The best city trips in spring. As soon as the first rays of sunshine break through and the winter coat slowly disappears to the coat rack, it starts itching: time for a city trip in spring! April, May and June are perfect for going out. The temperatures are pleasant, the flowers are in bloom and the big hordes of tourists are not (yet) here.

Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway full of culture, a culinary escape or just want to stroll through sunny streets, these six cities are absolute must-sees for a spring city break. And to make your trip even more enjoyable, for each destination I add my favorite culinary hotspots and restaurant tips - from local gems to hidden gems where you as a foodie really have to be. Use them to your advantage!

Why in the spring?
Seville is often too hot in the summer (think: above 40 degrees), but in spring the climate there is ideal. With temperatures between 22 and 28 degrees in April and May, you can wander around the city without melting away. Perfect weather for terraces, walks and outdoor flamenco performances. At Plaza de España, you can admire these at any time of day. 

What makes Seville special?
The mix of Moorish influences, colorful patios full of flowers and impressive sights such as the Alcázar, the Giralda and Plaza de España make Seville a dream for culture lovers. Moreover, there is a relaxed atmosphere and the historic center is wonderfully compact. 

Culinary tips
Seville is a paradise for tapas lovers. The city is bursting with cozy tapas bars - from classic, authentic places where you drink sherry at the bar, to modern tapas restaurants with creative twists. Especially in neighborhoods like Santa Cruz, Triana and Alameda de Hércules, it seems like the tapas streets never end: narrow streets full of terraces, murmurs, clinking glasses and delicious smells luring you inside. Ideal for an evening of "tapas hopping," going from bar to bar and tasting something small everywhere. For delicious Spanish tapas, you need to go to Patanchon and El Rinconcillo being. Perro Viejo, Los Carros and La Hermandad are also fine spots. At all of them they have a nice terrace and delicious wine.

Why in the spring?
In spring, Bologna is at its best: everything is in bloom, the student city is buzzing and it is not yet boiling hot. Temperatures are around 18 to 24 degrees - ideal for a city trip full of eating and exploring.

What makes Bologna special?
Bologna is known as the belly of Italy, and for good reason. Tagliatelle al ragù (what we know as spaghetti bolognese) comes from here, as do mortadella and tortellini. But Bologna is more than just food: its medieval towers, red roofs and endless colonnades create a unique atmosphere you won't find anywhere else in Italy.

Culinary tips
Bologna is the place for foodies who love comfort food with character. The city breathes gastronomy: you can almost trip over the salumerias, pasta stores and traditional trattorias. In the charming streets around the Quadrilatero - the old food market district - you will find an endless row of eateries where pasta is freshly rolled out and the smell of ragu meets you. Whether you go for a simple lunch with mortadella on fresh bread or a sumptuous dinner with local wine: in Bologna you actually always eat well. And the nice thing? Many of these places are small-scale, authentic and so cozy that you would prefer to linger there for hours.

For great drink platters, join us at Salumeria Simon or La Prosciutteria. For dinner you can go to Casa Minghetti, Osteria Libreria and Osteria dell'Orsa. 

Why in the spring?
Temperatures in spring are mild and sunny (averaging 20-25 degrees), making Palermo perfect for exploring before the summer crowds erupt. Plus, the island is still nice and green then.

What makes Palermo special?
Palermo is rugged, lively and authentic. Here you can taste the real Sicilian atmosphere. From markets like Ballarò and Vucciria, to the mix of Arab, Norman and Italian architecture - this city is a cultural and culinary adventure. And when you're ready to relax? Then just dive into one of the beaches on the outskirts of the city, such as Mondello.

Culinary tips
Palermo is all about street food, pure flavors and Sicilian pride. The city is a veritable food feast for those who dare to taste. Think fragrant arancini, panelle (chickpea fries), sfincione (Sicilian pizza) and, of course, fresh fish - all found at lively street markets such as Ballarò, Vucciria and Capo. Here you eat among the locals, plastic plate in hand and a smile on your face. But Palermo also comes alive at night, with narrow alleys filling with tables, lights and the sound of clinking glasses. From simple tavernas to hidden rooftop cafes - Palermo is raw, genuine and incredibly flavorful.

