20 Best Places to Go in Europe for Spring Break

Situated at an elevation of 5,310 feet, under the shadow of the near-symmetrical Matterhorn peak, Zermatt is an epic playground in the heart of the Swiss Alps. The snowy season lasts until May, enabling skiers and snowboarders to pack in every last run. Zermatt provides heaps of stuff to do besides hitting the slopes. You’ll also be able to try snowmobiling, hiking, ice skating, curling, and climbing. When you’ve had your fill of frosty fun, join in on the après-ski festivities, shop til you drop along Bahnhofstrasse, relish spa treatments, or warm up with a cup of hot cocoa.

A dynamic and modern metropolis, Berlin draws travelers from all corners of the globe. Over the years, Germany’s capital has evolved from a place synonymous with pain and sorrow to a hip urban escape that brims with art, culture, and non-stop energy. Reminders of the city’s complicated past—from the graffitied remnants of the Berlin Wall to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe—are ever-present and absolutely worth visiting. Want to experience a different side of Berlin? Go gallery hopping, eat street food at Markthalle Neun, wander through the diverse Kreuzberg neighborhood, or see a burlesque show.

Dublin lures history buffs and booze enthusiasts alike. A compact and walkable city, it’s also super easy to navigate. Soak up centuries-old heritage at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle, and Kilmainham Gaol. Of course, you can’t talk about Ireland’s capital without mentioning Irish whiskey and stout. Jameson Distillery Bow St. and the Guinness Storehouse are legends in that department. Have some flexibility regarding your vacation dates? Consider timing your trip to the St. Patrick’s Festival, a month-long celebration that culminates with the parade on March 17.

Most people think of Santorini as a summer hotspot—and that’s totally accurate. So, you might be surprised to hear that American Express Travel reported a significant increase in spring bookings year over year. While it might not be beach weather just yet, there are loads of benefits to visiting this idyllic island during off-peak season. Fewer crowds mean you won’t have to contend with tons of tourists for a front-row seat to the spectacular sunsets over the blue-domed churches and volcanic cliffs or call weeks ahead to snag a coveted dinner reservation. Flights and five-star stays are less expensive, too.

Iceland is blessed with hot springs, glaciers, jagged peaks, waterfalls, and volcanos. The gateway to all this natural splendor? Reykjavik. Your first question probably involves the northern lights. November through March is prime for aurora borealis chasing, however, the odds of glimpsing this celestial phenomenon are pretty decent until mid-April. Beyond astronomical pursuits, the world’s northernmost capital gives travelers the chance to go horseback riding, whale watching, hiking, ATVing, and caving. Reykjavik also promises to nurture your creative side with photography exhibits, art museums, and music performances. We highly recommend journeying to the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa just 45 minutes outside the city.

Lisbon commands attention with its trademark hills, cobbled lanes, and pastel-hued facades. Time Out Market Lisbon is a mouth-watering introduction to the city’s vibrant dining scene as it puts tasty stalwarts and palate-pleasing newbies under one roof. Feast on beloved staples like bacalhau (salted codfish), octopus rice, charcuterie, and custard tarts. Be sure to visit the UNESCO-protected Jerónimos Monastery and São Jorge Castle. Looking for nightlife? Lisbon proffers an abundance of upscale cocktail bars, low-key dives, and trendy clubs. It’s also delicious and surprisingly affordable.

What was once a Viking fishing settlement has transformed into one of the most gloriously livable and immaculately clean cities on earth. Copenhagen touts high-profile restaurants, curved canals, cycling routes, superb public transportation, and magnificent landmarks. Tracing its roots back 400 years, Rosenborg Castle is adorned with turrets, gables, and a moat. The upper rooms are decked with furnishings and portraits from monarchs past, while the basement Treasury houses the jaw-dropping Danish crown jewels. Endlessly Instagrammable, the waterfront district of Nyhavn dazzles with its colorful townhouses. Tivoli Gardens, Holger Danske, and the Royal Library round out the list of must-see sights.