If you’re looking for a new place to visit this upcoming spring, here are the best spring destinations in Europe. Find your perfect place to visit to enjoy the new season!
Spring is a great time to get out and explore the world – places are warming up, flowers are starting to bloom, and it’s often considered a ‘shoulder’ season for most touristy destinations, especially in Europe. This means you will typically find cheaper accommodations and fewer tourists which leads to a trip where you have more time and money to explore (win-win!) These are the best destinations for visiting Europe in the spring – whether you want a city break or prefer to spend time in nature. You’ll find somewhere to love on this list.
Without further delay, here are the best places to visit in Europe in spring!
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Europe in spring, then make sure to plan a springtime Amsterdam city break. In the spring Amsterdam comes alive with outdoor markets, boat rides along the canals, and the blooming of the world-famous tulip fields.
The Tulip Festival, which runs through the month of April, is one of the many reasons to visit Amsterdam in spring. Tulips throughout the city are in bloom, but the displays in Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest green space, are particularly grand.
April in Amsterdam also hosts King’s Day, a national holiday celebrating the king’s birthday. It’s one big excuse for a party, and Amsterdammers, clad in orange, take to the streets and canals to drink, dance, and eat. King’s Day is a massive, city-wide party, and a great reason to visit Amsterdam in the spring.
Aside from these incredible spring events, Amsterdam is a European cultural center with many great museums, parks, and restaurants. The Rijksmuseum houses the best collection of Dutch art in the world, including many Hals, Rembrandt, and Vermeer paintings. The Van Gogh Museum explores the life and artwork of Vincent Van Gogh, and the Anne Frank Museum is a heart-wrenching walk through the small annex where Anne and her family hid for two years to avoid Nazi persecution. In addition to museums, other wonderful things to do in Amsterdam include touring the city center by bike, taking a canal boat tour, and exploring the many outdoor markets such as Noordermarkt and Albert Cuypmarkt.
Bavaria, Germany
A great spring destination to relax is staying in a castle in Bavaria, Germany. Burg Rabenstein is a cozy, boutique castle-turned-hotel and it’s the ideal spot for those looking to relax while being treated like royaly. Located within the Franconian Switzerland-Veldenstein Forest Nature Park in North Bavaria, this remote castle boasts spanning views of the valley below. With 22 stunning guest rooms, Burg Rabenstein offers an authentic castle experience. While it doesn’t have a drawbridge or a moat, it does have a falconry with over 80 species of birds of prey. Their outdoor bar offers views of the birds and the castle, making it a great place to sit and enjoy a drink in the warmer spring and summer months.
This former high medieval aristocratic castle was originally built in the 12th century. It was rebuilt in 1489 after being destroyed, but they have kept the castle as authentic as possible. Upon check-in, you are handed an ornate skeleton key for your room. There are no elevators, TVs or minibars. This is a place to disconnect, rest and relax. To encourage the guests to mingle, they offer complimentary wine in the lounge before dinner.
Burg Rabenstein is located in a very remote area so guests dine at their on-site restaurant where they offer both dinner and breakfast at timed seatings. You are on their schedule when it comes to meals, but they do an excellent job. After dinner, they even escort the guests outside for an evening fire show. If you are looking for a relaxing castle stay in the quaint area of Northern Bavaria, Burg Rabenstein will treat you like royalty. There is no need to leave the castle until check-out so sit back, relax and enjoy being pampered.
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade – the capital of Serbia is the perfect place to visit in spring. The temperatures are pleasant, unlike the hot summer months, and there is a really vibrant atmosphere in the air as the city starts to come to life again after the bitterly cold winter months.
Springtime is also a great time to visit Belgrade as there aren’t many tourists so you can really enjoy the city without the crowds. Plus there are several festivals that happen in spring, such as the FEST International Film Festival. Spring is also when Easter falls, and Easter is very important in Serbia. (Note that the Serbian Orthodox Church celebrates Easter one week after Catholics celebrate Easter if you want to time your trip with Easter!). You’ll see lots of beautifully painted eggs in Belgrade during Easter – it’s a lovely time to be in the city.
