From Amsterdam to Istanbul: here are the popular destinations in Europe this Easter

This article was originally published in English

Spring has really arrived and Easter is only a few weeks away. As the flowers bloom and the temperatures rise, many of us plan to take advantage of the season to take the trip of a lifetime.

This year, the Easter holidays will run from March 29 to April 12, and if you still don’t know which destination to choose, we’ve got you covered.

Travel company Expedia has released its annual list of travel trends – the Easter Travel Outlook – along with insider information on exactly when to travel and how to get the best value for your spring break.

What are the most popular destinations in Europe?

While Bangkok, New York and Tokyo are officially the hottest Easter destinations, some of Europe’s most famous cities are also set to be a big hit.

At the top of Expedia’s list of seven cities is the ever-popular Amsterdam. This is not necessarily encouraging for the Netherlands, which is trying to shake off the image of the capital as a “party” town attracting drunken British tourists.

Euronews Travel looked at the possibilities offered by the Dutch government’s “Renew Your View” campaign, which encourages tourists to see the city through the eyes of a local. To learn more, click here.

Nevertheless, the “Venice of the North” is still a popular choice for tourists in spring, with its mild climate, seemingly inexhaustible cultural offerings and millions of tulips growing in the nearby Keukenhof.

Paris and Barcelona – two long-term destinations for European travelers

With the Olympics coming up in the city this summer, Paris is second on the list. At the end of winter, the city of lights takes on its full significance in spring. Whether you’re enjoying a good onion soup in a cafe or admiring the Eiffel Tower through the branches of cherry blossoms, the French capital is always a good idea.

It is known to be quite an expensive city, but it is entirely possible to visit on a budget. Read here our suggestions for a cheap visit.

The third city on the list is Barcelona, ​​probably the ideal city for sightseeing. Temperatures will hover around ten degrees at the end of March, perfect for the thousands of steps you’ll no doubt take.

The beloved Spanish city is inextricably linked to legendary Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí thanks to his achievements across the city, and tourists are in for an even bigger treat this year: Barcelona recently celebrated its masterpiece, the iconic Sagrada Familia, with the opening of two new towers.

If you visit the buildings dedicated to the Evangelists Matthew and John, you will be one of the first to see them completed, some 142 years after construction began. To learn more about the process, Click here.

What are the best places to visit in Rome and Malaga?

The Eternal City is constantly on lists of Europe’s hottest destinations, and for good reason. Considered to be one of the oldest cities in the world, Rome boasts must-see world-famous landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, but there is more to it than just these architectural icons.

Last month, Euronews Travel spoke to historian Alexandre Mariotti, who gave his top tips on how to avoid the crowds and still make the most of the Italian capital.

Spain is the only country on Expedia’s list to appear twice. This time it is Malaga in the south that is presented as a popular destination.

Located on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, its climate is ideal all year round, meaning visitors can enjoy subtropical sunshine with warm summers and mild winters. Spring is undoubtedly the best time to visit the region before the mercury gets too high.

Plus, with the recent proposal for a new train line connecting Malaga to Fuengirola and running along the Costa del Sol, it could be even easier to visit Spain’s most popular seaside towns and villages.

Istanbul and Lisbon: two essential visits to Europe at Easter

Ranked sixth on Expedia’s list, Istanbul has a privileged location on the border of Europe and is known as the gateway to Asia.

It offers a mix of culture and architecture from both continents. It is also known as the “only place in the world” where you can swim between two continents.

If you prefer to stay dry, head to the iconic Byzantine temple of Hagia Sophia. Now a mosque, formerly a church, it features an impressive 6th-century dome as well as rare Christian mosaics that give you an idea of ​​the diversity and fascination of this city.

Lisbon completes Expedia’s list. The Portuguese capital has always been popular, but the influx of digital nomads has increased its popularity.

With almost guaranteed sunshine all year round, it is known as an affordable destination with modern art centers and some of the best food in all of Europe.

Despite its hills, the city lends itself perfectly to walking, and luckily for people who don’t want to walk too much, public transport is a symbol. Hop on tram 28 and explore neighborhoods such as Graça, Alfama and Baixa, as well as many historical sites.

When is the best time to go for Easter?

According to Expedia, the cheapest date to fly is March 30, which is Easter Saturday.

This was also the case in 2023, when the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday was the cheapest average ticket price for both international and domestic flights.

If you’re stuck with the school holidays, where prices tend to skyrocket, there are still options to enjoy a reasonably priced holiday.

According to an Expedia spokesperson “Avoiding the busiest days can save time and money. Wednesday departures are the most expensive, but Saturday departures are the cheapest for international and domestic flights, which tend to be 15% cheaper based on historical flight data.”.

They also recommend avoiding Tuesdays if you don’t like busy airports and flights, and explain that Saturdays and Sundays are the least busy days to travel.