Best Destinations for a Spring Getaway

Best Destinations for a Spring Getaway

I love Spring!  Ok, so, I do actually live in Southern California so it is basically Spring all year, but, it is the BEST time of year to travel. Everyone is excited to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming and wine just tastes better in the Spring. I asked a group of travel bloggers about their favorite destinations for a Spring getaway and here is what they said…

Read: Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in the Spring

Athens Greece

The historic city of Athens is the perfect spring getaway. With plenty of things to see and do, the weather is at its most pleasant in spring and is far less crowded than in summer. Athens is a bustling city that combines a rich ancient past with a colorful modern culture and is a laid-back destination that will appeal to all age groups. Three days in Athens gives you plenty of time to visit the top archaeological sites, like the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, Kerameikos cemetery, and the Panathenaic Stadium. You will love strolling around one of Europe’s most picturesque pedestrian streets, Dionissiou Areopagitou. Climb up Filopappou, Areopagus and Lycabettus hills for superb views. Wander into the lovely Plaka and Psirri areas, and lose yourself in the street mazes. Visit two or three of the excellent museums, offering glimpses of Greece’s long history. Head to the central food market, check out the different types of produce, and maybe buy some olives to bring back home. Taste many different Greek dishes at the lovely tavernas – be adventurous, and chances are you won’t regret it. And, last but not least, sit out in the sun with a glass of frappe (cold coffee) or a beer, and watch the people go by! Dave’s Travel Pages

Barcelona Spain

Whether you want to marvel at its glorious architecture, try all the delicious food and wine, or simply lounge on its beautiful beaches, Barcelona is the perfect destination for a spring getaway. City cards such as the Hola BCN and Barcelona Card allow easy access through the entire city by offering unlimited transportation and tons of perks – such as museum entrances and options to skip lines at major sites. Outdoor seating allows for visitors and residents alike to line the sidewalks while enjoying the warmer weather. Fantastic day trips to places such as Girona, Montserrat, and Sitges provide an escape from the city noise and are only a train ride away. The city celebrates with a breathtaking musical fountain show at Montjuïc starting in March every year. Sites such as La Sagrada Familia, Port Vell, Placa Catalunya, and Arc de Triomf are a must when visiting, especially if it’s your first time in the city. On the Barceloneta strip, one can spend the day playing beach volleyball, ping pong, or walking along the shoreline. At night, it’s the perfect place for elegant debauchery as some of the world’s greatest nightclubs open their doors until the early hours of the morning. There is a magic to Barcelona in the spring that can only be understood if you have been lucky enough to have experienced it on your own. Em Around the World

Bath England

Bath is one of the UK’s prettiest destinations.  The whole city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its untouched Georgian architecture is unique in the UK.  There are a wealth of museums about Bath and its history, from the incredible ruins of the Roman Baths to a museum about Jane Austen’s life and times.  Bath is a great city to visit at any time of year, but spring is especially good for a getaway.  Bath has several beautiful parks and they’re all at their best during spring.  You can take a boat trip on the River Avon up to Bathampton and back, or picnic at Prior Park Gardens.  My favorite thing to do is to visit the Bath Spa on a warm evening and laze about in the rooftop pool. There’s also the Bath Festival which is a music and literature festival held over 10 days in May.  Party in the City is the festival’s largest free music event.  The Finale weekend is a huge music event with two stages and plenty for all the family to enjoy. The nearest airport to Bath is Bristol at only 40 minutes away by car, although there are direct bus services.  Bath is less than two hours’ drive from London Heathrow and Birmingham airports. Kids and Compass

Bergen Norway

Bergen, Norway is one of my favorite spring getaway destinations in Europe because there is truly nowhere as magical as Norway when the long winter is ending and warmer weather is on the horizon.  The short, dark days have come to an end in spring and the flowers start to show their faces again and everyone is in a much more joyous mood when the weather starts to turn in Bergen.  I lived in Bergen for a year and the spring season opened up the door for hiking opportunities as well as terrace drinks, something the Norwegians refer to as ‘utepils’ (outside beer).  There is nothing as exciting as that first ‘utepils’ of the season in Bergen.  There are many things to do in Bergen for those stopping through for merely a short time and the city is very manageable and small.  Another Bergen favorite that occurs during spring is the Easter season.  Norwegians celebrate for much longer than most countries and many Norwegians will take to the countryside or around Bergen to do their last bit of skiing for the season and say an official goodbye to winter.  This is truly what makes Bergen such a captivating city, especially during springtime. Megan Starr

