15 Best European Cities to Visit in May
Looking for the perfect European escape this May? We’ve rounded up 15 incredible cities where spring vibes are in full swing, crowds are still manageable, and temperatures hit that Goldilocks zone.
These destinations offer everything your wanderlust-filled heart desires. Plus, you’ll score better deals on flights and hotels before peak season kicks in!
View this post on Instagram
1. Prague, Czech Republic
The Czech capital shows off its most charming side as spring fully takes hold. Temperatures cruise between 15-25°C, perfect for exploring the maze-like streets of Old Town without breaking a sweat.
The Prague Spring International Music Festival fills historic venues with world-class performances, while the city’s famous beer gardens reopen for the season.
Catch the sunset from Charles Bridge when the golden hour bathes the hundred spires in warm light.
Where to Stay: Nestled along the Vltava River, Four Seasons Hotel Prague offers breathtaking castle views and just steps from Charles Bridge.
2. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona’s weather in May hits that perfect balance – warm enough for beach time but cool enough to wander the Gothic Quarter without melting.
The city goes all out with the Night of Museums, letting you gallery-hop until 1am for free.
Rose gardens at Parc Cervantes put on their best show, and you can still snag outdoor tables at tapas bars without fighting the summer tourist armies.
Where to Stay: Casa Vicens, Gaudi’s first-ever house design, now welcomes guests in rooms that showcase his signature whimsical style.
View this post on Instagram
3. Lisbon, Portugal
The Portuguese capital absolutely glows in May when purple jacaranda trees create natural tunnels throughout the city’s hills.
With only 8 rainy days on average, you can properly explore the narrow lanes of Alfama and catch magical sunsets from the city’s famous miradouros.
The Out Jazz Festival fills public gardens with free concerts every Sunday, while the weather’s perfect for day trips to nearby Sintra without the summer sweat.
Where to Stay: Immerse yourself in Portuguese elegance at the Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel, where modern luxury blends seamlessly with 14th-century walls.
4. Valencia, Spain
Spain’s third-largest city really knows how to do spring right. The famous Turia Gardens, a 9-kilometer park in an old riverbed, becomes a social hub as locals reclaim their outdoor lifestyle.
May’s mild temperatures make it ideal for cycling through the historic Carmen district or learning to make authentic paella.
The city beaches start warming up, but without the intense summer heat that sends everyone running for shade.
Where to Stay: Hotel Palau Vallier is a 19th-century masterpiece in Valencia’s old town, where you’ll be transported to Spanish aristocratic living.
View this post on Instagram
5. Florence, Italy
The Renaissance city truly shines in May when the crowds haven’t reached peak levels and the weather’s just right for climbing Brunelleschi’s dome.
The Iris Garden opens its gates for just a few precious weeks, showing off over 1,000 varieties in bloom. You might even catch the Florence Flower Festival at the Giardino dell’Orticultura.
Where to Stay: Hotel David wins hearts with its location in a restored villa, complete with complimentary happy hour in its garden.
6. Split, Croatia
The ancient walls of Diocletian’s Palace frame a vibrant coastal gem where history meets Mediterranean charm.
The weather hovers around a perfect 20-25°C, making it ideal for exploring hidden courtyards and climbing Marjan Hill for those postcard-worthy views of red roofs meeting azure waters.
Summer crowds haven’t descended yet, so you’ll have space to mingle with locals at buzzing cafes along the Riva promenade.
Where to Stay: Hotel Judita Palace enchants guests with its 16th-century architecture and prime location behind the Riva boardwalk.
View this post on Instagram
7. Rome, Italy
The Eternal City radiates pure magic when spring temperatures cruise between 13-23°C, perfect for wandering cobblestone streets without breaking a sweat.
You can actually breathe while admiring the Sistine Chapel, and scoring dinner reservations at those must-try trattorias becomes way less of a hassle.
Where to Stay: The D.O.M Hotel occupies an old convent on romantic Via Giulia, offering ultrachic rooms and a cozy bar with a fireplace.
