With warmer weather on the horizon, you may be thinking of your first holiday of the year or desiring a cheap getaway in the sun. To get inspired, I’ve shared a few of my favourite city break destinations in Europe and the unmissable events happening there this spring.
I’ve collaborated with Blacklane on this post (who offer professional transport services in over 250 cities, including the ones featured below) and was compensated for this. All opinions are my own.
1. Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Springtime in Palma often means blue skies, comfortable temperatures, local food markets and festivals. As it’s just before the peak summer season, it’s a pleasant time to explore the historical sights like the grand Gothic Cathedral, Bellver castle and tropical gardens. In the maze of narrow streets you’ll find some of the prettiest cafés in Europe to sit back and savour the Spanish way of life.
Between the 14th March and 23rd April the annual Fira del Ram festival takes place with fairground rides and amusements, and locals flock to The Olivar Market which is open everyday (except Sunday).
2. Rome, Italy
The Eternal City is a special place to visit in the spring as Rome celebrates it’s birthday or rather “The Birth of Rome” on the 21st April every year. It is in fact Rome’s 2,769th Birthday, based on the story of its creation in 753BC. If you visit around this date and over the following weekend, you’ll likely see traditions and celebrations taking place upon the city’s famous landmarks and ruins.
Not long after, Rome celebrates Labour Day on May 1st with the Primo Maggio Concert outside San Giovanni.
You can view my essential tips to visiting Rome on a budget by clicking here.
3. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
As pretty as Amsterdam can be in the snow at Christmas, the emergence of spring sees the outdoor lifestyle flourish with regular canal boat tours and festivals like The Japanese Sakura celebration, where friends and families enjoy picnics under cherry blossom trees. The 27th April is also ‘King’s Day‘, a public holiday that is one of the biggest and most vibrant events in the city. You can find out more via Amsterdam’s monthly event calendar.
4. Lisbon, Portugal
If Lisbon was a colour it would probably be yellow thanks to an abundance of sunshine, custard tarts, trams and beautiful honey coloured buildings. To simply stroll around and soak up the city’s culture will surely have you saying “Adeus” to any lingering winter blues.
From the 30th March to the 9th April the Fish and Flavours Festival takes place – a must for any foodies who’d like to explore local delicacies and sample the freshest of seafood.
You can see why I think Lisbon is one of the best cruise destinations in Europe by clicking here.
5. Paris, France
There’s always so much happening in the French capital anytime of year, but springtime welcomes brand new art exhibitions of Picasso, a street art festival along Canal Saint-Martin and ‘La Nuit des musées‘ where museums open their doors to visitors for free late into the night on the 20th May.
For families, Disneyland Paris is also celebrating it’s 25th Anniversary from the 26th March with new attractions and shows.
So there we have it – my top destinations in Europe this spring. I’m curious to know what would get your pick, please let me know…
