15 BEST Places to Visit in Europe in Spring (2026)

Planning a spring trip to Europe and don’t want to waste it on the wrong destination?

Well, this guide to the best places to visit in Europe in spring is here to make that choice easy – whether you’re dreaming of tulip fields in the Netherlands, cherry blossoms in Scandinavia, or an iconic city break without the crowds!

I’ve spent years travelling Europe solo, in every season, and spring is hands-down my favourite for beautiful scenery, fewer tourists, and experiencing the joy of a fresh start after winter, that I’m sure we all dream about!

So, from iconic cities to quieter hidden gems, I’ll share exactly where shines in spring and why, so you can pick a destination that feels right for you!

Disclaimer: Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. That means if you click on one and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products, places and services I genuinely love and use on my own solo travels. Thank you for supporting my adventures so I can continue to provide free content on this blog! 💛

What To Expect When Visiting Europe In Spring

Spring in Europe is beautiful, but it’s also highly varied.

Weather

The biggest difference you’ll notice is the weather in the north vs the south.

Southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Italy) starts warming up properly from April onwards.

Northern and central Europe, on the other hand (Scotland, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland), tend to stay cooler well into April, sometimes even early May.

A mix of sunshine and clouds in Copenhagen - one of the best places to visit in Europe in spring!
A mix of sunshine and clouds in Copenhagen!

Flowers

Then there’s bloom timing, which is one of the main reasons people look for the best places to visit in Europe in spring in the first place.

Flowers don’t all bloom at once across Europe.

The most popular blooms in spring are cherry blossoms, which first appear in late March and stretch into early May. And also tulips, which peak in mid-April.

This doesn’t mean you’ll miss seeing flowers if your timing isn’t right, but if blossoms or tulips are your priority, it’s worth staying flexible.

The most impressive spring blooms at Keukenhof!
The most impressive spring blooms at Keukenhof!

Opening hours

Opening hours are another factor many travellers don’t consider.

Major cities and landmarks are open year-round, but smaller towns, islands, and countryside attractions often operate on reduced hours until mid-April.

The benefit? The places you visit will feel more authentic and local, without the tourist infrastructure fully up and running yet!

By May, almost everything is fully open again across most European spring destinations.

Enjoying a peaceful walk in Montreux, no attractions needed!
Enjoying a peaceful walk in Montreux, no attractions needed!

Budget

Spring is one of the smartest seasons to travel in Europe if you want to save money, but not every month is created equal.

March is typically the cheapest month for flights and accommodation, April sits somewhere in the middle, and May begins to rise towards early-summer pricing as popularity increases.

 But even so, throughout spring, you’ll often find better hotel availability, cheaper flights and even discounted attraction tickets and guided tours!

Portugal is one of the most affordable spring breaks in Europe!
Portugal is one of the most affordable spring breaks in Europe!

Crowds

When it comes to crowds, Europe in spring is noticeably quieter than peak summer.

March and April (outside of the European Easter holidays) are particularly calm and quiet, even in the busier cities.

Late April and May start getting busier, especially in more famous destinations like Paris, Amsterdam, or Rome, but still nowhere near July-August levels.

Katie’s Top Tip: Before booking anything, decide your top priorities. Is that sunny weather? Spring blooms? Saving money? Seeing iconic cities at their quietest? When you know what matters, the right European spring destination is a lot easier to find. So let’s get into my list of the best places to visit in Europe in spring!

15 Best Places To Visit in Europe in Spring

1. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam in spring feels like the city is finally waking up again after the long winter, and it’s a beautiful time to visit!

The canals are lined with trees starting to regain their leaves, café terraces once again reopen, and locals return to their bikes.

When I visited Amsterdam in spring, I loved relaxed walks along the canals, popping into iconic museums to dodge rain showers, and even enjoying a relaxing, open-top canal boat ride on a sunny afternoon!

Plus, the atmosphere is lively but not overwhelmingly busy, which is great if you want to enjoy an iconic city break without sharing the quaint streets with crowds of fellow tourists.

