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26 degrees?: climate shelters in Barcelona where you can endure the heat
It seems like July, but no: at the end of May Barcelona reaches summer temperatures. The city reaches highs of 28 degrees, depending on the time of day, but the worst is the night: when the low is 21 degrees. Where can we go to cool down?
If you want to escape the early heat as though it were already July, there are climate shelters in Barcelona where you can stay nice and cool. Barcelona City Council has expanded the official network to more than 400 climate shelters with much more pleasant temperatures.
List of places with shade
The city's network of climate shelters includes the parks in every district. They are green gems where you can enjoy the shade. We mention two of them: Parc de la Ciutadella, which needs no introduction, thanks to its lake, trees, eating areas, sculptures, bandstands, the shade house and the occasional museum. And the gardens of the University of Barcelona, right in the centre, which offer a break from all the bustle.
Coastal areas
Some people are already going to the beach because the temperatures call for it. If you do not yet want to get wet, spending time at Barceloneta beach, the breakwaters or Port Vell provides a sea breeze all day long, especially welcome for relaxing at dusk.
Public libraries
If you have long wanted to broaden your horizons and pick up that book you could not finish, or simply want to study, work or spend some time in silence, the public-library network has the sufficient and necessary air conditioning for when the thermometers rise. Free of charge, you can go to Biblioteca Jaume Fuster, (in Pl. Lesseps) or Biblioteca Gabriel García Márquez (Sant Martí).
Museums: CCCB
The city also has a variety of them. One example is CCCB (Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona) or Centre Arts Santa Mónica, with free exhibitions, air conditioning and open-air cafés where you can stay cool.
Shopping centres: Diagonal Mar
At times they seem like refrigerators, but when temperatures rise as they have this May, they are the best shelters for coping with the heat. Diagonal Mar is one of the largest and, being close to the beach, lets you do a variety of activities: first go for a swim, then choose the centre to stroll through its shops and eat in its restaurants.
Maremagnum is one of the best loved, especially because it opens every day of the week, Monday to Sunday and until late. Coolness guaranteed.
Neighbourhood parishes
There are a total of 10 neighbourhood parishes listed as climate shelters by Barcelona City Council, such as Sant Josep Oriol, in the Eixample.
Spaces with water play areas
Barcelona has a total of 19 spaces with water play areas where you can get wet, have fun, play and, above all, cool down. The one in Parc de les Glòries is one of them: with drinking water, accessible to people with physical disabilities and free of charge.
Interior block gardens
Barcelona is made up of various streets that form blocks or illas, and inside them we discover hidden gardens. They too are climate shelters where you can make the most of the shade. Such is the case with Jardins Constança d’Aragó, open until 21:00, with an area for drinking water, and accessible to people with physical disabilities.
Micro-shelters
The city council's network is being expanded with 65 micro-shelters to which people can go. They are shops, pharmacies, associations, cafés and other neighbourhood premises that open to help people cope with the heat and welcome local residents whenever they wish.