Spring is a fabulous time to visit Europe! The days are getting longer, temperatures are rising, there are lots of gorgeous blossoms and flowers blooming, festivals galore, and usually fewer crowds than in the hot summer months.
I asked my fellow travel bloggers for their best places to visit in Europe in spring, and the recommendations came flooding in! The list could really be never-ending, as there are so many great places to visit during spring in Europe, but we’ve narrowed it down to 27 places that have extra-special reasons why spring is a great time to visit.
Edinburgh
Spring is my absolute favourite time of year in Edinburgh. The weather always seems to be more settled, often with crisp sunny days.
Blossoms are blooming all over the city, but are especially beautiful along the walking paths in The Meadows and in the Princes Street Gardens, framing Edinburgh Castle. The bright yellow of the flowers on the gorse bushes also looks stunning across Arthur’s Seat and the Salisbury Crags.
It can get very busy in the city in summer, especially during Edinburgh Festivals in August, so visiting in Spring means fewer tourists in general. However, if you still want to experience an Edinburgh festival then the Science Festival has all sorts of different exhibits, shows, and performances.
Visiting Scotland at any time of year gives you access to beautiful scenery, history, delicious food and cultural experiences, but Edinburgh in Spring is definitely a highlight.
Cordoba, Spain
This southern Spanish city is famed for the beautiful Mezquita, a Mosque turned Cathedral, but in spring it also comes alive with Los Patios, or Patios Festival. Courtyards around the city open up to show beautiful spring displays.
There is a parade known as “The Battle of the Flowers” at the beginning of May and then the Patio contest begins.
It has been running since 1918 and was created to showcase the beautiful patios and terraces that are usually hidden away the rest of the year behind the gates to the apartments and homes. Homes were originally created with a central patio to help keep them cool, so are therefore only open to the residents.
During Los Patios, you can enter and see the beauty for yourself! While it’s free to enter you can leave a tip of appreciation for the homeowners. They are usually closed during 2 pm and 6 pm for siesta, so plan to get out in the morning, and be aware you may need to wait in line for especially popular places.
Sardinia, Italy
By Hanna from Solar Powered Blonde
Sardinia during Spring was a perfect escape from grey London! Sardinia looks beautiful in summer, but I’ve been told that the beaches are absolutely packed and people like sardines! A lot of places in Europe in spring are less crowded, but Sardinia really was like a ghost town.
If you like having hikes, beaches and roads to yourself then spring is the perfect time to visit. It is also not too hot, but sunny every day.
I would recommend doing a road trip through Sardinia from Alghero down South, around the coast and back up North along the east coast until you make it back to Alghero. This should take around 1 week and is just incredible.
The best beaches are Cala Coticcio, Cala Domestica and Spiaggia del Poeto.
To get to Cala Coticcio is around 20-30 minute walk across rugged terrain. It is a very unique setting for the beach and the water is bright turquoise. There are no real parking spots, so I can’t imagine how busy it must get in summer!
The best beaches in the south-east are Solanas, Capo Carbonara and Cala Pira. Sardinia has lots of old watchtowers dotted around, with some even on the beach, so you will see a few of these. Head inside one for a great view from the top.
The best sunset spot in Sardinia is Capo D’Orso (also called Bear Rock). We had this place entirely to ourselves and people who spend summer in Sardinia who saw our photos were shocked to see no one else there.
Another incredible sunset spot where you may even see dolphins like us is Capo Caccia, a must-see on your last day in Sardinia before heading back to Alghero.
Montenegro
By Emily from Wander-Lush
Peaceful and abundantly beautiful Montenegro is a wonderful place to escape to in spring. Mild temperatures make it a good time for hiking around the coast, including on trails above Kotor.
By April, yellow wildflowers have started to appear, offering a striking contrast to the red rooves of the UNESCO Old Town. While it’s still a little chilly at higher elevations in Durmitor National Park, most trails are open by mid-spring.
Spring is by far the best time to visit Skadar Lake, the vast marshy wetland Montenegro shares with neighbouring Albania. The lake is known for its waterbirds, and during mating season, you can observe the elaborate rituals of Dalmatian pelicans.
Spring in Montenegro is a lot quieter than summer, with fewer cruise ships pulling into harbour around Kotor. Exploring the small towns of Budva and Perast is a lot more pleasant sans crowds – and the roads are quieter, which makes driving around Montenegro that much easier.