The canals of Amsterdam in spring!
The canals of Amsterdam in spring!

Most famously, spring is also when Amsterdam becomes a gateway to some of the best displays of tulips and spring blooms in the world.

Even inside the city, you’ll spot flower markets, blooms in window boxes, and colourful parks, but the best part is how easy it is to take a trip out to the nearby fields or gardens!

Tulip gardens near Amsterdam in spring!
Tulip gardens near Amsterdam in spring!

What You Need To Know:

  • Weather: 3–18°C, varied, spring showers, light jacket weather
  • Can’t Miss: A canal cruise! It sounds touristy, but seeing the narrow houses lining the canal under the soft, spring light is the most relaxing way to see Amsterdam!
  • Where to Stay: The Hoxton, Herengracht
  • Best Spring Month: April for the tulips

Katie’s Top Tip: You still need to book major museums (like Anne Frank’s House) at least a week or two in advance – tickets do still sell out, even though it’s not peak summer yet.

Amsterdam's leafy canals in April
Amsterdam’s leafy canals in April

2. Keukenhof, The Netherlands

Keukenhof Garden is located in the small town of Lisse in the Netherlands, not far from Amsterdam.

It is one of the largest flower gardens in the world, featuring a huge 7 million flower bulbs (planted fresh every year), over 79 acres!

Keukenhof is a staple of spring in the Netherlands, opening from mid-March to mid-May.

And visiting feels like stepping into a spring postcard, where every path and waterway is lined with curated beds full of daffodils, hyacinths and, of course, the famous tulips!

Plus, you’ll also see beautiful cherry blossoms in the trees overhead.

Tulips and blossoms at Keukenhof!
Tulips and blossoms at Keukenhof!

Before I visited, Keukenhof had been on my spring bucket list for YEARS. And to be honest, I was kind of worried about that. But it definitely lived up to the hype!

Despite being popular and busy, Keukenhof is easily one of the best European spring break destinations if you love flowers – but even if you don’t, it’s hard not to be impressed.

Plus, Keukenhof is an easy day trip from Amsterdam, so you get two of the best places to visit in Europe in spring in just one trip!

The most beautiful displays of tulips!
The most beautiful displays of tulips!

What You Need To Know:

  • Weather: 3–18°C, varied, spring showers, light jacket weather
  • Can’t Miss: The Keukenhof Windmill, for one of the best viewpoints in the park!
  • Where to Stay: Boutique Suites Lisse
  • Best Spring Month: Mid–Late April for peak tulip bloom

Katie’s Top Tip: If you want to visit Keukenhof without the crowds, try to time your arrival for right at opening time or after 3pm. And weekdays are always quieter than weekends.

Tulips in full bloom by the lake at Keukenhof
Tulips in full bloom by the lake at Keukenhof

3. Lund, Sweden

Lund is totally charming and honestly one of Europe’s most underrated spring gems.

It’s a university city, which gives it a relaxed energy without the noise of a big city. And by April, the quaint old town streets are full of soft pink cherry blossoms!

You can easily walk everywhere in Lund, from the grand cathedral to the leafy, underrated Lund Botanical Garden – where you’ll see yet more stunning tulips and blossoms, for free!

Blossoms and tulips in Lund Botanical Garden!
Blossoms and tulips in Lund Botanical Garden!

But what I love most about Lund is how relaxed and stress-free it feels to visit, especially for me as a solo female traveller.

It’s compact, walkable, incredibly safe-feeling, and has a lovely, slow pace of life.

Plus, Lund is also only 15 minutes by train from Malmö and 45 minutes from Copenhagen, so you can base yourself here and still explore more of Sweden and even Denmark!

Old town, colourful streets in Lund
Old town, colourful streets in Lund

What You Need To Know:

  • Weather: 0–16°C, cool temperatures, spring showers, still coat weather
  • Can’t Miss: The stunning (free!) tulips in Lund Botanical Gardens
  • Where to Stay: Hotel Lundia
  • Best Spring Month: Late April–May for blossoms, tulips and milder temperatures

Katie’s Top Tip: Pack in flexible layers. Scandinavian spring sunshine feels warmer than the numbers might suggest, but the shade can still be chilly, so you want to be prepared for both!

