15 Best Bucket List Places to Visit in May
Ready to pack your bags? These 15 destinations are giving their absolute best in May, with fewer tourists and prices that won’t max out your credit card.
Grab your passport – these places are serving up their A-game with a side of perfect weather!
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1. Lima, Peru
The Peruvian capital shows off its sunny side with clear skies and temps dancing between 72-78°F.
Foodies, take note – this is South America’s culinary capital, where ceviche tastes fresher and pisco sours flow freely.
Wander through the UNESCO-listed historic center, where colonial architecture mingles with hip neighborhoods like artsy Barranco.
The Magic Water Circuit puts on a rainbow-lit show after dark, while the nearby pre-Inca ruins of Huaca Pucllana glow golden at sunset.
Where to Stay: The Hilton Lima Miraflores sits in the city’s trendiest district, offering spectacular Pacific Ocean views and a rooftop infinity pool perfect for sunset cocktails.
2. Genoa, Italy
Spring graces this underrated Italian gem with perfect Mediterranean weather hovering around 70°F.
The maze-like medieval center (Europe’s largest!) begs for aimless wandering, where you might stumble upon hidden palazzos, secret gardens, or the best focaccia of your life.
Take the historic elevator up to Spianata Castelletto for jaw-dropping views over terracotta roofs to the sparkling Ligurian Sea.
Where to Stay: Palazzo Imperiale lets you sleep in a genuine Italian palace while sipping aperitivos under elaborate ceiling reliefs.
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3. Seychelles
These Indian Ocean islands nail the perfect beach weather in May, with balmy temps around 80°F and crystal-clear waters.
The crowds haven’t arrived yet, meaning you’ll have those famous powdery beaches nearly to yourself.
Snorkel with technicolor fish, spot giant tortoises wandering freely, or hike through the prehistoric-feeling Vallée de Mai, home to the legendary coco de mer palms.
Where to Stay: JA Enchanted Island Resort Seychelles offers private pool villas on a tiny island that feels like your own personal kingdom.
4. Athens, Greece
The Greek capital absolutely nails it in May with temps hovering around a perfect 77°F.
The Acropolis isn’t swamped with summer tourists yet, and you can actually hear yourself think while admiring the Parthenon.
Catch the Athens Jazz Festival, feast at the Street Food Festival, or join locals for sunset drinks at rooftop bars overlooking the floodlit ancient ruins.
Where to Stay: Downtown Athens Lofts puts you right in the action with stylish apartments featuring Acropolis views from private balconies.
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5. Namibia
Namibia cools down to dreamy daytime temps around 75°F, while landscapes stay lush after the rainy season.
Wildlife starts gathering around waterholes in Etosha National Park, making for epic safari shots.
The surreal red dunes of Sossusvlei pop against clear blue skies, and the mysterious Skeleton Coast’s shipwrecks create moody photo ops without the peak-season crowds.
Where to Stay: Located amongst Swakopmund’s quirky German colonial architecture, the Delight Hotel offers colorful rooms and legendary breakfast spreads.
6. Búzios, Brazil
Just three hours from Rio, Búzios is a chic coastal escape, that flaunts 23 postcard-worthy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
The cobblestone streets of Rua das Pedras buzz with trendy boutiques and open-air cafes, while the Orla Bardot promenade offers spectacular sunset views.
Where to Stay: Insólito Boutique Hotel perches above Ferradura Beach, offering just 12 stylish rooms with a beach-chic vibe.
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7. British Columbia, Canada
BC packs an outdoor punch with over 20,000 lakes and endless green forests. Vancouver’s hipster neighborhoods and craft breweries set the urban tone, while Whistler’s slopes beckon winter sports fans.
The Okanagan Valley tempts with award-winning wineries, and whale-watching adventures await off Vancouver Island.
Where to Stay: The Wickaninnish Inn on Vancouver Island’s wild west coast offers dramatic ocean views and storm-watching opportunities from luxury rooms.