Even if you only have 24 hours in Belgrade there are plenty things to do – from visiting the stunning Old Palace and New Palace (Stari Dvor and Novi Dvor), Republic Square and the impressive St Sava Cathedral – the Balkan’s largest Orthodox Cathedral.
Knez Milailova is Belgrade’s main pedestrianized street. It runs through the heart of the old town (“Stari Grad”) and there are many restaurants and coffee shops where you can go for lunch.
For sunset head to the historic Belgrade Fortress – the symbol of Belgrade. The Fortress is over 2000 years old and is an absolute must-see on your visit to Belgrade. In the evening be sure to check out Belgrade’s bohemian neighbourhood ‘Skadarlija’ for dinner and drinks, it has a lovely atmosphere. Or if you want to see how the Serbs party, head to the splavovi (permanently moored boats that are floating bars and nightclubs) to experience Belgrade’s wild nightlife!
Bled, Slovenia
Bled is a small fairy tale city located in Slovenia. Spring is a great time to visit Bled because the best attraction in town is the lake and the views, and spring is the season when you get to see the landscape coming back to life after the cold months. Bled has a special beauty when the flowers are blossoming.
Even though Bled is one of the most popular destinations in Slovenia all year round, during the spring, you get to experience the city without the massive tourist crowds that come during the summer. That is not to say Bled will be completely empty, but compared to the high season, it is many times more pleasant.
The best things to do in Bled to enjoy the good weather are:
- Take a walk around the lake. There is a walking path that makes a complete loop around Lake Bled. It is only 6 km long and accessible to anyone.
- Visit the Bled Castle, located by the lake. The entrance costs € 10 per person.
- Rent a rowing boat or a paddleboard for a good time at the lake. You can paddle until the island that is in the middle of Lake Bled or go around it.
To finalise your trip, make sure to eat the traditional dessert from Bled called Kremšnita, which is a custard and cream cake.
Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is a great place in Europe to visit in Spring. Aside from the city’s most famous attractions, like the Art Deco buildings at La Grand Place, the Atomium, and the quirky statue of “Manneke Pis”, the spring season offers a plethora of activities and sights in Brussels that will surely please many kinds of travelers.
Cultural events are abundant in Brussels in Spring. While there are too many to mention all here, the following festivals are the ones you shouldn’t miss! Les Nuits Botanique is an amazing multi-day music festival that is held at the end of April and the beginning of May. it’s an alternative music festival where you can discover new artists in about every genre of music. Another great festival is Brussels Jazz Weekend, which is held at the end of May. It’s a three-day festival that offers more than 200 concerts at a variety of locations scattered across the city.
Other cultural events to look out for are Art Brussels, one of the largest art fares in Europe, and Kunstenfestivaldesarts, a three-week Art Festival held in about 30 locations in and around Brussels in April.
One of the most beautiful natural sights in Belgium is only a 15-minute drive from Brussels and can only be seen in the month of April. At the Hallerbos, you will find thousands of blooming bluebells that turn this enchanting forest into a purple wonderland.If you are getting hungry from all the exploration, try some traditional Belgian cuisine at La fin de Siècle or dine out at one of the wonderful vegan restaurants in Brussels if you’re a plant-based foodie. The best place to spend the night in Brussels is Jardin Secret. The rooms are wonderful and they offer a year-round heated pool at which you can relax after a lovely day of sightseeing!
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is easily one of the best spring destinations in Europe – especially in March! Dublin comes alive at the beginning of March because of St. Patrick’s Day. If you have the ability to visit Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day, it’s a celebration that you’ll remember forever. The Irish pride, fun decorations, historical parade, and variety of activities that take place from March 5th through the 19th will make any traveler fall in love with Ireland.
