Ready to switch out your mundane routine for sunshine and sightseeing? With warmer temperatures and drier days, August is a great time to travel in Europe – even in cities that are usually wet and miserable.
It’s not just the weather that makes August so great in these cities. The streets come to life with music festivals and street performances that are the perfect addition to a day’s sightseeing.
From cities where the sun doesn’t go down till past midnight to sandy city beaches, we can’t wait to show you Europe’s best cities to visit in August!
Edinburgh, Scotland
It’s no secret that Scottish weather can be temperamental at best, which is why we suggest putting your trip off until August. There are more days of sunshine and less chance of heavy downpours, which makes it a great time of the year for sightseeing.
August is also when the city’s famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival happens. There’s an electric atmosphere on the streets, and pubs come to life with music and comedy events.
Once you’ve had enough of the festival, visit Edinburgh Castle which looms over the rest of the city. Then wander down the Royal Mile, or hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat.
Where is Edinburgh?
Situated in the southeastern part of Scotland, the city lies near the southern shore of the Firth of Forth. It is located close to the North Sea, providing access to coastal landscapes. The city is approximately 42 miles east of Glasgow, making it relatively close to Scotland’s largest city. It forms part of the United Kingdom and serves as a significant urban center in the region.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is still pretty chilly in August, but it’s much milder than most of the year. Make sure you bring along some thick layers and a good raincoat though, just in case.
Even though the weather can be a bit temperamental, there’s a reason Reykjavik has made it onto our August bucket list. With 16 hours of daylight, the city is famous for its midnight sun. Come earlier in the month if you want to see it at its brightest.
While the city is charming, make sure you set aside a day to go on a whale-watching tour! Getting up close with a humpback whale is an experience you’ll never forget.
Where is Reykjavik?
Located in southwestern Iceland, the city sits on the southern shore of Faxaflói Bay. It is about 30 miles west of Þingvellir National Park and roughly 160 miles west of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano.
The city lies on the Atlantic coast, making it the northernmost capital of a sovereign state in the world. It is well connected to other parts of the country by road and is about 30 miles from Keflavík International Airport.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is Croatia’s crown jewel. Riddled with historical architecture that dates as far back as the 7th century, it’s no surprise it’s featured in shows like Game of Thrones.
Sunny and hot, August is a great time of year to come if you’re hoping to get a tan. After strolling through the medieval Old Town and seeing the old city wall, pack your beach towel and hit one of the city’s white sand beaches, like Sveti Jakov Beach or Beach Kupari.
Another reason to come in August is the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. The city is brought to life with live music and impromptu street performances.
Where is Dubrovnik?
Located on the southern coast of Croatia, the city sits along the Adriatic Sea. It is positioned near the border with Montenegro, offering views of the Dalmatian coastline. The city is situated on a narrow strip of land between the sea and the Dinaric Alps. It forms part of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County in the southernmost region of Croatia.
Bruges, Belgium
With mild temperatures and clear skies, Bruges is a great place for a city break in August. Quaint and charming with an elaborate network of canals, the August weather is perfect for strolling through the city and going on a boat ride.
You can’t miss the grandiose Markt Square with its colorful historical houses. If you want to sightsee the old-fashioned way you could even hop on a horse-drawn carriage.
The city is also transformed by the Bruges Summer Festival! Spice up your trip and pick between the many theater performances, music events, and dance shows.
Where is Bruges?
Situated in the northwest of Belgium, the city lies in the province of West Flanders. It is located about 15 kilometers from the North Sea coast. The city is approximately 56 miles northwest of Brussels, the capital of Belgium. It is part of the Flemish Region, which is the Dutch-speaking part of the country.
Gdansk, Poland
Gdansk is warm in the day and cool at night in August, so bring along a jumper along with your summery outfits.
The city’s narrow houses with pointed roofs are very Amsterdam-like, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d landed in the wrong country. Riddled with historic charm, you could happily wander through the old town for hours getting lost in your thoughts.
In August there’s a celebration you should add to your itinerary too, the St Dominic Fair. The city is dotted with artisan stalls and there are music concerts throughout the month you should keep an eye out for.
Make sure you carve out some time to visit Brzezno Beach while the weather is nice!
Where is Gdansk?
Located in northern Poland, the city sits on the southern edge of the Baltic Sea. It is about 220 miles north of Warsaw, the capital of Poland. The city lies at the mouth of the Motława River, which flows into the Baltic Sea. It is part of the Pomeranian Voivodeship in the northern region of the country.
Bath, England
Bath gets surprisingly hot in August. Warm and sunny, it’s the best time of year for sightseeing. We would recommend bringing along a light raincoat though, a light summer shower is always around the corner in the UK.
