The best places to visit in spring
21.07.2023 - 08:00
/ roughguides.com
Spring lifts the spirits of travellers all around the world, with its big blue skies and flowers in bloom. For many, there's no better time to travel. If you're thinking about getting away, here are our editors' picks of best places to visit in spring. Planning a British break? Discover the best UK places to visit in spring.
The information in this article is inspired by the The Rough Guides guidebooks — your essential guides for visiting the world.
Spring in Japan is simply stunning, and the cherry on the cake is the annual hanami (cherry blossom) celebrations. Head to Osaka in early April to see the city's castle rise high above a sea of petals, or walk through the Expo 70 Commemorative Park beneath a canopy of pink.
Explore Osaka with a local foodie and indulge in local delicacies such as oden or okonomiyaki. Also, note this tailor-made trip to Japan highlights: Tokyo to Osaka. View a sumo session, visit ancient temples, and climb the Tokyo Skytree tower. Explore the resort town of Hakone in Mt Fuji’s shadow, savor a tea ceremony in Kyoto, and see cherry blossoms, in season, to complete a wonderful trip.
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The view of Osaka Castle surrounded by cherry blossoms makes Osaka one of the best places to visit in spring © Shuttertong/Shutterstock
Portugal is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, with Lisbon and Porto leading the way. Cities aside, spring is a beautiful time of year for the Rota Vicentina, a network of walking trails on the west coast of Portugal’s Alentejo region. There’s an inland route – the Historical Way – that passes through charming towns, or the sea-scraping Fishermen’s Trail.
Along the latter, cliff-top paths offer stunning ocean views, lined by aromatic shrubs and flowers. In the sky above you might spot the odd huge silhouette – the native storks should be returning from their winter holidays around now too.
If you're staying in Lisbon, make use of one of the many day tours to Alentejo, such as this full-day tour to Evora and the Megaliths.
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Porto Covo beach in Alentejo, Portugal © Vitaly Fedotov/Shutterstock
Mardi Gras isn't the only reason to make a trip down to New Orleans. Louisiana’s capital is just as enchanting once carnival comes to an end. Spend a day soaking up the faded beauty of the French Quarter’s backstreets in the sunshine. Then, head to Frenchmen Street in the Marigny for a night of live jazz and cocktails.
New Orleans is famous for its music scene. After spending a night on Frenchmen Street for Live Jazz, take a cruise for the next night — a unique experience onboard a steamboat listening to cool jazz and enjoying a delicious dinner.
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