Spring 2025 marks an ideal time for renewal through travel as the world shifts from winter’s stillness to a season of vibrant color, festivals, and natural beauty. Blossoms brighten ancient pathways, cultural celebrations fill the streets, and scenic landscapes bask in longer daylight, offering a sensory-rich invitation to explore.
This season’s top destinations span tranquil countryside escapes, bustling cities in bloom, and regions transformed by seasonal change. Whether through the delicate allure of sakura, the lively rhythm of Mediterranean fiestas, or the golden hues of southern autumn, each location distinctly and memorably reflects the spirit of spring.
Top 8 Global Spring Destinations to Visit in 2025
1. Kyoto, Japan – Cherry Blossom Bliss
If you’ve ever dreamt of wandering through a pink-hued postcard, Kyoto is where it becomes real. Spring in Kyoto is the Sakura season, when the city becomes a living art piece. The Philosopher’s Path, a peaceful trail lined with cherry trees, transforms into a magical tunnel of blooms. Maruyama Park is another must-see spot where locals and tourists gather for hanami (flower viewing) picnics under a cascade of petals.
What makes Kyoto magical in spring isn’t just the visual feast—it’s how nature and tradition intertwine. You’ll find limited-edition cherry blossom sweets, sakura-flavored tea, and matcha desserts in quaint teahouses tucked into centuries-old streets. Don’t forget to explore iconic sites like Dera and Fushimi Inari Shrine, where vermilion torii gates contrast against a delicate backdrop of blooms.
Time to visit: March through mid-April. This window perfectly blends mild weather and seasonal beauty, especially if you’re chasing cherry blossoms or springtime charm.
Pro tip: Secure accommodations well in advance—spring’s popularity means the best spots fill up fast.
2. Seville, Spain – Festivals in Full Swing
If spring had a soundtrack, Seville would be the remix you can’t stop dancing to. The Andalusian capital bursts into life with two significant events: the Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the flamboyant Feria de Abril (April Fair). During Feria, the city dons its flamenco best—locals in traditional dresses, horse-drawn carriages, and a sea of vibrant tents called casetas where dancing, tapas, and sherry flow freely.
The scent of orange blossoms in the air adds to the sensory overload, as do the architectural gems like the Alcázar Palace and Seville Cathedral. When the sun dips low, grab a seat at a rooftop bar and take in views of the Giralda Tower with a tinto de verano in hand.
Time to visit: April is ideal for soaking up the sights and atmosphere, with mild weather, longer days, and everything in full bloom.
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. There will be plenty of walking and likely some dancing, too.
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands – Tulip Takeover
Imagine biking past rows of technicolor tulips with windmills spinning slowly in the distance—that’s springtime in the Netherlands. Keukenhof Gardens, located just outside Amsterdam, is ground zero for flower lovers. This massive floral park showcases millions of vibrant tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.
In the city, spring infuses fresh energy into Amsterdam’s winding canals and picturesque streets. Café patios reemerge, markets buzz with activity, and the longer daylight hours invite you to explore at a relaxed pace. Begin your day by visiting the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum in the morning, when the crowds are lighter, and you can fully immerse yourself in the art. Then, spend your afternoon unwinding in Jordaan, sipping local brews in hidden courtyards—perfect for soaking in the neighborhood’s cozy, laid-back atmosphere.
Time to visit: Mid-April; this is when the weather is at its best, with spring in full swing and the landscape bursting with vibrant colors.
Pro tip: Rent a bike to explore the countryside beyond the city center—a world of charm awaits discovery.
3. Lisbon, Portugal – A Laid-Back Mediterranean Escape
Lisbon is like that effortlessly cool friend who makes everything seem more fun. In spring, the city strikes the perfect balance: warm but not sweltering, bustling but not overcrowded. Ride the vintage Tram 28 through cobbled alleys, admire the tile-covered facades of Alfama, and end your day at a miradouro (viewpoint), watching the sunset over the Tagus River.
Pastéis de nata are practically a food group here, and spring is the ideal time to enjoy them al fresco. Day trips to Sintra—a fairytale town of colorful palaces and misty forests—or to the beaches of Cascais are easy, breezy additions to your itinerary.
Time to visit: March to May. Spring brings pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and a lively atmosphere—perfect for sightseeing, outdoor cafés, and soaking in the local charm.
Pro tip: Pack layers. Lisbon weather can be unpredictable in spring, but it never lacks charm.
4. New Zealand’s South Island – Autumn Down Under
As the Northern Hemisphere embraces spring, New Zealand settles into the warm hues of autumn. The South Island is especially stunning during this time, offering a dramatic mix of golden leaves, mirrored lakes, and snow-kissed mountain peaks. Towns like Arrowtown and Wanaka become painterly dreamscapes in fall colors.
It’s also a great time for hiking without the summer crowds—try the Routeburn Track or explore Fiordland’s misty fjords. Wine enthusiasts will revel in Central Otago’s harvest season, which is famous for its exceptional Pinot Noir and breathtaking vineyard vistas.
