7 Most Beautiful European Cities in Spring

The most picture-perfect springtime cities

Article by

  • 20 February 2018
  • • 6 min read

Spring is just around the corner which means blossoming trees and blue, sunny skies. It’s the perfect season for a European city break - not too hot, not too cold and the spring trees brighten the city lifting everybody’s mood. The spring months of March, April and May are some of the most beautiful times of year to explore Europe while crowds are still at bay, but if you’re struggling to decide between all the incredible cities the continent has to offer, read on for a little nudge in the right direction. Here are the 7 most beautiful cities in Europe you should definitely look to visit this spring.

1. LONDON

Going into spring from a gloomy, dark winter is one of the best parts about being in London. The city bounces into life in this season’s sunshine, with the spirits of local Londoners being lifted completely by the longer and brighter days. It’s the ideal time to visit the city, when you can hire out a Boris bike and ride around the parks without frozen knuckles or the overbearing summer heat on your back.

Take a trip out to Kew Gardens, the most impressive botanical gardens in the whole of Europe, when most of the flora and fauna is blooming at its best and it’s just warm enough for a picnic on the lawns. Then there’s nothing quite like west London’s Notting Hill in the spring, when pink blossom trees fall over the colourful doorways and purple wisteria take over the quaint, cobbled mews. Views from the Sky Garden, the canals from Camden Lock Market, pub drinks by the riverside… Spring in London is one of the best.

Need a hostel in London? Check out 


2. PARIS

There are countless amazing reasons why the City of Light should be a top contender for your spring travels this year. Paris’ fresh spring air brings a charming ambiance amongst the local community. Cafes lay out their outdoor terrace seating (the most Parisian way to enjoy a morning coffee), locals with their picnic baskets begin to takeover the banks of Canal Saint Martin and strolls through the city’s parks are more beautiful than ever.

Spring is one of the most stunning times of year to take in the  from some of the city’s highest points. See the blossom tree-lined streets from the Notre Dame or visit the Sacre Coeur to watch the sunset over the Eiffel Tower.

Check out these 

Need somewhere to stay in Paris? 


3. COPENHAGEN

With the beginnings of spring in Copenhagen comes more street parties, daytime drinks, outdoor flea markets and so much more. When the sun starts brightening up the city for spring, Copenhagen gets a newfound energy that brings everybody’s mood to an all time high. Don’t leave your coat at home as the air is still pretty fresh, but that doesn’t matter when the sun is beaming down.

Cycle around the city like a local, stopping at the sites for the ultimate photo opportunities. The colourful houses of Nyhavn are more colourful than ever, views from the Church of Our Saviour spiral tower go on for days and the trees in Superkilen Black Market become the perfect picture of spring. It’s not a spring day in Copenhagen without al fresco coffees, Danish pastries and people watching… If that doesn’t sound like the perfect morning to you then we’re not sure what will.

Check out our

Need a bed in Copenhagen? 


4. EDINBURGH

Edinburgh has a magical, medieval air whatever the season, but there’s something about spring that makes it our favourite time of year to visit. Being the Scottish capital, spring in Edinburgh is unlikely to be real t-shirt weather, but the gloriously bright and sunny days make up for it completely! It’s the ideal time to take a hike up to Arthur’s Seat when the views are spectacular and yellow gorse flowers take over the hillside.

Stroll around the Botanical Gardens or along the Water of Leith walkway for some of the city’s prettiest spring views. Get your camera out at Princes Street Gardens and head over to The Meadows for the perfect spring photo between the blossom trees.

Want to know where to stay in the centre of Edinburgh? 


5. BATH

Breathe in the fresh countryside air on a spring break to the beautiful British city of Bath. Lush green river banks, stunning hilltop views and plenty of places for a cocktail in the sunshine is what spring in Bath is all about. The Royal Crescent, Bath Abbey and the quaint cobbled shopping streets never looked so pretty beneath the glowing spring sun.

After exploring the city and seeing the sights, sit down for one of  - The Bath Priory has a beautiful outdoor terrace where you can indulge on a particularly warm spring day. Walk up the National Trust’s Bath Skyline for an awesome view of the city or check out some other lovely countryside walks on the city’s outskirts to stretch your legs and maybe even see a few spring lambs while you do.

Need a hostel in Bath? 


6. AMSTERDAM

Many people say that spring is the best time of year to visit Amsterdam, and it’s easy to see why. The biggest day on Amsterdam’s event calendar falls in the spring, when the city turns orange and everyone (and we mean everyone) runs amok for the day. King’s Day is a reason to love spring in itself - it’s a citywide party where the canals are filled with party boats, shops run out of alcohol well in advance and the atmosphere throughout the city is like nothing else in the world!

Spring in the Netherlands means another season of Keukenhof Gardens, one of the largest flower gardens in the world, and it is beautiful. Fields of tulips of all different colours are in full bloom for the season and people come from far and wide to take a glimpse of the quintessentially Dutch view. It’s only a short distance out of Amsterdam, so if you’re in the city for spring this is an absolute must.

Looking for where to stay in Amsterdam? 


7. BARCELONA

After a quieter winter, spring in Barcelona makes the city burst into life. While it’s busier than the start of the year, the city still isn’t quite as crowded as the summer will be, making it an ideal time to pay a visit. From around March, temperatures begin to climb higher and your jacket will probably only be necessary for the evening chill. Bright blue Barcelona skies and seas will make it feel like summer is on its way!

Chill out on the beaches, cycle your way around the city and enjoy a jug of sangria in the southern European sun. The temperature of Barcelona in spring could not be more perfect and with sea and city views to die for, you’ll be in city break heaven.

Need a hostel in Barcelona? 

Liked this article? Share with friends

Read all Travel Blogs