It is not difficult to find somewhere to go in Europe in April. It is a time when Europe sheds its winter coat and reaches for the sunshine. There are festivals and events galore, many of them focused around the Easter Celebrations. It is very tempting to recommend Rome as the best place to go, but it is so crowded at Easter that I think it spoils the wonderful city somewhat. Luxembourg is a much quieter choice, has the charm of a small country, and is easy to get to, just 2 hours from Paris on the TGV.
Spring is also a great time for nature, and whilst Europe cannot provide spectacles such as the great migration of the Serengeti, it has its own whale migration in the ocean.
April in the Netherlands brings the biggest event of the year – King’s day. Again the capital of Amsterdam is overrun with tourists for this event, but the nearby city of Rotterdam offers a great alternative.
Rotterdam in April
Rotterdam is not like many other places in the Netherlands. This is not a place for historic buildings or centuries old streets. Rotterdam was bombed badly during WWII and has risen from the ashes as a modern, dynamic city. It is full of late 20th century architecture and some truly excellent museums. From the photographic museum Nederlands Fotomuseum to the Maritime museum, not forgetting the impressive Kinsthal.
But it is the new Fenix museum that I’m looking forward to visiting. Covering human migration stories from around the world the museum is housed in a former harbour warehouse. The warehouse has been modified with the addition of a metal structure that provides the staircase within the building and extends past the roof giving sweeping views of the city centre. The structure itself is an artform. The museum is full of artists’ own stories of migration, through war, persecution and the search for a better life.
Why go to Rotterdam in April
April 27th is Koningsdag or Kingsday in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is the obvious tourist draw, but it gets extremely crowded, I think Rotterdam offers a more authentic experience. With free concerts and events across the city and block parties scattered around.
There are Vrijmarkts (pedestrian versions of car boot sales) down every street. Take a walk starting at Heemraadsplein, up Binnenweg, turning left on Westersingel towards the museum park and on to Nieuwe Binnenweg which is closed for traffic on king’s day. Park Rozenburg is another spot to visit, apparently the markets there are more upper class.
This is such a great way to spend a day if you like bargain hunting or retro items. There are people everywhere selling their unwanted goods, toys, clothes, household goods, books… There are street food vendors and live music. Make sure you take a bag and leave some room in your luggage!
Stay at Morgan & Mees boutique hotel
Located in a 1938 Bauhaus style monument the Morgan & Mees boutique hotel has 20 rooms as well as a restaurant and cocktail bar. It is a perfect location, just around the corner of the Nieuwe Binnenweg. Rooms for the King’s Day weekend are available from 269€/night.
Luxembourg in April
Luxembourg is a small country often forgotten about when people plan trips through Europe, which is a shame because it has a lot to offer in a small space. The underground mazes of the Casemates du Bock have been a UNESCO heritage site for over 30 years. There is plenty of culture, with over 60 art and history museums in the country, 7 of the best can be found on the same mile long stretch in the old city. The tourist board have cleverly nicknamed this Museumsmiles as the museums, when plotted on a map, form a smile.
It is also an excellent place for hiking, with one of the densest networks of hiking trails in Europe. These are not alpine trails, and as such are far more accessible, many are looped trails of just a few kilometres so are ideal for families or the less mobile.
Why visit Luxembourg in April?
Easter Monday sees the Eimaischen – an artisanal market that takes place every year. The theme of the market is pottery, and in particular Péckvillercher, small terracotta birds that make the sound of a cuckoo when blown. These are only available on Easter Monday and their style changes each year, so they have become quite collectable. The market takes place in the streets of the old town near the cathedral.
For a little slice of luxury, I suggest staying in the Villa Petrusse, it has just 20 rooms in a 19c bourgeoise villa which is classed as a historic monument.
The Azores in April
The Portuguese islands of the Azores sit in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1500km west of mainland Portugal. These 9 islands are one of the largest whale sanctuaries in the world. You can see over 20 different types of cetaceans (the mammal group that includes whales and dolphins). It is one of the few places on earth where sperm whales can be seen year-round.
Why visit in April
As well as the resident population of whales and dolphins, the Azores also sits on the migration route for fin, blue and sei whales. So in April and May you have a far higher likelihood of seeing these wonderful creatures. A day on a boat with Futurismo, who have been running whale watching tours on the islands for 35 years, will give you the best viewpoint.
Garden lovers may also know the Azores for its Camelias, the climate of the Azores means the season for these colourful flowers is stretched into April and even as late as May. One of the best places to see the camelias is the Terra Nostra Garden on the island of Sao Miguel, which is home to over 600 species. Within the gardens is the Thermal pool, volcanic water at a steady 40°C (104°F).
The Terra Nostra Garden Hotel was opened in 1935 at a time when the Azores were starting to become known for its hot springs. The iconic art deco style building is surrounded by palm trees and lush vegetation. The 86 rooms are split over 2 buildings and have views over the gardens. It is also home to the TN restaurant, one of the most exquisite dining spaces in the Azores.
Best places to visit in Europe in April
I could go on, there is so much choice in Europe in April, but one has to make a choice so these are mine. A city festival, a small country cultural event and an Atlantic island may seem like unlikely bedfellows, but it shows the sheer variety of choice there is open to travellers within Europe.
In general April is not considered to be high season, but it is worth noting that events such as Easter, and the King’s day celebrations do increase tourist numbers, and with them the prices. April is also a time that many European schools have a break of a week or two which also increases traveller numbers and can make train and flight tickets more expensive and harder to book.
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