If you can brave the nippy water, you’re sure to find a spot on the beach with no issues. Sandy beaches can be found south of Ulcinj.
To get there, I highly recommend taking the scenic train from Podgorica to Bar, which travels right over the lake, then spending a few hours in charming Old Bar before making your way down the coast.
A number of cultural festivals are held in Montenegro in late spring to mark the changing of the season. These include the Sea Rock music festival in Kotor, the International Folklore Festival in Budva, where dozens of European countries display their national music and costume, and the Žućenica Fest in Tivat, which celebrates wild dandelion and other local produce.
Budapest, Hungary
By Or from My Path in the World
It sounds a bit cliche, but Budapest really is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. With exquisite architecture, both historical landmarks and ordinary residential buildings are a feast for the eyes and what makes this city so irresistibly charming. It’s also home to the cutest cafes, colourful street art, and incredible food scene.
Situated right next to each other on the Buda side, two of the most notable landmarks in the city are the 19th century Fisherman’s Bastion and the 14th century Matthias Church. Beyond their stunning architectural style and details, they form one of the best spots to enjoy the views over the city and the Danube River.
While there’s something to love about Budapest all year round, in spring, you’ll get the perfect combination of pleasant weather, blossoms, and festivals. Some of the best spots to enjoy blossoms in Budapest are the Toth Arpad promenade, Margit Island, and the Füvészkert Botanical Gardens, which also host a 2-day cherry blossom festival.
Another major event to attend is Budapest’s spring festival, which takes place every April. It is the largest cultural event in Hungary and is a celebration of classical music, opera, jazz, ballet, theatre, and much more.
During the two weeks, dozens of venues host more than a hundred different events and performances. You can consult the full itinerary and buy tickets on the festival’s official website.
Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
By Eniko from Travel Hacker Girl
Lauterbrunnen became a popular tourist destination in recent years, thanks to the dreamy pictures appearing on Instagram and Pinterest. The fairytale-like town is well worth a visit if you are in Switzerland. Despite its small size, there is a lot to do in the area.
If you want to avoid the crowd, I suggest visiting it in the spring. This not only means fewer people, but you will be able to see the famous Staubbach falls in its full glory. The spray of the waterfall is most impressive after heavy rain, and when the snow starts to melt.
Spring is also great for seeing adorable baby calves on your walk and of course, the nearby fields are covered with beautiful flowers.
The Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg hike is a must-do for any visitor. It is 4.3 km on flat terrain, so suitable for small children, buggies and even wheelchairs as well. The trail is not completely traffic-free, and bikes are also permitted.
Walking in the valley offers some scenic views to several waterfalls. At the end of the trail, you can see the highest waterfall in Switzerland called Mürrenbachfall.
Lauterbrunnen can be easily reached by public transport. The train ride to the town itself is very scenic and much more relaxing than driving a car.
Santorini, Greece
By Naomi from Eat, Love, Explore
Santorini, Greece is one of those idyllic places that many people dream about going but choose not to go because of the high price tag and hoards of crowds.
However, it’s not always expensive and crowded. Santorini is actually one of the best places to visit in Europe during the springtime because it’s the shoulder season, right before summer when prices can increase by up to 50%.
Springtime in Santorini is the best time to go because not only is it more affordable, it also has fewer crowds and the perfect weather averaging between 18-23 degrees Celcius each day.
There are so many amazing things to do in Santorini but one of my favourite things to do was the walk along the Candalaria from Fira to Oia. This is a 3-4 hour hike along the coast of the island where you are able to see incredible views the whole time.
Make sure you start this hike early and be prepared with water, wear a hat and sunscreen because it is completely uncovered with no areas of shade.
Santorini is one of the most stunning places I’ve ever been to, and you won’t be able to stop taking photos because it’s so instagrammable!
Vienna, Austria
By Lyubomira from Bulgarian On The Go
One of the best places to visit in Europe during spring is certainly Vienna. The Austrian capital enchants visitors from all over the world with its rich history, beautiful architecture and charming historical city center. Spring is the perfect time to pay a visit to Vienna for quite a few reasons.
Firstly, the weather starts warming up quite a bit around April, with an average temperature of 17 degrees (and 21 degrees in May!). I feel like this is the perfect temperature while travelling – not too hot to get sweaty, but also not too cold to freeze while trying to enjoy exploring a new city.
