Best places to visit in August

With festival season in full swing, August offers no end of opportunities to party, from Nevada's off-the-wall Burning Man, to Maine's food-fuelled Lobster Festival. That said, it also offers plenty of options for blissfully chilled-out breaks – and they're all here, in our run-down of the best places to visit in August.

1. Black Forest, Germany

Best for hiking, biking and wine-drinking

Close to Freiburg in south-west Germany, the Black Forest is arguably best known for its cuckoo clocks and indulgent gâteaux.

But look beyond these clichés, and you'll find a lush mountain region that's growing in popularity as a haven for bikers and hikers.

Crisscrossed with trails through idyllic landscapes of sun-soaked vineyards, tranquil lakes, and quaint chalets, it’s a fabulous spot for summer cycling.

Into wine? Time your visit to coincide with one of the many summer wine festivals that happen along the Badische Weinstraße. Routing through Baden's wine-growing region, you can hike, bike or drive through stunning scenery, with plenty of places to eat, drink and make merry along the way.

And if you are going to go to Germany in search of its incomparable beer - read our detailed guide that will help you to understand all the variety of German beer, and to make sure in advance that it is not for nothing that it is considered one of the best things in Germany.

Where to stay near the Black Forest:

• Best for luxury: Mokni's Palais Hotel & Spa. A wellness hotel a set in the scenic heart of Bad Wildbad.
• Best for couples: Hotel Meyerhof. A great base for exploring the Black Forest and the Alsace.
• Best for families: Ferienwohnungen und Boardinghouse Heimbach in Lahr. Smart self-contained apartments.

Browse more places to stay in the Black Forest, Germany.

Get The Rough Guide to Germany, and book our customisable Best of Germany trip — it includes the Black Forest.

2. Leeds, UK — one of the best places to visit in August

Best for culture, community and food

Leeds is a vibrant city offering an array of cultural, artistic and culinary experiences, making it an ideal place to visit, especially in August. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, Leeds hosts a host of events throughout the year.

In August, the citywide My Leeds programme takes centre stage, with a range of events celebrating local stories and creativity taking place across all 33 districts of the city. This community initiative includes dance, sports, arts and crafts, so there's something for everyone.

Leeds is also known as the culinary capital of the north, so food lovers will find plenty to enjoy here. The city's diverse restaurants offer tasty dishes to suit all tastes.

Art lovers will be delighted by the offerings of the Leeds Art Gallery, which has an impressive collection of works ranging from paintings by Francis Bacon to sculptures by Grayson Perry and installations by Damian Hirst.

For fans of live performances, Leeds is home to many renowned institutions. Opera North, the UK's only nationally recognised opera company outside of London, offers exciting productions. In addition, Leeds Grand Theatre and Northern Ballet offer a wealth of performances that are sure to entertain and inspire.

Where to stay in Leeds:

• Best for 5-star treats: Dakota Leeds. Stylish rooms, plus an on-site bar and great grill restaurant.
• Best for couples: The Chambers. Boutique apartments in a well restored turn-of-the-century residence.
• Best for romantic escapes: Hinsley Hall. 1.5 miles from the centre, this listed building has acres of grounds.

Explore more places to stay in Leeds.

3. Sydney Australia

Best for footie fans, beach bums and culture vultures

Sydney packs punch as a destination with something for everyone. And that's thanks to its glittering harbour, beautiful beaches, and fantastic food scene.

In addition, outstanding national parks are easily accessible. For example, if you’re into nature and wildlife, top national parks are within an hour of the city, including Ku-ring-gai Chase and Royal.

Meanwhile the magnificent, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains present top opportunities for bushwalking.

If that's not enough, you also voted Sydney one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

On a budget? Also find out about free things to do in Sydney.

Where to stay in Sydney:

• Best for iconic views: View Sydney. Suitably named, with stylish rooms overlooking Sydney Harbour.
• Best for families: Coogee Sands Hotel & Apartments. Right by Coogee Beach, in easy reach of the city.
• Best for budget travellers: Sydney Harbour YHA. Modern and friendly with Harbour views from the terrace.

See more places to stay in Sydney, Australia, and read our guide to accommodation in Sydney.

Planning a bigger trip? Read The Rough Guide to Australia, and our tips for backpacking Australia.

4. Maine, USA

Best for scenic seasides, forests and food festivals

Known for its lobster shacks, dense forests, scenic lakes and seaside enclaves, Maine offers tremendous opportunities to explore wide-open spaces. That remains the case in peak summer season when visitors are drawn to its dramatic coast.

Celebrated for its “the way life should be” motto, Maine is also a top destination for seafood aficionados, especially lobster lovers. These cold-water crustaceans have been farmed along the coast here for generations — they thrive in the chilly, clean water.

There’s no shortage of places to dine on prime specimens, from fancy restaurants to casual lobster shacks, where you can enjoy your juicy tails and claws in the salty open air.

While lobsters are farmed year-round, the annual Lobster Festival in Rockland makes Maine one of the best places to visit in August. It's an old-school celebration of all things lobster. Think fun family games, a big parade, plus the world’s biggest lobster steamer.

Where to stay in Maine:

• Best for couples: Harraseeket Inn, Freeport. Cosy and close to Wolfe's Neck State Park.
• Best for hikers: Acadia Inn. Boasts an on-site trail to access Acadia National Park.
• Best for families: Newagen Seaside Inn, Southport Island. 20-acres of oceanfront land, with on-site activities.

Discover more places to stay in Maine.

For more inspiration, explore our customisable USA itineraries and read The Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places in the USA.

