With about a month to go until Easter there’s still plenty time to plan a weekend break, or even a midweek break to one of Europe’s finest cities. The weather on the continent is warmer and at this time of year it’s nice to have something to look forward to that isn’t too far away. I think Easter city breaks are perfect for this!

As I found out walking through gale force winds and getting covered in dirty puddle water walking through Newcastle yesterday, we are still a good way away from summer. With some tremendous travel deals around for the rest of March/April (hellooooo £5 Ryanair flights!!) you should definitely make the most of a spontaneous last minute getaway.

Here’s the cities I’ve been to around April time, and why I loved them.

Paris

I could never get tired of how pretty Paris is at this time of year. I’ve put ten reasons together in my Paris in Spring post, and all apply to a trip at Easter. If I had to choose one reason, I’d pick the amazing pink cherry blossom around Notre Dame, and how light and beautiful the whole city looks.

London

Like Paris, London comes alive in the slightly warmer weather. I love a wander around Covent Garden at the little flower shops, breakfast sitting outside of Bill’s Restaurant, and obviously a walk through the colourful streets of Notting Hill. Most of those houses just look like Easter eggs anyway! Gorgeous.

Valencia

Valencia was sooooo hot when I went in April, we went completely inappropriately dressed and had to buy full new outfits over there. We enjoyed walks through the modern science quarter, and along the beach where there was a Moroccan market to explore. The best part of course was eating tapas outside and an authentic flamenco show.

Amsterdam

I enjoyed Amsterdam in April a lot more than I did in September, it was so nice to float along the canals and see all the tulips that were everywhere! It wasn’t too hot to make walking around unbearable, but perfect city break weather. Apart from our second day, when it absolutely hoped it down – true April showers. It didn’t spoil the break though, Amsterdam is too pretty for that.

Cologne

Cologne was great in April, the restaurants terraces outside by the river were overflowing every day, perfect for a relaxing Kolsch while watching the world go by. Definitely pay a visit to the ice cream shop in the old town, it can be found in the blue house of the row of coloured houses. They had all sorts of whacky flavours and unusual combinations. It was a very cheap city too.

Lake District

The Lake District is beautiful year round isn’t it, but you can really make the most of the great outdoors in the spring when the clocks go forward again. And of course, Ye Olde Friars sweetshop in Keswick is an absolute must visit for Easter chocolates and Easter eggs.

Palma

I prefer Palma in the summer, when I literally splodge out and sunbathe all day, but I do always get a sense that I’m missing what the city and port itself have to offer. A visit to Palma at this time of year seems a great shout to me, with warm weather but not too hot so you can really explore the city and what it has to offer – great restaurants, art galleries, sailing clubs and cocktail bars!

New York

OK so this one isn’t European but I couldn’t change the title to 7 European and 1 US city break it sounded daft. I went to NYC for Easter once in 2014, and taking away the bonnet parade, and Easter Egg hunt around the Rockefeller Centre, my favourite part was the Easter themed cupcakes at the Magnolia Bakery on Bleaker Street. I won’t be writing anything on NYC myself, but I did guest post over on PageTraveller.com.

Despite this being an Easter city breaks post, I’ve never been to the most Easter focused city there is – Rome. It’s on my list though, and so is Venice, Barcelona, Vienna, Dubai and Miami around this time of year. Where’s your favourite Easter retreat?

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8 European City Breaks at Easter