Where Not to Go in Europe in August (and Where to Go Instead!)

Visiting Europe in the summer, aka peak season, can turn into a total disaster if you pick the wrong destinations. That’s right, not all European cities are created equal in August.

Some places are simply not worth the crowds, the unbearable heat, or the overall lack of charm that comes with the summer rush. Why spend your hard-earned money and precious vacation time somewhere that’s better suited for another season?

I know it might be disappointing to hear that some of the spots on your bucket list aren’t the best choices for August, but don’t worry! I’ve got alternatives that will give you a much better experience right now.

So, let’s dive into which destinations to avoid, where to go instead, and when might be the best time to visit these hotspots.

Skip Rome in August: Here’s Where to Go Instead

Whatever you do, don’t go to Rome in August. Even Instagram influencers (who somehow make everything look dreamy) will tell you, it’s just not it. 

Rome hits the trifecta of reasons to avoid a destination this time of year: unbearable heat, overwhelming crowds, and practically zero shade. You’ll be melting onto the pavement before you even make it to the Colosseum. 

The city completely loses its magic in August, but visit in May or October? That’s when Rome truly shines.

So, where should you go instead? Sicily! You’ll get all the history and culture—at a fraction of the cost and with half the crowds. 

Plus, Sicily is surrounded by those crystal-clear blue waters, making it the perfect summer escape. Explore stunning coastal towns like Cefalù and Taormina, soak in the energy of Palermo and Catania, or venture into charming mountain villages (a rental car is a game changer here!). Trust me, Sicily in August is the move.

Seville in August? Think Again, Here’s Where to Go Instead

I made the mistake of visiting Seville in mid-August, and let me tell you—I suffered. Locals literally call Seville “the frying pan” in summer, and for good reason. Daytime temps hit 110°F (43°C), yes, you read that right. 

I was lured in by cheap flights and five-star hotel deals, ignoring every warning from Facebook groups and friends. Big mistake.

If you didn’t know, Seville is not coastal, the nearest beach is a solid two-hour drive away. Not ideal. The only thing that saved me was staying at a boutique hotel with a pool. 

And as if the heat wasn’t bad enough, many of the city’s best local restaurants (especially family-run spots) shut down for August. 

Even some major department stores were closed. It was a total letdown. If you want to experience Seville at its best, aim for April or May instead.

So, where should you go instead? Porto! This northern Portuguese gem has all the culture, charm, and incredible food, but without the scorching heat. 

In August, Porto’s temps are way more manageable, usually hovering around 80-85°F (27-29°C). You’ll get warm, sunny days and easy beach access. 

Honestly, August is the perfect time to visit Porto.

Santorini in August? Think Again: Here’s Where to Go Instead

Can we talk about the crowds? Because wow. Santorini in August is elbow-to-elbow chaos, everyone scrambling for their perfect Instagram shot. And honestly? It completely ruins the magic of this stunning island. 

While Santorini is definitely worth seeing once in your life, it should not be the main event of your trip.

If you must visit, I’d recommend either making it a day trip from Crete or limiting your stay to 1-2 days max before heading to the real Greek islands. 

Because let’s be real, Santorini and Mykonos are not where you’ll find the true Greek island experience.

So, where should you go instead? Sifnos or Serifos. These islands are far less commercialized, offering that authentic Greek charm without the sky-high prices and overwhelming crowds. 

Plus, you’ll get stunning beaches, charming villages, and incredible food, all without the Santorini madness.

Trust me, your Greek island getaway will be way better for it.

Skip Amsterdam in August: Here’s Where to Go Instead

When it comes to Northern Europe, you might get lucky with decent summer temps—but that doesn’t mean you’ll escape the crowds. And Amsterdam in August? 

Not a great idea. Between the overwhelming number of tourists and already sky-high prices (that only get worse in peak season), this city is best saved for spring or fall, when you can actually enjoy it.

So where should you go instead? Bremen! Never heard of it? Not many people have! Bremen has a lot to offer visitors!

Located just 40 minutes from Hamburg, Bremen is a charming riverside city that I was surprised to have stumbled upon. It has a unique blend of German and Nordic influences, especially in its food. 

Unlike Berlin or Munich, Bremen has its own distinct vibe, making it a truly special alternative in August.

If you’re looking for a less touristy, more affordable, and equally beautiful European destination this summer, Bremen is the move.

Paris in August? Hard Pass: Here’s Where to Go Instead

I’ve been to Paris multiple times, and trust me, August is not the time to go. This bucket-list city is already on everyone’s itinerary, and August is when EVERYTHING is closed.

Now, since Paris is a ghost town in August, that does have some advantages for those seeking Paris just for those big tourist sites. You will find the streets to be fairly empty, and there are deals to be found on accommodations.

But you also must consider it can get uncomfortably warm, and let me tell you, air conditioning is not as common (or as strong) as you might expect. If you want to truly enjoy Paris, spring (May is perfect!) is the way to go.

So, where should you go instead? Copenhagen! If you’re looking for a city with arguably more magical architecture, better food, and way better weather, Copenhagen is it. 

Both Paris and Copenhagen are pricey no matter when you visit, so while you won’t necessarily be saving money, you will be visiting one of my absolute favorite cities at the best time of year. August in Copenhagen? Perfection.

Most Overrated European Cities (and Where to Go Instead)

There are some European cities that, despite all the hype, left me feeling a little… underwhelmed. Whether it was overcrowding, overpriced everything, or just not living up to expectations, some places just don’t hit the mark.

But luckily, I’ve found amazing nearby alternatives that deliver all the charm, culture, and history, without the frustration.

In this guide, I’m breaking down the most overrated European cities and where to go instead so you can have a trip that’s actually worth your time and money.

Have you ever seen a city that didn’t live up to the hype? I’d love to hear from fellow travelers! Contact me here!