5.. Umbria, Italy

Best for food, wine and escaping crowds

In August, when all Italy is on holiday, locals tend to flock to the sea. As a result, unless you're a fan of big crowds, queues and general chaos, you might want to avoid the coast.

But that's not to say you should avoid Italy all together. Instead, enjoy some peace and quiet in the lovely landlocked region of Umbria.

While it shares many attributes with its bigger, glitzier neighbour, Tuscany — picture-perfect hill towns, sun-dappled olive groves, fine food and wine — Umbria is more down-to-earth. It's also refreshingly quiet in August, and cheaper than Tuscany.

Known as “the green heart of Italy", Umbria is a largely unspoiled region of rolling hills, woods, streams and valleys. To the east, this pastoral landscape gives way to more rugged scenery, such as the dramatic twists and turns of the Valnerina, and the mountains of the Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini.

When you're done exploring such breath-taking natural landscapes, Umbria's dozen or so hill-towns boast architectural treasures that rival far bigger famous cities.

Picture yourself chilling out at tranquil Lake Trasimeno. Or how about spending your days exploring magnificent medieval towns like Perugia, Assisi and Todi?

The latter — a fairy-tale-esque, hilltop beauty — hosts a number of festivals through the year, with the Todi Festival usually held in late August or early September.

Love the idea of visiting Italy with fewer crowds? Read up on Emilia Romagna — Tuscany without the crowds.

Where to stay in Umbria:

• Best for foodies: Hotel Cenacolo. Assisi's biggest hotel complex boasts a cloister and great Umbrian restaurant.
• Best for nature-loving families: Le More E I Gelsomini. Smart apartments with BBQ facilities and pool.
• Best for couples: Boutique Hotel Aurora. This friendly three-star in Spoleto has a cute courtyard and terrace.

Explore more places to stay in Umbria, Italy.

Into history and culture? Our customisable Exploring Vatican City and Assisi trip might be of interest. And if you are travelling further afield, you'll need the Rough Guide to Italy.

6. Bohuslän coast, west Sweden

Best for sailing, seafood and blissful solitude

Within striking distance of cosmopolitan Gothenburg, Sweden's Bohuslän coast presents itself as a rugged, 10,000-island archipelago. The ideal location for summer escapes, it's one of the best places to visit in August if you're seeking serenity, or love sailing.

The islands vary widely in character. Some are completely barren, others harbour timewarp fishing villages, while a few boast chic spas and fine-dining restaurants.

Fiskebäckskil, for example, is one of the most attractive villages along the Bohuslän coast. Peppered with old wooden houses perched on rocky rises, it has several serene seaside resorts.

Unsurprisingly, seafood is a big deal here, with crayfish a speciality in August. The likes of lobster safaris and fishing excursions form the bulk of local activities.

Do you want to continue exploring Sweden? Read up on the best things to do in Sweden.

Not fixed on an August break? Read up on Sweden's unforgettable midsummer celebrations — they make the country one of the best placest to visit in June.

Where to stay at Bohuslän coast: 

• Best for active families: Göteborgs Camping Lilleby. Smart chalets by a beach, with playground and easy access to top hiking and cycling, 
• Best for rejuvenation: Vann Spa Hotell. This eco-friendly hotel on the Gullmar Fjord is surrounded by nature.
• Best for budget travellers: Stenungsögården. Beautiful beachfront cabins, plus playground and BBQ facilities.

Browse more places to stay on the Bohuslän coast, west Sweden.

Plan your trip with The Rough Guide to Sweden and browse our Sweden itineraries for inspiration.

7. Nevada, USA

Best for fiery festivals and desert magic

Once a year in late August, fifty thousand people descend on a remote patch of desert in northwest Nevada to take part in the world’s ultimate counter-culture festival. Namely, Burning Man.

It's held way out in the Black Rock Desert, twelve miles north of tiny Gerlach, which is itself a hundred miles north of Reno.

With no big-name acts or programmed activities, the temporary residents of “Black Rock City” live by Burning Man rules. No commerce is allowed, and “Burners” must participate in the festivities in some way.

Many attendees construct huge, otherworldly sculptures, flashing with lights or flames, which contribute to the surreal atmosphere. After dark, the desert comes alive with all manner of surreal projections and anything-goes performances.

Some say the festival has become too popular in recent years, but it remains one of the most unusual experiences to be found anywhere on the planet.

To put more fire in your belly, read up on fire festivals around the world.

Where to stay in Las Vegas:

Given that only self-sufficient folk are admitted to Burning Man (you must bring water, food and shelter), here's some options if you plan to visit the state's other biggest illuminated draw — Las Vegas:

• Best for big spenders: Venetian Resort. An opulent five-star with casino, 40 restaurants, giant pool deck and 150+ boutique stores.
• Best for retro style: Jockey Club Suites. A friendly three-star that's more old school style than modern glitz.
• Best for budget travellers: Downtowner Boutique Hotel. A pleasant, affordable option near Fremont Street Entertainment District.

See more places to stay in Las Vegas and the state of Nevada. And discover the dos and don'ts of Las Vegas in our survival guide to Sin City.

Want more inspiration for your summer break? Discover our best travel destinations for 2024, and some of the best European summer destinations.

You might also want to read our run-down of the best places to visit in July.

And remember, wherever you're thinking of heading, there's sure to be a Rough Guide guidebook to enhance every step of your journey from the moment you start planning. 

Fear not if you're not keen on planning all those pesky details — that's why our customisable tailor-made trips exist. Contact a local specialist to start your journey.

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Header image: the incredible Fly Geyser in Nevada, USA © Shutterstock