Secondly, for all electronic music lovers, there is a free music festival happening annually during the springtime. Electric Spring Festival usually takes place in April at the Museumsquarter in Vienna and goes on for a weekend.
There are a bunch of other events happening in the city around May like open-air cinemas, live performances, theatre, dance and so on.
On top of that, Vienna has its fair share of beautiful cherry blossoms, which are at its peak around March/April. You will find these gorgeous trees in many spots around the city, the best of which are the ‘cherry street’ at Hofmühlgasse, the stunning Hainburger Weg and the Japanese garden.
Other additions to your Vienna itinerary include the Belvedere Palace, Hofburg, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Schönbrunn Palace, which opens the doors to its beautiful gardens on 1. April for the first time after the winter break.
Vienna literally starts blooming during the spring months. What makes it even more attractive is that it is still not as filled with tourists as during summer or wintertime. So what are you waiting for? Vienna’s calling!
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is one of my favourite places in the whole of Europe to visit at any time of year, including winter, but visiting in spring is also a treat.
The city is already warmer than many European destinations, so in spring it’s definitely pleasant although not too hot like it can be in the summer months. And Lisbon is built on hills so you’ll be doing some walking!
Make sure you take a walk along the Tagus to the Belém area and take all of the monuments in the area.
In spring you’ll be able to enjoy all of Lisbon’s attractions with fewer people, like much of Europe, although Lisbon is getting busier all year round.
The prices of accommodation are usually cheaper at this time, before the summer rush as well. The only thing to watch out for is closing dates around the Easter holiday, which is observed across Portugal.
Munich, Germany
By Valerie from Valerie’s Adventure Time
If you are looking for a great destination to travel to in Europe during spring, Munich should definitely be on your list. Bavaria’s capital is absolutely beautiful in spring. All the parks, rivers and lakes in and around the city cater to all kinds of activities.
Since it can get quite warm in spring, you could go for a nice picnic in the English Garden (Englischer Garten). You might even be able to dip your toes in the stream (Eisbach) that flows through it. The English Garden is one of the largest urban parks in Europe and stretches over several kilometres.
One of the highlights of the park and possibly your visit in Munich is the surfer’s wave (Eisbach Welle) on the southern edge of the park. It’s a manmade wave which is a popular spot for pro surfers all year round.
Yep, you’ve read that right, even if you are visiting Munich in winter, you can find surfers here. This wave is a very unique feature of the city and attracts surf fans and tourists from all around the globe.
Other than that, it is one of my favourite things to simply explore the city on foot. Munich is a very walkable city and especially beautiful in springtime when it is just warm enough to walk around in a t-shirt and all the flowers and trees bloom again.
Ireland
By Cath from Travel Around Ireland
Although the start of Spring can still be a rather chilly affair in Ireland, it is one of the best times to visit the Emerald Isle and for two very good reasons.
In March, the country comes alive, thanks to a rather special day on the Irish calendar, St Patrick’s Day. The celebration of our patron saint is a huge affair across the country, whether you are visiting Dublin for the best festival in Ireland, the Saint Patrick’s Day Festival, or somewhere down the country enjoying the landscape and beauty.
Dublin celebrates St Patrick’s Day with a 5-day festival leading up to the main day, the 17th of March, where a huge parade of floats, marching bands and performers take over the city centre in a colourful and musical display. Towns and cities across the country also hold parades and parties.
This alone is one of the top reasons why Ireland is the best place to visit in Spring in Europe. St Patrick’s Day often coincides with the Six Nations Rugby Championship, and if Ireland is playing at home around the 17th of March, there’s an even bigger party atmosphere around the country.
And if that’s not all, the Bloom Festival is another reason to visit Ireland in Spring. This garden show that rivals the Chelsea Flower Show takes place in the Phoenix Park in Dublin and is not-to-be-missed. Colourful gardens and displays of plants and flowers of every type will delight anyone interested in horticulture.
Even if you aren’t a big gardener, the displays are worth visiting and there’s always food and entertainment on offer as well.
There are several other great festivals in Ireland to catch during Spring and plenty of beautiful places to visit once the warmer weather starts to creep back in. So, make sure to put Ireland on your Spring European itinerary.
Norway
I know listing a whole country is kind of cheating, but there are so many lovely places to visit in Norway in spring. In the south, the cities of Oslo and Bergen are emerging from the colder winter months, with more sunshine and warmth but often still plenty of snow on the nearby mountains for snow sports.
