16 Places to Visit this Spring

Spring is a magical time of year when flowers bloom. It is the perfect season to venture out and explore new places. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled trip, here are 16 places to visit this Spring!

1. Washington, D.C. –

 Visit the cherry blossoms in full bloom at the National Mall and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. I went to the Cherry Blossom Festival a few years ago and it was a lovely time. I am going to D.C. again this year at the end of this month with friends from college and my boyfriend and I can’t wait to see the historic monuments and memorials, especially when they light up at night. Below is a list of things to do in D.C. and where to stay! 

Where to Stay?

I recommend staying downtown because it is centrally located and close to many attractions, restaurants, and shops.

Hotels:

-Capital Hilton– Capital Hilton is where we are going to stay because of the PERFECT downtown location!

Things to Do:

1. Washington Monument
2. Lincoln Memorial
3. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
4. Jefferson Memorial
5. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
6. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
7. Korean War Veterans Memorial
8. World War II Memorial
9. United States Capitol
10. United States Supreme Court Building
11. Library of Congress
12. National Gallery of Art
13. Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
14. African American Civil War Memorial
15. Albert Einstein Memorial
16. Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial
17. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
18. National Museum of African American History and Culture
19. National Museum of the American Indian

Tours to Book:

2. Kyoto, Japan –

Experience the famous cherry blossoms at the ancient temples and gardens. Don’t forget to explore the traditional teahouses.

Where to Stay?

1. Luxury Hotels: If you want a more up-scale comfortable experience, Kyoto has several luxury hotels, from The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto or Hyatt Regency Kyoto to the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto. 
2. Budget Accommodation: For budget-conscious travelers, compare prices at BOOKING.COM to find the best deals.

Things to Do:

1. Traditional Tea House Ceremony
2. Kyoto Temple Tour
3. Visit Kinkaku-ji and enjoy the beautiful Zen temple and gardens
4. Stroll through the historic Gion district and try to catch a glimpse of a geisha
5. Explore the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine and hike through the thousands of Torii gates
6. Visit Arashiyama to see the bamboo grove and the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge
7. Wander through Nishiki Market and sample local Japanese street food
8. Visit the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple and enjoy the panoramic views of Kyoto from the hillside
9. Explore the Philosopher’s Path and stroll along the canal lined with cherry trees
10. Take a day trip to Nara to see the famous Todai-ji Temple and feed the friendly deer at Nara Park
11. Relax in a traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring) in Arashiyama or Kurama.

Tours to Book:

3. Amsterdam, Netherlands –

Explore the tulip fields and colorful blooms at Keukenhof Gardens.

Where to Stay?

Pulitzer Amsterdam is a boutique hotel offers elegant rooms, a tranquil garden courtyard, and a stylish bar and restaurant. Compare hotels at BOOKING.COM for the best prices.

Things to Do:

1. Visit the Anne Frank House
2. Explore the Van Gogh Museum
3. Take a canal cruise
4. Visit the Rijksmuseum
5. Wander through the Vondelpark
6. Explore the Jordaan neighborhood
7. Check out the Tulip Museum
8. Visit the Heineken Experience
9. Walk or bike along the canals
10. Explore the Red Light District
11. Visit the Rembrandt House Museum
12. Check out the Bloemenmarkt (flower market)
13. Visit the Royal Palace of Amsterdam
14. Explore the Oude Kerk (Old Church)
15. Check out the Amsterdam Museum
16. Visit the NEMO Science Museum
17. Take a day trip to nearby Zaanse Schans for windmills and traditional Dutch houses
18. Explore the Albert Cuyp Market
19. Visit the Stedelijk Museum for modern art
20. Enjoy a traditional Dutch pancake at a pancake house.

Tours to Book:

4. Paris, France – 

Take a stroll along the Seine River and visit the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Where to Stay?

The Mandarin Oriental is one of the top five luxury hotels in Paris. Compare budget friendly to luxury hotels at BOOKING.COM!

Things to Do:

1. Visit the Eiffel Tower 
2. Explore the Louvre Museum and see famous artworks such as the Mona Lisa
3. Take a boat cruise along the Seine River and admire the historic landmarks along the way
4. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and marvel at its intricate Gothic architecture
5. Stroll through the charming Montmartre neighborhood and visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica
6. Indulge in French cuisine
7. Attend a cabaret show at the famous Moulin Rouge or Lido
8. Take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles

Tours to Book:

5. Vancouver, Canada –

Enjoy the vibrant cherry blossoms and stunning views of the city’s skyline.