With its breathtaking 18th-century Georgian architecture, Bath oozes elegance and wealth. It’s no wonder it was such a popular spa town amongst the Georgian bourgeoisie. Make sure you wander over to the Royal Crescent, a collection of 30 terraced houses built in a half-moon shape in the 1760s.
If you’re a foodie you should also get tickets to the Foodies Festival, which takes place in August.
Where is Bath?
Located in the southwest of England, the city sits in the county of Somerset. It lies along the banks of the River Avon, about 97 miles west of London. The city is approximately 13 miles southeast of Bristol, a major urban center. It forms part of the ceremonial county of Somerset and is well connected to surrounding regions.
Dresden, Germany
Sunny and warm, August is a great time to plan a trip to Dresden. Skip the cold winter months and enjoy the city once it’s brightened up.
The city’s Old Town was mostly destroyed during WWII, but you wouldn’t know it – the rebuild is meticulous. Don’t leave without visiting the 18th-century Lutheran Church, which was rebuilt using 8000 salvaged stones after it was bombed down in 1945.
If the heat gets too much and you’re tired of sightseeing, then stop for a craft beer at one of the many beers along the Elbe River.
Hoping to get involved with some cultural events? Then check out the Moritzburg Festival or the Canaletto Dresden City Festival.
Where is Dresden?
Situated in eastern Germany, the city lies on the banks of the River Elbe. It is located about 19 miles north of the Czech border, providing proximity to Central Europe. The city is approximately 100 miles south of Berlin, the capital of Germany. It serves as the capital of the federal state of Saxony.
Thessaloniki, Greece
August in Thessaloniki is hot, hot, hot! It’d be a miracle if you saw any rain. Because of that, it’s a great time for sightseeing. Stroll through Ano Poli, the city’s historic Upper Town which has charming cobblestone streets lined with traditional houses.
But don’t stop there – you can’t leave without climbing to the top of the city’s White Tower, which has breathtaking views over the Aegean Sea. Fancy getting out there? Then book a boat tour of the surrounding Thermaic Gulf.
Where is Thessaloniki?
Located in northern Greece, the city sits on the northwestern shore of the Thermaic Gulf. It is about 190 miles north of Athens, the capital of Greece. The city lies roughly 50 miles south of the border with North Macedonia. It is a major urban center in the region of Central Macedonia.
Dublin, Ireland
Wet and cold most of the year, Dublin isn’t renowned for its sunny weather. Lucky for you, in August the clouds stay at bay and the temperatures are pretty warm. You’ll still want to pack an umbrella though, just in case!
One of the coolest things to do in August is go to the Big Grill Festival, a giant barbecue and food extravaganza that will get your tummy rumbling.
After strolling around Trinity College and soaking in the lively vibe along Dublin’s high street, go on a classic tour of the Guinness Storehouse. Later on, drink a pint of it at the iconic Temple Bar.
Where is Dublin?
Located on the east coast of Ireland, the city sits at the mouth of the River Liffey. It is about 80 miles east of Galway, which is on the west coast of Ireland. The city is approximately 70 miles south of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. It serves as the capital and largest city of Ireland.
Bern, Switzerland
Bern gets surprisingly warm in August, which is why we think it’s a great time to visit. The evenings are chilly though, so remember to pack a thick layer.
The city’s old charm is so cute and historically significant that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While you’re wandering around make sure you see the Clock Tower and the grandiose Federal Palace.
One thing we particularly love about Bern in August is the Buskers Bern festival, where the city streets are transformed into an open-air stage that fills with local performers. The best thing is you never know what you’ll find, you just have to wander around and see what you come across!
Where is Bern?
Located in west-central Switzerland, the city sits on the banks of the Aare River. It is about 59 miles southwest of Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city. The city is approximately 62 miles northeast of Geneva, near the French border. It serves as the capital of Switzerland and is well connected to other major Swiss cities.
Oslo, Norway
Warm and mild, Oslo’s climate is great for a city break in August. The only downside is that there can still be sporadic light showers, so bring along an umbrella.
If you’re a music and culture enthusiast, then you can combine your two passions and go to the city’s Oslo Jazz Festival which takes place in August. Not sure a Jazz festival is for you? Then spend your holiday sightseeing instead.
The Akershus Fortress will blow even the most experienced traveler’s minds away and the Nobel Peace Center is worth a visit.
Where is Oslo?
Geneva, Switzerland
Hot and sunny, a trip to Geneva is guaranteed to level up your tan in August. There are lots of cool festivals that run throughout the month too, one of our favorites being the Jazz sur la Plage Festival, a jazz music festival on the shores of the city’s lake which is always a laugh.
It’s a great city break destination for anyone who loves a good museum, with highlights like the CERN Science Gateway and Patek Philippe Museum.
Make the most of the blue skies while you’re there and go kayaking on Lake Geneva at least once. If you don’t want to do the hard work yourself you can join a boat tour.
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