8. Amman, Jordan
Jordan’s capital spreads across seven hills, where ancient Roman ruins mingle with buzzing art galleries and hip cafes.
The downtown souks fill the air with aromatic coffee and fresh bread, while Rainbow Street pulses with trendy restaurants and local life.
The city’s laid-back vibe makes it perfect for wandering through colorful street art and popping into modern art galleries.
Where to Stay: The House Boutique Suites offers a sleek sanctuary near Rainbow Street, complete with a rooftop pool and terrace overlooking the city’s rolling hills.
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9. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona captivates with Gaudí’s mind-bending architecture and legendary food scene.
The Gothic Quarter’s maze-like streets lead to hidden plazas and centuries-old tapas bars, while the beach buzzes with volleyball games and seaside chiringuitos.
The city’s artistic soul shows up everywhere – from street performers on Las Ramblas to cutting-edge galleries.
Where to Stay: Casa Bonay, housed in an 1869 mansion, brings together local artists and designers to create a uniquely Barcelona vibe.
10. Tokyo, Japan
With ancient temples standing in the shadow of neon-lit skyscrapers, Tokyo masters the art of contrast.
Peaceful gardens like Ueno Park offer zen moments, while the electric energy of Akihabara’s gaming culture keeps things buzzing.
The food scene ranges from Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden ramen shops.
Where to Stay: Park Hyatt Tokyo in Shinjuku, famous from “Lost in Translation,” offers spectacular city views and one of Tokyo’s most iconic bars.
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11. Mauritius
Mauritius dials down the humidity in May, serving up perfect beach days with temps around 75°F.
Beyond the powder-soft beaches, you’ll find rainbow-colored earth at Chamarel, wild monkeys in Black River Gorges, and street food that blends Indian, French, and Creole flavors.
Where to Stay: LUX* Grand Gaube Resort offers private coves and bohemian-chic vibes with Instagram-worthy swing sets right over the ocean.
12. Yellowstone, USA
Before summer crowds flood in, America’s first national park shows off its wild side. Grizzlies emerge from hibernation, baby bison wobble across valleys, and geysers shoot into crisp blue skies.
Old Faithful keeps its schedule while thermal pools flash their psychedelic colors. The weather might throw some surprises your way, but that’s half the fun of spring in the Rockies.
Where to Stay: Old Faithful Inn, a historic log hotel, puts you right next to the famous geyser with rustic-luxe rooms.
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13. Croatia
Spring breezes sweep through Croatia’s stone cities and island-dotted coastline, while temperatures hover at a perfect 70°F.
Dubrovnik’s walls aren’t packed with Game of Thrones fans yet, Split’s Roman palace hosts impromptu concerts, and Hvar’s lavender fields start showing their purple hues.
The Adriatic stays calm for island-hopping adventures, and local konobas (taverns) welcome visitors with fresh seafood and stories.
Where to Stay: Hotel Excelsior in Dubrovnik offers front-row seats to the old town’s medieval walls with a private beach and spectacular sunset views.
14. Santorini, Greece
The iconic white-washed island of Santorini floats in the Aegean without summer’s usual crowds.
Catch the sunset in Oia without elbowing through crowds, or hike the caldera path when temperatures stay mild.
Where to Stay: Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, carves its cave-style suites into Oia’s cliffs, offering infinity pools that seem to merge with the Aegean Sea.
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15. Granada, Spain
The Sierra Nevada’s snowy peaks still glisten while spring warms the Andalusian city of Granada below.
The Alhambra’s Moorish gardens burst with color, and tapas bars still serve free bites with every drink (a Granada tradition!).
Wander through the white-washed Albaicín quarter, where flamenco music drifts from cave venues, and Arabic tea houses serve mint tea with panoramic views of the palace.
Where to Stay: Hospes Palacio de los Patos combines a 19th-century palace with modern design.