Lund Botanical Garden
Lund Botanical Garden

4. Malmö, Sweden

Malmö is another underrated city break in South Sweden (or you could easily combine it with a getaway in nearby Lund or even Copenhagen, Denmark!)

It’s modern, located by the water, and feels effortlessly relaxed, with wide pedestrian streets and a number of beautiful public parks that are absolutely perfect to visit in spring.

My favourite parks to visit in Malmö are Kungsparken and Slottsparken, which are full of spring colour, from daffodils and tulips to cherry blossoms in the trees overhead.

The Malmö community gardens!
The Malmö community gardens!

Plus, there is a charming community garden area, where locals can all contribute to allotment-style plots!

And I also love walking around Stora Dammen lake in the park – the soft, spring light makes the water look especially stunning.

Malmö is so often overlooked in favour of Copenhagen (which is only 40 minutes away by train), but honestly, that’s part of its charm!

Plus, you can walk or bike almost everywhere, and there’s a lovely mix of waterfront promenades, art galleries, cosy cafés, blossoming parks, and historic streets to explore.

Stora Dammen lake
Stora Dammen lake

What You Need To Know:

  • Weather: 0–16°C, fresh sea breeze, cool temperatures, still coat weather
  • Can’t Miss: A walk through Kungsparken to see the beautiful community gardens!
  • Where to Stay: MJ’s Hotel
  • Best Spring Month: Late April–May for blossoms, tulips and milder temperatures

Katie’s Top Tip: Do as the locals do and rent a city bike for a few hours to explore. Malmö is built for cyclists, and it’s the quickest way to see both the old town and the waterfront!

Exploring picturesque Malmö old town
Exploring picturesque Malmö old town

5. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen in spring is effortlessly cool, so of course I had to mention it too!

Because while both Lund and Malmö are both underrated city breaks in spring, Copenhagen is their more iconic, well-known neighbour.

In spring, Copenhagen comes alive without feeling overwhelming, with outdoor café culture in full swing, bikes seeming to outnumber cars, and the return of boat trips along the canals.

Spring blossoms in Copenhagen
Spring blossoms in Copenhagen

Plus, the colourful harbour of Nyhavn looks extra bright under the returning blue skies!

Tivoli Gardens also reopens with flowers in full bloom, including stunning displays of tulips along the banks of the small lake, cherry blossoms overhead, and pops of colour everywhere.

So while you may not think a theme park is the best spot to see spring blooms, I actually visited Tivoli for the sole purpose of seeing the flowers and for sure got my money’s worth!

Tulips in Tivoli Park!
Tulips in Tivoli Park!

What You Need To Know:

Katie’s Top Tip: Even if you don’t like theme parks, don’t miss out on visiting Tivoli! I visited just for the flowers, and it is still an amazing experience!

Nyhavn Harbour
Nyhavn Harbour

6. Edinburgh, Scotland

Spring is when Edinburgh feels most cinematic – and it doesn’t matter whether you visit on a bright, blue-sky day or under moody grey skies (like me!), it’s always beautiful.

The parks are once again lush and green, cherry blossoms appear around the meadows and Princes Street Gardens, and of course, Edinburgh Castle is worth a visit in any season.

Plus, this is a great time to tackle the climb up to Arthur’s Seat, as there are far fewer crowds sharing the views.

Not to mention it’s a lot cooler in Edinburgh in spring than in summer – and I’d much rather climb a mini-mountain in those conditions, rather than be drowned in sweat!

Exploring the quaint streets of Edinburgh!
Exploring the quaint streets of Edinburgh!

What I love about Edinburgh is how stress-free it feels, even as Scotland’s capital.

The city centre is compact, public transport is simple (for example, if you want to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia – which I highly recommend), and there’s always something happening without it feeling overwhelming!

