto’s famous meaty sandwich, or the delicate pastel de nata for dessert.
8. Riga, Latvia (Cool)
Average Temperature: 56°F - 71°F
Riga is easily one of the best places to see in Europe in August if you’re looking for a culture off the beaten path. Its Old Town feels like a Baltic fairytale, with cobblestone lanes, art nouveau facades, and bustling markets. August brings long daylight hours and open-air concerts at places like the Esplanade Park. Visit the Central Market for smoked fish and local berries, or relax on the sands of nearby Jurmala beach. Two to three days is enough for a refreshing city break. Don’t miss the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum or a canal boat tour. For a local flavor experience, try grey peas with bacon or smoked sprats served on dark rye bread. Riga is easily one of the best places to see in Europe in August if you’re looking for a culture off the beaten path.
9. Malta (Hot)
Average Temperature: 75°F - 89°F
Looking for sun, sea, and historic sites all in one place? Malta has you covered. This tiny island nation is hot and dry in August, perfect for swimming in crystal-clear waters or exploring ancient ruins. Head to Valletta for architecture and museums, then hop over to Gozo for a quieter pace. The Feast of Santa Marija, celebrated around August 15th, brings fireworks and festivals across the islands. Add a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon or scuba diving in shipwreck sites to your itinerary. Be sure to try pastizzi, a savory pastry filled with ricotta or peas, and the national dish, stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew). Malta is easily one of the best countries in Europe to visit in August if you want to combine beach days with cultural heritage.
10. Brasov, Romania (Cool)
Average Temperature: 54°F - 78°F
Brasov is in the heart of Transylvania and offers a fairytale setting with a fraction of the crowds. The temperature is ideal for hiking in the nearby Carpathians or visiting Bran Castle (yes, that Dracula one). Brasov is filled with Gothic charm, from the Black Church to its pastel-hued streets. Plan to spend three days there and take the cable car up Tampa Mountain for a sweeping view. Visit Rasnov Fortress or take a guided tour of nearby fortified Saxon villages. Brasov delivers if you're searching for the best places in Europe to visit in August that blend nature and history.
11. Sardinia, Italy (Hot)
Average Temperature: 72°F - 89°F
Sardinia in August is a beach paradise. Its coastline is dotted with hidden coves, white sand, and emerald waters that rival the Caribbean. Visit the Costa Smeralda for glitz, or head to the south for quieter stretches near Chia. Beyond the beaches, explore Nuragic ruins, sample seafood pasta, and join locals at one of many summer festivals. Try local specialties like culurgiones (stuffed pasta), fregola with clams, and seadas, a honey-drizzled cheese pastry. Spend at least 5 days here to relax and explore. The Festa del Redentore in Nuoro is a cultural highlight in late August. Regarding the best places in Europe in August for pure seaside joy, Sardinia is a front-runner.
12. London, England (Cool)
Average Temperature: 59°F - 74°F
London in August brings open-air theater, rooftop bars, and green parks buzzing with picnics. The weather is mild, with occasional sunny stretches perfect for foot exploration. Go for Borough Market stalls or classic pubs and try Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding or tikka masala (a British favorite). Visit during the Notting Hill Carnival at the end of the month for one of Europe's most vibrant street parties. Stay 4 to 5 days to fit in classics like the British Museum, West End shows, and markets at Camden or Borough. Add a day trip to the Cotswolds or Windsor to your itinerary. London offers a well-rounded, cool-weather experience with world-class culture for anyone considering where to go in Europe in August.
Related: How to Spend 48 Hours in London
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