City breaks in Europe this summer: what’s open, what’s closed, and where to go

Spain’s rail strikes: what you need to know before booking your AVE ticket

Spain’s state-owned rail operator is facing labour disputes this summer. For train travel, the practical consequence is intermittent strikes on high-speed routes between Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia.

If you plan to travel between Madrid and Barcelona in July or August 2026, book a refundable ticket and check the official site 24 hours before departure. Strike days are announced with short notice. A backup bus service costs around 25 to 35 EUR and takes 7 to 8 hours. For shorter legs like Barcelona to Valencia, the bus is often faster than waiting out a strike.

Rome: cool evenings at the Colosseum

The Colosseum extended its summer hours. From July 1 to August 31 2026, the monument is open until 11:15 PM. Skip the 9 AM slot when the queue wraps past the Arch of Constantine. Go at 7 PM instead. The light is soft, the heat is gone, and the crowd thins after 8 PM.

Standard tickets cost from around 18 EUR. The full experience ticket including the underground and third ring is from around 24 EUR and sells out days ahead, so book at least one week in advance on the official site.

Amsterdam: Rijksmuseum tightens timed entry

Good news if you hate queueing: the Rijksmuseum now enforces timed entry slots for every visitor, including Museumkaart holders. You cannot just show up with your card. You must reserve a 30-minute window online. Slots for July and August 2026 are filling fast, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM.

A standard ticket is from around 22 EUR. Museumkaart holders pay zero but still need the free reservation. The museum is open daily 9 AM to 6 PM. For a quieter visit, book the 9 AM slot or the last slot at 5 PM.

Practical summer 2026 reminders

• Strikes: track major European rail operators’ social media before travel days.
• Heat: many museums in southern Europe have late-night openings. Use them.
• Reservations: timed entry is now standard at major museums. Book ahead.
• Hotel pricing: consolidation may nudge up rates in chain hotels. Compare with independent alternatives.

One final tip: carry cash. Small museums, market stalls, and taxi drivers in Italy and Spain often prefer cash for payments under 20 EUR.