What You Need To Know:

  • Weather: 3–14°C, unpredictable, expect sun and drizzle (often in the same hour!)
  • Can’t Miss: Sunrise or sunset at Arthur’s Seat
  • Where to Stay: Market Street Hotel
  • Best Spring Month: May for the best chance of sunshine

Katie’s Top Tip: Always carry a compact umbrella! As a Brit, I am used to rain, but the Scottish weather is even more unpredictable than England’s!

Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle

7. Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Isle of Skye in spring is wild and open, not to mention breathtakingly beautiful. So it is a great option if you want to get out in nature for your spring getaway!

Rolling green hills replace the winter browns and greys, waterfalls run at their peak after a season of rain and snow, and in late spring, you’ll start to see wildflowers dotted about.

Like Edinburgh, it doesn’t matter whether you visit under grey skies or blue, the Isle of Skye is always atmospheric and absolutely stunning to visit!

The spectacular Fairy Pools of Skye!
The spectacular Fairy Pools of Skye!

But of course, being out in nature, Skye works best if you’re happy being independent (rather than having all the home comforts on your doorstep, like in a city).

Renting a car makes everything easier, but small group day tours also leave from Inverness if driving rural roads isn’t your thing.

For nature lovers, Skye is easily one of the best places to visit in Europe in spring!

What You Need To Know:

Katie’s Top Tip: Always check the weather before you attempt to go out hiking by yourself (or book a guided tour if you’re unsure). And, of course, always let a trusted loved one know your plans if heading out somewhere remote.

Driving around the picturesque Isle of Skye!
Driving around the picturesque Isle of Skye!

8. The Cotswolds, England

The Cotswolds are very close to my heart because I visited regularly as a child (and still do!)

It’s a cliché, but it really does feel like stepping into a storybook, where every village is somehow prettier than the last. And I still feel that way, even after years of visiting.

And spring is my favourite season to visit!

The honey-coloured stone cottages look gorgeous under the soft light, the winding country lanes are quiet ahead of the summer rush, and the gardens turn green, lush and full of flowers after the winter season.

Spring is also a dreamy time to visit a quaint village tearoom for a traditional British afternoon tea, especially if the weather is nice and you can sit outside!

Lower Slaughter in The Cotswolds
Lower Slaughter in The Cotswolds

My all-time favourite village is tiny Lower Slaughter, with its bubbling river and quaint cottages.

And villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury are iconic for a good reason too.

Public buses connect the main towns, but renting a car gives you much more freedom if you’re comfortable driving on the left.

What You Need To Know:

  • Weather: 3–15°C, mild, spring showers, light jacket or coat weather
  • Can’t Miss: The quaint village of Lower Slaughter!
  • Where to Stay: The Sheep on Sheep Street (Stow-on-the-Wold)
  • Best Spring Month: Late April–May for generally better weather and spring blooms

Katie’s Top Tip: Base yourself in one village or town (like central Stow-on-the-Wold) instead of moving hotels. Day trips are super easy in The Cotswolds!

The village of Bibury in The Cotswolds
The village of Bibury in The Cotswolds

9. Porto, Portugal

If you want a charming spring break but are also craving some sunshine after a cold, long winter, Porto is the perfect choice!

The Douro River sparkles as the sun returns, the famous old streets are buzzing with life but not overwhelming, and outdoor café terraces fill up the moment the temperature rises.

It’s one of the best places to visit in Europe in spring if you want sunshine without the intense heat (or crowds!) of summer.

Overlooking the city of Porto from the Dom Luís I Bridge!
Overlooking the city of Porto from the Dom Luís I Bridge!

I loved wandering the cobbled streets, crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge for panoramic views, and even joining a day trip through the Douro Valley.

The vineyards of the Douro Valley look extra lush, green and beautiful in spring, making it the perfect time of year to indulge in a relaxing boat trip and a wine tasting (or two!)

Plus, Porto is relatively affordable to visit, compared to most European cities. So if you’re watching your budget, this is a great escape for that, too!