Berlin Germany

Germany in the spring can be a beautiful time to be outdoors, and Berlin is filled with parks, memorials, galleries, and historical walks to be enjoyed.  Berlin is filled with historical significance and Berlin’s many monuments are worth a visit. The Berlin Wall Memorial should be experienced by every visitor while visiting Berlin. Brandenburg Gate, a classical archway, is a symbol of reunification and one of Berlin’s most famous monuments that is a must-see. Just a short walk away, the outdoor Memorial to the Murdered Jews is an awe-inspiring grid of concrete slabs aligned at different heights and dedicated to all those lost in WWII. Checkpoint Charlie, the checkpoint between East and West Berlin during the Cold War is another must-see and one can easily stroll over to one of many museums nearby such as Berlinische Galerie or the Jewish Museum.  Head over to Charlottenburg Palace to enjoy a stroll through the enormous palatial gardens or visit Potsdamer Platz to find numerous restaurants and entertainment venues for the evening.  Finally, enjoy the spring sun outdoors, in one of Berlin’s numerous green spaces including Mauerpark, Tiergarten or Memorial Park, and be sure to have a schnitzel or pretzel while there! The Elusive Family

Denver Colorado

Denver, Colorado is definitely a massively underrated destination during springtime. Why? Well, for one thing, the weather is sunny and just perfect for sitting on a patio and sipping a brew at one of the city’s many microbreweries. Local favorite spots include Our Mutual Friend in the RiNo district and the newly-opened New Belgian Brewing outlet at the rooftop of the Source Hotel. The great weather also makes Denver a perfect place to get active during a Spring getaway. With the Rocky Mountains sitting on the city’s doorstep, it’s easy to escape the city for a day to go hiking, biking, climbing, or wildlife watching. You’ll still be home in time to end the day with a great dinner enjoying Denver’s burgeoning restaurant scene (here are some insider spots to check out: Work & Class, Linger, and Beast & Bottle). But perhaps the best reason Denver makes a great destination for a spring getaway is the annual opening of the Red Rocks concert season. This spectacular outdoor amphitheater is set among majestic rock formations that are – you guessed it – red! The venue is famous worldwide, attracts some of the globe’s top acts, and is worth going to a concert at just for the experience itself. Check out this huge Denver travel guide for more on what to do and why Denver is one of the best spring getaways that many people don’t think about! Travel Lemming

Edinburgh Scotland

Edinburgh is a great spring getaway destination because the days are getting longer, the sky is getting brighter and there are plenty of activities on the horizon. With lush green landscapes and blooming cherry blossoms, spring is the perfect time to explore Edinburgh’s parks and gardens such as the Meadow Walkway, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Water of Leith. Plus, there’s no better time to take a walk up Arthur’s Seat, with bright yellow gorse coloring the ground and epic panoramic views of the city in the light of the spring sunshine. When not enjoying the great outdoors, check out the endless activities on offer at Edinburgh Castle or hit up some exciting festivals such as Whisky Month, the Beltane Fire Festival, and the Edinburgh International Science Festival. The city’s markets are packed full of fresh spring produce throughout the months of April, May, and June so spending a few hours gathering seasonal goodies to take home is a must! To end your trip, enjoy some al fresco drinks or dining in the bustling Grassmarket and Old Town areas of the city. Despite Edinburgh’s chilly temperatures throughout winter, the city has a surprisingly good café culture in spring! Travel Passionate

