Hurry, these destinations are best seen during the off-season

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 early June, do not miss the Festa della Sensa, a beautiful ceremony with a procession of hundreds of row boats.

Dublin

During the springtime, Ireland earns its nickname “Emerald Isle”. Parks, gardens, and the countryside surrounding Dublin burst into vivid green. Enjoy the greenery in Phoenix Park, admire blooming flowers at St. Stephen’s Green or visit the National Botanic Gardens at its most photogenic. More into cliff walks and sea views with fresh ocean breeze? Hop on the DART train to explore coastal Dublin.

From St. Patrick’s Day festivities in March to springtime food, literary and music festivals, Dublin hums with cultural energy. Many events feel more authentic and less tourist-heavy than during the peak season in the summer. During spring’s main cultural event, St. Patrick’s Festival, the city fills with street performances, traditional music, pop-up food stalls and craft markets, local museums offering late openings and special exhibitions. 

Best explored on foot, the cool but comfortable spring weather makes walking tours in Dublin especially enjoyable. Follow in the footsteps of literary giants like Joyce and Yeats or join a history or food tour that brings the city’s stories to life. After a day of exploring, sit down to have a cup of coffee or refreshing pint in one of the historic pubs with the locals, often enjoying live music.

If you want to optimise your trip with the most sunshine and least rain, book your Dublin trip for May.

Bangkok 

Thailand’s buzzing capital Bangkok is a popular winter destination for many, but why not head there during the spring after the winter tourism has calmed down. March to June is just outside of the peak tourist season, which means you get to have shorter lines at major attractions, less crowds at popular restaurants and often better deals on hotels. Even though it might rain more than during the winter, the showers are often quick. 

In mid-April, you can experience Bangkok at its most playful and culturally rich at the same time, when locals and visitors celebrate Songkran, Thailand’s New Year festival. This unique festival of celebrating new beginnings and spiritual clarity fills the city with water fights, music and laughter, while local temples host traditional water-blessing ceremonies. Prepare to get wet on the streets – and remember to protect your phone and valuables from the water.

Bangkok offers something for everyone throughout the year – from cultural and spiritual experiences to total relaxation. Enjoy Bangkok’s charm by visiting popular temples Wat Pho, Wat Arun and Wat Saket early in the morning when the light is ideal, the heat is softer and the it’s less crowded. Take a long-tail boat ride through the canals to see the quieter and greener side of the city. Experience the city coming alive at night at one of the street-food crawls when the sun sets and temperatures cool.

Toronto

You can reach Finnair’s brand-new summer destination Toronto with direct flights from Helsinki from the beginning of May onwards, just before the peak summer season takes off. Cool mornings, comfortable afternoons and plenty of daylight make it an excellent time of the year for exploring this vibrant city.

High Park is one of the springtime highlights and most photogenic seasonal attractions, with thousands of cherry blossom trees in full bloom early May. Pack a picnic basket and take a seat under the pink blossoms to cherish this special time of the year that only lasts about a week. In late May, Doors Open Toronto invites you to explore the city’s unique and most-loved buildings free of charge, giving you a rare opportunity to discover buildings that are usually not open to the public. 

As the weather warms up, you can also get to know the city by canoeing, kayaking and boating on Lake Ontario and around the Toronto Islands. Spring is also a great time to visit the city’s outdoor markets, such as the Toronto Flower Market blooming in bright colours. Foodies should head to the traditional St. Lawrence Market, where the city’s history meets its contemporary food scene with over 120 vendors and a vast selection to choose from.

Interested in travelling to Finnair’s new destination? Check out our Blue Wings article that lists Toronto’s favourite spots and timeless attractions. 

Finnair flies directly to Toronto from Helsinki three times a week from 4 May 2026 until late August.