What You Need To Know:

Katie’s Top Tip: Wear trainers with a good grip. Porto may be a city break, but you’ll be doing a LOT of walking on this getaway!

The charming town of Amarante, gateway to the Douro Valley!
The charming town of Amarante, gateway to the Douro Valley!

10. Rome, Italy

Rome, at any time of year, feels like stepping into a history book. But in spring (especially March) it is a lot quieter – and less boiling hot – to be able to enjoy it all!

During my own spring getaway to Rome, I spent the morning at the Colosseum and the spectacular Roman Forum, before heading to Trastevere’s underrated pastel streets for a quieter afternoon.

And I also visited Vatican City on a gloomier day (because in spring, good weather is never guaranteed!), exploring the famous museums and seeing the incredible Sistine Chapel.

Rome is absolutely one of the best places to visit in Europe in spring because you get to see all of the iconic sights, just with fewer crowds and more comfortable temperatures!

The Colosseum from Palatine Hill!
The Colosseum from Palatine Hill!

What You Need To Know:

  • Weather: 7–24°C, generally mild, can be rainy, light jacket or coat weather
  • Can’t Miss: The Roman Forum for one of the best views of the Colosseum!
  • Where to Stay: Hotel Artemide
  • Best Spring Month: March, for the quietest streets and attractions

Katie’s Top Tip: If you want to experience a quieter Rome, I would largely avoid April, as this is when the Easter celebrations take place. Around the Bank Holiday weekend, prices skyrocket, and crowds can even outnumber peak summer!

Rome is just stunning everywhere you walk, and even better when it's quieter!
Rome is just stunning everywhere you walk, and even better when it’s quieter!

11. Venice, Italy

Venice is another beautiful city in Italy that is absolutely overrun with tourists in the peak summer months. But in spring (especially March), it is a lot quieter!

Honestly, Venice gets a bad reputation based on the crowded summer version of the city you’ll see online. And, of course, there is truth in that.

But it isn’t true that you can never have an authentic, peaceful experience in Venice.

And for me, visiting in early March delivered on that!

Looking out over Venice in March!
Looking out over Venice in March!

The weather is less reliable at this time of year, but the canals still reflect the grand old buildings, balconies bloom with flowers, and you can actually enjoy walking the narrow streets (rather than feeling like a human sardine!)

I even enjoyed Venice when it was raining. As a keen photographer, trying to capture St Mark’s Basilica reflected in puddles littering the square was half the fun!

And you can still enjoy all of the quintessential things that make Venice so iconic to visit, including gondola rides on the Grand Canal and island hopping to Murano and Burano!

March is my all-time favourite month to visit Venice!

Mastering the art of puddle-ography in Venice!
Mastering the art of puddle-ography in Venice!

What You Need To Know:

  • Weather: 5–23°C, mild, can be rainy, light jacket or coat weather
  • Can’t Miss: Taking a ferry to the underrated, colourful island of Torcello!
  • Where to Stay: Hotel Antiche Figure
  • Best Spring Month: March, for the quietest streets and attractions

Katie’s Top Tip: Even in spring, start your sightseeing as early as possible (I was often out before 10am!) Venice is even more magical in the early morning!

St Mark's Basilica
St Mark’s Basilica

12. Bern, Switzerland

Bern is Switzerland’s capital city, but it absolutely doesn’t feel busy or overwhelming, like you might expect it to be.

Instead, it feels more like a fairytale town!

The UNESCO-listed old town curves around the turquoise Aare River, the medieval Zytglogge Clock Tower is a must-see, and in spring, the surrounding hills and parks are lush green.

What I loved about Bern is that the city centre is compact enough to explore entirely on foot – perfect after a winter cooped up indoors! And I especially loved the riverside walk along the Aare.

It’s not chaotic or overwhelming, but a calm, relaxed and quietly beautiful city break!

Charming Bern in May!
Charming Bern in May!