Where to Stay?

The Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver offers luxury accommodations, amenities, and excellent service. Find budget friendly options on BOOKING.com! 

Things to Do:

1. Visit Stanley Park 
2. Vancouver Aquarium
3. Go shopping on Robson Street, Granville Island, and Pacific Centre.
4. Take a stroll through the historic Gastown neighborhood and see the famous steam clock.
5. Explore the beautiful gardens at Queen Elizabeth Park and the VanDusen Botanical Garden.
6. Take a ride on the Vancouver Skytrain
7. Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
8. Enjoy a day at the beach at English Bay or Kitsilano Beach

Tours to Book:

6. San Francisco, California –

Explore the blooming gardens at Golden Gate Park and take a walk along the famous Golden Gate Bridge.

Things to Do:

1. Walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge
2. Take a ferry to Sausalito for a quaint waterfront town experience
3. Visit Fisherman’s Wharf and enjoy seafood and street performers
4. Ride a historic cable car through the city’s hilly streets
5. Visit the iconic Painted Ladies houses in Alamo Square
6. Spend a day at Golden Gate Park
7. Check out the unique shops and restaurants in the Haight-Ashbury district
8. Enjoy a picnic at Lands End

Tours to Book:

7. Charleston, South Carolina –

Wander the historic streets and admire the beautiful gardens in this charming southern city.  Take a carriage ride through the historic streets of Charleston and admire the blooming azaleas.

Things to Do:

1. Visit the historic Charleston City Market
2. Explore the beautiful gardens at Middleton Place
3. Visit the historic district
4. Tour the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
5. Walk along the Battery and see the historic antebellum homes
6. Visit the Charleston Museum
7. Check out the South Carolina Aquarium
8. Enjoy a relaxing day at Folly Beach
9. Take a boat tour of Charleston Harbor
10. Historic Horse Carriage Tour

Tours to Book:

8. Barcelona, Spain –

Relax on the beaches of Barcelona and explore the stunning architecture of Antoni Gaudí.

Things to Do:

1. Visit the famous Sagrada Familia basilica, designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí.
2. Stroll down Las Ramblas, a lively tree-lined street filled with street performers, shops, and cafes.
3. Relax on the beach at Barceloneta
4. Take a tour of Park Güell, another masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí featuring colorful mosaic tiles and whimsical architecture.
5. Sample authentic Catalan cuisine at the bustling Boqueria Market, known for its fresh produce and seafood.
6. Watch a traditional flamenco show at a local tablao for a taste of Spanish culture and music.
7. Visit the Picasso Museum to admire the works of the famous artist and learn about his time in Barcelona.

Tours to Book:

Similar Post: 5 Tips for Visiting Barcelona

9. Tokyo, Japan –

Visit the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and discover the bustling city streets of Tokyo.

Things to Do:

1. Visit the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa
2. Explore the bustling streets and neon lights of Shibuya
3. Wander through the beautiful gardens of the Meiji Shrine
4. Take a stroll in the historic district of Yanaka
5. Explore the traditional tea houses and cherry blossom trees in Ueno Park
6. Visit the Tsukiji Fish Market for fresh seafood and sushi
7. Take a boat ride on the Sumida River and enjoy views of Tokyo Skytree
8. Visit the Imperial Palace and stroll through the East Gardens.

Tours to Book:

10. London, England –

Take a stroll through the lush parks of London, including Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.

Things to Do:

1. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the London Eye
2. Shop at famous department stores like Harrods and Selfridges
3. Explore the British Museum
4. Take a leisurely walk through Hyde Park and enjoy a picnic
5. Visit historic neighborhoods like Covent Garden, Notting Hill, and Camden Market
6. Take a day trip to nearby attractions like Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, or Oxford

Tours to Book:

11. New York City, New York –

Visit Central Park and see the city come alive with blooming flowers and greenery.

Things to Do:

1. Visit Central Park
2. Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty
3. Walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge
4. Explore the museums and galleries, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art
5. Shop and dine in the trendy neighborhoods of SoHo, Greenwich Village, and Williamsburg.
6. Catch a Broadway show in Times Square.
7. Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in Lower Manhattan.
8. Visit the observation deck of the Empire State Building for panoramic views of the city.

Tours to Book:

12. Lisbon, Portugal –

Explore the colorful neighborhoods of Lisbon and enjoy the warm spring weather.