In April you’ll find the MusicTown festival with performances all over the city. The event lasts ten days, so you’ll be sure to find a new artist to love. There’s nothing quite like enjoying live music in a Dublin pub.
If you’re visiting later in spring, you’ll be glad to know the weather is mild and starting to warm up (and fingers crossed, less rain). Dublin is very pedestrian-friendly. Walking along the River Liffey brings you to make historical and famous sites. Walk across the ha’penny bridge to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and enjoy the beautiful architecture of the city. You can also get out and enjoy the beautiful Irish countryside in Glendalough – a short bus ride from Dublin.
No matter what you decide to do in Dublin, I think you’ll agree that it’s one of the best spring destinations in Europe!
Dubrovnik, Croatia
While Dubrovnik, Croatia is a beautiful destination year-round, spring is easily one of the best times to visit. Unlike the tourist-choked summer season, spring in Dubrovnik offers a more peaceful experience where you can enjoy the city’s most popular attractions without crowds. In addition, temperatures are still mild and pleasant, averaging in the 60s and 70s. This is also the time of year when beautiful flowers start blossoming throughout the city. Plus, given that many restaurants close for winter, spring is the perfect time to experience the fresh start of a new season.
During springtime, you can’t miss the chance to experience the Dubrovnik Walls walk. This popular activity is normally overrun by tourists come summer, so the early months are an ideal time to take in some of the city’s best views before the crowds take hold. This paid experience takes about two hours to complete and offers an awesome vantage point over Dubrovnik’s most beautiful sites, including Stradun, Fort Lovrijenac, and the Old Port.
In addition, you cannot miss the cable car ride up to Mount Srd for a fabulous spring sunset. From here, you’ll enjoy an unrivaled perspective over Dubrovnik Old Town and the surrounding sea. Another wonderful activity to enjoy as the weather warms up is dining at Stara Loza, a lovely rooftop restaurant with fantastic cuisine to match. Be sure to reserve a table to secure your spot; sunset is ideal for the best view.
If your schedule allows, you may also wish to take a fun day trip to Cavtat. This idyllic seaside town is under 30 minutes from Dubrovnik by car and is the perfect place to welcome spring. Here, you can enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the village’s charming outdoor cafes and admire the beautiful blooms around town.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The capital city of Edinburgh is a breathtaking destination any time of the year, but spring is extra special. The sun is up for the same amount of time as in the summer with more mild temperatures.
Springtime in Edinburgh is colorful with the flowers budding all over the city. Make a visit to the gorgeous Royal Botanic Gardens or stroll through the cherry blossom-lined Meadows!
Edinburgh’s festivals are world-famous and spring is a perfect time to indulge. The Edinburgh International Science Festival, the Scottish Vegan Festival, and the Fly Open Air Festival are just a few of spring festivals. The TradFest Dùn Èideann lets you enjoy 12 days of non-stop traditional arts.
Be sure to walk down the Royal Mile and see the sights from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyroodhouse. The breathtaking architecture, historical sites, and hidden gems. Climb up Arthur’s Seat for an aerial view of the city!
Edinburgh is also a great home base for exploring the rest of Scotland so don’t be afraid to get out of the city!
Istanbul, Turkey
The city that sits on two continents, Europe and Asia, is a fantastic place to visit during the spring. After the dark, wet and cold winter, Istanbul starts to warm up again in late March and early April. For those that have never visited the city or have spent a brief amount of time here, there are countless things to do and so much history to learn about.
Most of the historical museums are located on the European side. Definitely check out Topkapi Palace and Dolmabahçe Palace. These two palaces are where the Ottoman Sultans lived and controlled their territories. Within the palace museums, there are collections of jewelry, weapons, ceramics, clothing, and Islamic religious artifacts.
When visiting Istanbul in the spring, don’t miss out on the Tulip Festival. Normally, most people think of Holland to see millions of tulips in bloom, but actually, tulips originated from Kazakhstan which was a territory of the Ottoman Empire. The tulip was brought to Constantinople, which is now Istanbul, because of its beauty and they wanted to impress the Sultan with their discovery. The shape of the tulip has since been part of Turkish culture with the simple çay glasses that are used to served tea.
