Spring is one of the best times of year to visit Europe. With warm days, flowers in bloom, and lots of fun activities going on, visiting Europe during spring is a traveler’s dream. Plus, you can enjoy a more relaxed and enjoyable trip thanks to there being fewer crowds than during peak summer travel months. If you’re ready to make this dream a reality, it’s time to plan what cities to visit.
Even if you run into snags with travel, such as more than a 3 hour flight delay, all the beauty these European cities provide will make it worth your while. Plus, getting flight delay compensation can ease your woes.
If you’re ready to plan your springtime Europe itinerary, let’s dive in!
One word: tulips. From early or mid-April until early May, tulip fields throughout the Netherlands will be in bloom, and it is truly a sight to behold. Bright colors, fresh scents, and happiness are all in large, breathtaking supply. The Keukenhof Gardens are one of the most popular places to see tulip displays.
Whether you stay in Amsterdam and visit the many flower shops or make an excursion to some of the more rural areas just outside the city, there is truly never a better time to visit Amsterdam than spring. Be sure to make time to stroll around the city’s lovely canals.
Getting a bike is also a must-do in Amsterdam, as this is by far the most popular mode of transportation. With warmer weather when you might not even need a coat, renting a bicycle and exploring this way is one of the absolute best things to do in all of Europe during spring.
Cafe culture is one of the defining features of this world class European city. If you’re visiting Europe, sitting outside at a lovely cafe in Paris is a must. People watching, delicious coffee and food, and great conversation with your companions (or just a good book) can easily eat up an afternoon—in the best way possible.
Paris has beautiful outdoor gardens, and you can expect to enjoy gorgeous cherry blossoms and magnolias, among other flowers. Visit the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Jardin des Tuileries, and the Jardin des Plantes. For even more of a flower fix, think about taking a day trip to see the magnificent gardens at Versailles.
With warmer temperatures, the city comes alive and people are happy to spend time outdoors in the sunshine at the endless supply of lovely cafes this city offers. There will be fewer tourists, too. Don’t miss it.
The winding, circuitous cobblestone streets of Rome are world famous. It can be easy to get lost roaming in this ancient city and, in spring, getting lost can be a fun adventure. (In the cold of winter or beating heat of summer, not so much.)
Many people think spring is the very best time of year to visit Rome. You’ll experience blooming wisteria flowers across the city. For an extra special sensory experience, head to the Vatican Gardens to see many kinds of blooming flowers, and an especially tranquil scene.
A guided walking tour of some of the city’s famous statues and architecture is another thing visitors to Rome love to do. With the springtime sunshine and fresh air, you’ll be happy to spend the day outside. Plus, you’ll miss the busy crowds of summer and have more time to spend yourself exploring the famous landmarks in peace. Enjoy a picnic beside a lovely fountain and soak up the scene.
Known for its incredible nightlife, Barcelona is easily one of the best European cities to visit during spring. Enjoy tapas, flamenco dancing, and parties that last all night. Let the longer days provided by the change of seasons from winter into spring fuel you, and party on!
Daytime festivals are also part of Barcelona in springtime. In particular, there is a special celebration for book lovers called Sant Jordi in April, when the city is filled with stalls of books and roses outdoors. Browse to find treasures or just enjoy walking around.
While some parts of Europe can still be cold in springtime, you can expect it to be nice and warm in Spain. For some, Barcelona can be a bit much to handle in summer, so spring is the best time to visit.
April showers bring May flowers but, if you’re visiting Europe on a rainy day, spending time in a cozy pub can be one of the most fun things to do. Dublin’s world-famous pub culture is a great place to do this.
With Saint Patrick’s Day taking place every year in March, Dublin is the number one place to be in the world for this festive occasion. The festivities here last for a few days, and include buckets of fun—buckets of Guinness, of course!
The gorgeous Irish countryside is also something you don’t want to miss. As the luck of the Irish would have it, getting out of town is an easy thing to achieve. Consider taking a bus tour to the nearby seaside town of Howth for a nice slice of nature.
This lovely and historic city by the water is considered too hot in the summer by many. However, in springtime Athens makes for as lovely a destination as you can find in Europe. Enjoy exploring the ancient ruins, eating fresh Mediterranean food, and basking in the sunshine.
Head to the Athens Riviera and bask in the stunning blue skies of spring, where you can enjoy a relaxed, peaceful day at the beach with far fewer crowds than you would encounter in summer. Many people think spring is the best time of year to visit Athens for this reason.
And don’t forget about the flowers! Poppies and daisies are some of the most common flowers you can expect to see popping up throughout Athens in the spring.
The historic coastal city of Istanbul is absolutely one of the best cities to visit in Europe during spring. Visit mosques and markets and spend your days roaming around on foot.
To see lots of lovely flowers in bloom, plus a huge dose of history, head to the Topkapi Palace. This is where Ottoman sultans used to live, and there are stunning gardens. Also, don’t miss the grand bazaar and spice bazaar to wander in search of treasures and trinkets to bring home as souvenirs.
In Istanbul, cats rule. The city is famous for its large population of street cats, which are taken care of by locals. As any cat lover knows, a feline napping in the sunshine, warming her fur, is one of the best things in life. Visiting Istanbul in the springtime will give you a chance to make lots of new furry friends while roaming the lovely streets.
This northern European city is famously cold in winter, so going in spring is the best time of year. Residents are coming out of hibernation, and you can expect the streets to be filled with fresh energy!
Known as a foodie’s paradise, be sure to eat traditional Danish food and lots of baked goods in Copenhagen. Going in spring is the best time of year because you’ll be able to enjoy dining outside, as well as shopping at outdoor markets. With clear skies and sunshine, you can’t go wrong!
To see lovely spring flowers in Copenhagen, head to the King’s Garden at Rosenborg Castle, where you can have a picnic on the large lovely lawn surrounded by cherry blossoms.
Spring is considered by many to be the best time to visit Prague. With magnolias, cherry blossoms, and daffodils blooming, Prague burst into life after winter in magnificent fashion.
Be sure to get a ferry ride (part of the city’s public transit system) to get a bit of sight-seeing experience from the water. You can also explore the city by scooter or bike! Enjoy dining at restaurants with tables out on the sidewalks and going to farmers markets.
Fans of classical music can’t miss the Prague Spring Music Festival, which lasts for three weeks beginning in late May.
Waffles, anyone? After a long winter, there is nothing like this warm, sweet, delicious carb feast to warm your soul. And don’t forget about the chocolate. Every year around Easter, the city’s master chocolatiers all make masterpieces that ensure Brussels is one of the very best European cities to visit in spring, especially if you’ve got a sweet tooth.
Enjoy flowers, cheeses, and other treats at Brussels’ many outdoor markets, such as the Grand Place flower market where you’ll get to experience flowers in full bloom. Greenhouses are another popular place for plant lovers and can be a great option for a rainy day. Be sure to check out the Art Nouveau Royal Greenhouses in Laeken.
Whether you’re planning to visit just one European city this spring or several, be sure to give yourself plenty of time at the airport to make sure your trip goes smoothly! If you run into any issues with your flights at all, any flight delays, cancellation or missed connection, you might be eligible for up to $650 compensation.
In case of such an unpleasant experience, check your flight compensation eligibility under European air passenger regulations with Click2Refund’s free compensation calculator.
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