Best Places To Visit in Europe in August

August in Europe is all about sunshine, celebration and unforgettable travel moments. The continent is alive with festivals, beach days and long, golden evenings perfect for exploring. Whether you're wandering historic streets, sailing to island coves or sipping wine in a scenic piazza, summer in Europe delivers something magical. The best places to visit in Europe in August range from the turquoise waters of Mykonos and Dubrovnik to the cultural charm of Florence, Bruges and Lisbon. If you're chasing warm weather, vibrant cities or a little of both — there's a perfect August destination waiting for you.

Here are eight of the best places to visit in Europe in August, complete with excursion ideas to help you make the most of your summer getaway.

1. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Best for: Seaside Adventures & Historic Beauty

With its gleaming marble streets and dramatic sea views, Dubrovnik is a summer stunner. In August, the ancient walled city is bathed in sunshine, perfect for early morning walks along the ramparts or cooling dips in the Adriatic Sea. After wandering the iconic Old Town, retreat to one of the nearby beaches like Banje or Sveti Jakov for a dose of serenity and salt air. As the sun sets, head to a cliffside bar for cocktails with an unforgettable view.

Excursion idea: Set sail for the Elafiti Islands — a tranquil trio known for sleepy villages, pine forests and hidden beaches. It’s the perfect day trip to unwind and escape the city buzz.

Insider tip: Skip the crowds at sunset and head to the Lovrijenac Fortress for equally stunning views and a peaceful spot to watch the golden light fade over the sea.

2. Mykonos, Greece

Best for: Beach Clubs & Whitewashed Charm

Mykonos in August is pure Mediterranean magic. Whether you’re drawn by its glamorous nightlife or postcard-perfect alleys, the island is alive with energy this time of year. Spend your days hopping between beach clubs at Paradise or Super Paradise Beach and your evenings dining alfresco along the harbor in Little Venice. Don’t forget to catch the sunset from the iconic windmills perched above town — it’s one of the most photographed views in the Cyclades.

Excursion idea: Hop on a guided boat tour to Delos, one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. Just a short sail away, this sacred island offers ancient ruins, temples and sweeping views back toward Mykonos.

Insider tip: For a quieter, more authentic beach day, head to Agios Sostis Beach — it’s untouched, uncommercialized and beloved by locals for its peaceful vibe.

3. Copenhagen, Denmark

Best for: Cool Breezes & Colorful Streets

For a break from the heat, head north to Copenhagen, where August brings endless light, gentle temperatures and effortless cool. Bike through neighborhoods like Vesterbro and Christianshavn, browse food markets along the waterfront and enjoy late sunsets over the harbor. The city’s relaxed, open-air lifestyle makes it a joy to explore — from pop-up street performances to locals sunbathing along the canals.

Excursion idea: Glide through the city on a canal cruise. You’ll pass iconic landmarks like the Little Mermaid statue, royal palaces and the modern opera house — all while enjoying Copenhagen from the water.

Insider tip: Head to Reffen Street Food Market, built on reclaimed industrial land — it's a local favorite for casual eats, harbor views and live music in the summer.

4. Florence, Italy

Best for: Art, Gardens & Renaissance Magic

August in Florence means sun-drenched piazzas, gelato on repeat and golden light spilling over centuries-old rooftops. Marvel at Michelangelo’s David, stand in awe beneath the Duomo’s dome and seek shade in the lush Boboli Gardens. In the evenings, enjoy leisurely dinners in hidden courtyards as the city comes alive with street musicians and candlelit cafés.

Excursion idea: Escape the heat with a trip to the Tuscan countryside, visiting medieval gems like San Gimignano or Montepulciano. Expect rolling hills, incredible wines and picture-perfect village squares.

Insider tip: Climb the lesser-known Torre di San Niccolò for crowd-free views over Florence — it’s open only in summer and offers panoramic scenes that rival the Duomo.

5. Bruges, Belgium

Best for: Canals, Cobblestones & Chocolate

Bruges in August feels like a fairy tale. The air is cooler, perfect for walking tours, canal cruises and lingering over coffee in the Market square. You’ll find fewer crowds than in July, but all the charm — winding alleys, historic guild houses and decadent chocolate shops. Be sure to sample locally brewed Belgian beer at a canal-side tavern while soaking in the medieval ambiance.

Excursion idea: Take a leisurely boat ride through Bruges' canals. It’s one of the best ways to soak in the city's medieval beauty, from hidden gardens to stone bridges that arch above the water.

Insider tip: Head to the Begijnhof courtyard in the early evening — it's quiet, serene and offers a rare peaceful moment in the city’s heart, surrounded by whitewashed houses and towering trees.

6. Lisbon, Portugal

Best for: Hillside Views & Summer Vibes

Lisbon is vibrant year-round, but August turns the city electric. From tram rides through hilly streets to late-night Fado performances in Alfama, there’s energy in the air. Spend the day exploring local markets, sipping vinho verde and riding the historic Elevador da Bica for sweeping river views. You’ll find locals escaping the heat in shady miradouros (viewpoints), where breezes and panoramic vistas go hand-in-hand.

Excursion idea: Visit nearby Sintra, a fairy-tale town nestled in the hills. Explore the colorful Pena Palace, hike through forested trails and enjoy a breezy escape from the city heat.

Insider tip: Visit LX Factory — a creative hub inside a converted industrial complex, packed with cool shops, rooftop bars and hidden art installations that most tourists miss.

7. Valencia, Spain

Best for: Beach Days & Futuristic Architecture

Valencia blends beach relaxation with big-city buzz. In August, the sun shines on both its historic Old Town and the sleek, space-age buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences. Enjoy paella by the sea, stroll through the Turia Gardens and cool off at Malvarrosa Beach. At night, the city lights up with open-air concerts, lively tapas bars and music that spills into the streets.

Excursion idea: Take a short drive to Albufera Natural Park, where you can glide through wetlands on a boat tour and enjoy authentic paella at lakeside villages surrounded by rice paddies.

Insider tip: For an authentic local experience, visit Ruzafa, a bohemian neighborhood full of vintage shops, art spaces and cafés — it’s Valencia’s creative heart and perfect for a slow afternoon.

8. Hamburg, Germany

Best for: Harbor Views & Urban Adventures

Hamburg is one of Europe’s most underrated summer cities. With its expansive parks, breezy lakes and modern waterfront, it offers a refreshing escape from inland heat. Explore the historic Speicherstadt, stroll along the Elbe River or rent a paddleboat on Alster Lake. The city’s music scene, from jazz clubs to electronic beats, keeps the summer nights going well past sunset.

Excursion idea: Hop on a harbor cruise to see the city’s massive port in action. Afterward, head to HafenCity for riverside dining, modern architecture and some of the city’s best views.

Insider tip: Climb to the top of St. Michael’s Church (Michel) for panoramic views of the harbor and skyline — go at sunset for golden-hour magic and fewer crowds.

Why Visit Europe in August?

The best places to visit in Europe in August offer everything you want from a summer getaway — sunny coastlines in Mykonos, Dubrovnik and Valencia and rich cultural experiences in cities like Florence, Lisbon and Bruges. Whether you're chasing sunshine or culture (or a little of both), August is the perfect time to dive into Europe’s most unforgettable moments.