The Istanbul Tulip Festival typically starts in April depending on the weather. There are about 30 million tulips planted each year. The main location of the festival is Emirgan Park, but tulips are also planted in the square between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and in Göztepe Park on the Asian side.
The entrance to see the tulips is free. It gets very crowded on the weekends so I suggest going during the weekday if you want to get some nice pictures. Emirgan Park also overlooks the Bosphorus so you will get great views of the city as well.
Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Spring is a great time to visit Lauterbrunnen because as Winter dissipates, the valley begins to fill up with flowers and greenery. Not only does Lauterbrunnen become more colourful, it’s also a pleasant time to visit the village due to the lower crowds. In summertime, the area fills up with visitors; but in spring you’ll have a lot more space to yourself.
There are several things to do in Lauterbrunnen; most revolving around the valley’s natural attractions. There’s Staubbach Falls, which you’ll likely see first after you get off the train. The waterfall is probably the town’s most famous, hovering behind some of the chalets.
A little further away is Trummelbach Falls, a waterfall within a cave. It’s approximately 30 minutes from town and while cold inside the cave, there is a well-maintained walkway to take you through its levels. It is cold inside the cave so make sure you take a jacket. You can get here on foot or by bus.
Beyond that, there are a few adventurous activities you can do in Lauterbrunnen. Although it’s a touch chillier in Spring than in peak season, you can still go paragliding or hang gliding over the valley.
Once you get tired of exploring Lauterbrunnen’s natural beauty, you can spend some time walking through the village. Lauterbrunnen village is full of beautiful wooden houses and stores, with plenty of traditional Swiss items to purchase.
As you can see, Spring is a great time to visit Lauterbrunnen due to being able to participate in all the activities of summer, with significantly less crowds. The crisp air encourages exploring and the flowers make for prettier pictures. Spring in Lauterbrunnen is a must-see.
Lisbon, Portugal
Spring is an amazing time to visit Portugal. So nice, you may decide to move to Portugal! Visiting Portugal in Spring is a great way to avoid the crowds of the high season and the heat of Summer while still enjoying beautiful weather and plenty of sunshine. Spring in Portugal tends to be a bit less wet as well in comparison to Autumn in Portugal. In addition, if you arrive near Easter, most town squares will be hosting Easter markets and festivities, which are great activities for families.
Visiting the capital city of Lisbon is the best way to experience Portugal for the first time. Quite a cosmopolitan city but rife with history and culture, Lisbon has so much to offer. Delicious food, winding cobblestone streets, riverfront views, and welcoming locals make Lisbon a wonderful place to experience the magic of Portugal.
The best way to see Lisbon is on foot, wandering through the windy alleys and along the riverfront. One thing to note: the city is extremely hilly and the cobblestones are slick even when dry, so make sure to bring good walking shoes with durable tread. Other good options for seeing the city include a fun tuk-tuk tour or riding the tourist 28 tram.
Castelo de São Jorge (St. George’s Castle) is a main attraction of the city. Sitting atop the highest hill in the Alfama neighborhood, it is visible throughout the city and is definitely worth a visit. Praça do Comércio, the street art of the Graça neighborhood, the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Belém, and the Oceanário are also worth seeing around town.
Eat fresh seafood, drink vinho verde, and don’t miss the Portuguese bakeries that serve up a variety of local specialties. The savory treats are great, but make sure you also try the most famous Portuguese sweet, the pastel de nata, a delicious egg tart sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar.
London, England
London is one of the best places to visit in Europe in Spring as the weather is starting to warm up and the flowers are blooming. Throw in the reduced crowd levels, cheaper flights, and affordable attraction tickets, and visiting the English capital is a total no-brainer!
