10 of the best spring city breaks
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It’s wintry and cold now, but spring is fast approaching – a fantastic time to discover a new city or see a different side to an old favourite.
To help you pick your next urban adventure, we’ve rounded up ten of the best spring city break destinations.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam explodes into life during the spring season as the Netherlands’ famous tulips come into bloom – see the best displays in Keukenhof, less than an hour from Amsterdam. What’s more, the crazy King’s Day Koningsdag) celebrations on April 27 see the city overcome by a sea of orange.
The first few rays of sun also draw out the locals, so you can expect the city’s parks, outdoor cafes and terraces to be full of the vibrant energy Amsterdam is famed for.
Essaouira
What better way to say goodbye to winter than with a spring escape to Essaouira, Morocco’s charming harbour city. During April, you can expect pleasant temperatures of 23 degrees and little sign of crowds – perfect for exploring souks and sandy beaches alike.
When you’re not discovering the city’s old Medina, you can try your hand on the waves – Essaouira is becoming increasingly popular with the windsurfing and kitesurfing crowd.
Lisbon
Whether you’re after hedonistic late nights or an easy-going cultural city break, Lisbon does not disappoint. The city’s classy mix of a buzzing bar scene, contrasting architectural styles and interesting cultural attractions makes Lisbon ideal for all comers.
Between March and May, the Portuguese capital hovers around the 20C mark – the ideal temperature for a spring city break spent wandering through the city’s steep cobbled streets.
Palermo
Edgy, beguiling, fascinating – Palermo’s charm lies in its rough and ready atmosphere and feisty pace of life. Stunning Baroque churches give way to bustling outdoor markets, while architectural styles from Byzantine to Gothic blend across the city.
The eerie Catacombs of the Capuchins – a tomb of mummified friars – is one of Palermo’s most curious attractions, while the magnificent Teatro Massimo boasts the largest theatre stage in Italy.
Seville
Spring is when the party really comes to Seville, with the festivities of Holy Week and Feria de Abril completely taking over the famous flamenco city. In the build up to Easter, the streets are filled with flamboyant floats and colourful parades, while two weeks later, six days of parties mark the Feria de Abril.
March through May are much milder than the stiflingly hot summer months, making spring an excellent time to visit Seville.
Nuremburg
Every year, the Nuremberg Spring Festival (April 15 – May 1, 2017) takes over the city, showing off the traditional Franconian cultures and customs that make the city unique – spring is kind of a big deal in this city.
Besides this giant folk/fun fair, Nuremburg offers up a healthy dose of history (it played host to the infamous Nuremberg Trials after World War II), heady nightlife and the type of picture-perfect architecture you’d expect of Bavaria.
New York
The “city that never sleeps” doesn’t do off seasons, so spring in the Big Apple is just as good a time as any to visit. With the bitter NYC winter retreating, it’s a great time to discover the city’s vast array of rooftop bars – for iconic views, check out the Strand Hotel, Pod 39 Rooftop and St Cloud.
Meanwhile, spring is the best time to see NYC’s famous outdoor spaces come into bloom: top picks have to be the iconic Central Park and the unusual Highline.
Innsbruck
The capital of the Tyrol area is well known for its alpine activities, but there’s much more to Innsbruck than skiing. The city’s Altstadt (old town) is as charming as any you’re likely to find in Austria, while the surrounding mountains are criss-crossed with amazing hiking routes and viewpoints.
With the snow starting to melt and the skiers heading home, prices tend to drop over spring months, making it easier to bag a spring city break bargain.
San Sebastian
With an awesome foodie scene inspired by traditional Basque pintxos, a beautiful beach and a stylish nightlife scene, San Sebastian has all the ingredients of a remarkable city break.
Whether you’re strolling through the Parte Vieja (old town) or hanging ten on Playa de la Zurriola, it’s difficult not to be completely taken by this stylish Spanish city during spring. For a taste of authentic Basque tradition, check out Cider Day (Sagardo Eguna), which takes place during early May.
Paris
As Paris’ café culture and outdoor markets come back to life, spring is the perfect time to explore the City of Light – you could, for example, find quirky art and crafts at the Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, or follow your nose to the Avenue de Saxe, a Francophile foodie’s dream.
Events unique to a spring city break in Paris include the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Jazz Festival, and the Nuit des Musee (Night of Museums) – a chance to see the Louvre and the Musay D’Orsay after dark. Meanwhile, the elegant Luxembourg Gardens are starting to come into bloom and make a refreshing alternative to Paris’s heavyweight attractions.