10 BEST SPRING DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE FOR 2020

With the days getting longer and warmer, spring is the season when we all come out of hibernation. It’s the perfect time to travel around Europe, with less crowds, off-season prices and the chance to see the world blooming in front of us. So here are some of the best spring destinations in Europe to get you planning that getaway in 2020.

Best spring destinations in Europe

London, England

London for me is at its best in the spring and it’s perhaps my favourite spring destination in Europe. But I live in London and I’m in love with this wonderful city, so I’m very biased.

After a few months of grey and cold weather, the whole city comes alive in spring. Places like St James’ Park and Regent’s Park burst with colour with all sorts of flowers, but it’s the magnolia and the cherry blossom in London that really makes me go giddy.

To see these beautiful trees in bloom, head to West London in March for the magnolia, and in April for the cherry blossom. Walk around Chelsea, Kensington and Earls Court and you’ll be spoilt for choice. Make sure you take your camera with you, but be mindful when photographing people’s homes.

Another great place to see the cherry blossoms in London is Greenwich Park, from where you get one of the best views of London. Greenwich is perfect for a day out in spring – or any time of the year, for that matter!

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London in Bloom – Where to See Magnolia and Cherry Blossom in London

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin spends most of its winter under a grey blanket, so with the possibility of sunny spring days on the horizon (it’s always a bit of a gamble), this is the perfect time to visit. But it’s not just about the weather here. Dublin becomes a hub of activity with music and food festivals, and of course, you have the legendary St Patrick’s Day celebrations between 13th and 17th March.

Enjoy a drink at Temple Bar or indulge on a food tour, and if you’re lucky with the weather, have a picnic in St Stephen’s Green or head to Phoenix Park, possibly the most beautiful park in Dublin.

Bonn, Germany

Bonn has recently become a very popular European destination, particularly in spring. The city’s avenues of cherry blossom trees in the Old Town form a blossom tunnel that attracts a lot of visitors, and for good reason. It is the most instagrammable spot in the city.

But Bonn has a lot more going for it than cherry blossoms. It was here that Beethoven was born and you can visit his former home, now a museum. If you like fairytale castles, you’re in luck. Take a trip to Drachenburg Castle, a private villa that’s open to the public, for a great day out.

Paris, France

The city of love could obviously not be ignored when it comes to European places to visit in spring. Paris is one of those cities that you can visit any time of the year, but it is in spring that it literally blooms, and Parisians head out to enjoy the warmer weather.

In addition to the usual sites, head to the Jardin du Luxemburg or Jardin des Tuileries and lounge on a deck chair while surrounded by beautiful flowers. Or why not sit al fresco at one of the cafes and watch the world go by? Spring is also the perfect time to take one of the most popular day trips from Paris, to the Palace of Versailles and enjoy the magnificent gardens and the Music Fountain Shows, which start at the end of March.

Valencia, Spain

Valencia gets great weather all year round, but spring is a pretty special time to visit. It is in mid-March that the city transforms itself into the biggest street party you will ever witness. This is when Las Fallas Festival is celebrated. 

Las Fallas is the most important festival in Valencia, where spectacular papier-mâché sculptures are erected throughout the city. Life in Valencia moves out to the streets, where every year between 15th and 19th March, the whole city becomes an outdoor street party and art centre. These sculptures (fallas) are displayed for a few days, and on the last day of the festival they are burnt on a symbolic cleansing act celebrating the arrival of spring. 

I can guarantee that you won’t have experienced anything like it, and it’s something that you’ll never forget. 

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Utrecht, The Netherlands

So many people travel to The Netherlands, particularly Amsterdam, for the chance to see the tulip fields, that it can get a bit crowded. Utrecht is a great alternative to Amsterdam, not only because the tulip fields of Noordoostpolder are only 75 mins drive away, so a perfect option for a day trip, but because this traditional Dutch city is just as beautiful and a lot more manageable. 

Utrecht has all the Dutch elements that you would expect, quaint canals with the typical narrow canalside houses, a lot of history, and the friendliest locals I’ve encountered in The Netherlands.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is one of my favorite European capitals. It’s compact and very walkable, so spring is the perfect time to visit, when the days are warmer. In fact, the best way to enjoy this beautiful city is by just wandering around – along the river, getting lost in the alleyways of the old town, or browsing the street markets. It’s certainly a city to be enjoyed outdoors.

Its Old Town is a car free area, so another great way to explore it is by bike, without having to worry about traffic. Make sure you visit the Botanic Garden, a 200-year old institution that will gift you with the beauty of colourful spring blooms.

Spring is also the perfect time for a day trip to the famous fairytale castle Predjama Castle, the only preserved cave castle in the world.

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Copenhagen, Denmark

In Copenhagen you can really notice the arrival of spring because people spill out onto the streets as soon as the sun comes out. And it’s not just the people, the sakura trees put on a pretty impressive show. A great place to witness this spectacle of nature is the Bispebjerg Cemetery, where you can also visit the stunning Grundtvig’s Church. 

Another great spot to see these beautiful trees in full bloom, as well as do some people watching, is Superkilen, a really cool urban space where skaters and people come to hang out and enjoy those warmer spring temperatures. 

Seville, Spain

Seville, like most of Southern Spain, is warm throughout the year, so it’s great to visit any time really. But if you are a fan of big Spanish fiestas and all things flamenco, visiting in April is a must. The Feria de Abril (April Fair) is an extravagant party that lasts for days, where people celebrate by dressing up in traditional Andalucian costumes, and by putting up powerful flamenco music and dance shows. 

Despite the city being transformed by the Feria, you can still enjoy the usual sights and things to do that Seville offers all year round. Some highlights include exploring some of the different neighbourhoods, and discovering the city through your taste buds by taking a tapas and wine tour.

Colmar, France

Colmar is one of those villages you’ve always imagined only existed in fairytales. But luckily, Colmar is real and a destination that should be in everyone’s wishlist. The cobblestone lanes, the half-timber houses, and its idyllic canals make it look like out of this world. For such a small village, there is a lot to discover and it’s a photographer’s paradise.

If you are a foodie, spring is the perfect time to visit. In Colmar’s Easter and spring markets you can find local cheeses, wines and beers, as well as other local delights. 

Would you include any other spring destinations in Europe to this list?
Let me know in the comments!

Love spring blossom? Check out these articles

• Where to See Cherry Blossoms Around the World
• London in Bloom – Where to See Magnolia and Cherry Blossom in London

Teresa Gomez

Teresa is an award-winning travel blogger based in London. She’s on a mission to explore the world through responsible cultural and adventure travel, and through deeper, more meaningful local experiences. She’s a lover of adventure, the outdoors and everything food related, and she’s always looking for ways to make a positive impact through sustainable travel.

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