Did that winter feel particularly arduous to you? Same. But with the arrival of warmer temperatures and longer days, we can say that finally – finally! – the glorious season of spring has well and truly sprung.
Cities across the northern hemisphere are shaking off the frost and basking in the timid sun. There are a handful of places that show their very best side in March, April and May, so we thought we’d compile them for you – we’ve gotta make the most of the season, after all. Thinking of planning a quick springtime getaway? This is where we’d head.
The 10 most beautiful cities to visit in spring
1. Hokuto, Japan
Heading away in late spring? If it’s to Hokkaido, you’ll be in luck, as this island’s position in Japan’s north means sakura flowers a month later than the rest of the country, and so cities like Hokuto will be awash with cherry blossoms from May. Head to Matsumae Park or Higashimokoto Park for the best views of the stuff, and if you can, check out the Takikawa Canola Flower Festival.
2. Athens, Greece
Athens’s incomprehensibly impressive history is more than enough to entertain us at any time of year, but April and May in particular offer prime sight-seeing conditions. The days will be sunny but not quite scorching, so you can get some good, not-quite-so-crowded photos and walk around without gasping for water. It’s warm enough to visit the beach and enjoy dinner alfresco.
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Okay, this one might be obvious, but you’d be a fool to pass up a trip to Amsterdam during tulip season. From mid-March to mid-May, the Dutch capital is abloom with yellow, orange, red, pink and purple flowers. Sure, manicured gardens like Keukenhof are excellent places to visit them, but hop on a bike and you’ll see patches of colour in every direction throughout the city. If it’s warm enough, make sure you book onto one of Amsterdam’s brilliant canal tours.
4. Seville, Spain
The southern Spanish region of Andalusia is already pretty warm by late spring, so if you’re keen to do some sightseeing, then this is arguably the best time to visit Seville. La Feria de Abril takes place from May 4 – 10, promising a celebration of all things authentic to this region of Spain. Think flamenco dancing, bullfighting, paseo de caballos (decorated horses), and of course, plenty of tapas.
5. Marrakech, Morocco
Springtime is peak season in Marrakech for good reason. March to May offers a window of warm, but not baking hot, temperatures – meaning exploring the souks and enjoying the city’s rooftop restaurants is splendid. For major tourist attractions such as Le Jardin Majorelle, make sure you book at least a few weeks in advance as slots can fill up quickly. Oh, and you might catch the tail-end of Ramadan, so do be mindful of local customs.
6. Mexico City, Mexico
March to May is when the weather in Mexico’s capital is at its prime, with the average daytime temperature sitting at around 26C (78F). To catch the jacaranda trees in their bloom, make sure you’re there early in the season, but otherwise, take time wandering the streets, soaking up some sights – and most importantly, dining out at the world-class restaurants.
7. New York, USA
It won’t shock you that New York has more than enough going on to warrant a trip at any time of year, but the Big Apple really glows in spring. Not only has the city defrosted from its bitter wintery conditions and the calendar of outdoor events has kicked off, but the cherry blossom dotted throughout its parks is glorious.
8. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Santa Cruz is a culture-packed city conveniently located near the mountains, so it’s a great place to base yourself for hiking. With temperatures lingering in the low to mid-20s (around 77F) from March until May, it’s a pleasant time to explore the island’s showstoppingly dramatic and surprisingly green landscape. The InnSide Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the Hotel Emblemático F24 are two of our favourite places to stay.
9. Valletta, Malta
Valletta is pretty, compact and walkable, but it does get pretty busy, so head there before the summer crowds arrive to properly soak up its sights. Everything within the city’s walls is UNESCO-protected, but a standout landmark is St John’s Co-Cathedral, and if you’re there in April, make sure to check out Malta Spring Festival, a celebration of all things classical music and dance, which is back for its nineteenth edition in 2025.
10. Lisbon, Portugal
From mid-April, Lisbon’s streets are awash with purple blooms from all the city’s jacaranda trees, adding a soft, pastel contrast to the terracotta roof tiles. Temperatures are getting toasty, sitting comfortably in the low twenties (around 71F) by the end of April, meaning it’s plenty warm enough to enjoy the city’s fantastic food and rooftop bars.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.