Hurry, these destinations are best seen during the off-season
Are you wondering where to travel this spring? We picked four great cities that show their best side before the busy summer season hits. Make the most of the best prices and a relaxed atmosphere.
Venice
Venice is known to be a tourist hotspot with the crowds taking over the streets – and the canals – during the summer holiday season. If you’d like to see the city with a bit more peace and without the crazy peak prices, book your stay for the spring months. The weather gets warm early, so there is no need to worry about packing many layers. If you’ve always wanted to see the most popular attractions, such as the Rialto Bridge, Palazzo Ducale or the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, now is your chance.
Spring also brings with it some special events. Easter is a great time to travel if you want to experience the city’s iconic churches in all their glory. It’s of course also a fantastic time to tuck into some Italian easter foods such as artichokes, the sweet cake Colomba and some of the best chocolate eggs in the world.
On 25 April, you could join in on the day of Saint Mark, the patron saint of the city. The most important thing to do on this day is to buy a rosebud for your loved one. If you are in Venice in May, do not miss the Festa della Sensa on the 13th, a beautiful ceremony with a procession of hundreds of row boats.
Finnair flies to Venice from 31 March 2024 onwards.
Billund
Billund in Denmark is known to be a great destination for children – and those with a youthful spirit. In the summer, the well-known attractions can be packed to the rafters, so spring is a much better time to visit. Especially if you’re travelling with children and want to minimise standing in queues with them.
Of course, no trip to Billund is complete without a visit to Legoland. Before the summer months, you can fully enjoy the park's attractions, including thrilling rides, impressive Lego displays and interactive experiences for both children and adults. Another family favourite is the Lalandia, a popular indoor waterpark and activity centre. In spring, you can enjoy the water slides, wave pools and other aquatic attractions without worrying about the weather. Additionally, Lalandia offers various other indoor activities such as mini-golf, bowling and arcade games.
The spring weather in Denmark can be temperamental but there is also a good chance of getting many mild, sunny days to enjoy outdoor activities. You could, for example, take a stroll in Givskud Zoo, just a short drive from Billund. As the weather warms up, animals become more active, making it an exciting time to observe them in their habitats. The zoo offers safari tours where visitors can see lions, giraffes, elephants and other exotic animals up close. For nature and art lovers, the perfect destination is Skulpturpark Billund, a scenic park featuring a collection of outdoor sculptures.
Finnair flies to Billund during the summer season from 31 March 2024 onwards.
Nice
The mild Mediterranean climate of Nice means that you can enjoy close to summer weather early in the spring. The actual summers can get very hot so for outdoor activities this is a perfect time to travel. Not to mention how the hotel prices overheat during the summer.
To make the most of the sunny days and relaxed atmosphere, visit the many markets of the city. Spring brings an abundance of blooms to Nice, and there's no better place to experience this than at the Flower Market, or Marché aux Fleurs, in Old Town. Browse the colourful stalls overflowing with fresh flowers, plants and local produce. If you care more about cheese and jam than flowers, head out to the daily food market in the Cours Saleya square.
Of course, there is also an array of events to enjoy during your stay. For example, in May, there is one of the biggest festivals in Nice Fête des Mai. It’s held in the Jardins des Arènes de Cimiez in the shade of olive trees and you can expect music and local delicacies aplenty.
Finnair flies to Nice daily during the summer season 2024 and twice a week during the winter 2024-2025.
Edinburgh
Scotland isn’t exactly known for its wonderful climate, but during the spring you might very well get lucky and enjoy some very sunny and mild days. If that’s the case, you should enjoy the outdoor activities and stunning scenery Edinburgh offers.
Perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is a must-visit attraction offering panoramic views of the city. Explore the castle's various exhibitions, including the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and the National War Museum. Now is also the time to hike up Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano located in Holyrood Park. The hike offers stunning views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside.
If the weather doesn’t permit outdoor fun, don’t be sad. It will be the perfect excuse to enjoy the pub culture to the fullest. Find yourself a cosy corner in one of the hundreds of the cities pubs and order a hearty lunch washed down with a local ale. Do not skip the traditional desserts such as sticky toffee pudding.
Finnair flies to Edinburgh multiple times a week.