April marks the beginning of spring in Europe. And if you’re a seasoned Euro traveler, you’ll be well aware that Europe in springtime is one of the most magical places to be.
As the frost wears off, Europe’s countryside bursts into life with blooming flowers. Mild temperatures make an appearance, and a contagious energy of summer anticipation fills the air. There are few things better than exploring a city after a long winter.
April is the perfect sweet spot for pleasant European weather without hoards of tourists. As long as you steer clear of school holidays, these European cities are the best places to visit in April:
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of those cities that falls into a deep slumber during winter. Events slow down, tourists head elsewhere, and even locals want to escape the cold. But when April comes around, the city starts its early tourism season.
April in Amsterdam is synonymous with one thing – tulips, and fields of them. The city celebrates a two-month-long Tulip Festival between March and May. Just about every public park and open space is packed with millions of colorful flowers.
April is also the month of King’s Day, when locals pay homage to the Dutch Royal Family. It’s a huge city-wide party where everyone wears orange and celebrates with parades through the canals, concerts, and festivals.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is one of those Southern European cities that remains beautiful year-round. But there is something extra special about visiting in spring. April brings the first signs of summer weather, which is celebrated in true Portuguese style. Restaurants spill over onto the streets, and rooftop bars buzz into the early hours of the morning.
Spring blooms peak at the end of April, making it the best time of year to visit the city’s many public gardens. Even some private gardens, like the Jardins Abertos, open to the public for a few special dates in April.
Skopje, North Macedonia
North Macedonia has recently garnered the attention of the world’s passionate hikers. It’s refreshingly uncrowded compared with the rest of Western Europe, more affordable, and home to some of the most incredible hiking trails on the continent.
The country’s capital city, Skopje, is the ultimate jumping-off point for hiking adventures. But it also has its fair share of history and culture to experience. In April, the weather is usually moderately chilly and humid, and tourists (who are few and far between, to begin with) are hardly an issue.
The city is home to one of the largest markets in the Balkans, along with a bunch of fascinating museums and restaurants to explore.
Madrid, Spain
At any time of the year, Madrid is one of the most beautiful European cities. But during spring, the city is a feast for the senses. The city’s parks, like the famous El Retiro, burst into full bloom, offering a stunning backdrop for evening strolls, picnics, or paddles across the lake.
Temperatures are comfortably warm, meaning you can explore the city without layering up or overheating. There are also fewer tourists around, especially between school holidays. Check out the Prado Museum and stroll the streets of Malasana without navigating large crowds.
April is also the month of Semana Santa, otherwise known as Holy Week. This religious festival offers a glimpse into Spain’s Catholic culture.
Graz, Austria
By April, the ski resorts, Christmas markets, and days of fluffy snow are over in Austria, opening the door to a colorful spring.
Graz is a small city just a short train ride from Vienna. It’s most famous for it’s UNESCO-registered old town. Graz is the capital city of the province of Styria, which is also known as the Green Heart of Austria. So, you can only imagine how beautiful this region is come spring. The earliest spring blossoms can be found in the fragrant apple orchards around the city.
Graz itself is a pleasure to explore in Spring. You can wander through the Medieval city, admiring the Renaissance and Baroque architecture and its resident palaces and forts.
Ghent, Belgium
Can you think of a more wonderful combination than medieval architecture and blooming spring bulbs?
As Belgium canal-lined city shakes off winter, outdoor cafes start to open up, greenery begins to blossom, and festivals start to take shape. Ghent is one of those European cities that really outdoes itself when it comes to gardens. The landscape and climate offer the perfect conditions for the more than 150 well-known and under-the-radar parks. Sint-Baafskouterpark and Maaseikplein are two great places to start.
Belgium celebrates Heritage Day on the 27th of April. This national day is often marked with free days at the city’s top museums, archives, historical sites, and churches.
Bergen, Norway
Norway emerges from a deep winter hibernation around April. Until spring, Bergen is a wintery fjord wonderland hardly on the tourist radar.
When spring arrives, the city comes alive with floral displays, cultural events, and outdoor activities. It’s located right on the fjord, which makes it an incredible place to try out different watersports. Since April is at the tail end of winter, this is also the month when most of the area’s waterfalls are flowing. Steinsdalsfossen, just outside the city, is an absolute must.
While the weather can still be unpredictable, there are plenty of things to do, no matter the weather. Visit the Bergen Arboretum, a famous garden in full bloom, before hiking through the surrounding forests.
Seville, Spain
Seville is one of those places that absolutely comes to life in spring. While the warm weather and sunshine play their part, the main event in April is Semana Santa – an Easter celebration the city is famous for.
Seville also celebrates the April Fair at the end of the month, another of its biggest festivals. Even if you have no religious affiliation, these events are a cultural experience well worth attending.
Festivals aside, Seville is also famous for its historical sites, including the world’s largest cathedral and its gorgeous orange trees. In April, these trees blossom in the thousands, lining the streets.
Paphos, Cyprus
Cyprus can get just a little bit too hot in summer. Add to that crowded beaches and increased prices, and there are plenty of reasons to visit the town of Paphos off-season. April is the last month before peak season in Paphos, and it usually coincides with Easter celebrations.
The Mediterranean city may be small, but it is scattered with archeological sites and stunning beaches. A lot of its history relates to the cult of the Goddess Aphrodite, who was allegedly born in the city. April also brings the Tulip Festival to the nearby Polemi Village, covering the fields in a carpet of colors.
Leipzig, Germany
The first few long days of summer start to warm the ground of Leipzig around April. After a long winter, colorful spring flowers and cherry blossoms start to rear their heads around the city.
The city is known for its rich musical heritage and cultural scene, which can be experienced in the many museums, galleries, and concert halls. Sometimes called the Water City, Leipzig comes alive with water-based activities when the weather warms up. You’ll see people paddling over the Karl-Heine-Kanal, swimming in the park lakes, and hiking through the Leipzig Riverside Forest. After spending much of the winter indoors, locals jump at the opportunity to be outdoors as soon as April arrives.
Verona, Italy
Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, exudes romance, especially in April. The mild weather makes it pleasant to explore Juliet’s House and the ancient Roman amphitheater without breaking a sweat. Start your day at the Piazza delle Erbe, a lively square surrounded by Medieval buildings and cafes spilling onto the streets.
You might even be able to climb the stairs of the Castel San Pietro and experience the city’s terracotta rooftops from a bird’s eye view. April is also the month of Vinitaly, one of the world’s most prestigious wine fairs. Even if you aren’t a fan of wine yourself, the ambiance and food scene during the fair is extraordinary.
Brno, Czech Republic
Often overshadowed by Prague, Brno is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. And in April, with spring in full bloom, the city feels particularly alive with energy.
The historic center blends Baroque, Gothic, and Modernist architecture. With pleasant temperatures, few tourists, and craft breweries in every direction you look, this is a wonderful place to spend spring in.
During April, the city hosts the Brno Art Week, which brings a range of exhibitions, workshops, conferences, and performances to the city’s top galleries and museums.
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