Spring 2026 is shaping up to be one of the best times to visit Europe. With Easter falling on April 12 this year — and Western and Orthodox Easter aligning for the first time in a while — the continent is buzzing with festivals, pleasant weather, and that magical golden light that makes every cobblestone street look like a postcard.

Whether you're planning your very first European adventure or returning after a few years away, this guide covers everything from must-visit destinations and packing essentials to staying connected with an eSIM so you never miss a moment (or a Google Maps turn).

Why Spring Is the Best Time to Visit Europe

Europe in spring (April through early June) hits the sweet spot between the cold, gray winters and the sweltering, tourist-packed summers. Temperatures across Western and Southern Europe typically range from 15°C to 25°C — warm enough for outdoor cafés but cool enough to explore all day without melting.

Crowds are significantly thinner than in July and August, which means shorter lines at major attractions like the Louvre, the Colosseum, and the Sagrada Família. Hotel and flight prices are also more reasonable, often 20–30% lower than peak summer rates. And then there's the scenery: tulip fields in the Netherlands, cherry blossoms along the Rhine, wisteria draping over Italian pergolas — spring in Europe is visual poetry.

Top Destinations for Spring 2026

Paris, France

Paris in spring is the cliché that actually delivers. The Luxembourg Gardens burst into bloom, the Seine sparkles under longer daylight hours, and the café terraces fill up with locals and travelers alike. With Easter on April 12, expect beautiful holiday markets and church concerts across the city. Don't miss a walk along the Canal Saint-Martin or a day trip to Giverny, where Monet's gardens open for the season in April.

Barcelona, Spain

Spring temperatures in Barcelona hover around 18–22°C — ideal for exploring Gaudí's architecture on foot. The beaches are warming up but not yet crowded, and the city's food scene is at its freshest with seasonal ingredients hitting the markets at La Boqueria. April also brings the Sant Jordi Festival (April 23), when the streets fill with roses and books.

Rome, Italy

Easter in Rome is a spectacle unlike anywhere else. The Pope's Easter Mass at St. Peter's Square draws thousands, and the city's churches host special services and concerts throughout Holy Week. Beyond the religious celebrations, April weather is perfect for strolling through the Roman Forum, tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, and eating your weight in gelato without the summer heat.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you visit between mid-April and early May, you'll catch the world-famous tulip season. Keukenhof Gardens, the largest flower garden in the world, opens from late March through mid-May. King's Day (April 27) transforms the entire city into an orange-clad street party with live music, boat parades, and flea markets on every corner.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Before the cruise ships descend in summer, Dubrovnik in April is refreshingly uncrowded. Walk the city walls without the shoulder-to-shoulder traffic, explore the limestone streets of the Old Town at a leisurely pace, and enjoy the Adriatic coast as temperatures climb to a comfortable 17–20°C. It's also a great base for day trips to Montenegro or the Elafiti Islands.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a spring traveler's dream. The weather is warm and sunny, the pastel-colored neighborhoods glow in the afternoon light, and the famous pastéis de nata taste even better when you're eating them on a sunny terrace in Belém. April and May bring a calendar packed with local festivals, outdoor concerts, and the freshest seafood of the year.

Planning Your European Itinerary

First-timers often try to see too much, so here's a practical framework. For a 10–14 day trip, pick 2–3 countries or 3–4 cities. Europe's train network makes it easy to travel between major cities: Paris to Amsterdam is just 3.5 hours on the Thalys, Rome to Florence is 1.5 hours on the Frecciarossa, and Barcelona to Madrid is under 3 hours on the AVE.

A classic first-timer route might look like this: fly into Paris (3–4 days), train to Amsterdam (2–3 days), then fly to Barcelona (3–4 days). Or try the Mediterranean route: Rome (3–4 days), Florence (2 days), and the Amalfi Coast (2–3 days). Budget roughly €100–€150 per day for mid-range travel, including accommodation, food, transport, and attractions.

Book major attractions (Louvre, Vatican Museums, Sagrada Família, Anne Frank House) at least 2–3 weeks in advance. Many sell out completely during Easter week.