Granada Spain

Granada in Spain is a perfect destination for your spring getaway. It is a unique combination of Spanish and Moorish (Arabic) culture, as the city was the last bastion of Moorish people until 1492. The main attraction here is Alhambra, the Moorish fortress (however, remember to book your tickets even two months in advance as there is a limited number of visitors to some parts), and the lovely maze-like district of Albaizin, which used to be a Moorish settlement. The views of the city with the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background are stunning! Also, Granada is the last place in Spain that still cultivates the tradition of real tapas. That means, wherever you go, you need to order just a drink, and the snacks (sometimes pretty big!) come included in the price. Of course, the city is much more than that! In the district called Sacromonte, you can find cave houses, once occupied by local Gypsies. And in Realejo you can take a street art walk, looking for murals of the famous street artist Raul Ruiz known as El Niño de las Pinturas (Child of the Paintings). Granada has enough attractions for 2-3 days! The easiest way to get here is to fly to Malaga Airport and take a direct bus to Granada. It’s only 2 hours away. Hanna Travels

Isle of Wight England

I’d choose an Isle of Wight trip for a spring getaway because of its stunning white beaches and the incredible coastal path that runs all around its circumference. In fact, if you’re looking for a walking break with blue skies and mild temperatures in spring, this is your spot. The path will run between blooming flowers at this time of year and the sea will be a bright clear blue – perfect. Be sure to view The Needles, either on foot or with your car, as they are pretty far out to sea and you need a crisp, clear day to get the best visibility. What else makes the isle perfect? Well, it’s a huge camping spot, home to excellent theme parks and holiday parks – the advantage being that all these are cheaper in spring than in summer and yet the weather is still good. Fishing villages around the isle come alive in the season, cafes waking up to serve the tourists, and fishing boats coming in and out with their haul. None of this disturbs the natural wildlife of the island which is also easier to glimpse than in winter – including those rare red squirrels. Live in 10 Countries 

Kyoto Japan

Kyoto, Japan is one of the best cities in the world to visit for a getaway in the spring because of the celebrated cherry blossoms (sakura). Full of temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is beautiful and worth visiting year-round, but spring is one of the best seasons to visit (and also most popular) due to the moderate temperature and beautiful pink flowers. You don’t have to go out of your way to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto as you will see them at some of the temples that you would likely be visiting anyway. One of the best spots to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto is the Philosopher’s Path, a pedestrian path between Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and Nanzen-ji temples that follow a canal lined by hundreds of cherry trees. If you want to join the locals and have a cherry blossom viewing party (hanami) under the trees, head to Maruyama Park which is famous for its tall weeping cherry tree. While the exact dates when the cherry blossoms open and reach full bloom vary from year to year (usually early April), there are annual forecasts so you can plan your visit. While cherry blossom season is a great time to visit Kyoto, it is also one of the most popular times so book any reservations as early as possible. The Travel Sisters

London England

There is literally no bad time to visit London but one of my absolute favorite times to explore the city is Spring because it is quiet and also the city is coming alive with beautiful flowers! Ok, the weather can be unpredictable but when isn’t it in the UK! But during a Spring getaway you are rewarded with all the beautiful Spring blooms! A must-visit in Spring is Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site that looks at its best in Spring with its beautiful Cherry Blossom Avenue, and of course, the traditional English Rose garden comes into flower! On top of Kew Gardens, there are lots more green spaces that come alive in Spring, one of my favorite being the beautiful Isabella Plantation which is a spring-blooming garden! Spring is also a great time to visit for the sports lover with the iconic events of the London Marathon and the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race taking place in this season! On top of that, Spring is just a great season to visit London as it is not flooded with tourists like summer. For the rainy days, you can take advantage of many of the city’s free museums which often will have their summer exhibitions opening. Wander Must Family

Madeira Portugal

Madeira is the perfect place for a Spring getaway, because of the beautiful weather. The island enjoys glorious sunshine all year round. Luckily not many people know about this jewel in the Atlantic Ocean so it won’t be too crowded. The island is a paradise for outdoor lovers. It is home to many waterfalls, rock pools, amazing plant life, volcanic landscapes, and a rugged coastline. A must-do for any visitor is to go hiking in Madeira. The island has several levada walks. They are Madeira’s irrigation system, but they can also be used for hiking. The hike between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo (PR1) is the most popular and most challenging one. The 14 km return hike can take around 8 hours. It has a few tunnels and some narrow sections right next to the cliff edge. A very unique hike where you can walk above the clouds and get the most impressive views. Thanks to the island’s temperature it is a very pleasant activity to go hiking in the mountains, as it is not too hot or too cold. If you prefer to soak into the culture, you can stay in Funchal and visit the famous fruit market or go on a toboggan ride in Monte, which is a fun traditional thing to do here. Travel Hacker Girl

