Where to go in August 

The city

Amsterdam

The lowdown

In August, this Dutch capital city bursts into life. A city for the curious, it has canals, trams and museums aplenty, while its flat terrain makes it perfect for exploring. Hop on a rental bike and go back in time to historic neighbourhoods like Jordaan with its 17th Century houses or seek out Beginhof for peaceful slice of the city.

The culturally curious will love the Van Gogh Museum, and other renowned biggies such as the Rijksmuseum or the contemporary Stedelijk to more unusual like Foam, which is set on a barge. For somewhere instantly Instagrammable check out Moco, which includes works by Banksy. If you love boutiques and trendy cafes, then head for the beautiful Nine Streets and fuel-up on some local stroopwafels before heading to one of the city’s microbreweries – a favourite is Brouwerij ’t IJ, based in a working windmill.

Here longer?

Why not check out one of the city’s many festivals – such as Pride Parade or the electronic music at Dekmantel? Take a day trip to the traditional windmills and clog makers at the village of Zaanse Schans, while those wanting to tiptoe through the Netherlands’ famous tulips will love the Keukenhof gardens.

Stay 

Based in the heart of old Amsterdam is Pulitzer Amsterdam, a five-star hotel that rewards you with views of two of the city's most picturesque canals, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht. It’s set within beautiful gardens and a maze of 25 connecting Golden Age canal houses, giving you a real sense of the city’s history combined with luxury. It’s within easy walking distance of Anne Frank House, Dam Square and the Flower Market. 

The beach

Antalya

The lowdown

The Turquoise Coast, otherwise known as the Turkish Riviera, is where you’ll find this city. This part of south west Turkey has it all, from the dramatic Taurus Mountains where you’ll find some great hiking trails and history to pristine beaches that protect rare loggerhead turtles.

If you like history, you’ll love Antalya. You could visit the historic Old Town of Kaleici with its harbour, old-cobbled streets and architecture from Byzantine and Ottoman times. Head up the Roman Hidirlik Tower, which offers views over the Mediterranean, or Hadrian’s Gate, built in honour of the emperor, who visited here in 130AD. From here you can take a two-hour boat ride to the dramatic Lower Duden waterfall with its 40-metre drop.

The Tahtali cable car is a wonderful way to take in Turkey from the skies. It’s in the Beydaglari Coastal National Park and rises to 2,365 metres above sea level – the views are breathtaking and the sunsets magical. Down below the mountains you’ll find the 11-mile-long Patara Beach – one of Turkey’s longest. It’s naturally protected and has a backdrop of Lycia’s limestone peaks and honey-yellow sand dunes. The beach is a nesting site for endangered loggerhead turtles, so parts of it are off limits after sunset in sum mer.   

Here longer?

It’s well worth a visit to the incredibly well preserved Termessos, about 11 miles north west of Antalya in the Mount Gulluk-Termessos National Park. Here you’ll find Hadrian’s Arch, old cisterns, a theatre, gymnasium, marketplace, agora, odeon, temple and necropolis. If you want a further injection of history, there’s Aspendos, to the east of Antalya. Its Roman theatre has been rebuilt and now accommodates concerts.

Stay

Located on a stretch of the Blue Flag Lara Beach, Lara Barut Collection offers a sublime way to relax on the sunny Ataylan coast. This all-inclusive stay features no fewer than ten restaurants and a private beach complete with cabana beds and pavilions, eight pools and plenty of family-friendly facilities. You also have direct access to the Mediterranean Sea, while Antalya Airport is eight miles from the hotel.

Just the two of us

Lisbon

The lowdown

The Portuguese capital is mercifully walkable. Start your day with an addictive pastel de nata before wandering the narrow streets of the Alfama district. Climb the Sao Jorge Castle and for sunset views, and don’t miss the historic Jeronimos Monastery – a stunning sight. 

Early birds will catch the best bargains at Feira da Ladra – it’s Lisbon’s equivalent of London’s Portobello Market. Amble around Time Out Market with its food and bars or taste brilliant home-cooked food in the no-frills eateries known as tascas, for lunch. Sit down to dinner in one of the city’s celebrated dining spots like playful Loco or popular Ze da Mouraria.

