The arrival of spring means admiring the cherry blossoms. From the crowded cities to hidden arboretums, Europe is full of places to discover the fairy-tale images.
There’s nothing quite like the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom. It’s incredible how these fleeting bursts of pink and white petals transform ordinary landscapes into dreamy.
Whether you’re wandering cobblestone streets, enjoying a picnic under flowering trees, discover a way to find new awesome destinations.
Get your camera ready- I bring the top destinations in March for the spring magic, together with a dozen other bloggers.
London, contributed by myself
Spring in London is pure magic in its parks, especially when cherry blossoms start to bloom. Notting Hill, with its colourful streets and quaint houses becomes a dreamy backdrops. Particularly I need to mention Stanley Crescent, that gain a lot of popularity on Instagram.
Strolling along the charming lanes, you’ll find Instagram-worthy corners at every turn.
Regent Park with the carefully manicured gardens, elegant pathways and lakes creates an ideal setting for the leasurely walks. The soft petals falling on the grass and water make it feel so extraordinary.
Kew Gardens add a more botanical touch with rare spaces and beautifully curated landscapes.
The city blossoms into a true floral paradise that continues in mid-April with lovely wisteria.
Generator Hostel offers cozy rooms, great breakfast and amazing location.
Arboretum Volčji Potok, Slovenia- contributed by myself
Arboretum Volčji Potok is a stunning getaway from Ljubljana, particularly known for its tulips. This place spans over 40 hectars, featuring peaceful walking paths and sparkling ponds.
In spring, the cherry trees burst into shades of pink and white, though coming a bit late.
Visitors and locals love wandering along the blossom lined alleys, stopping by the enchanting breeze of colours. Choosing Arboretum Volčji Potok is not just about the beauty, it’s educational too.
Perfect for families, you can make picnic under flowering branches and quietly reflect by the pond.
During May, the Arboretum is quite alive as the roses appear.
Arboretum Volčji Potok proves that even a small country like Slovenia can offer unforgettable floral experiences. Leaving every visitor allured by the delicate charm of cherry blossoms, the popular Lake Bled has a fantastic alternative.
For staying in Ljubljana, I would recommend Hostel Celica which is an old military prison coverin awesome design.
Prague (Petřín Hill), contributed by Anukrati Dosi from Bulbul on the wing
Spring in Prague is truly special, and Petřín Hill is one of the best places in Europe to enjoy cherry blossoms. In April, the hill is covered with soft pink flowers, wide green lawns, and peaceful walking paths. It is a lovely spot to slow down and enjoy nature, with beautiful views of Prague Castle and the city rooftops.
While visiting, you can walk through the blossom-lined trails, climb the Petřín Lookout Tower for city views, or relax with a picnic. Nearby, Malá Strana and the Vltava riverbanks are perfect additions to the day.
Getting to Petřín Hill is easy. Take a tram to Újezd and ride the funicular up, or walk if you enjoy gentle hikes.
For your stay, The MadHouse Prague is a fun and social hostel, while Hotel Pod Věží offers a comfortable and well-located hotel option.
Budapest, contributed by Meeka of the Wandering Afro
Budapest is one of the most underrated places in Europe to see cherry blossoms in bloom. The Castle District is a must-visit for anyone visiting Budapest. Not only is it the most instagrammable neighborhood in Budapest, but it’s also a great place to see cherry blossom blooms.
Take the Buda Funicular up to Fisherman’s Bastion at sunrise for unforgettable views of the Parliament Building glowing over the Danube. Afterwards, stroll over to Tóth Árpád sétány, where you can admire the cherry blossoms in all their glory.
For a true local experience, head to Margaret Island (Margitsziget). Accessible by bike or bus, it’s a peaceful nature oasis in the heart of the city. While the, visit the Japanese Garden to admire cherry blossoms, koi ponds, and scenic walking paths.
You can’t leave Budapest without indulging in its incredible coffee culture., be ready to explore the best coffee places in the city. While New York Café is the most famous coffeehouse in the city, I recommend visiting Central Grand Café instead for less waiting times, and better pastries.
For a cozy stay close to major attractions, you can’t go wrong with La Prima Fashion Hotel & Restaurant.
Saranda, Albania- contributed by Suzanne Hooker from Albania Voyagers
When people think of cherry blossoms, Saranda, Albania rarely comes to mind, and that is exactly why it’s perfect. Saranda is famous as the capital of Albania’s Riviera, that gorgeous stretch of coast on the Mediterranean Sea. But this charming beach side city is a favourite of nomads off season.
In spring, cherry and almond blossoms are abundant, and the air is fragrant. This is also the best time to visit Saranda. The weather is perfect, and the beach crowds haven’t arrived yet.
There is plenty of things to do in Saranda in spring. Stroll the promenade, hike to Lekuresi Castle, visit Butrint National Park (UNESCO), or the natural springs of Syri i Kalter. Eat seafood, sip coffee by the sea, and watch incredible sunsets over Saranda Bay.