8. San Sebastián, Spain
San Sebastián puts on quite a show with its Belle Époque architecture and three stunning beaches hugging La Concha Bay.
The spring temps stay mild, making it perfect for surfing at Zurriola Beach or hiking up Monte Igueldo for those killer sunset views.
The city’s famous pintxos bars are less crowded, giving you time to chat with local chefs about their creative bites.
Where to Stay: Hotel Maria Cristina, a grand dame from 1912, welcomes guests with opulent furnishings and spectacular sea views.
View this post on Instagram
9. Athens, Greece
The ancient capital shows its best side as spring breezes rustle through olive trees around the Acropolis.
The weather stays pleasantly warm, hovering between 15-24°C – ideal for exploring ruins without summer’s intense heat.
Local tavernas set up tables outdoors, and the scent of orange blossoms fills the air as you wander through the charming Plaka neighborhood.
Where to Stay: The Gem Society Boutique Hotel occupies a former bank building, featuring jewel-toned decor and a fantastic Mediterranean restaurant.
10. Paris, France
The City of Light truly glows when cherry blossoms frame iconic views and cafe terraces fill with sun-seeking Parisians.
The temperature stays comfortable between 13-20°C, perfect for picnicking along the Seine or exploring the hidden corners of Le Marais.
You won’t battle massive crowds at the Louvre, and nabbing that perfect outdoor table for people-watching becomes totally doable.
Where to Stay: The Saint James stands out as Paris’ only chateau-hotel, offering a sophisticated library bar perfect for evening cocktails.
View this post on Instagram
11. Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s elegant streets buzz with energy as spring temperatures hover around a pleasant 20°C.
The Naschmarkt’s stalls overflow with seasonal treats, while the Stadtpark fills with picnicking locals and street musicians.
You can actually snag photos of Schönbrunn Palace without dodging selfie sticks, and the Spanish Riding School opens its morning practices to visitors.
Where to Stay: Hotel Sacher Wien, the birthplace of the famous chocolate torte, offers old-world glamour and unbeatable views of the Opera House.
12. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam’s canals reflect cotton-candy pink as tulip season reaches its peak. The city pulses with cultural events like the Open Garden Days.
Temperatures stay mild at 15-20°C, perfect for cycling through Vondelpark or sipping local craft beers at canalside cafes.
The famous flower market bursts with color, and you might catch the Rolling Kitchens food truck festival in Westerpark.
Where to Stay: The Pulitzer Amsterdam spans 25 restored canal houses, offering guests a slice of authentic Dutch heritage with modern flair.
View this post on Instagram
13. Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor’s stunning bay gleams like polished silver, framed by dramatic limestone cliffs and medieval walls.
The UNESCO-listed Old Town sees fewer crowds than summer, making it perfect for exploring narrow marble lanes and climbing the fortress walls for jaw-dropping views.
Weather stays mild around 18-22°C, ideal for kayaking the bay or catching sunset from a waterfront restaurant in the charming village of Perast.
Where to Stay: Historic Boutique Hotel Astoria nestles within thousand-year-old walls, offering rooms with exposed stone and modern luxuries.
14. Nice, France
Nice’s legendary Promenade des Anglais beckons with perfect Mediterranean weather and smaller crowds than peak season.
The famous light that inspired artists like Matisse bathes everything in a golden glow, while temperatures hover around 20°C.
The local markets in Cours Saleya overflow with fresh produce, and you can actually find space to spread out on those iconic blue chairs facing the sea.
Where to Stay: Le Negresco, an art-filled palace hotel, stands as a symbol of the French Riviera’s golden age with its pink dome and seaside location.
View this post on Instagram
15. Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg’s fairy-tale charm reaches peak levels as spring softens the edges of its half-timbered houses.
The city’s unique blend of French and German culture shines through in the winding lanes of Petite France, where riverside restaurants set up their terraces.
At 15-20°C, it’s perfect weather for exploring the European Quarter or taking boat trips through the canals.
Where to Stay: Hôtel Cour du Corbeau occupies a 16th-century post house, offering rooms that blend medieval charm with modern comfort.
