The best places to visit in Europe in April include some of the continent’s most beautiful, unique, and historical cities. While much of northern Europe is still pretty chilly in April, the Mediterranean is starting to warm up, with average temperatures in places like Cyprus hitting the low 70s.
While summer in Europe is hard to beat, there’s something special about the shoulder season and months like April. Flights are cheaper, the weather is mild, and the popular cities aren’t overflowing with tourists.
As a travel journalist, I’ve spent plenty of time living in and traveling all across Europe, and the following destinations are my top ten choices for the best places to visit in April.
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Top 5 places to visit in Europe in April
1. Paris, France
There’s something special about springtime in Paris. Live music can be found all over the city in churches, museums, parks, and even at the Eiffel Tower. The weather is sunny and flowers are blooming, creating picturesque parks and cherry tree-lined avenues. With highs in the low 60s, the weather is pleasant for sitting outside at the city’s many cafes.
The best thing to do in Paris in April:
In April in Paris, the best activity is to enjoy walks through neighborhoods like Montmartre, Saint Germain, and Canal Saint-Martin. Do like the locals and grab a bottle of wine, baguette, and cheese and sit along the canals in the evenings.
Where to stay:
Hotel Particulier Montmartre. This is a five-star boutique hotel inside a historic mansion in Montmartre. Rooms offer views of the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.
On a budget? Check out the cheapest countries to visit this year.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
There are springtime flowers and then there’s April in Amsterdam. With its colorful tulips and picturesque canals, Amsterdam is one of the best cities in Europe to visit in April.
The best thing to do in Amsterdam in April:
The Keukenhof Gardens are the star of the show in April in Amsterdam. Actually located slightly outside the city, these gardens are truly a spectacular display of over 7 million flowers and 800 varieties of Tulips.
Where to stay:
The Hotel City Garden Amsterdam is located just a few minutes walk from the popular local hangout Vondelpark.
3. Berlin, Germany
Come springtime, Berlin begins to wake up from winter with plenty of outdoor events and festivals, making it one of the best places to visit in Europe in April.
In early April, the Gardens of the World in Marzahn Park are covered in pink and white cherry blossoms. The park hosts a Cherry Blossom Festival with live music, food stalls, and traditional Japanese performances.
A few more festivals and events to check out in Berlin in April include:
- Berliner Frühlingsfest: The Berlin Spring Festival is a fair held in April every year with amusement park rides, food stands, and games. In 2023, the festival will be going on all month.
- The Berlin Half Marathon will be run on April 3, 2023
- The Berlin Easter Market will be open from April 6th to the 23rd. The Berlin Easter Market (Berliner Ostermarkt) features a variety of vendors selling handmade crafts, traditional Easter decorations, and Easter-themed treats and sweets. You can browse the stalls and enjoy live music and entertainment, in addition to activities like egg decorating and Easter crafts.
Where to stay:
The 5-star Titanic Gendarmenmarkt Berlin is located near the famous Gendarmenmarkt square in the popular Mitte neighborhood.
4. Thessaloniki, Greece
Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city, located in the north of the country. April is a great time to visit Thessaloniki with average daytime temperatures in the high 60s, and low 70s. This city is perfect for history lovers who can explore its many historic sites like the White Tower, the Byzantine Walls, and the Rotunda.
The best thing to do in Thessaloniki in April:
Spend time on the waterfront promenade and enjoy the outdoor cafes in Aristotelous Square or Ladadika. Be sure to try souvlaki, moussaka, and spanakopita.
Where to stay:
Stay in a shared or private room at The Little Big House in the quaint, hilly Ano Poli neighborhood where you can enjoy their rooftop terrace and events.
Check out these quiet islands in Greece for a relaxing getaway.
5. The Algarve, Portugal
For one of the best places to visit in Europe in April for exploring the outdoors, head to The Algarve region of southern Portugal.
This area is well-known for its rocky coastline with golden sand beaches and quaint towns. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, the Algarve is also home to several natural parks, such as Ria Formosa and Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, where visitors can explore hiking trails, bike paths, and stunning vistas.
The best thing to do in The Algarve in April:
Don’t skip over the region’s biggest city, Faro, where you can enjoy the old town, chow down on local cuisine, or take a boat trip to a deserted island.
Where to stay:
Hotel Eva is a four-star hotel located in the heart of Faro with stunning views of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and a rooftop pool.
Ready to plan your April trip to Europe?
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More places to visit in April
- Want to keep it stateside? Head to these National Parks that are perfect to visit in April.
- Spend 3 days in San Francisco where you can tour the city by bike.
- If you’re looking for some sun, stay in a 5-star resort in sunny Florida