Time to visit: March to May. Spring offers the perfect mix of mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds—ideal for exploring comfortably and catching the city at its most picturesque.
Pro tip: Bring a good camera. This is the season New Zealand’s postcard reputation is built on.
5. Paris, France – Springtime Icon
Let’s be honest: Paris in the spring isn’t a travel cliché—it’s a r Locals are passage. The cherry trees along the Seine are just beginning to bloom, the cafés spill onto the sidewalks, and Parisians emerge from winter with a renewed sense of joie de vivre. It’s the perfect season for long walks in the Jardin des Tuileries, impromptu picnics with wine and baguettes, and late afternoon people-watching from a sun-drenched terrace.
Spring also means lighter crowds at popular attractions. The Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Musée d’Orsay are more enjoyable without the summer rush. And if you’re a fan of fashion or patisserie, this is the season to indulge—spring collections and seasonal pastries are at their freshest.
Time to visit: April to May. Spring is in full bloom, the weather is comfortably warm, and the days are just right for strolling, sightseeing, and lingering at outdoor cafés.
Pro tip: Take a river cruise at sunset. It’s pure magic.
6. Washington, D.C., USA – Cherry Blossom Festival
If you can’t reach Japan, Washington, D.C., brings the cherry blossom magic closer to home. The National Cherry Blossom Festival transforms the capital into a celebration of spring, with thousands of cherry trees blooming around the Tidal Basin. The sight is breathtaking—and so is the calendar of events, from kite-flying and fireworks to cultural performances and a colorful parade.
Spring is also a great time to explore D.C.’s museums and monuments, most of which are free to visit. The weather is mild, the gardens bloom and the city feels more alive than ever.
Time to visit: March to early April. This sweet spot captures the height of spring, with mild weather, blooming flowers, and a fresh, lively energy in the air.
Pro tip: Set that alarm—arriving at sunrise means thinner crowds, golden light, and cherry blossoms at their most magical.
7. Patagonia (Argentina & Chile) – Adventure Without the Crowds
Looking for an epic off-the-beaten-path adventure? Patagonia is calling. This vast, wind-swept region at the southern tip of South America offers jaw-dropping landscapes and true solitude. Imagine vast glaciers, shimmering turquoise lakes, towering mountain ranges, and wildlife like guanacos and condors.
The weather is still favorable for trekking in early fall, and the trails are noticeably quieter than in high season. Must-sees include Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. Stay in an eco-lodge or camp under the stars for an immersive experience.
Time to visit: March to April. Spring brings pleasant temperatures, blooming scenery, and a refreshing atmosphere—perfect for exploring without the summer crowds.
Pro tip: Layer like a pro—Patagonia’s weather has mood swings, and you might get sunshine, wind, and a snow flurry all before lunch.
8. Tokyo, Japan – Culture Meets Cool
Kyoto brings the calm, but Tokyo brings the energy. In spring, the city is a mash-up of tradition and trend: cherry blossoms meet high fashion, and ancient temples meet futuristic exhibitions. Ueno Park is Tokyo’s top hanami spot, and the atmosphere is more festive than zen—expect music, food stalls, and crowds snapping pics beneath the petals.
Beyond blossoms, Tokyo in spring is brimming with limited-time offerings: seasonal menus, fashion releases, and quirky pop-ups. Don’t miss the immersive art experiences at teamLab Planets or the full-on sensory overload that is Shibuya. From quiet gardens to chaotic crosswalks, Tokyo delivers on contrast.
Time to visit: March to April. This is when spring truly shines, with comfortable weather, blossoming trees, and a vibrant, welcoming vibe throughout the city.
Pro tip: Grab a Suica or Pasmo card to breeze through Tokyo’s trains, buses, and even convenience store checkouts—just tap and go like a true local.
Embrace Spring’s Global Renewal
Whether you’re drawn to the poetic petals of Kyoto, the fiesta-filled streets of Seville, or the raw majesty of Patagonia, Spring 2025 is shaping up to be a season of unforgettable escapes. With warmer days, blooming landscapes, and a worldwide calendar packed with festivals and natural wonders, this is the perfect time to refresh your senses and reboot your wanderlust. After all, spring is the season of renewal, and what better way to feel renewed than by stepping into a place where everything feels alive again?
Still unsure where to go? Let your travel style lead the way. If you’re craving calm, head to Kyoto for serene temple strolls, Amsterdam for canal-side coziness, or the South Island of New Zealand for a golden-hued autumn escape. If you’re ready to party, Seville’s flamenco-fueled festivals, Tokyo’s vibrant hanami season, or the energy of Washington, D.C.’s Cherry Blossom Festival will keep your spirits high. And if you want a little bit of everything—culture, charm, scenery, and sunshine—Lisbon and Paris are your all-rounders. Wherever you land, go with wonder, an open heart, and maybe a few allergy meds if you’re team pollen.
