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Escape the Heat: Top 5 Cooler Destinations for Your Summer Getaway

Discover 5 refreshing destinations to escape Edinburgh's summer heat. Enjoy mild climates, cultural richness, and stunning landscapes with our curated travel picks.

Click here to tailor the list to match your ideal getaway trip.

Simplify your travel planning with this list of the the 5 must-see alternative Destinations

1. Brussels
2. Oslo
3. Helsinki
4. Lofoten Islands
5. Greenland

Brussels

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Brussels offers a temperate climate with mild summers, making it an ideal escape from Edinburgh's heat. The city's abundant green spaces and historical sites provide a cool and culturally rich experience.

La Truffe Noire

La Truffe Noire in Brussels, Belgium is a renowned restaurant specializing in gourmet cuisine, with a focus on truffles. It offers a luxurious dining experience with elegant decor, impeccable service, and a menu featuring exquisite dishes infused with the rich and earthy flavors of truffles.

Manneken Pis

Manneken Pis is a small bronze statue located in Brussels, Belgium. Depicting a little boy urinating into a fountain, it has become a symbol of the city's rebellious spirit and sense of humor. Despite its small size, it attracts numerous visitors and is often dressed in various costumes.

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is a stunning shopping arcade in Brussels, Belgium. Built in 1847, it is known for its elegant glass roof, beautiful architecture, and high-end boutiques. The arcade offers a charming and luxurious shopping experience, making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

Bonnefooi

Bonnefooi is a vibrant and lively bar located in the heart of Brussels, Belgium. Known for its eclectic mix of live music, DJs, and a diverse crowd, it offers a unique and energetic atmosphere. With its cozy interior and extensive drink selection, Bonnefooi is a must-visit spot for nightlife enthusiasts.

Belgian Comic Strip Center

The Belgian Comic Strip Center in Brussels, Belgium is a museum dedicated to the art of comic strips. It showcases the rich history and cultural significance of Belgian comics through exhibitions, workshops, and a vast collection of original comic strip artwork, making it a must-visit for comic enthusiasts.

Oslo

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Oslo's northern latitude ensures cooler summer temperatures, perfect for travelers looking to avoid the heat. Its fjords and outdoor activities offer a refreshing Nordic adventure.

Restaurant Eik

Restaurant Eik in Oslo, Norway is a culinary gem that offers a unique dining experience. With a focus on Nordic cuisine, the restaurant showcases the finest local ingredients in innovative and beautifully presented dishes. Eik's elegant ambiance and attentive service make it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts in Oslo.

Oslo Opera House

The Oslo Opera House in Norway is a stunning architectural masterpiece, known for its sleek and modern design. Located on the waterfront, it offers breathtaking views of the city and the fjord. The opera house is a cultural hub, hosting world-class performances and events, attracting visitors from around the globe.

Paleet

Paleet is a luxurious shopping center located in the heart of Oslo, Norway. With its elegant architecture and high-end stores, it offers a sophisticated shopping experience. From fashion boutiques to gourmet restaurants, Paleet caters to discerning shoppers seeking quality and style in a vibrant urban setting.

The Villa

The Villa in Oslo, Norway is a historic and elegant mansion located in the heart of the city. With its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, it offers a unique and luxurious experience for guests. The Villa is known for its exceptional service, exquisite dining options, and a tranquil atmosphere.

Munch Museum

The Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway is dedicated to the life and works of renowned Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. It houses the largest collection of his paintings, drawings, and sculptures, including his most famous piece, "The Scream." The museum offers a comprehensive insight into Munch's artistic journey and legacy.

Helsinki

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Helsinki's coastal location brings cooler breezes and moderate summer weather. Visitors can enjoy long daylight hours without the scorching heat, alongside Finnish design and saunas.