Things to Do:

1. Explore the historic neighborhood of Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Chiado
2. Visit the iconic Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery
3. Ride the traditional yellow tram 28 through the city
4. Visit the Lisbon Cathedral and Lisbon Castle
5. Sample pastel de nata
6. Visit the National Tile Museum to learn about Portugal’s ceramic history
7. Take a day trip to the beautiful village of Sintra
8. Relax in the scenic gardens of Parque das Nações.

Tours to Book:

13. Rome, Italy –

Walk through the ancient ruins of Rome and visit the Vatican City.

Things to Do:

1. Visit the Colosseum
2. Explore the Roman Forum
3. Walk around the Pantheon
4. Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain
5. Visit the Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica
6. Wander through the Borghese Gallery and Gardens
7. Explore the historic neighborhood of Trastevere
8. Climb to the top of the Spanish Steps for a view of the city
9. Stroll through the Campo de’ Fiori market
10. Enjoy gelato from one of Rome’s many gelaterias
11. Spend a day at the Villa Borghese park

Tours to Book:

14. Maui, Hawaii –

Relax on the pristine beaches of Maui and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.  Visit the scenic road to Hana and discover waterfalls and lush forests.

Things to Do:

1. Visit Haleakala National Park and watch the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala volcano
2. Snorkel or scuba dive in the crystal-clear waters of Molokini Crater
3. Drive the scenic Road to Hana, stopping to see waterfalls, black sand beaches, and lush tropical vegetation along the way
4. Visit the historic town of Lahaina and explore its shops, galleries, and restaurants
5. Take a whale-watching tour to see humpback whales in their natural habitat
6. Go ziplining through the lush rainforest canopy
7. Relax on the beautiful beaches of Kaanapali, Wailea, or Makena
8. Visit the Iao Valley State Park and hike to the iconic Iao Needle
9. Enjoy a traditional Hawaiian luau and feast
10. Watch a stunning sunset at the famous spot of Lahaina Pali Trail.

Tours to Book:

15. Banff, Canada –

Explore the stunning landscapes of Banff National Park and go hiking in the majestic Canadian Rockies.

Things to Do:

1. Visit Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park
2. Ride the Banff Gondola for stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys
3. Hike to the top of Sulphur Mountain
4. Relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs
5. Explore the town of Banff, with its shops, restaurants, and art galleries
6. Go whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River or Bow River
7. Visit Lake Louise, one of the most photographed lakes in the world
8. Take a guided wildlife tour to spot bears, elk, and other wildlife in their natural habitat

Tours to Book:

16. Cape Town, South Africa –

Visit the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood and take a cable car up Table Mountain for breathtaking views.

Things to Do:

1. Visit Table Mountain and take a cable car ride to the summit
2. Take a boat trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was jailed
3. Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
4. Spend a day at the beach at Camps Bay
5. Take a drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive for breathtaking coastal views.
6. Visit the District Six Museum to learn about the forced removals of residents during apartheid.
7. Explore the Bo-Kaap neighborhood for its colorful houses and rich history.
8. Go wine tasting in the Cape Winelands region, such as Stellenbosch or Franschhoek.
9. Visit the Cape Point Nature Reserve for stunning landscapes and the opportunity to spot wildlife like baboons and ostriches.
10. Attend a performance at the historic Artscape Theatre Center.
11. Take a scenic drive to Hout Bay and visit the harbor or take a boat trip to Seal Island.

Tours to Book:

Bonus: Dubrovnik, Croatia –

Walk along the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik and soak up the sun on the beautiful beaches.

Things to Do:

1. Walk the ancient city walls
2. Explore the Old Town, including the Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace
3. Visit the Dubrovnik Cathedral
4. Take a cable car ride up Mount Srd
5. Relax on Banje Beach
6. Visit Lokrum Island, just a short boat ride away from Dubrovnik
7. Discover the historic city fortress, Fort Lovrijenac
8. Take a Game of Thrones tour to see filming locations in the city
9. Enjoy a traditional Croatian meal at one of the many restaurants in the Old Town.

Tours to Book:

We shared 16 places to visit this Spring. Each of these destinations offers a unique experience and plenty of opportunities to embrace the beauty of spring. Whether you’re looking to relax in a tranquil garden or explore a bustling city, there is always something for everyone to enjoy this season. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to make unforgettable memories!

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