Visiting both these places in spring means not needing quite as much heavy-duty winter gear, and being able to access most, if not all, of the attractions. For example, boat tours around Oslo Fjord are much more likely to be running.
In Bergen, you can go up the funicular at Mount Floyen to see beautiful views over the city and walk around some of the paths, depending on the conditions.
Spring is still technically within the winter season for visiting the Fjords. You’ll need to consider the conditions and have warm gear, plus check more limited schedules if you decide to do any travelling to these, but it is still an option.
The Lofoten Islands are also a popular Norwegian destination, and while you won’t be able to do any hiking in the area you can still enjoy the epic views and the beautiful light at that time of year. Tromso is also emerging from the dark winter at this time, although it’s still possible to see the Northern Lights until early April!
Malta
By Daniela from The Grumpy Camel
Malta is a great place to visit in spring. In fact, while Malta is a very popular summer destination, I always tell people to avoid the island in summer and visit in spring instead.
Not only is it less crowded during this time, but the island also has the perfect spring weather – sunny days, mild temperatures (15-23 degrees) and nice, breezy evenings. This means you can enjoy a lovely swim at one of Malta’s beautiful beaches, without the crowds!
Spring is also an eventful time of year in Malta. As a Roman Catholic country, Malta celebrates various Easter traditions and other religious festivities in springtime. In the run-up to Easter Sunday, several churches across the island host Last Supper exhibitions, with handmade statuettes and sculptures depicting this significant Biblical event in great detail.
On Good Friday, many locals flock to one of the processions held across the island, including the towns of Mosta and Zebbug, and the capital, Valletta.
If you want to experience a fascinating Maltese tradition, I highly recommend attending a Good Friday procession – the one is Zebbug is supposed to be the most spectacular pageant in Malta.
Other not-to-miss spring events in Malta include the Strawberry Festival (end of April/start of May), Medieval Mdina (April or May) and Malta International Fireworks Festival (end of April).
Spring is also Malta’s harvest season. Make sure you head to the Farmers Market in Ta’ Qali (Attard) to try some local strawberries (so sweet and juicy!), broad beans and green peas (best eaten raw!)
Iceland
By Samantha from Sam Sees World
Iceland is a beautiful European destination to visit in the spring. Although all seasons in Iceland bring their own special aspects and charms, spring may just be the best of them all.
Spring in Iceland is short and sweet and only lasts for April and May; however, these two months hold very special and unique things to do and see that do not want to miss out on.
One of the main highlights of Iceland in spring is The Northern Lights. These amazing natural lights that ignite the sky are still viewable until mid-April so if you arrive at the beginning of spring you will still have the chance to see them.
With spring also comes warmer temperatures! This is not only nice because you can do more without getting cold, but also because warmer temperatures in Iceland means melting ice. When the ice starts melting in Iceland the freshwater feeds the rivers and streams which makes the various waterfalls become full and wild.
Spring in Iceland also welcomes an explosion of lupin flowers. These violet flowers spread all around the country, however, they start blooming in late May.
Finally, from mid-April onwards puffins start coming back to the land from spending the previous season on the ocean. Many people come to Iceland to observe these tiny, unique birds which surely is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Visit Iceland in spring, for a once in a lifetime experience. Even a short trip to Iceland is more than worth it.
Cieszyn, Poland
By Kami from My Wanderlust
Cieszyn, Poland is worth visiting all year long. This Central European gem is full of history (you can even find the St. Nicolas Rotunda on the Polish 20 zloty bill), picturesque corners and multicultural past.
It is also a very unique place as the city is divided by the state border into Polish Cieszyn and Czech Cesky Tesin. Hopping between the countries is yet another attraction of the city.
But the best time to visit Cieszyn is in spring, especially between mid-April and the beginning of May. That’s one you can follow so-called “magnolias’ trail” and see the beautiful trees blooming in full glory. Most of the trees are on the Polish side of the city but you can find a few just across the Olza river in the Czech Republic too.
You should get a map of the trail from the tourist information point on the main square and find the trees as well as see some beautiful buildings Cieszyn is full of.
If you are in the city at the very beginning of May you can attend one of the coolest movie festivals in Central Europe – Kino na Granicy (“Cinema at the Border”). It focuses mostly on Polish and Czech productions, the movies are shown on both sides of the border but the coolest screening is literally at the border with the screen being located on the Polish side of the river and the audience watches it from the Czech Republic.
