12 of the best spring city breaks

1. Amsterdam

One thing brings city breakers to Amsterdam in spring: those iconic tulips. The annual Tulip Festival takes over the city’s surrounds from 20 March to 11 May – particularly in the nearby town of Lisse. The Keukenhof Gardens is the starting point for tulip-spotting but the event’s handy ‘Flower Forecast’ map highlights all the best blooms as they appear.

Spring’s other big event is King’s Day on 26 April*, a citywide birthday celebration for the monarch. As well as ticketed events, spontaneous street parties and free DJ sets keep the energy levels high. Pack something orange (it’s the national colour) and prepare to party with the locals until the early hours.

* King's Day is officially on 27 April but will be celebrated on 26 April, a Sunday, in 2025.

2. Paris

There’s never a bad time to visit Paris but it’s even harder to resist in spring. This is a city for cherry blossoms, like at the Mail de Bièvre flower tunnels, but gardens all across the city are also in full bloom. Both the Jardin des Tuileries and the aptly named Jardin des Plantes are good picks.

Other spring highlights include the European Night of the Museums (18 May), where night-time culture cravers can enjoy free entry to some of the city’s top cultural institutions, and the huge Foire du Trône fair. With more than 350 traditional funfair rides and attractions, and tons of nostalgic sweet treats, it’s a unique day out for kids and adults alike.

3. Seville

Two festivals touch down in Seville in spring. In the lead up to Easter, the Semana Santa Holy Week fills the streets with spectators who’ve come to watch flowery floats paraded through the city. It’s followed by the Seville Fair or the Feria de Abril, which despite its name, falls on 6-11 May in 2025.

If you’re up for a party, time your visit with the second. From food to flamenco, it celebrates everything Andalusian. The festivities carry on well into the night, especially in the Triana neighbourhood, where more than 1,000 stalls called casetas pitch up to serve a variety of drinks and snacks.

Prefer a quieter stay? Late May is perfect to explore the city before the scorching days of summer.

4. Prague

A beguiling mix of old-Europe splendour and modern ambition, as well as cheap beer and traditional cafés, city breaks in Prague can be taken just how you like them, whether that's lively and loud or cultured and quiet.

With the last of winter's snow melted between the cobbles of Old Town and off to join the mighty Vltava River, the weather can still be a little unpredictable during a Prague spring. But who cares when you can duck into toasty bars between sightseeing adventures?

Events for your radar include Prague Spring International Music Festival, which runs throughout May. Venues around the city, including churches and palaces, host cultural performances for thousands of enrapt visitors.

5. Porto

Portugal’s second city might not have a long list of world-renowned sights or a pervasive cuisine that’s on menus all over the world. But that’s a good thing, because it means a city break in Porto will be full of surprises.

Most famously, this city on the Douro River is a port production powerhouse. Less known is just how excellent the food scene is. Nine Michelin-starred restaurants serve up modern twists on Portuguese classics, fish is expectedly fresh and plentiful, and there’s even a signature city sandwich, the delicious monstrosity that is the francesinha.

Work up an appetite – you’ll need it to tackle a francesinha – by scrambling up the hills up to the Dom Luís I Bridge and enjoying the views as you stroll across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia.

6. Athens

Athens is still largely overlooked as a city break destination, but it shouldn’t be, especially in spring. Daytime temperatures creep into the low-twenties in May and the Acropolis is a much more hushed attraction.

If history and culture rank highly on your wish list, it’s worth a look. Even if you’re not religious, Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations (from 18 April) are beautiful to witness. They start with flower-filled and candlelit processions on Good Friday, Midnight Masses on Saturday and mouth-watering feasts on Sunday, which you can try for yourself at a restaurant.

Alternatively, time your visit with May’s month-long This Is Athens City Festival for hundreds of free events.

7. Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik shakes off the last whispers of winter in April, welcoming visitors with sun-drenched stone streets and the sparkle of the Adriatic.

Spring is one of the best times to visit – it’s warm but not sweltering, with temperatures rising as high as 21C. The city’s famous walls are far less crowded than in summer, making it the perfect season to explore the ramparts.

Culture lovers shouldn’t miss the Dubrovnik Musical Spring, a festival running through April and May, showcasing classical concerts in historic venues. Meanwhile, Easter celebrations bring processions through the Old Town, and by May, Lokrum island is in full bloom – ideal for a picnic beneath fragrant pine trees.

8. Berlin

Once thought of only for its dividing wall, Berlin now pulls in city break visitors with all sorts on their mind.

Lovers of history are entranced by Berlin, party animals can really let their hair down in some of Germany's hippest hangouts, while families and couples flood social media with snaps of their visits to parks, cafés and attractions.

Some of the best things to see in Berlin include the five art collections of Museum Island, the zoo and park of Tiergarten, and the pop-ups and food stalls at Markthalle Neun. A more sombre icon of the city, the Holocaust Memorial is close to Brandenburg Gate.

9. Verona

Spring in Verona is a season of culture and celebration. April’s two-day Vintaly and The City is a dream for vino lovers, showcasing the region’s finest vintages, while early opera performances at the ancient Arena set the stage for the city’s world-famous summer season. By May, the Giardino Giusti is in full bloom, a fragrant escape from the lively streets.

With temperatures in the high teens to low twenties, spring weather is perfect for leisurely strolls through the city’s historic heart. The Adige River sparkles under clear skies, and café terraces fill with people soaking up the sunshine.

On a cloudier day, try Castelvecchio, the city’s medieval fortress turned museum. Get your culture fix as you stroll through this impressive gallery filled with Renaissance paintings, ancient sculptures and intricate frescoes.

10. Valletta

As a former European Capital of Culture, the capital of Malta has gained so many more fans since its mini makeover.

Summer is certain to be busy within the fortified walls of this honey-hued city, where each narrow street leads the way towards a monumental building or two, spectacular gardens and sparkly views of the Mediterranean Sea, so come in spring and enjoy a more hushed break in Valletta.

Don't miss St John's Co-Cathedral, the National War Museum and the Upper Barrakka Gardens. And don't forget, Valletta is the southernmost capital in Europe, so pack a t-shirt or two.

11. Bruges

Bruges is a perfect blend of history, charm, and blooming beauty in spring. In May, the Meifoor funfair takes over Markt Square and beyond, filling the city with nostalgic carnival rides, classic bumper cars and the scent of warm waffles. Locals and visitors alike flock to the bright stalls to try their luck at traditional fairground games or indulge in sugary oliebollen (Belgian doughnuts).

For thrills of a different kind, you can get sky-high views of Bruges from the top of the Belfry. It’s your reward for tackling the 366 steps to the top, though a Belgian Trappist beer in the sunshine might be more appreciated. There’s plenty back down on ground level.

12. Milan

Italy's fashion capital is fabulously stylish in spring as it embraces all the loveliness of outdoor living. May is probably the best month to visit for more reliable weather (19C) – something you’ll appreciate when you stumble upon the charming Navigli neighbourhood.

This hip district squeezed between Milan’s two canals is where you’ll want to be for aperitivo hour along the water (think sunset cocktails with free nibbles), but there are also plenty of shops and galleries to wander between during the day.

For top ten sightseers, you’ve probably already missed the chance to see Da Vinci’s Last Supper as tickets tend to get snapped up the moment they’re released. It’s all the more reason to return.