Historic warehouses, the beach and a lively nightlife scene: this Polish seaport is happening. Gdańsk was once an important Hanseatic town and the remnants are still visible: impressive city gates guard the entrance to the city centre packed with mansions with ornate facades. Spring is an excellent time to visit Gdańsk. Like everywhere else in Poland, Easter is a lavish celebration and in May, the Gdańsk City festival hosts a range of parades and festivities.

In 2017, Aarhus will be the European Capital of Culture. The second largest city in Denmark is emerging from the shadow of its big sister Copenhagen for a year filled with art, culture and surprising activities. A delight to explore, the authentic streets of this Viking city are packed with historic timber houses and boutiques with up and coming Danish fashion labels. In spring, take a walk on the beach or hike in the forest around Marselisborg, the queen’s summer residence.

Whether you are in the mood to shop, dance the night away or admire architectural gems: Germany’s second largest city has it all. Although Hamburg is home to two million people, the city is easy to get around and wonderful for exploring on foot (or by ferry!). The alternative Karolinenviertel teems with vintage clothing boutiques and the hip cafés of Sternschanze attract a trendy crowd for coffee or a ‘craft beer’. The district of St. Pauli is famous for its football team and the legendary Reeperbahn: it was in these bars around the nightlife district that the Beatles gave their first performances.

The sun shines all day, but the summer heat still hasn’t arrived: spring is the ideal season to visit the Portuguese capital. Wander around Belém with its monumental structures, shop in the upscale shopping streets of Baixa and dream away to fado music in the charming Bairro Alto neighbourhood. In Lisbon, you are never far from a pleasant patio where you can unwind over a refreshing glass of vinho verde and a plate of grilled fish. 

Spring in Ireland means baby lambs, lush meadows and a decent chance of sunshine. Dublin welcomes visitors to its historic city centre with the impressive Dublin Castle and the charming campus of Trinity College. On a nice day, we highly recommend the National Botanic Gardens. Of course a trip to Dublin isn’t complete without sipping a pint in an authentic Irish pub. The best pubs are clustered around the bustling neighbourhood of Temple Bar.