Staying Connected: Why You Need an eSIM for Europe

Here's where things get practical. You'll need reliable mobile data throughout your trip — for navigation, translation, booking restaurants, looking up train times, calling rideshares, and sharing all those photos. Your options are: roaming with your home carrier (expensive), hunting for local SIM cards in each country (tedious), or using an eSIM (smart).

An eSIM is a digital SIM that you activate on your phone before you even leave home. No physical card swapping, no visiting stores in foreign countries, no language barriers at a mobile shop counter. For a multi-country European trip, an eSIM is especially powerful because a single plan can cover multiple countries seamlessly — you cross from France into Belgium and your data just keeps working.

eSIMzip's Europe 39-Country Plan

eSIMzip offers a Europe plan that covers 39 countries with a single eSIM. That means one plan for France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Croatia, Greece, Switzerland, the UK, and 29 more countries. No switching plans at each border, no surprise charges, no connectivity gaps.

The activation process takes about 2 minutes: scan a QR code, follow your phone's prompts, and you're connected. You can even set it up before your flight and activate it when you land. Your original phone number stays active on your primary SIM for calls and texts from home, while the eSIM handles all your data needs abroad.

eSIMzip's Europe plan works across all EU countries plus the UK, Switzerland, Turkey, and more. Check the full country list on the destination page.

Essential Packing Tips for Spring Europe

Spring weather in Europe is beautiful but unpredictable. A sunny morning in Paris can turn into a rainy afternoon in Amsterdam. Pack layers: a light waterproof jacket, a versatile sweater or fleece, and a mix of short and long-sleeve tops. Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable — you'll average 15,000–20,000 steps a day exploring European cities.

Other essentials include a universal power adapter (Europe uses Type C and Type F plugs), a portable battery pack for your phone, and a compact daypack for day trips. If you're visiting churches or religious sites during Easter, bring something to cover your shoulders and knees — many enforce dress codes.

Money, Transport & Practical Tips

Most of Western Europe uses the euro (€), but countries like the UK (£), Switzerland (CHF), Croatia (now €, since 2023), and others have their own currencies. Contactless payments are widely accepted almost everywhere — your phone's Apple Pay or Google Pay will work in most situations, but always carry some cash for smaller vendors and markets.

For transport between cities, check train options first. The Eurail Pass can save money if you're taking multiple long-distance trains, but for shorter trips, point-to-point tickets booked in advance are often cheaper. Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet offer incredibly cheap flights between European cities if you book early and pack light.

European trains often require seat reservations on high-speed routes, even with a rail pass. Book these as early as possible — popular Easter-week routes sell out fast.

Staying Safe in Europe

Europe is generally very safe for travelers, but petty theft — especially pickpocketing — is common in tourist-heavy areas. Keep your phone and wallet in front pockets or a crossbody bag, be aware of distraction scams (someone asking you to sign a petition while another person reaches for your bag), and avoid leaving belongings unattended at outdoor cafés.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. A good policy covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and stolen electronics. With an eSIM keeping you connected, you'll always be able to contact your insurance provider, your embassy, or local emergency services (112 is the universal emergency number across Europe).

Easter 2026: Special Events Across Europe

Since Western and Orthodox Easter align on April 12 in 2026, the entire continent celebrates simultaneously — a relatively rare occurrence. In Rome, the Pope leads Easter Mass at the Vatican. In Seville, Spain, the Semana Santa processions are among the most dramatic in the world, with elaborate floats and centuries-old brotherhoods marching through candlelit streets. In Greece, Orthodox Easter celebrations include midnight church services, fireworks, and the traditional lamb roast. Florence hosts the Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart), a pyrotechnic spectacle dating back to the First Crusade. Krakow, Poland, has the Emmaus Fair and the tradition of Śmigus-Dyngus (Wet Monday), where people playfully splash water on each other.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Explore Europe This Spring?

Spring 2026 is calling, and Europe is ready. With mild weather, thinner crowds, Easter celebrations across the continent, and an eSIM keeping you connected in 39 countries, there's never been a better time to plan your first (or next) European adventure. Set up your eSIM before you go, pack your layers, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.