We got inexpensive tix to amsterdam in mid-Aug. We arrive into Amsterdam at noon on a Sat and depart on Wed at 3:50pm.
Contemplating going elsewhere. Have never been to Florence, Lake Como, Nice, or Provence. Wondering if we should try to go to one of these instead of AMsterdam.
We could fly into any of these cities late on Sat and depart Tues afternoon.
Is that too crazy?
Which would you recommend? Are these places too hot or crowded?
THANKS!!!

If you've never been to Amsterdam I would stay there given the limited time that you have. If you've been there before - let us know a little about you to help provide some reasonable suggestions: #, age, interests etc.

Thanks! We are 42 and 39. We have been to Paris, London, and Rome and Venice. LOVED Italy. Never been to FLorence or outside of Paris.
We are open to all ideas.
Just a quick trip. We were in Rome and Venice for 6 nights last year.
Was told Paris was not good in August.
Thanks!!!

Paris pretty much closes down in August. Why not stay in Amsterdam? It stays lively all through summer, and has a great atmosphere then. There are usually some activities such as concerts on the canals. And you could easily do a trip to the seaside.
Nice is hot and crowded in August. You'll have only three days there, and loose much valuable holiday time traveling. I haven't been to Florence in August, but suppose the same applies there. (don't know your dates, but August 15 is a public holiday in France).

We spent 2 weeks in Italy in June and Florence was the hottest city we visited...I found Florence hot and crowded in June, so I imagine August would be even hotter.

I am guessing that Lake Como sounds cooler in August? You'd have to check on this...

Thank you for the comments. We live in TX with highs of 95-100 with 100% humidity. Looking for a cooler climate for a few days!
In Amsterdam the Rijksmuseum will be clossed as well as the Portugese Synogogue. Also the Anne Frank museum/foundation happens to have an exhibit in Houston, TX at the holocaust museum, will that affect the Anne Frank museum in Amsterdam?
We will be traveling with arrival on Aug 14 and departure on Aug 18. Would the 8/15 holiday in Italy be an issue?
Having a hard time deciding on our location!!

Paris doesn't shut down in August! While a number of restaurants close all or part of August, many stay open. All of the sights are open and many Parisians are out of the city so August is not a bad time to go.
That said, if you have never been to Amsterdam, that would be a good choice since you will be there anyway and have a relatively short time. Save France and Italy for a time when you can take a longer trip. Europe has been much cooler this summer than last - in fact, cooler than the average so if the weather holds, Amsterdam should be comfortable.

Hi Laura,

Are you going this August?

If so, I suggest you go wherever you can find hotel accomodations.

Thanks. I have found accomodations in either Amsterdam, Florence, or Venice.
Still ?????

Florence is awfully hot in the summer..

Florence, as others have said before me, is hot (and I mean hot!) in August. The tourist sites are all open, but some restaurants may be closed. (The Italian habit of taking vacations around Ferragosto -- 15 August -- is still deeply ingrained.) But if you stay in Fiesole, which is above Florence but very easily reached by bus (No. 7, I think, but beware of pickpockets), you can at least escape most of the heat in the evening.

The Bencista in Fiesole is not glamorous, the dinner is far from the best in Italy, but it's reasonable and it has great views of Florence from many rooms and terraces. In fact, dinner is (was?) so reasonable that you could still have a good lunch downtown -- which would at least take you out of the sun for an hour or two -- and have dinner at the Bencista.

i can't see any reason to consider Nice and wonder if you'd get value from Provence, i mean its lovely but under the circumstances?

OK, I looked up weather.com for Florence and highs are 82-97 with lows 65-72. Still cooler than where I live. But we have air conditioning.
I really want to go to Florence, but I am wondering if Amsterdam would be more pleasant mid-Augus??
FLorence just seesm like one f those places I want to go, while Amsterdam seems more like somewhere to go after I have been to Florence, Provence, etc...
Love all the comments!

I see that you are longing to go to Florence..Just go and dont look back..

I am sure that you are able to handle the warm weather..

Walk by Ponte Vecchio..is so beautiful and romantic at night..

Just enjoy the slower pace of Florence, eat the delicious boar's sausages and if you have time take a tour bus that goes to ST. Gimigliano and Siena..

It is a very interesting experience..
Buon Viaggio,
AnnaMaria

From the Amsterdam airport (Schiphol) you can get a fast train almost anywhere.

Heat is surely a consideration as your time is limited -- you can't move fast and see a lot, if that is what you want.

Provence is my favourite place in the world but you mayn't have time to do it justice. I have lived briefly in Amsterdam and was there as recently as this April but I don't find it all that amazing. Under the circumstances, I might go to: Copenhagen; Paris; London; northern France -- Normandy, say.