Sarajevo, Bosnia
By Ellis from Backpack Adventures
Sarajevo is Europe’s most multicultural capital and a perfect destination in spring. It is not only the pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds that make spring a great time to visit Sarajevo, but also Sarajevo’s nature that is never far away from the city.
With the blossoming spring flowers, the parks and mountains are at its most beautiful this time of the year. One place where you can see the flowers is Vrelo Bosne. A public park at the outskirts of Sarajevo that is home to the source of the Bosne river and very popular with the locals.
If you have your own transport you can also head up into the mountains for alpine meadows dotted with spring flowers. Otherwise, the new cable car brings you from the city center up to mount Trebevic where there are nice views over Sarajevo.
The great weather in spring is not only great for a range of outdoor activities, but also for exploring the city. Sarajevo might be relatively small, but has something for everyone. If you love history and culture there are a lot of things to do.
Sarajevo’s charming old town allows you to travel back to Ottoman times with some of the oldest mosques in Bosnia. But even the more modern center has its beauty with the pastel-coloured Austro-Hungarian architecture and the ancient bridges over the Miljacka river.
Even those that love good food can have a great time in Sarajevo. Going out for dinner is relatively cheap and the city has a number of excellent restaurants serving delicious Bosnian cuisine. In spring you can already sit outside in the outdoor terraces where you can feel Sarajevo’s unique atmosphere.
Copenhagen, Denmark
By Derek from Everything Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark is a fantastic destination any time of year but in the spring it has a charm that’s hard to find elsewhere in Europe. The temperatures may not put you on a beach, like in the south of Europe, but there’s more than enough to keep you entertained during Copenhagen spring.
The Danish capital comes alive in the springtime! As soon as the days get longer and the skies get a little sunnier, people are out and about everywhere. After the long Scandinavian winter, Copenhagen celebrates spring in a big way. There are festivals every spring weekend like Distortion, the electronic music festival, and the Copenhagen Beer Festival.
Spring in Copenhagen is also a time for getting outside and enjoying the famous street food. In April, Reffen opens. It’s a huge international market place with food stalls, a music venue, and a skateboarding park. It’s right on Copenhagen Harbor so you can enjoy a beautiful sunset and all the food and entertainment.
Another way to enjoy Copenhagen’s waterways is on a boat. Many visitors enjoy guided canal tours, but a more leisurely option is to rent your own boat and create a picnic on the water.
Copenhagen GoBoat is an electric boat rental company and a fantastic way to spend a spring afternoon on the water. You can bring your own food and drinks and be the captain of your own ship.
In the spring, the canals and harbours are full of locals and visitors enjoying private boat rides.
Camino de Santiago, Spain
By Campbell & Alya from Stingy Nomads
Spain is a real paradise for walking enthusiasts it has a wide network of long-distance pilgrimage walking routes called the Camino de Santiago. One of the most popular routes is the Camino Frances it starts in St.Jean Pied de Port a small town in France on the border with Spain and finishes 700km later in Santiago de Compostela.
It’s not compulsory to walk the entire Camino, many people walk just a part of it, depending on how much time they have and how walking fit they are. The route is well-marked all the way, it’s easy to follow, there are plenty of accommodation options, restaurants, and shops along the Camino.
Spring is the best time to walk the Camino de Santiago for several reasons.
First of all the weather, it’s nice and warm but not too hot like it gets in summer when temperatures go up to 35-40C. For this reason, In summer pilgrims have to start walking at 5am to be finished before it gets very hot.
Secondly, there are not too many people, most people come here on the summer holiday when the route gets very busy, hotels are fully booked, sometimes pilgrims have to walk an extra 5-10km to find a place to sleep.
Third, in spring fields along the Camino are covered in flowers, it looks like a colorful carpet of thousands of poppies, daisies, and chamomiles.
Fourth, in spring prices for accommodation are lower than in the peak season which can save quite a bit of money over a couple of weeks. Walking the Camino in spring is a great way to explore Spain, visit some off-the-beaten-path places and enjoy great sunny weather.
Sicily, Italy
By Annabel from Smudged Postcard
Sicily is heaving with history and the best time of year to fully appreciate the rich culture of this incredible island is in spring. Summer sees the temperatures soar making sightseeing less enjoyable.
Highlights of Sicily include well preserved Ancient Greek and Roman ruins, elegant Baroque cities and a constantly smouldering volcano.