Restaurant Grön

Restaurant Grön in Helsinki, Finland is a renowned dining establishment that focuses on sustainable and innovative vegetarian cuisine. With a commitment to using locally sourced ingredients, the restaurant offers a unique and ever-changing menu that showcases the flavors of the Nordic region in a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on a group of islands off the coast of Helsinki, Finland. This historic sea fortress was built in the 18th century and offers stunning views, picturesque landscapes, museums, and a vibrant community. It is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Finnish history and culture.

Kamppi Shopping Center

Kamppi Shopping Center in Helsinki, Finland is a modern and vibrant shopping destination. With over 120 stores, it offers a wide range of fashion, electronics, and lifestyle brands. The center also houses a large food court, cinema, and various services, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Molly Malone's

Molly Malone's in Helsinki, Finland is a lively Irish pub known for its warm atmosphere, live music, and extensive selection of drinks. With friendly staff and a cozy interior, it offers a taste of Ireland in the heart of Helsinki, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Museum of Finnish Architecture

The Museum of Finnish Architecture in Helsinki showcases the rich architectural heritage of Finland. It houses a collection of over 75,000 drawings, models, and photographs, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of Finnish architectural history and its impact on the world.

Lofoten Islands

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The Lofoten Islands provide a stunning, cool climate getaway with dramatic landscapes. The mild summer temperatures are perfect for hiking and enjoying the midnight sun.

Fiskekrogen

Fiskekrogen is a renowned seafood restaurant located in the picturesque Lofoten Islands of Norway. With its stunning coastal views, the restaurant offers a delightful dining experience, specializing in fresh and locally sourced seafood dishes. Its charming ambiance and delectable cuisine make it a must-visit destination for seafood lovers.

Reinebringen

Reinebringen is a breathtaking mountain located on the Lofoten Islands in Norway. With its steep and challenging trail, it offers hikers a rewarding panoramic view of the surrounding fjords, mountains, and the picturesque fishing village of Reine. A must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Lofoten Lights

Lofoten Lights in the Lofoten Islands, Norway, is a mesmerizing natural phenomenon where the night sky comes alive with vibrant colors of the Northern Lights. This remote and picturesque location offers breathtaking views of the aurora borealis dancing across the Arctic sky, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Anker Brygge

Anker Brygge is a picturesque fishing village located on the Lofoten Islands in Norway. With its charming red and white wooden buildings, it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and fjords. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and exploring the unique culture and natural beauty of the area.

Gallery Dagfinn Bakke

Gallery Dagfinn Bakke is a captivating art space located in the scenic Lofoten Islands of Norway. Showcasing the works of renowned artist Dagfinn Bakke, the gallery offers a diverse collection of paintings and sculptures that beautifully capture the essence of the island's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Kalaallit Nunaat

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Greenland offers a unique, cool summer destination with its icebergs, glaciers, and Inuit culture. It's the ultimate destination for those looking to beat the heat and explore the Arctic.

Hereford Beefstouw

Hereford Beefstouw in Greenland, Denmark is a renowned restaurant known for its high-quality Hereford beef. Located in a picturesque setting, it offers a unique dining experience with a focus on delicious steaks and a cozy atmosphere.

Qoornoq

Qoornoq is a small settlement located in Greenland, Denmark. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with towering mountains, crystal-clear waters, and icebergs dotting the surrounding fjords. The village offers a peaceful and remote atmosphere, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the untouched Arctic wilderness.

Qiviut

Qiviut is a luxurious fiber obtained from the undercoat of the muskox, known for its exceptional softness and warmth. Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, is home to a significant population of muskoxen, making it a prime location for qiviut production.

Daddy's

Daddy's is a small village located in Greenland, Denmark. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, surrounded by stunning mountains and icy fjords. With a population of around 100 people, it offers a peaceful and remote atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers.

Nanortalik Museum

Nanortalik Museum in Greenland, Denmark is a small cultural institution showcasing the rich history and heritage of the region. With exhibits ranging from ancient artifacts to traditional Inuit crafts, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the fascinating past and cultural traditions of Nanortalik.

What's one thing you'd like to avoid in your next travel destination

Too Crowded Too Touristic Too Expensive Too Hot Too Cold