Spring in Europe: Best destinations to see blooming flowers

I am planning a trip to Europe this spring and I really want to experience the peak flower blooming season, especially tulip fields and cherry blossoms. Which cities or regions offer the most breathtaking floral displays between April and May? I am looking for recommendations that are relatively easy to reach by public transportation from major hubs.

You definitely need to head to Lisse in the Netherlands for the Keukenhof Gardens. It's super easy to get there by a direct bus from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, and the tulip fields surrounding it are mind-blowing in mid-April!

If you want cherry blossoms, Bonn in Germany is amazing! Specifically, Heerstraße (Cherry Blossom Avenue) turns into a gorgeous pink tunnel in April, and it's just a short walk from the Bonn central train station.

Paris in spring is magical. You can see magnolias and cherry blossoms blooming all around the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and in the Jardin du Luxembourg, all easily reachable via the Metro.

Don't overlook Brussels! The Serres Royales de Laeken (Royal Greenhouses) open to the public for only a few weeks in April and May. It is very accessible by tram from the city center.

Keukenhof is the classic choice for tulips, but if you want to explore further east later in the year, check out this guide on autumn foliage destinations for future trip planning.

Keukenhof is unbeatable for tulips, but renting a bike in Haarlem and riding past the bulb fields in the surrounding countryside is an even better experience. Haarlem is only a 15-minute train ride from Amsterdam.

Edinburgh in Scotland is stunning in May. The cherry blossoms in the Meadows park and the blooms in the Royal Botanic Garden are gorgeous and easily navigated using their local bus network.

If you happen to plan a different route later, you might find inspiration in this Central Europe itinerary, though it focuses more on cities than spring flowers.

Valencia in Spain is another fantastic option for April. The Turia Gardens and the City of Arts and Sciences area burst into vibrant floral colors, and the city's bus and metro system makes getting around a breeze.

If you want to beat the summer rush while still enjoying great weather and nice scenery, you should also look at some summer escape spots in Europe for later in the season.