Saranda is 260 km from Tirana Airport and can easily be reached by bus or private transfer (taxi). Some visitors prefer to fly to Corfu, Greece and take the ferry. The ferry is only 30 minutes and disembarks at the Saranda Port, in the middle of town. A very convenient option.
I highly recommend staying at Hotel Vale on the beachfront promenade. It’s a beautiful, new hotel and they have a gelato bar!
Copenhagen, contributed by Katie from Where’s Katie Now
Copenhagen is one of the prettiest cities in Europe for cherry blossom season, with blooms typically peaking between mid-to-late April.
My favourite spot to see them is Langelinie Park, where rows of cherry trees line the waterfront. You’ve got endless pink blooms overhead, boats drifting past, and a breeze off the water that often sends petals spiralling!
You can walk to Langelinie easily from the city centre, passing other highlights like the Little Mermaid and Kastellet.
But while the blossoms are a definite highlight, spring in Copenhagen offers far more than just cherry trees!
Tivoliblooms with colourful tulips and bright spring bulbs, stretching along the lake. And a canal boat trip is the perfect way to enjoy a more peaceful perspective of the city. For your stay in Copenhagen, I recommend Go Hotel Østerport. It’s central, modern, and within easy walking distance of all the best blossom spots in Copenhagen!
Almere, Netherlands- contributed by Amanda Smith from Restless Pursuits
Almere, Netherlands is not a destination I would normally recommend in the Netherlands. It’s a newer city, so the old world charm is absent. However, at the end of March, something special happens.
It transforms into one of the best places in the Netherlands to see the cherry blossoms blooming. While Westerpark in Amsterdam is also stunning, it is popular and filled with visitors. To get away from the crowds, take a train 40 minutes to get to Almere instead.
How to reach the cherry blossoms:
- Take a train to Almere Buiten.
- Walk 15 minutes to Terracottastraat, the first of the cherry blossom streets.
- Walk a few blocks further to Siennastraat for a beautiful park lined with cherry blossoms.
Where to stay in Amsterdam:
- For a mid-range option, choose Hotel Frank Since 1666, a historic hotel that is centrally located.
For more blooms, the Netherlands’ countryside explodes with color in April and May during tulip season. Read about where to see these beautiful blooms here.
Amsterdam (Westerpark), contributed by Mariza from Holland Here I Come
Spring in Amsterdam usually means tulips for most, but the city’s cherry blossoms are one of its most beautiful and underrated highlights. One of the best places to see them is Westerpark, a laid-back green space just west of the city center. In late March and early April, the park turns soft pink, and when the trees are in bloom, it’s a lovely place to spend a leisurely afternoon.
You can easily walk from Amsterdam Centraal in about 20–25 minutes or take bus 18, 21, or 22 to Haarlemmerplein. If you’re coming from the Museumplein area, take tram 5 from Concertgebouw to Van Limburg Stirumstraat; it drops you about five minutes from the park.
While Westerpark doesn’t have the dense rows of blossoms you’ll find at Bloesempark, the cherry trees scattered around the Westergas cultural complex offer a much more tranquil experience. Pack a picnic and find a spot on the grass under the cherry trees.
After your stroll, visit Fabrique des Lumières for an immersive digital art show set inside a former gasworks building. There are also several sunny terraces nearby where you can enjoy a drink, and Tony’s Chocolonely is just around the corner for a sweet treat.
If you’d like to stay nearby, Conscious Hotel Westerpark is right inside the park and just steps from the blossoms. For a more classic canal setting, Hotel Estheréa in the city center offers gorgeous floral interiors and canal views.
Paris (Trocadero Gardens), contributed by Ulysse from SlowSightSoul
In early spring, you can witness the Trocadéro Gardens shift mood in Paris. As nature awakens, the cherry trees are covered with beautiful pink flowers, leaving a memorable image by framing the Eiffel Tower in the background. It is one of the best pictures I’ve kept in mind after my slow journey across France.
To fully enjoy it, I recommend coming early, around 9 AM before most tourists arrive. At the time, the light is gentle, and the atmosphere still feels kind of local. If you are looking for calm, go to the cherry trees near Avenue Camoëns first.
To go to the Trocadero Garden, simply take Metro line 6 or 9 to Trocadéro. Step out and walk straight towards the gardens. Then, enjoy the moment, bring a coffee and watch Paris waking up.
After that, you have millions of things to do around. You are in Paris after all. Just above the gardens, the Palais de Chaillot houses several museums you can enjoy at your own pace. But, if you fancy more outside time, Stroll Along the Seine to the Eiffel Tower Lawn, following the riverside path eastwards, full of boats, bridges, and river life.
If you are looking for accommodation, I’ve stayed at The People Paris – Belleville, which offers a perfect balance of sustainable values, strong community spaces, and easy metro access.
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