What You Need To Know:

  • Weather: -1–18°C, huge variation between March and May
  • Can’t Miss: The Zytglogge Clock Tower show on the hour
  • Where to Stay: Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa
  • Best Spring Month: May for greenery and warmer sunshine.

Katie’s Top Tip: Walk the full loop of the old town arcades. They’re covered, so even if it rains, you can still explore comfortably without cutting your day short!

Bern's famous covered arcades are especially great to wander if it's a rainer day!
Bern’s famous covered arcades are especially great to wander if it’s a rainer day!

13. Montreux, Switzerland

Montreux is my favourite place to visit in Switzerland in spring!

It may be best known for its famous Christmas Market, but in the spring, this underrated town near Geneva comes alive with bright, colourful blooms along the lake.

Sitting on the edge of Lake Geneva, with the snow-dusted Alps in the background, Montreux has truly postcard-worthy scenery to enjoy.

Flowerbeds along the lakeside promenade burst into colour, and I especially loved the relaxed, 45-minute walk along the water to nearby Chillon Castle!

The banks of Lake Geneva, bursting with spring flowers!
The banks of Lake Geneva, bursting with spring flowers!

What You Need To Know:

  • Weather: 1–20°C, huge variation between March and May
  • Can’t Miss: Walking along Lake Geneva to the spectacular Château de Chillon!
  • Where to Stay: Fairmont Le Montreux Palace
  • Best Spring Month: May for warm days and full flower displays

Katie’s Top Tip: Sit on the left side of the train if you’re arriving from Geneva. The lake views are pretty much constant throughout the journey, and they’re genuinely beautiful!

The spectacular Chateau de Chillon, near Montreux
The spectacular Chateau de Chillon, near Montreux

14. Bergen, Norway

Bergen in spring is the perfect sweet spot between the dark and snowy Norwegian winters and the bright but busy summers!

This charming coastal city is home to lots of amazing things to do, including the famous waterfront Bryggen Wharf, or even taking the funicular up Mount Fløyen for spectacular views of the colourful city surrounded by water.

But my favourite thing to do in Bergen is get out and explore the nearby fjords!

During my trip to Bergen in early March, my favourite memory was sailing to the incredible Mostraumen Fjord, where mountains rise dramatically from the water and waterfalls tumble down the steep cliff-faces as your boat sails directly underneath.

Sailing to Mostraumen Fjord, Bergen
Sailing to Mostraumen Fjord, Bergen

And Bergen is also where the famous Norway Coastal Express route sails from.

Embarking at the port, your ship takes you on a 7 or 12-day adventure above the Arctic Circle to Kirkenes in the far north – stopping at some of Norway’s most spectacular towns and cities along the way!

In March or April, you may even see the Northern Lights from your ship, too!

But regardless of whether you visit Bergen for a quick city break or as a gateway to the Coastal Express, it’s a great spring destination!

Crossing the Arctic Circle on the Coastal Express in March!
Crossing the Arctic Circle on the Coastal Express in March!

What You Need To Know:

Katie’s Top Tip: Regardless of when you visit, always pack waterproofs. After all, Bergen is famous for being the rainiest city in Europe!

Colourful Bryggen in Bergen
Colourful Bryggen in Bergen

15. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is my favourite city in Europe, so I’ve saved the best till last!

I love visiting Sweden’s charming capital at any time of year, but in spring the streets feel bright and alive. Plus, there’s the return of outdoor fika (Sweden’s coffee and cake tradition!)

Built across islands connected by bridges, the city is at its best when the sunshine returns.

Café terraces reopen, cherry blossoms bloom in Kungsträdgården, and the city’s famous, vibrant outdoor energy returns!

Looking out over Stockholm from Marieberget!
Looking out over Stockholm from Marieberget!

I love exploring the pastel streets of Gamla Stan (Stockholm’s old town), and also ferry hopping around Stockholm’s spectacular archipelago, using the frequent public ferries.

My favourite place to visit in the Archipelago is charming Vaxholm – also known as the capital of the archipelago. You can walk on the beach, wander the charming, colourful streets, or even kayak in the Baltic if you’re feeling adventurous!