Nashville Tennessee

Our favorite springtime destination is Nashville Tennessee.  There’s just something special about the Southland in the spring and this capital of the south makes an incredible weekend getaway.  Nashville literally comes alive in the spring and stimulates all your senses. The smell of flowers and trees hangs in the air over the Cumberland River.  There’s the taste of all that great southern BBQ, plus dishes you have yet to discover.  More than anything, you’ll hear the sounds of music.  Nashville is Music City USA.  And there’s so much more to Nashville’s music scene is the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame.  Nashville is more than the country music scene.  The clubs in Nashville also feature rock, blues, folk, and even punk. Nashville also makes a great base to explore the region.  Outside of the city, visitors love to explore the history of the plantations and the Tennessee whiskey country.  When it comes to weekend getaways, Nashville is at the top of our list for a spring destination. Travel Addicts

Prague Czech Republic

Prague is one of the most beautiful places in Europe to visit, particularly in the spring when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds, which also means hotel prices are not full price. Prague is very easy to reach, either by plane at the Vaclav Havel Airport (around 10.5 miles north from the center) or by train at the city’s main train station, Hlavní Nádraží. Prague is a stunning city to explore, particularly the UNESCO-listed Old Town. It dates back to the 10th century and is always busy, with lots of bustling restaurants, cafes, and street performers every day of the week. The Prague Castle is another UNESCO-listed gem you could spend an entire day exploring. Dating back to the 9th century when it was a seat of power for the Kings of Bohemia, it’s also famous for being the largest ancient castle in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. Other things to explore in Prague include the iconic Charles Bridge, a cruise along the Vltava River, the Prague Zoo (often rated as one of the best in the world), Petrin Hill, the Jewish Museum, and the Lego Museum, which is famous for being the largest Lego museum in the world. Nomadic Boys

Seoul South Korea

Seoul, South Korea is the perfect spring destination for anyone looking to experience one of the best cherry blossom spots in Asia. Not only is the city extremely photogenic year-round, but during springtime, it’s even better! Between late March and mid-April, the city turns blush pink marking the beginning of cherry blossom season. And although there are countless photogenic places to witness the blooms throughout the city, any visit here would not be complete without strolling through the magnificent palace gardens. Gyeongbokgung and Changgyeonggung Palaces are two of the most important palaces in the city and we highly recommend starting your journey here. Duck into age-old temples, admire the unique architecture and dive into history. For the best views of the city, head to Namsan Tower by cable car. The short ride offers beautiful panoramic views of Namsan Park and the cherry blossom trees below. Afterward, head to Seoul’s shopping mecca, Myeong-dong for some retail therapy and local eats. Exploring the hidden alleys of Insa-dong, popping into the age-old Bunchok Hanok Village to catch a glimpse into the past, and strolling along Seokchon Lake should also not be missed on your visit here. Seoul is easily accessed from Incheon International Airport in less than an hour by either express train (AREX), bus, or taxi. We highly recommend spending at least 72 hours in the city as there is plenty to do, see and love. Oh, and travel tip – although temperatures are slightly warmer during cherry blossom season, you still need to pack warm clothes as the average temperatures range between 5-17 degrees Celsius. Hoponworld