At Easter time there is an added reason to visit: many of the cities hold interesting religious processions with locals dressed in traditional robes parading the streets in the days leading up to the Easter weekend.
The weather in spring is mild: Sicily is one of the most southerly destinations in the Mediterranean so it’s the perfect place for the early summer sun. The olive groves are packed with wildflowers and the wheat fields are green.
Although the sea hasn’t had a chance to warm up, it’s still possible to have a dip in the Mediterranean in the spring.
To make the most of the island, it’s best to hire a car and take a Sicily road trip. Accommodation is good value in springtime and the main tourist sites are still relatively quiet. The roads in Sicily are easier to use than those on the mainland although they can be quite slow: giving you more opportunities to stop and sightsee!
Seville, Spain
Amber from Food And Drink Destinations
Although you can search for the best tapas in Seville all year round, there’s something special about visiting Seville in the spring. The largest city in this southern region, Seville is a city with a unique history thanks to the influence of Jewish, Moorish, and Christian settlers.
During the Spring, Seville comes alive with two festivals heavily influenced by its diverse past, Semana Santa and Feria de Abril. Semana Santa or Holy Week is the annual week-long celebration leading up to Easter.
Over a million visitors descend on Seville during Semana Santa to witness the pageantry of devout Catholics carrying religious floats through the streets.
Two weeks after Semana Santa, Seville comes alive again during Feria de Abril (April Fair). Running for one week, Feria de Abril features daily parades, fireworks, dancing, drinking and of course eating. The event dates back over a hundred and fifty years as a humble livestock fair.
Today that humble event has transformed into a one of a kind event were prominent families, trade organizations and political parties host extravagant parties with men and women dressed in elaborate traditional attire.
If you want to avoid the crowds associated with these two events, the Spring is still a great time to visit. Wandering Seville to enjoy its famous sites or enjoy its world-renowned food is more enjoyable in the Spring. The trees are in full bloom and the temperatures are more moderate before the summer heat kicks in.
Provence, France
By Nadine from Le Long Weekend
The South of France shines at any time of the year, but when the winter chills give way to glorious spring days, that’s when the region really puts on a show.
Forget about lavender (which only starts to bloom at the beginning of summer), there are several other flowers that smother the landscape during these magical months.
First, you’ll find fields brimming with bright yellow rapeseed, and almond trees blossoming with delicate white flowers. Later, bucolic fields turn crimson when poppies dominate the scene.
Flowers aside, Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors and tackle some of Provence’s finest walks. From following in Cézanne’s steps to Sainte-Victoire to trekking the calanques, there’s a trail to suit every interest and fitness level.
If you’re visiting with children, they’ll love the Easter Egg hunts and school holiday workshops at abandoned castles, or you can tire them out at the outdoor theme parks that open again after being shut for the winter.
For adults, antique enthusiasts must head to L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue for the bi-annual (it’s also on in August) Art & Antiques Fair. The fair is one of the largest in Europe and showcases over 200 exhibitors.
But even if you can’t make that particular fair, every Sunday the pretty streets of L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue welcome a brocante (market selling antiques and second-hand goodies), so you’re sure not to go home empty-handed!
Paris, France
By Elisa from World in Paris
There is never a bad time to be in Paris but the French capital is definitely a great place to visit during the spring. After a cold and grey winter, the days start to get longer, parks and gardens are covered by flowers in full bloom and people take the streets and café-terraces again.
From picnics on the park to strolls along the canal or late aperos with friends, there’s always an excuse to be outdoors during spring in Paris.
Spring is also a great time to visit for tourists: the museums are buzzing with new exhibitions and they don’t see the crowds that come with the summer holidays.
With the warm and sunny days and fresh air, spring is the perfect time to jump on a train to explore small towns or perhaps a château around on a day trip from Paris.
In May and June Paris is truly a moveable feast, with many interesting events like the Night of Museums – when various art centers and galleries across the city open their doors until late at night, and free of charge – or the first music festivals of the year such as the Jazz Festival at Saint Germain-des-Prés, or the Villette Sonique.
All this and more last until June 21st when La Fête de la Musique, the coolest music festival in Paris, celebrates the beginning of summer.
York, England
By Sinead from Map Made Memories
The historic city of York in the north of England is a perfect destination to visit in Spring. The compact city is easily navigated on foot so warmer days with longer daylight hours are ideal for sightseeing.
