12 Spectacular European Cities for a Perfect Spring Getaway
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While Paris in springtime is the stuff dreams are made of, many other options are spread across the continent. Whether flower-filled cityscapes, warm weather, or a rich historical and cultural heritage appeals most, read on to discover a dozen of the best European cities to visit between March and May.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Tulips are one of The Netherlands’ most famous exports. Visit Amsterdam in spring, and you can expect the canalside city to be awash with these beautiful blooms. This is also a more affordable and peaceful time to head here before the summer tourist hordes descend.
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Ljubljana, Slovenia
The Slovenian capital also bursts into bloom come springtime. With lengthening days and rising temperatures, this is the ideal time to explore this Eastern European destination. Highlights include the city’s museums, old town and plentiful parks.
- Read also: Most Charming Small Towns in Europe
Seville, Spain
Sultry Seville can become stifling in summer, so why not add the southern Spanish city to your list for a spring break? By the middle of March, it’s short-sleeved shirt weather, and even May is pleasantly cool compared to the following months. Expect the city to explode with color and celebrations during Holy Week, too, between Palm Sunday and Easter.
- Read also: How to Spend Two Weeks in Spain and Portugal
Montreux, Switzerland
Immortalized in Deep Purple’s Smoke on the Water, the Swiss city on the banks of Lake Geneva has so much to offer, including a rich musical heritage, stunning Chillon Castle on an offshore island, a flower and tree-lined promenade and a mild microclimate. Montreux is also famed for its fabulous Belle Epoque architecture.
- Read also: Top Underrated Cities in Europe
Lisbon, Portugal
As Portugal is one of Europe’s sunniest countries, you can expect Lisbon to feel pleasantly warm during spring. It’s a great time to explore this hilly capital city before the summer heat hits. You might even squeeze in a local beach day if the weather is especially kind during your stay!
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Athens, Greece
Packed with sites of historical significance and breathtaking beauty, Athens belongs on anyone’s bucket list. It’s relatively peaceful, and cooler temperatures make exploring a joy. Sunny blue skies, fragrant herbs, and colorful flowers complete the picture.
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Berlin, Germany
Head to Berlin in spring, and you’ll get the sense that the city is experiencing its pre-summer awakening. There’s so much to do here, whatever your interests are, from arts and historic and cultural attractions to flower-bedecked beer gardens and flea markets packed with one-off finds. The cherry blossoms adorning the city’s parks are also one of the German capital’s hidden gems.
- Read also: Most Romantic Getaways in Europe
London, UK
No traveler worth their salt can miss London; spring is the perfect season to visit. It’s more peaceful than summer, without those sweaty tube journeys that can make a summer stay memorable for all the wrong reasons. By and large, spring’s mild, dry weather is ideal for enjoying the city’s many lovely parks.
- Read also: Top UK Cities to Visit
Vienna, Austria
Famed for stunning architecture and an incredibly rich cultural heritage, Austria is packed with appeal. Like London, the Austrian capital is also liberally sprinkled with pretty parks. Schedule your visit for late spring for the best chance of mild temperatures and minimal rain.
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Stavanger, Norway
Stavanger in Norway is a spring destination with a difference. Expect a jaw-dropping setting among fjords, beaches, mountains, and the city’s colorful buildings. You can also see lots of flowers during the pre-summer period, plus tumbling waterfalls fed by the melting winter snow.
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Venice, Italy
The enduring popularity of this unique Italian city means it’s always crowded in summer, not to mention the stink that often pervades the city when the weather is hot! Spring is thus one of the best times to visit Venice, with fewer tourists and plenty of warm, dry days.
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Dublin, Ireland
Known for its welcoming, laid-back people and the legendary Irish craic, Dublin is always fun. It’s also very photogenic, with plentiful parks and a pretty setting by the River Liffey. Whether you want to party or discover the city’s magnificent architecture and top-notch museums, a spring visit to Dublin is always an excellent idea indeed.
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