Tbilisi Georgia

The best time to travel to Tbilisi, Georgia is in spring. Everything is blooming, the city is full of colors, and the weather is good enough for sightseeing whereas summers are insanely hot and busy in the Caucasus region. With so many attractions Tbilisi will keep you busy for at least 2-3 days. This is one of the most fascinating destinations, it’s beautiful, unique, and oriental, a truly East meets West point. You can wander around Old Tbilisi with beautiful yet crumbling houses, visit centuries-old churches, and fall in love with stunning art-nouveau architecture. This is also where you will find some of the best examples of quirky Soviet buildings that are now becoming more and more popular. Don’t miss the Georgian food too – it’s one of the most delicious in the world! Tbilisi can be a perfect base for day trips to places like a Kakheti wine region or Kazbegi -a small town in the heart of the Caucasus mountains with breathtaking views. These places are also the best to be seen in the spring as the colors around are just perfect, the landscape looks like it’s photoshopped! Every year Georgia becomes a more popular destination so travel there as soon as possible before everyone else does! My Wanderlust

Tokyo Japan

Tokyo is one of the cities that is great to visit year-round. However, for first-time travelers, I would say, if you are planning a trip to Tokyo, go during late March or early April. This is the time when the cherry blossoms bloom and make the city very pretty for your Spring getaway. You’ll spot these white and pink blossoms at almost every street corner. These lone trees are certainly very beautiful but if you want to see an entire tree canopy formed from these flowers, then go to Ueno Park. Ueno Park hosts the Sakura Hanami festival during this time to celebrate the arrival of spring. So, you’ll see people having a picnic on blue tarps below the trees.  The only drawback of Ueno park is that the park is usually very crowded during this season. Despite the crowds, there’s a lot of fun to be had here. There’s the Shinobazu pond nearby where you can go on a boat ride or enjoy Japanese street food at the food market near the pond. Traveling Pari

Vienna Austria

Think of Vienna and many sights and sounds spring to mind. A grand musical heritage associated with many of the finest composers in history. The Hapsburg dynasty ruled for many centuries and the grand palaces in which they resided. As winter gives way to spring, Vienna is blooming with color and sound in so many ways. And what better way to embrace this than to explore many of the great parks and gardens. The perfectly trimmed gardens of the Belvedere Palace and its orangery and stables are some of the best places to take things at a gentler pace. The sun is shining, the tulips are bright and sometimes even the ducks like to drop by for a swim in the fountain! The Schönbrunn Palace as well as the grand gardens and even a maze are another great spot. On a clear day, most wonderful are the views of the palace and the city in the distance from the Gloriette. Looking down below you can see how immaculately trimmed the surrounding hedges are that complement the grand Baroque golden brown palace, texture indeed like the sun. Likewise if seeking structures of a colorful variety in line with the spring sunshine, Hundertwasser Haus is one of those uniquely designed residences that really needs to be seen to be believed. Closer to the center, the Burggarten with its butterfly house is a popular location for locals to chill out in the presence of the cherry blossom and the bright peonies. Over the Donau, the Prater amusement park is at its most lively with something for visitors of all ages. And of course, no trip to Vienna is ever complete without immersion into its rich classical music heritage. The Schönbrunn Summer Night Concert from the Vienna Philharmonic in June is an undisputed highlight but also this is now the season for outdoor concerts, so come at the right time and you may be treated to a performance albeit at not quite a grand scale as that. Journeymaxx

Zurich Switzerland

Zurich is a great place to visit in spring as the city awakes from its winter sleep and while it gets busier and livelier, it is still not overrun by crowds. Without a question, Zurich is one of my favorite cities to visit in Europe and especially in the spring months it has its special charm – in the summer months tourists from all over the world visit the city – leading to even higher prices for accommodation. One of the places you should visit is Lake Zurich – if it is warm enough you can swim in the very clear and clean water, or you can do water sports activities or boat tours. If you want to take it more relaxed, just stroll the lake and enjoy the sun rays. Also, even if you aren’t a big shopper you should visit die famous shopping street – Bahnhofstrasse, or enjoy lovely views from Lindenhof, or the hillside university overlooking the lake. The lovely old town of the city is another must, as is a (half) day trip to Uetliberg Mountain for even better views of the city and the lake. Also, you should hop on a train and visit some places close by – like the famous Rhine Falls or the famous mountain guest house “The Aescher”. A Spring getaway is the perfect time of the year for some nice hikes in and around Zurich as it is not too hot nor too busy! Arzo Travels 

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