If you’re visiting London for the culture, you’ll want to start your visit around the West End. Not only is Fortnum and Mason the perfect place for fueling yourself with a traditional afternoon tea, but it’s home to London’s glittering West End theatres.
Whether you want to experience London’s greatest love story by watching The Phantom of the Opera or you’d prefer to catch a comedy like The Play That Goes Wrong, you’re almost guaranteed to pick up discounted tickets during the springtime. And if you don’t have much luck at the Box Office, TodayTix is
a fabulous option for picking up super-cheap rush seats!
When you’ve had your fill of the bustling West End and the flower arrangements around Covent Garden, why not head down to one of London’s many stunning parks? As the frost of winter will have started to melt away, everywhere from Kew Gardens to Hyde Park will be overloaded with blooms like bluebells and daffodils.
If you’re looking for the ultimate Instagram snap, why not stroll along to Tower Bridge during the afternoon for a stunning snapshot of London’s iconic architecture? Whatever you choose to do here, visiting London during the spring will get you the best of both worlds – glorious weather and affordable travel! Talk about a win-win.
Lugano, Switzerland
One of the best places to visit in Europe in Spring is the beautiful city of Lugano in southern Switzerland.
Lugano and its sights are worth a trip at any time, all year. But due to the mild and Mediterranean climate, in spring the city and its picturesque surroundings are especially beautiful. The sun-drenched city sits directly on beautiful Lake Lugano, surrounded by the Alps that drop dramatically into the lake, not far from the Italian border.
In spring, a colorful array of blossoms stretches across the hills that drop into the water. In the background of the small, charming villages around the lake’s shore, the peaks are still covered in snow.
Enjoy the already warm rays of sunshine with a café on the city’s long lakeside promenade, or take a boat trip to admire Lugano from the water. The old town offers many beautiful alleys and historic buildings to discover during a walk.
The highlight of a visit to Lugano is the city view from above. Accessible by hiking or by funicular from the center are the two local mountains Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore. Both offer beautiful panoramic views of Lugano and the blooming spring flowers.
For those who want to escape the dark season early and need a bit of dolce vita outside of Italy, Lugano is one of the best places to visit in Europe in Spring.
Luxembourg, Luxembourg
If you are looking for a weekend break in a European city with warm weather in Spring, then Luxembourg is a great option! The city is quite small and you can walk to most of the main activities. When you wander around the cobbled streets in the city centre it feels like a fairy tale, especially in the spring sunshine. The public transport (buses, trams etc.) is completely free and reliable too. The weather in April and May is usually around 17-24 degrees celsius and in Les Rives de Clausen you can enjoy a drink outside in one of the many restaurants and bars with outdoor terraces.
Some places to visit and see are Place d’Armes, Casemates and Grand Ducal Palace. A must-do is also to explore The Grund which is the oldest neighbourhood located in the valley below the centre. There is also a Panoramic Elevator that you can ride for free from the bottom of The Grund to the top of the city. You will get incredible views from here. There are many museums and art galleries such as Galerie d’Art Contemporain Am Tunnel to visit with reasonable entrance ticket prices. The people in Luxembourg are very friendly and welcoming which is another reason to book a trip to this beautiful city.
Lyndhurst, England
As the days get longer and warmer, nature awakens from its slumber and the New Forest National Park starts to burst into life. Known as the capital of the New Forest, the lovely village of Lyndhurst is the perfect place to experience Spring blooming all around you. In April and May, Bluebells carpet the forest floor in shimmering blue, signaling that the new season has arrived. Visit nearby Pondhead Inclosure to enjoy a famous bluebell wood, or wander through the spectacular rhododendrons and azaleas at Exbury Gardens as they display a riot of colour.
The New Forest’s most famous residents, the semi-wild New Forest ponies, welcome some precious new arrivals in the Spring. All across the forest, you can glimpse their adorable foals frolicking in the sun on their slightly unsteady legs, under the watchful gaze of their protective mothers. There are ancient laws here that allow local people to graze livestock in the open forest, so you’re likely to encounter calves and baby donkeys too. Wildlife is also abundant, so quiet and keen observers might be lucky enough to spot fawns, bunnies and fox cubs inquisitively exploring their forest home.