You can eat the most delicious pasta at Nova and Buatta. For the best focaccia of your life, you must go to Focacceria dei Mercanti. Thank me later. 

Why in the spring?
Valencia - of course my beautiful city is not missing from this list - is one of the sunniest cities in Europe and perfectly balanced in spring: around 22 degrees, blossom scents in the air and the beach already beckons. Bonus: the city is still relatively quiet, so ideal for those who want to relax and explore at the same time.

What makes Valencia special?
Here you get the best of three worlds: culture, beach and gastronomy. Visit the City of Art and Science, bike through the old Turia riverbed or taste original paella Valenciana at the beach. And don't forget the cozy neighborhood of Ruzafa - the place for coffee, art and cocktails.

Culinary tips
Valencia is the birthplace of paella, and you can taste it everywhere. But the city offers so much more than just rice dishes. In the bustling Ruzafa and El Carmen districts, you'll find an endless array of tapas bars, wine bars and modern fusion cuisines that make Valencia's culinary scene surprising and multifaceted. During the day, stroll through the Mercado Central - one of Europe's finest covered markets - where you'll feast your eyes as well as score fresh snacks. And at night? Then you slide into one of the cozy terraces on the beach or in the city, overlooking palm trees and a glass of Agua de Valencia in your hand. Flavors, atmosphere and sun: everything comes together here.

Eat real traditional tapas among the Spanish locals at La Santa or Boatella Tapas. And especially at that second one, don't be put off by the interior (read: plastic chairs and fluorescent lighting), because the food is fantastic. For a comprehensive restaurant guide, check out the first pinned post on my Instagram. 

Why in the spring?
Rome is a classic favorite to visit in spring: the weather is lovely (20-25 degrees), the flowers in the city are blooming and the queues for the Colosseum are shorter than in summer.

What makes Rome special?
Rome is one big open-air museum: from the Forum Romanum to the Vatican Museums, you stumble over history. But everyday life here is also a party: espresso on a corner terrace, aperitivo in Trastevere and fresh pasta in a small family restaurant. La dolce vita at its best.

Culinary tips
Rome is all about simple ingredients, perfectly prepared - and you can really taste that everywhere. Each district has its own character and culinary specialties. From classic carbonara in Trastevere to thin, crispy pizzas in Testaccio or fresh supplì (stuffed rice balls) as a street food snack - in Rome every meal is a party. The city is full of cozy osterias and trattorias where grandmother's recipes are still sacred. At night, the streets fill with the smell of garlic, basil and red wine, and soon you're sitting at a table under the stars overlooking an ancient fountain. Here you don't just eat well, you eat with history.

The most delicious pasta I ate at Trattoria Cadorna, the most delicious sandwich at Antico Forno Serpenti (around the corner from the Coliseum) and at Gus Antico Caffé Ruschena is right for breakfast in the sun.

Why in the spring?
Mallorca is downright beautiful in spring: 20 to 24 degrees, clear blue skies and an island slowly awakening from its winter dream. Nature is fresh green, orange trees are in bloom and mass tourism is still far away.

What makes Palma special?
Palma de Mallorca combines the best of both worlds: it has the charm of a Mediterranean city with cathedrals, squares and art, but also the tranquility and beauty of an island. Discover the Cathedral La Seu, stroll through the artistic district of Santa Catalina or take a day trip to the Tramuntana Mountains or idyllic beaches.

Culinary tips
Palma is a surprisingly diverse culinary destination, where you can taste the best of Spanish, Catalan and island cuisine. The charming old town is bursting with cozy tapas bars, wine bars and stylish restaurants - often with sea views or tucked away in an atmospheric patio. Streets such as Carrer de la Fabrica or the Santa Catalina neighborhood are literally full of great eating spots where you can hop from bar to bar. Think fresh fish, local olives, sobrasada (spicy sausage), and of course a glass of ice-cold sangria or Majorcan wine. Palma is the perfect place

Spring is the time to get out and about. Whether you go for the history of Rome, the fragrant orange blossom in Valencia or the tapas and flamenco in Seville - these six cities have everything you need for an unforgettable spring break. Pack your suitcase, leave your winter dip behind, and discover the best Southern Europe has to offer.