Travel Europe in the Spring

My spring break has come to an end. It was the first spring break in a couple of years that we didn’t travel abroad. Definitely not by choice, but just because of bad timing *sigh*.

On my break spent at home, I couldn’t help but reminisce about my last few spring breaks spent in London, Barcelona, and Prague. I vividly remembered all three places as if we went there last week.  I daydreamed about the sites, the food, the feel, and even the airbnbs in which we called home during our visits. During my deep meditations of these places, I had to stop and laugh to myself every once in a while because I realized that it was almost as if I were jealous of myself for being able to travel to these incredible places on those spring breaks, unlike the uneventful spring in which I was currently experiencing.

As I continued to fantasize about London, Barcelona, and Prague, I couldn't help but think of how all three cities had the most perfect weather. I also remembered these bigger and busier cities having smaller crowds everywhere we visited…and it happened to be because the time of year. After these trips, I discovered that springtime travel in Europe is the absolute best for a few different reasons: 

1. The weather is cool, making it possible to enjoy exploring outside...even if it's raining (London can't help but be London, ya know?).

2. The streets are bare...which will enhance your trip for many reasons including: less crowds on the streets, shorter lines at attractions, more space to enjoy scenery and sites, and time and space to breathe and take it all in.

3. Higher local than tourist ratio...meaning more of an authentic feel of the area, as well as more conversations (including tips and advice) from people who know the area like the back of their hand. 

4. Prices are lower....more affordable deals for restaurants, hotels/airbnbs, and even sites and attractions. Prices don't increase until summer (when more tourists visit). Cheaper means more you had originally planned for your budget and itinerary!




Honestly, you couldn’t ask for a better time than spring to make the most out of your visit in Europe. Here are some examples of amazing experiences I had while visiting Barcelona, Prague, and London in the spring:

Barcelona in the Spring

Mercado de La Boqueria. Las Ramblas. Barcelona, Spain.

Barcelona in the spring had the most impeccable weather. The sun was out everyday, which not only made wandering the streets more enjoyable, but enhanced the city’s beautiful views and architecture (such as Antoni Gaudi’s work). A visit to the beach to go fishing and to stick our feet in the water was possible this time of year, as well as taking a morning run through the Gothic Quarters and passing by Barcelona Cathedral. The short lines and small crowds at the bigger attractions such as the Picasso Museum, La Sagrada Familia, and even popular tapas restaurants made it so we could relax and take in the views and experiences a bit longer. Having the opportunity to talk to locals while sitting in one of the plazas or eating tapas at a bar in Mercado de La Boqueria took place an early morning after walking on Las Ramblas. All of these experiences can happen (and did happen to us) during the spring months in Barcelona.

With all that being said, I know I will be returning to Barcelona during the spring in the near future. I wish I could re-do my spring break...

Barceloneta Beach. Balearic Sea. Barcelona, Spain.

La Sagrada Familia. Barcelona, Spain.

Prague in the Spring

Prague in the spring had a similar ambiance to Barcelona. The sun was out almost everyday, which made for more exploring of the city. Morning runs or evening walks up Petrin Hill to Letna Beer Garden was possible with sunny, but cool and breezy weather. Crossing Charles Bridge without constantly brushing up against someone’s shoulder and taking pictures of Prague Castle with only the castle in view was likely because tourists are minimal. Taking in the torrid history of the Jewish Quarters by Old Town Square or enjoying music and picture- taking next to the John Lennon Wall is also possible due to the small crowds and less rush. Even sitting and drinking a liter of beet-brewed beer alone with your loved one in one of the oldest bars in Prague can happen during the spring months in Prague. 

Prague holds a special place in my heart for it felt (for many reasons) like I was the farthest away from home than I had ever been…and this was a great feeling.

John Lennon Wall. Prague, Czech Republic.

Charles Bridge. Prague, Czech Republic.

London in the Spring

London in the spring can range from sunny and warm to drury and rainy. However, the temperature seems to stay consistently cool. Regardless of the weather, there will always be beautiful colors that brighten up your days for exploring. Spend a morning watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and walking their Memorial Gardens. Take a stroll through Regent’s Park and Kensington Gardens to see some of the prettiest Tulips you have ever seen. Hurry and catch the Cherry Blossoms near St. Paul's Cathedral before they're gone for the season. A walk from the Tower of London to Westminster Abby, and even to the London Eye will be livened up with the colors of beautiful Bluebells and Daffodils during this time of year. Everywhere will be color regardless of the likely cloudy skies. You'll also have time to enjoy these must-sees and not feel rushed to get to or through them because of the small crowds.  Don't forget to stop into some traditional pubs for a pint of Samuel Smith and talk to a local bartender about the best restaurants for fish and chips and pubs to visit in the area without any interruptions. 

Memorial Gardens at Buckingham Palace. London, England.

I will never get tired of visiting London. There are endless things to see and do. I look forward to our next layover there...I hope it to be more than just a couple of days there next time we visit.


The weather, crowd size, locals, and marked down prices can truly have a major impact on your experience while visiting abroad. During the spring months, you will get the absolute best of these factors. In turn, you will get the most (and best) out of your experiences. Barcelona, Prague, and London would be great first picks for spring travel. However, I would almost bet money that anywhere in Europe would be just as incredible to visit during any of the spring months. I highly recommend making plans to travel next spring to Europe. In fact, there's still some time to travel this spring! Feeling adventurous?

Regardless if it's this spring or next spring, make it happen...and make it happen soon! I can surely say I won't make the same mistake of not traveling abroad next year this time around. Where to next?

Safe Travels,

Veronica