From Lyndhurst, hire a bicycle or just head out on foot and within a few minutes, you’ll be surrounded by either lush woodland or the open heathland that characterizes the National Park. Head out before sunrise to experience the dawn chorus, the uplifting song of thousands of birds welcoming each new day.
Malaga, Spain
Malaga, located in the south of Spain, is an all-year-round destination, but it is one of the best cities to visit in spring at the same time.
The pleasantly warm temperatures and sunny weather make it perfect for exploring – whether you love visiting historic buildings, chilling on the beach or going on a hike.
One of the main events you don’t want to miss in spring is Semana Santa (Holy Week) which takes place the week before Easter. During the next seven days, you will see religious parades and events in the city centre.
Apart from this important event, there are fantastic activities in Malaga that you can do anytime. For example, visiting Alcazaba de Malaga, an 11th-century fortress palace built during the Muslim period in Southern Spain. Wander around its jasmine-scented gardens, walk on the walls to contemplate stunning views of Malaga and its port, and admire the Moorish architecture.
Other attractions to add to your list include Malaga Cathedral, Gibralfaro Castle and viewpoint, and Picasso Museum. Whilst you can visit Malaga in a day or two, it is worth staying longer to visit the beautiful towns near Malaga. Many of these towns have something unique to offer – from unique monuments and picturesque streets to golden sand beaches.
Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca, one of the most popular Mediterranean islands, is a wonderful destination for late spring. With fewer tourists and pleasant weather – warm enough to go to the beach but not too hot and humid – it’s an ideal place and time to enjoy a beautiful coastline, scenic mountainous views, and charming historic towns.
It’s easy to plan a Mallorca itinerary without a car as some areas are easily reachable by bus, though it’s better to rent a car if you want to explore the island in its entirety.
Spend a couple of days in the capital, Palma de Mallorca, going up to see the Bellver Castle, walking along the port, strolling through the narrow streets of the lovely old town, marveling at the Gothic-style Palma Cathedral, and photographing some beautiful Art-Nouveau buildings.
Next, explore the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana mountain range and its picturesque towns, such as Valldemossa and Deia, walk on the walls of the city of Alcudia, and travel to the Formentor peninsula for gorgeous views of Formentor Beach and Es Colomer viewpoint.
Other notable places on the island include the Drach Caves, Caló del Moro, Cala Mesquida, and many others.
If you’re visiting in April, you can also attend the island’s Easter festivals and processions, and at the beginning of May, the Es Firo celebration takes place in Sóller and Port de Sóller, commemorating the locals’ resistance against a Moorish invasion that happened in 1561 by reenacting the battle.
Nice, France
Nice’s Mediterranean climate makes it a wonderful place to visit any time of the year. But in Spring, you’ll get better hotel deals, have less crowds, and it will be easier to make reservations at the best restaurants in Nice.
The cuisine in Nice blends French, Italian, and Mediterranean flavors. In fact, Nice has it’s own specialty foods. Cuisine Nissarde includes dishes like pissaladière (Nice pizza), socca (chickpea pancake), pan bagnat (a huge tuna sandwich), and of course, the two most famous, ratatouille and Niçoise salad.
One of the other benefits of traveling to Nice in the spring—is the flowers! Nice has lovely gardens and the Cours Saleya Market in the Old Town is one of the biggest and most beautiful flower markets in all of Europe. Catch the market in the morning to stroll through a sea of vibrant colors. Then meander the alleyways to the main squares: Place Garibaldi, Place Rosetti, and Place Massena with its famous Neptune statue.
Pag Island, Croatia
One of the Best Places to visit in Europe in spring is Pag Island, Zadar. The weather is perfect. During the days you can expect temperatures to stay around 60°F(17°C) with plenty of sunshine. Another reason Pag Island is the perfect destination in spring is that you can enjoy the many beaches without the crowds. There are plenty of different beach spots to pick from.
