As Europe buckles under a punishing heat wave, residents and summer travelers are struggling to find relief. Here’s how and where to look for respite.
As Europe buckles under a punishing heat wave, residents and summer travelers alike are struggling to stay cool — often without the convenience of air conditioning.
Safety is paramount, and experts say staying hydrated is key. But if you find yourself in Paris, Rome or any other crowded European city this summer, there are plenty of places to cool off. Some options are self-evident: finding a public pool, for example, or settling into a breezy or shady spot at a public park. Other options might be less obvious, like taking an underground tour or heading into a cathedral.
Here’s how and where to find respite from scorching temperatures during your summer travels in Europe.
Cool museums
Fees for museums, which often regulate temperatures and humidity levels to protect artworks and artifacts, may be a small price to pay for cooler air. While in Paris, try the Musée Marmottan Monet and the Musée de Carnavalet, both known for their cool basement areas.
In Spain, the Center of Contemporary Culture and the Museum of the History of Barcelona are part of the city’s climate shelters network, a list of spaces that offer refuge from the heat in the summer.