Stockholm is one of the best places to visit in Europe in spring if you want to enjoy a city break that still offers plenty of nature and space too.

Vaxholm in the Stockholm Archipelago
Vaxholm in the Stockholm Archipelago

What You Need To Know:

Katie’s Top Tip: To save money in this notoriously pricey city, use the public ferries instead of booking the expensive tourist boats. They go to the same places for a fraction of the cost!

Ferry is the best way to get around Stockholm!
Ferry is the best way to get around Stockholm!

Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Perfect European Spring Break

There is no wrong choice when it comes to the best places to visit in Europe in spring – just the kind of break that feels right for the kind of trip you’re dreaming of!

But if you’re still struggling with deciding where to go, I want to wrap up this guide with a quick decision guide to the places I’ve mentioned:

If you want postcard-perfect scenery and flowers:

→ Montreux, Switzerland

If you want dramatic nature and landscapes, and a peaceful escape:

→ Isle of Skye, Scotland

If you want cosy villages and true storybook charm:

→ The Cotswolds, England

If you want to experience Europe’s most iconic spring day trip for yourself:

→ Amsterdam & Keukenhof, The Netherlands

If you want a mixture of city break and nature:

Bergen, Norway

If you want to visit an iconic city without the peak summer crowds:

→ Venice or Rome, Italy

If you want culture, blossom-filled city parks and boat trips:

Stockholm, Sweden

The most famous spring blooms at Keukenhof!
The most famous spring blooms at Keukenhof!

FAQ: Visiting Europe in Spring

When is the best month in spring to visit Europe?

Spring in Europe is from March to May, but each month offers a different experience.

March is the quietest and often the cheapest month. It’s ideal if you want fewer tourists, lower prices, and don’t mind unpredictable weather.

April is the sweet spot for most trips. Flowers are in peak bloom across Europe’s parks and countryside, daylight hours are longer, and the crowds remain manageable.

May brings warmer weather, especially in southern Europe. But it’s also when tourism rises too. You’ll get more sunshine, but slightly higher prices and busier attractions.

While you can’t go wrong with any month, I recommend mid-to-late April. You’ll catch the best of the spring blooms and decent weather, without peak-season prices or crowds!

Is spring a good time to visit Europe?

Yes, spring is genuinely one of the best times to travel to Europe! The weather is (usually) comfortable enough for full days of exploring, without the intense summer heat and crowds. Plus, I always find that city breaks feel safer and easier when they’re not overcrowded.

Which European country is the warmest in spring?

Southern European countries like Spain, Portugal and Italy are typically the warmest in spring. By April and May, daytime temperatures often sit around 15–22°C, which is warm enough for wearing light layers.

But warm doesn’t always mean best! Northern countries like Sweden or Scotland may be colder and less reliable weather-wise, but they also offer breathtaking scenery, fewer tourists, and more of those famous spring blooms!

Are flowers guaranteed in spring in Europe?

Seeing spring flowers on your trip is very likely, but never 100% guaranteed. This is because exact bloom times always depend on weather patterns each year. A warmer winter can bring blossoms earlier, while a late cold snap can delay them by a week or two.

Countries like the Netherlands and Sweden usually have the most reliable bloom seasons, but exact timing shifts slightly every year.

Is Europe crowded in spring?

Compared to summer, Europe in spring is a lot calmer and quieter. But don’t mistake that for being empty! Major tourist cities, like Rome or Venice, will always have visitors, especially around Easter or during school holidays. But the overall atmosphere is a lot more manageable.

Late May begins the early-summer busyness, especially in famous cities like Paris, Rome or Amsterdam. So if quieter streets matter most to you, aim for March or April.

If you’re happy with a streets a little busier in exchange for warmer weather, May still offers a far better experience than peak July or August!

What month is cheapest to visit Europe in the spring?

March is usually the cheapest spring month across most European destinations. Flights, accommodation and even attraction prices tend to be lower because it’s still considered shoulder season.

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