Depending on when you are visiting in spring you can catch one of the many festivals in Novalja. There are huge festivals starting in late Spring on Zcre Beach. Most of the festivals here are EDM style. If you wanted a quieter vibe you could always head into the towns of Pag or Novalja. Here you will find local markets, concerts, restaurants, and bars. If you head into the square of Novalja Bistro Stari Kastel has an amazing view of the sunset and an extensive menu. After that head over to The Loza, for a fresh cocktail or after-dinner coffee.
Another amazing thing about Pag Island in Croatia is that it is often referred to as Moon Island. This is because they have a uni que terrain that looks like you are on the moon. You can even walk the famous Life on Mars Trail. This hiking route will take you along a rugged landscape with two beautiful beaches to stop at along the way. There is also a rock ready to climb once you reach the end of the trail. You have to bring your own equipment and be extra careful because there is no supervision.
The beautiful beaches of Pag Island make it one of the best spring destinations in Europe.
Paris, France
Spring is one of the best times of the year to visit Paris. The flowers are beginning to bloom, trees are covered in blossoms, and the city has an electric energy. You won’t have the city to yourself, but you’ll beat many of the trademark crowds who flock to Paris each summer.
Paris is a beautiful city, brimming with stunning architecture, incredible food, and world class museums. Visitors from around the world are drawn to the romance, intrigue, and seemingly effortless style you’ll find throughout Paris. Traipse, shop, and sip your way through your time in Paris; just so at a slow enough pace that you’re able to take it all in.
You can spend a weekend in Paris or a full week, there are seemingly endless things to do. Be sure to visit Breizh Cafe for a savory galette crepe, a fresh green salad, and a glass of cider. Don’t leave Breizh without trying a butter and sugar crepe – a simple yet perfect end to your meal.
On a clear day, wander through one of Paris’ many parks like the Jardin des Tuileries or the Jardin du Luxembourg. You can lounge on the metal chairs throughout the grounds and even enjoy a picnic if the mood strikes. Stroll past one of the many bakeries, known as boulangeries locally, and pick up a pastry to enjoy when you find a particularly nice view.
Rent a Velib bike for a day and cycle along the River Seine, stopping every now and again to admire the view. Buy a bottle of wine, a baguette, and some cheese for an easy afternoon of lounging on Pont Neuf. Then, make your way all the way back down the river to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle after sunset.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, the northernmost capital in the world, is a city bustling with color and life. In the spring, the entire country of Iceland warms up and dazzles in bright blues and greens. It’s the perfect time to get out and explore the stunning natural landmarks of Iceland.
There are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik and the surrounding areas. The city is walkable making it easy to explore on a warm day. The iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church stands tall at one end of the city with the mountains looming over the waterfront at the other end. In the spring you can get out on the water to go whale or puffin watching!
In the spring the roads are clear of snow and ice, so be sure to get out and explore the Golden Circle. There are plenty of beautiful waterfalls in Iceland to explore including the famous Skogafoss waterfall (pictured below).
No matter what you decide to do in Iceland, you’ll be glad you visited Reykjavik in the spring!
Santorini, Greece
Spring is shoulder season in Santorini, making it one of the less populous and more economical times of year to visit this popular Greek island. While the water will be too cold to go swimming in the seas, the weather in Santorini during spring is perfect for other sightseeing, as temperatures range between 60-70 degrees throughout the spring months.
You can easily spend 5 days in Santorini, even in the spring. It’ll be an ideal temperature for walking the perimeter of the caldera along the trail between Fira and Oia, the two most popular towns on the island. If you’re coming from Fira, make sure to take a short lunch break near the bus stop at Oia where you’ll find small shops serving souvlaki wraps.
