Spring is one of the best times of the year to take a trip. The summer crowds have not yet filled the planes, trains and hotels. The weather is often lovely and a short holiday is a good way to shake off the winter blues.
Here are some of our favorite spring weekend getaways in Europe! These are nice places to visit in Europe in April and May.
Crystal clear blue waters, bright sunshine and fascinating history. Malta was named as one of the 52 best places to visit in 2016 by the New York Times. Gozo is quiet island with a stunning coastline. Go on a full day sightseeing trip around the island or relax at one quiet cove.
Why go this spring? Get some sunshine after a long winter. Spring in Malta means less crowds than summertime but lovely weather for exploring.
The trees lining Amsterdam’s lovely canals start to sprout green leaves again after their winter nap, and the city comes back to life. Residents rush outdoors to soak up each ray of sunshine at the city’s canal side cafes. Summer is also an amazing time to be in the city.
Why go this spring? April is an exciting month to be in the Netherlands due to King’s Day, national holiday that is basically an enormous street party. Also the flowers are blooming at Keukenhof, one of the most popular gardens in Europe.
A bustling city in the south of France, Marseille is great place to visit any time of year with loads of culture and history to experience. Come soak up the sunshine in spring with a glass of pastis in hand for the perfect spring weekend getaway. Marseille is easy to reach by plane or train from Paris, Brussels, London and Amsterdam.
Why go this spring? Spring is the best time to hike the Calanques. The weather should be warm but not yet hot.
Winter is harsh in the Danish capital but when spring comes around the city starts to stir again. Explore the city on a bike to feel like a local. Visit Tivoli Gardens to celebrate spring like a kid again.
Why go this spring? For the beer! May 11-12, 2018 is the Mikkeller Beer Celebration! Or maybe you’d prefer food tour.
Berlin is busy with art and cultural activities all year round. Visit some of the most iconic museums, take break at a third-wave coffee shop or take advantage of the fantastic nightlife.
Why go this spring? Gallery Weekend takes place April 27-29. Visit some of the 50 participating galleries and discover new art.
After the rainy winter, take the opportunity to stroll around the old town of Ribeira Grande, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Go explore on your own or sign up for a walking tour with guide to learn the city’s secrets. Don’t feel like walking? Take a ride on historic rabelo boat.
Why go this spring? Porto is just warming up in spring. Come explore the wine cellars and perhaps take a side trip to the vineyards of the Douro Valley.
London is an amazing city for culture, and is becoming a hot foodie destination as well. Check out some of Goop’s favorite new restaurants or take twilight food tour with Eating London and discover the best flavors of Soho or take a secret British food tour. Pretty London is the perfect destination for a spring weekend getaway.
Why go this spring? March 17 is St Patricks’s Day and London throws a fun parade and festival to celebrate. Spring is also a great time to see blooms and fresh green leaves at Kew Gardens. London is such pretty city when it blooms in the spring.
Spring is the time for film festivals in Brussels, with the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival from April 3- April 15 and Brussels Short Film Festival from April 25- May 5, 2018. Or put on your dancing shoes for the Brussels Tango Festival.
Why go this spring? The Royal Laeken glasshouses are only open for a few weeks each April.
Explore the pretty and historic city of Tallinn this spring, the medieval Old Town has amazing Hanseatic architecture. There is lots to see and do in Tallinn and you can even hop on the ferry for a side trip to Helsinki.
Why go this spring? May 4 and 5 is the Tallinn Craft Beer Weekend. Come discover the growing Estonian craft beer scene. Also the Estonian Food Festival takes place that same weekend.
La Serenissima is always a gorgeous place to visit but spring and autumn may be the best times to go. That way you can avoid the summer crowds and heat and humidity. Venice is a quick weekend getaway from many cities in Western Europe, and you can hop on a train from Milan for a two city adventure.
Why go this spring? Window boxes and city parks filled with flowers make the beautiful city even more cheerful. The Venice Biennale 2018 also begins at the end of May. Get inspired for your next trip to Venice by checking out these amazing local Instagrammers.
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