Spring lifts the spirits of travellers all around the world, with its big blue skies and flowers in bloom. For many, there's no better time to travel. If you're thinking about getting away, here are our editors' picks of the best places to visit in the spring. Planning a British break? Discover the best UK places to visit-in spring Dropdown content.
Spring in Japan Dropdown content is simply stunning, and the cherry on the cake is the annual hanami (cherry blossom) celebrations. Head to Osaka in early April to see the city's castle rise high above a sea of petals, or walk through the Expo 70 Commemorative Park beneath a canopy of pink.
Explore Osaka with a local foodie and indulge in local delicacies such as oden or okonomiyaki.
Osaka Castle surrounded by cherry blossoms © Shuttertong/Shutterstock
Portugal is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, with Lisbon and Porto leading the way. Cities aside, spring is a beautiful time of year for the Rota Vicentina, a network of walking trails on the west coast of Portugal’s Alentejo Dropdown content region. There’s an inland route – the Historical Way – that passes through charming towns, or the sea-scraping Fishermen’s Trail. Along the latter, cliff-top paths offer stunning ocean views, lined by aromatic shrubs and flowers. In the sky above you might spot the odd huge silhouette – the native storks should be returning from their winter holidays around now too.
If you're staying in Lisbon, make use of one of the many day tours to Alentejo, such as this full-day tour to Evora and the Megaliths.
Porto Covo beach in Alentejo, Portugal © Vitaly Fedotov/Shutterstock
Mardi Gras isn't the only reason to make a trip down to New Orleans Dropdown content. Louisiana’s capital is just as enchanting once carnival comes to an end. Spend a day soaking up the faded beauty of the French Quarter’s backstreets in the sunshine. Then, head to Frenchmen Street in the Marigny for a night of live jazz and cocktails.
For classic New Orleans charm: Hotel Maison de Ville
When you conjure mental images of New Orleans, chances are that Hotel Maison de Ville is largely what you are picturing. Dripping with classic New Orleans charm from head to toe, the historic three-story property occupies one of the oldest structures in the French Quarter, with luxurious rooms equipped with balconies overlooking the action along Toulouse Street.
New Orleans is famous for its music scene. After spending a night on Frenchmen Street for Live Jazz, take a cruise for the next night - a unique experience onboard a steamboat listening to cool jazz and enjoying a delicious dinner.
One of the French Quarter's many beautiful buildings, New Orleans © Philmythen/Shutterstock
Amsterdam Dropdown content really comes to life from April onwards, as cafés and bars spread out over the cobbled streets. Tourist numbers are lower than in the summer months too. Get to know the city's ins and outs in a canal-boat ride, or take a trip including fast-track to the unforgettable Keukenhof gardens. 25km out of town, tulips bloom in spectacular colours from late-March to mid-May in beautiful ornamental arrangements.
For Inventive design: Hotel De Hallen
There’s plenty of buzz surrounding the stunning conversion of this 1902 tram depot. Original features, such as rails in the dining-room floor, and the vaulted glass ceiling, have been kept intact, and the 55 rooms seem to be suspended within the structure.
What would Amsterdam be without it's canals? Take either a day or night cruise (or both) to explore the city.
Keukenhof gardens © MarinaD_37 /Shutterstock
continued below
The Wye Valley Dropdown content is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and for good reason. The river itself is fantastic for canoeing and kayaking, and the hills will please walkers. And, even if you're not into birdwatching you'll rejoice at the sight of the gorgeously flecked goshawk engaging in its so-called ‘sky dance’. Its mate-attracting display of flying prowess is a spring phenomenon.
The rolling green hills of the Wye Valley © Matthew Dixon/Shutterstock
Travelled on foot, by bike or car, the scenic 400km Romantic Road Dropdown content from Würzburg to Füssen takes in medieval walled towns, traditional villages with half-timbered houses, vineyards and the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein. It's undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Europe in spring. This picture-perfect route through Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg was created to attract visitors after WWII. More than sixty years later it's hugely popular and often overrun by the summer months. Go in spring instead and enjoy the bright greens and chilly mornings.
Best for design flair in Munich: The Flushing Meadows
A top choice for those with an eye for interior design. It emanates style, with minimalist decor and funky artworks throughout. Plus, there’s a brilliant rooftop bar and restaurant serving excellent coffee and cocktails.
Neuschwanstein is an easy day tour from Munich and can also be combined with the beautiful Linderhof castles.
Neuschwanstein castle surrounded by forest, Germany © Francesco Carucci/Shutterstock
Cornwall Dropdown content is packed with good restaurants – and plenty of activities to help burn off all that delicious food. Set out for a wander on the moors as spring flowers bloom, or go a dip in the sea if you're brave (or mad). Don't worry if a spring storm rolls in while you're visiting – the waves make for an incredibly dramatic scene.
The final series for Doc Martin has been confirmed - visit the fictional seaside village of Portwenn and discover the main locations of this popular TV show.
Bedruthan Steps in northern Cornwall © PJ photography/Shutterstock
The Loire Valley Dropdown content’s sleepy villages are just shaking off their winter chill around now, while out in the vineyards buds are starting to burst and wildflowers are cropping up along the riverside. Whether you’re in search of a truly memorable cuvée or the most magnificent château, spring is a great time to visit.
Marvel at the amazing landscape from high up in the air - a hot air balloon ride allows for birds-eye views of the valley, incredible views guaranteed!
Chaumont-sur-Loire castle, France © Mistervlad/Shutterstock
For active types, the popular seaside town of Essaouira Dropdown content makes for a perfect long weekend getaway in spring. With pleasant temperatures and strong winds – locally known as the alizee – it's a prime location for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It's one of the best places to visit in the spring for adventure enthusiasts. And if you're not drawn to the waters, you can enjoy afternoons strolling past the whitewashed and blue-shuttered houses, nipping into art galleries and sipping on mint tea.
The medina has the most accommodation options in Essaouira, where you can choose from cosy riads like Dar Azma and Riad O Gre du Vent to spacious guesthouses like Villa Maroc.
Get out the city and explore the sand dunes on a quad bike. Adventure meets nature!
The walls of Essaouira at sunset © Ruslan Kalnitsky/Shutterstock
The jagged Brittany Dropdown content coastline is a wonderful place to explore – full of secret coves, quiet beaches, and spots to sup cider and watch the world drift by. Springtime is a particularly appealing season. Charter a boat and head to the Îles de Glénan for a spectacular display of colour, then enjoy a well-earned crêpe complete in a cosy crêperie.
Camaret-sur-Mer with wildflowers in Brittany, France © Bouchigny Claire/Shutterstock
Top image: Porto Covo beach in Alentejo, Portugal © Vitaly Fedotov/Shutterstock