You’ll also want to spend some time in Oia, wandering the side streets and alleys where you’ll find endless views of the iconic Santorini blue domes. Then, walk down to Ammoudi Bay and stop for seafood at any of the waterfront restaurants.
Of course, no trip to Santorini is complete without catching a gorgeous view of the sunset. Witness one of the world’s most beautiful sunsets while sitting near the steps of Oia Castle, sailing on a catamaran, or lounging on your hotel balcony.
Snowdonia, Wales
Snowdonia in Wales is one of the most beautiful places in Europe in springtime. The landscape comes to life with wildflowers blooming and lambs frolicking in the fields. And there is no better place to see all of this than Snowdonia National Park.
Snowdonia National Park is a great place to explore on foot, with plenty of hiking trails to suit all abilities. With endless lakes, castles and rustic towns to explore, this is the perfect destination for all. And when you need a break from all that fresh air, there are plenty of cosy pubs and cafes serving traditional Welsh specialities for you to visit.
No matter what time you plan your visit to Snowdonia during the spring, you will have the most magical time. But if you want a true taste of Wales, visit on March 1st. This is the Welsh national holiday where they celebrate St David, the patron saint of Wales. You will find daffodils, welsh cakes and traditional songs and costumes all throughout the day.
Best of all, Snowdonia is a great place to visit on all budgets, especially during the Spring. Prices are cheaper than in the summer season, and you’ll avoid the crowds too. But no matter your budget and needs, you will find the most amazing places to stay in Snowdonia during your trip.
So if you’re looking for a breathtaking getaway in Europe during the Spring Months, Snowdonia should definitely be at the top of your list!
Venice, Italy
One of the best places to visit in Europe in spring is the idyllic city of Venice. The floating city is one of the top places to visit in Italy, so visiting during a shoulder season means that there will be fewer tourists and more time to explore.
While the spring is a bit of a slower time for Venice, in between Carnevale in February and the summer tourist months it’s a great time to explore all the museums and attractions! If you celebrate Easter, the Holy Thursday service at St. Mark’s Basilica is an especially moving event. On Easter Monday, Via Alvise Pisani comes alive with street vendors, musicians, and street performers to celebrate.
On April 25th, the Festa di San Marco, the feast day of the patron saint of Venice. It’s a tradition that men give their partner a long-stemmed rose. Another event not to miss is the Vogalonga. Held on the first Sunday after the Ascension at 9:00 am about 1500 boats are in the lagoon and canals of the city. There are no water taxis during this event. You can even join in if you have a kayak!
The NH Venezia Rio Hotel is a great place to stay in central Venice that makes it easy to explore the area!
Vienna, Austria
Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is one of my favorite places to visit during springtime in Europe. The beautiful historic city with its baroque buildings and many stunning castles is a great place to explore all year round. Year after year Vienna is being voted one of the most beautiful and safe places for tourists in the world. During springtime, however, you can see cherry blossom trees throughout the city and explore the magnificent Schönbrunn gardens right next to Schönbrunn
castle.
The Inner city of Vienna is home to many stunning historical buildings worth checking out, such as the Natural History Museum, the Hofburg, the Spanish Riding School, and the Belvedere castle. Many great monuments have been transformed into museums, dedicated to remembering the times of empress Sissy and emperor Franz. Make sure to also visit the Vienna Prater. This used to be part of the empress’s courtyard and is now an amusement park with an impressive Ferris wheel. One of these impressive museums is Schönbrunn Palace. During the times of empress Maria Theresia, Schönbrunn was used as a summer residence, and many fabulous parties were thrown there.
Nowadays it is a UNESCO world heritage site and a museum dedicated to the late empress Sissy. Behind the castle, there is an impressive show garden with a maze and a zoo. Especially in spring the garden is in full bloom and looks extra special.
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Time to go to Europe!
I’ve only been to 6 of these 25 best destinations in Europe. But quite a few are on my list! Thanks for the inspiration!
This is a very comprehensive list and I want to visit each and every one of these beautiful destinations. Thank you for the travel inspiration!