Culture vultures will love Lisbon’s theatres and galleries. A favourite is the unique underground 18th Century reservoir complex Immersivus Gallery, which includes high-tech projections and holograms. There’s also the much-photographed Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, offering a permanent exhibition in a power station. As night calls – Lisbon unfurls its vibrancy. For something unusual, there’s downtown party area of Cais do Sodre in the city’s former red-light district. A former brothel, Pensao Amor now offers cocktails, DJs, bookshelves and burlesque.

Here longer?

Hop on a train from central Lisbon to one of the easy-to-reach beaches of Carcavelos or Costa da Caparica , or the seaside town of Cascais to completely slow down. You could also take a day trip to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site complete with palaces and gardens.

Stay

PortoBay Liberdade is a five-star gem found by Lisbon’s most luxurious street, the Avenida da Liberdade. This boutique property, set within the facade of a palace, has an indoor pool and spa. It’s just steps from designer shops located along white limestone cobbled pavements, while attractions including Sao Jorge Castle, Rossio and Barrio Alto are within easy reach.

The cultural break

Prague

The lowdown

Prague is crammed with historic buildings, acres of beautiful parks, beer gardens, and some decent theatres and galleries. Stroll its backstreets, linger in its squares and marvel at its sky-piercing spires.

The jaw-droppingly beautiful Charles Bridge is impressive. Spanning the Vltava River, it connects Prague’s Old Town to its castle. For a feeling of full-on Prague, head to Wenceslas Square with its collection of monuments. For more history – and this place has a lot – aim for the huge Prague Castle, which has been the seat of power of emperors, kings and presidents. Highlights include the minuscule houses of Golden Lane, the Romanesque facade of St George’s Basilica, the South Gardens and Alphonse Mucha’s stained-glass windows. Dating back 800 years, Old Town Square features a mishmash of attractions including the Astronomical Clock and the statue of martyred religious leader Jan Hus. You can’t miss the towering Gothic spires of the main church, either. You could also take in an exhibition at Rudolfinum Gallery or a concert at the State Opera.

Here longer?

There are museums aplenty, covering topics from communism to decorative arts to Kafka. The Speculum Alchemiae, situated in one of the city’s oldest houses, is a museum featuring secret underground alchemical laboratories built for King Rudolf II in the 16th Century  .

Stay

You’ll find the luxurious Andaz Prague in the former Sugar Palace in the beautiful Senovazne Square in the heart of the city. Taking inspiration from the rich culture around it, the hotel is situated a few minutes’ walk from Wenceslas Square.

The wild card

Barcelona

The lowdown

The Catalan capital lives up to its lively reputation for culture, museums and nightlife. It offers the quirky basilica of its most famous and maverick architect, Antoni Gaudi, fabulous flea markets and the most famous of streets, La Rambla, which is full of traders, cafes and bars.

With sculpted spires and wavy lines, the wacky facades of Gaudi’s architecture can be seen around Barcelona from Park Guell to La Pedrera and of course, the famous Sagrada Familia. If you love those, there’s plenty more. Art lovers can visit the Picasso Museum for more than 4,000 of the artist’s works from early landscapes to cubism or head for an injection of modern masters at Moco. For outdoor urban art, meander round the Bostik Murals.

Cool down at Barceloneta Beach. Sip a cocktail, take a boat ride or party into the night. It’s also a good spot for grabbing some paella. The city is great for a bargain – check out its array of markets. Lost and Found is one of the oldest second-hand flea markets. Held every three months, it’s one of the largest in the city and has the air of a festival. Fancy something a bit traditional? Then Vermouth is calling you. This fortified wine was once a favourite of elders but has now gained resurgence with a hip, younger crowd. Sample some of the best at century-old El Xampanyet, Bar Castells or Balius.

Here longer?

You could head for the Costa Brava for some kayaking or enjoy one of the many festivals from free jazz, LGBTQ+, film and the locally loved Festa Major de Gracia – attended by everyone from toddlers to nonagenarians.

Stay

The fantastic location of H10 Marina Barcelona puts you close to the beach and just a 15-minute walk from the interesting Gothic Barcelona Cathedral. The hotel offers a rooftop pool and the Skyline lounge bar, perfect for long summer evenings while taking in the stunning cityscape.

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