On a sunny Springtime day, climb the central tower of York’s iconic 12th-century Gothic cathedral, York Minster, for a fantastic birds-eye view of the city.
Alternatively, climb the steep stone steps of Clifford’s Tower, city centre remains of a Norman era keep. Walking the perimeter of the open tower provides a 360-degree view of York.
In Spring, the steep grassy slopes of Clifford’s Tower are adorned with daffodils which are a big draw for locals and tourists alike.
Wander amongst the Spring flowers of the city’s parks; in the pretty Museum Gardens where you can visit the 15th-century Hospitium, the medieval ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey as well as the Multiangular Tower which are the remains of a Roman legion fort.
No springtime visit to York would be complete without walking York’s historic walls. The two-mile-long stone walls are the most complete city walls in England and offer stunning views of the historic city. The Springtime slopes of the elevated walls are a photographers dream when they are covered in a sea of daffodils and pink cherry blossoms.
Coincide your visit to York with one of York’s many festivals. The annual raucous Viking festival in early Spring sees Vikings from all over the world gather together to parade through the city and hold demonstrations in Viking crafts and lifestyle.
Bucharest, Romania
By Corina from Another Milestone
Bucharest is a good idea for a city-break in spring. Although it is probably not the first destination that comes to mind, the capital of Romania will charm you if you just give it a chance!
During spring, the weather is perfect for long walks in the park, visiting the main attractions in town (the village museum is lovely when nature turns green again!) or for exploring the city center.
Start your visit to Bucharest with the Parliament Palace, the second-largest building in the world, and you cannot miss the Romanian Athenaeum or the Triumph Arch. When you need a break, stop and enjoy a cup of coffee in the sun at one of the many cafes Bucharest is known for.
And to really feel the spring in Bucharest, go in Herastrau park and discover the Japanese garden there – it is amazing during cherry blossom season!
If you visit Bucharest during Easter, you can experience some of the Romanian traditions. The most important one is the colourful painted eggs that you can even buy as a souvenir to take back home. And if you have extra time, then you can also venture outside of Bucharest and go to Sibiu, a lovely town in Transylvania.
Split, Croatia
By Jenny from Tales From The Lens
Split is a small town found in the south of Croatia, washed up by the clear blue waters of the Adriatic sea. Spring is one of the best moments to visit the town as the accommodation prices are still low, the summer crowd still in work, and the temperatures are starting to rise up but the air is not stifling hot just yet.
The town has a lot to offer too, and each generation will find an affordable activity to enjoy; whether you are interested in architecture, history, sunbathing, or outdoor activities.
In fact, you can easily find cheap or free things to do in Split that will blow your mind; such as roaming the streets of the 4th century Diocletian’s Palace, an open-air and free of access Unesco World Heritage site, hiking in the shade of the olive trees of the Marjan Park, heading on a sailing trip to the gorgeous islands of Hvar and Brac, visiting the Roman ruins of Salona, or simply taking it easy at the beach and getting your first tan of the year!
If you plan on spending more than a weekend away, you can easily base yourself in the town to then take day trips to the beautiful villages of Trogir and Omis, Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina or even get your Game of Thrones addiction to the next level by visiting all the places the series was filmed in the area such as the Kliss Fortress!
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
By Karen from Wanderlustingk
One of the highlights of spring in Europe has to the Netherlands, specifically the bulb region surrounding Amsterdam. Amsterdam itself doesn’t have any tulip fields, however, in spring, the city always decorates its various bridges with fresh flowers. (It’s finally warm enough in April to enjoy a canal cruise through Amsterdam’s scenic canals.)
In general, this is the most interesting time to come to Amsterdam as many Dutch holidays are in April, including King’s Day. This holiday is when the whole of the Netherlands celebrates the birthday of the Dutch King with open parties in the streets, live music, and flea markets.
It’s a blast to watch everyone decked out in orange! If that isn’t your thing, you can always enjoy Amsterdam’s world-class museums, including the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House. It’s best to reserve your tickets beforehand as April is a busy time.
One of the other highlights has to be the tulip fields outside of Amsterdam! Keukenhof is the most famous garden in the Netherlands, however, the whole region surrounding it (as well as the North of Holland) has fields that explode into vibrant colours in April.
Many people will go for a cycle past the fields although you can also visit tulip farms if you plan ahead. There are a few tulip farms where you can reserve a place to enjoy a scenic walk through the fields as well as take photos.
So where are you heading this spring?
Sonja x
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