5 cities in Europe for Easter weekend
Easter is just around the corner - but the desire to venture out is greater? These five European cities are perfect for a spontaneous city getaway.
March 22, 2023
1. hamburg
Travel time: Flight from Munich approx. 1 hr, from Vienna approx. 1.5 hr, from Zurich approx. 1.5 hr.
Weather: average min. 5 to max. 12 °C
Don't miss: Speicherstadt, then at the blue hour to the Elbphilharmonie Plaza
The world's largest historic warehouse complex, the Speicherstadt in Hamburg. © Claudio Testa
It is probably one of the most beautiful cities in Germany: Hamburg. The Hanseatic city in the north of the country is connected to the North Sea via the Elbe River and is home to one of the largest transshipment ports in the world. For city travelers during the Easter holidays, there is a lot to see here: First, there is the Speicherstadt, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a trip through the world's largest connected warehouse ensemble with its many bridges should not be missing from any bucket list. If you want to get to know Hamburg from its charming side, stroll through the Hafencity with its historic buildings and sights. Among them is the striking Elbphilharmonie - an architectural masterpiece. In the mood for shopping? The Jungfernstieg, which runs along the Binnenalster, is lined with boutiques, cafes and restaurants. You should also stop at the party mile Reeperbahn and the "Michel": the St. Michaelis Church is one of the most famous landmarks of the city. For a green break, visit Planten un Blomen, a large park with gardens, waterfalls and the botanical greenhouse.
Easter in Hamburg:
From concerts at the Elphilharmonie to Easter bonfires: Hamburg knows how to celebrate the holiday. Don't miss the Easter market at Hamburg's Rathausmarkt and the Cherry Blossom Festival, which kicks off Easter week in early April.
Where to stay:
The Le Tortuelocated in the Stadthöfe district, impresses with its chic interior. Top: The minibar is included, an absolute must is the brunch in the bistro.
2. Stockholm
Travel time: Flight from Frankfurt approx. 1 hour, from Vienna approx. 1.5 hours, from Zurich approx. 2.5 hours.
Weather: average min. 3 to max. 11 °C
Don't miss: the artfully designed subway stations
Stockholm, the "Venice of the North" with 57 bridges. © Robert Eklund
You never need a special occasion to visit the Swedish capital, but Easter is certainly a good one. Colorful feathers adorn the city's branches and twigs, in keeping with the country's tradition. There's plenty to see in Stockholm: strolling through Gamla Stan, with its historic buildings and picturesque alleys, you'll find boutiques, cafes and restaurants to stop at everywhere. Culture lovers will be delighted by the multitude of museums, including the world's oldest open-air museum, the Skansen, the ABBA Museum or the Fotografiska. The highlight is the Vasa Museum, which features a 17th-century warship. If you're traveling with the family, put Gröna Lund, the amusement park on Djurgården, on your bucket list.
Easter in Stockholm:
Many cafes and restaurants invite you to their Easter brunches. In addition, the Skansen Open Air Museum holds an annual Easter exhibition where you can learn about old Swedish traditions and admire Easter eggs from different countries.
Where to stay:
In the heart of Stockholm's shopping district, overlooking the sea, is the Berns. The intimate boutique hotel scores with individual rooms and an urban feel-good atmosphere.
3. basel
Travel Time: Flight from Frankfurt approx. 1 hour, from Vienna approx. 1.5 hours, from Hamburg approx. 1.5 hours.
Weather: average min. 6 to max. 16 °C
Don't miss: the Fire Station by star architect Zaha Hadid, who died in 2016
The City Lounge at Messeplatz by Herzog & de Meuron in Basel. © Serhat Beyazkaya
A Swiss jewel: Basel is not only a world leader in chemicals and pharmaceuticals, but also the country's cultural capital. Around forty museums - including the Paper Mill or the Art Museum Basel - gather in the city on the Rhine. They are joined by countless architectural masterpieces to marvel at. Among the older buildings, for example, the Basel Cathedral from the 12th century, the Spalentor or the old market square with its historic buildings and monuments. Basel is also the place to be when it comes to contemporary design, as evidenced by the Tinguely Fountain or the Fire Station by Zaha Hadid. You should also not miss a Rhine cruise.
Easter in Basel:
On Easter Saturday and Easter Monday, the annual Easter market takes place in St. Peter's Square. Here, handicrafts, regional products and Easter eggs are sold. Foodies should also enjoy the Osterchüechli, a traditional pastry of the city, while attending one of the Easter bonfires or the great Basel Easter Run on Easter Saturday.
Where to stay:
Really cool: The Volkshaus Baseldesigned by Herzog & de Meuron, is a contemporary boutique hotel with a time-honored ambience in Kleinbasel. Even art exhibitions are held here.
4. brighton
Travel time: Flight from Frankfurt approx. 1.5 hrs, from Vienna approx. 2.5 hrs, from Zurich approx. 1.5 hrs.
Weather: average min. 6 to max. 13 °C
Don't miss: the artist Zick Pinsent (@pinsent_tailoring) outside the gates of the Royal Pavilion.
Brighton seafront. © Shutterstock
Breathe in the sea air and simply relax: That's what a visit to the English seaside town of Brighton promises. On Brighton Beach, a beautiful pebble beach lined by the city's famous seafront promenade, you could sit and gaze out to sea for hours. Or stroll to Brighton Palace Pier, a historic pier with many attractions and entertainment options. Culture lovers will marvel at the sight of the Indo-Saracenic Royal Pavilion. And also The Lanes, a picturesque area in Brighton, with sweet alleys, small cafes and old buildings knows how to charm visitors. Those who like hiking can do so in the spectacular gorge Devil's Dyke. .
Easter in Brighton:
The Brighton Food Festival takes place every Easter and offers workshops, tastings and cooking classes. Also a must is the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Southend Pier and the Royal Pavilion.
Where to stay:
If you crave a typically British atmosphere, the The Grand Hotel Brighton, with its direct oceanfront location, is the place to be. It's best to enjoy a cocktail or afternoon tea in the Victoria Bar before heading out to explore Brighton.
5. Porto
Travel time: Flight from Frankfurt approx. 1.5 hrs, from Vienna approx. 3.5 hrs, from Zurich approx. 1.5 hrs.
Weather: average min. 9 to max. 18 °C
Don't miss: Port wine with ice and tonic and the Livraria Lello bookstore.
The facade of the Capela des Almas in Porto. © Dominik Kuhn
Porto is not only known for its port wine, but also for its outstanding architecture. Those who visit the picturesque coastal city at Easter will find a variety of great buildings: Among them, the impressive Dom Luís I Bridge, which spans the Douro River, was opened in 1886. The walk across one of the most important sights of the city is worthwhile. So is a visit to the historic Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After searching for your next favorite read at Livraria Lello, head to one of the many port wine cellars, such as Sandeman, to sample the region's iconic wine.
Easter in Porto:
Besides the Easter market at Praça da Batalha, one should definitely attend one of the many processions. For example, the procession of the "Senhor dos Passos" (Lord of the Steps), in which a statue of the crucified Christ is carried through the city. Gourmets have also arrived at the right place for Easter: They taste folar and pão-de-ló.
Where to stay:
The Minina Colina Guesthouse skillfully combines history with colorful design. Here you'll find an Insta-worthy spot on every corner, and you can relax comfortably in the garden.
