Spring is the quintessential season for a city break, offering the allure of awakening urban landscapes without the summer’s bustling crowds or inflated prices.<\/p>\n
For a tranquil reset, Kyoto’s temples and shrines provide a restorative atmosphere, particularly during cherry blossom season. Meanwhile, Copenhagen and Corfu Town offer a refreshing mix of charming swimming opportunities and rich cultural history.<\/p>\n
Elsewhere, vibrant cultural hubs like Marseille, Istanbul, and Mexico City promise an invigorating start to the new season. Whether for a long-haul adventure or a shorter European escape, spring provides the perfect opportunity to discover diverse urban gems.<\/p>\n
Copenhagen<\/p>\n
Spring is possibly the best time to enjoy Copenhagen\u2019s vibrant neighbourhoods, beautiful parks and interesting cultural scene. Shake off the winter hibernation with a cold splash at one of Copenhagen\u2019s harbour baths like the Kastrup Sea Bath, nicknamed \u2018The Snail\u2019 for its spiral shape, or Island Brygge, which encompasses five pools.<\/p>\n
It is also warm enough to thoroughly enjoy Copenhagen\u2019s food markets. Torvehallerne is known for high-quality produce and specialty goods like sm\u00f8rrebr\u00f8d, an open sandwich. Alternatively, embrace the Danish eco ethos at Reffen, a market that\u2019s home to over 50 sustainable food start-ups, such as Nordic Hotdog, who are revamping Danish classics. If art\u2019s your thing, head to the National Gallery of Denmark for the most comprehensive exhibition of Michelangelo in 150 years. <\/p>\n
Copenhagen\u2019s Nyhavn harbour is known for its colourful buildings (Peter Lloyd)Read more: The best hotels in Copenhagen for sleek design and trendy bars<\/p>\n
Mexico City<\/p>\n
Mexico City is a heady destination for a spring city break. From March, the weather is pleasant and streets are lined by the purple blossom of jacaranda trees. Expect a varied and vibrant itinerary packed full of museums, archaeological sites and artistic delights, not forgetting tantalising food and drink offerings. A slice of Mexico City\u2019s cultural scene can be found at The Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts), a grand concert hall and art centre. Its dramatic murals by world-famous Mexican artists, including Jos\u00e9 Clemente Orozco and Diego Rivera, offer a unique window into the city\u2019s rich history and identity.<\/p>\n
You\u2019re spoilt for choice when it comes to food. But as a city that takes breakfast seriously, make sure to join the locals as they fuel up for the day at a fonda, casual eateries serving home-style cooking. Later on, enjoy bar snacks like toasted fava beans while drinking tequila in a storied cantina like Cantina El T\u00edo Pepe, the oldest in the city. <\/p>\n
The Palacio de Bellas Artes includes two theatres, huge murals and rotating exhibitions (David Carballar)Read more: Combining the magic of Mexico City with the charm of Oaxaca<\/p>\n
Marseille<\/p>\n
Known as the city of 100 neighbourhoods, each corner is distinct and blends ancient history with edgy culture. Marseille\u2019s colourful quirks come to life with the start of the spring sun. No place shows off the city\u2019s hip way of life more than Cours Julien, a vibrant bohemian quarter home to weekly food, flower and antique book markets and bold street art. At the top of the neighbourhood\u2019s colourfully painted steps is a square filled with restaurants and bars, where you can sip pastis and craft ale while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.<\/p>\n
For a taste of the old, climb up to the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, known as the Bonne M\u00e8re. This lavish 19th-century Romano-Byzantine basilica is an architectural and artistic wonder with vivid marble, mosaics and murals. Its marvellous panoramic views make it a must-visit.<\/p>\n
Marseille is packed full of charming quirks (Elisa Schmidt)Read more: Why you should swap the crowded French Riviera for Marseille\u2019s lesser-known shores<\/p>\n
Kyoto<\/p>\n
For many, the arrival of spring is synonymous with cherry blossom. Kyoto offers a beautiful way to experience Japan\u2019s season with its backdrop of its ancient temples and shrines. Although the cherry blossom attract many tourists, a trip to Kyoto should remain on your itinerary. A serene respite can be found at the Kyoto Botanical Garden. One of the largest in Japan, it houses over 12,000 different plant species, which makes it a fantastic place to celebrate the new season flora.<\/p>\n
As a city known for its hundreds of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, a trip to Kyoto offers chances to reset and refresh. While crowds are likely at popular temple Kinkaku-ji, head out on an early sunrise hike up through the bright orange torii gates to Fushimi Inari shrine.<\/p>\n
Kyoto, which was once Japan\u2019s capital city, houses numerous temples and shrines (topcools tee)Read more: Why you should experience Japan\u2019s busiest city by bike<\/p>\n
Istanbul<\/p>\n
Take advantage of the season\u2019s more moderate temperatures to explore this city\u2019s beguiling blend of Europe and Asia. Travel back to the Ottoman Empire with a visit to the Grand Bazaar. One of the oldest markets in the world, today it comprises over 60 streets showcasing a splendour of textiles, jewellery and spices.<\/p>\n
To taste authentic food, grab a seat at a meyhane, a traditional Turkish restaurant, where you\u2019ll be offered a flavoursome meze paired with raki, Turkish spirit made from grapes and aniseed. Taking a trip in April ensures you don\u2019t miss the blossoming of Istanbul\u2019s millions of tulips. Planted every year for the annual tulip festival, the bright flowers coat the city\u2019s park and avenues.<\/p>\n
Hagia Sophia is a Byzantine mosque and museum built as Constantinople\u2019s central cathedral in the 4th century (Raimond Klavins)Read more: Istanbul city guide \u2013 where to stay, eat, drink and shop in Turkey\u2019s hub of culture and history<\/p>\n
Corfu Town<\/p>\n
With a charming old town brimming with history and culture, alongside the glorious backdrop of the Ionian Sea, Corfu Town is a joy in spring. As it\u2019s fully accessible on foot, you can enjoy the Unesco World Heritage city at your own pace. While meandering through its labyrinth of cobbled streets, make sure to stop at the Church of St Spyridon for a showcase of Byzantine beauty, before promenading down the Liston, a splendid arcade with caf\u00e9s, restaurants and shops modelled on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris.<\/p>\n
For dramatic views, head up to the Old Fortress which dates to the 6th century. Before heading back into the old town, dip your toe in the crystal water at Faliraki, a small beach with a swimming platform. If you time your trip to catch Corfu\u2019s lively Easter traditions, you\u2019ll witness exciting events such as the smashing of Botides, clay pots, as locals warn off bad spirits to welcome the new season. <\/p>\n
Delve into Corfu\u2019s military history at the Venetian Old Fortress (Calin Stan)Read more: The best hotels in Corfu for all-inclusive resorts and beachside stays<\/p>\n
This piece was first published in March 2025 and has been revised and updated.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Spring is the quintessential season for a city break, offering the allure of awakening urban landscapes without the summer’s bustling crowds or inflated prices. For a tranquil reset, Kyoto’s temples and shrines provide a restorative atmosphere, particularly during cherry blossom season. Meanwhile, Copenhagen and Corfu Town offer a refreshing mix of charming swimming opportunities and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5422,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[173],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5421","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n