Inspiring Easter City Breaks in Europe
April 01, 2025
Spring is a great time to explore new destinations, and Easter makes it even more special. As the weather warms up, cities in Europe come alive with colourful flowers, lively festivals and traditional Easter celebrations.
Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or as a couple, Europe offers incredible sights and experiences. If you’re looking for an Easter city break full of culture, history and adventure, here are some of the best cities in Europe to inspire your next trip.
1. Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest is a city full of rich Easter traditions. While Romania’s countryside has famous celebrations, the capital also offers a fantastic Easter experience. In the heart of the city, you’ll find vibrant Easter markets, traditional foods and meaningful religious services.
- Easter Services at Patriarchal Cathedral – Join locals at this historic church for a touching Easter service.
- Easter Markets – Visit Herăstrău Park to explore colourful Easter decorations, handmade items, and traditional sweet bread called cozonac.
- Traditional Easter Foods – Sample delicious lamb dishes and painted red eggs, which are a symbol of new life and renewal.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam’s calm and easy-going atmosphere makes it a great place for a relaxing Easter break. With its beautiful canals, blooming flowers, and unique traditions, the city offers a peaceful holiday experience.
- Easter Service at Westerkerk – Attend an Easter service in one of Amsterdam’s most famous churches, offering a quiet space for reflection.
- Visit the Flower Markets – Explore the Bloemenmarkt, a floating market full of colourful spring flowers.
- Easter Brunch by the Canals – Sit back at a café by the canals and try paasbrood, a traditional Easter bread.
3. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is full of history and culture, and Easter is a great time to visit. The city offers folk festivals, Easter egg hunts and religious services, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the season.
- Holloko Easter Festival (18th April – 21st 2025) – Celebrate Hungarian traditions with dancing, egg painting and live music at this lively folk festival.
- Easter Egg Hunt at Vajdahunyad Castle – Experience a fairytale-like castle while searching for Easter eggs. For more information about the castle, visit the castle, visit here.
- Easter Mass at St. Stephen’s Basilica – Attend a grand Easter service at one of Budapest’s most famous churches, known for its impressive architecture.
4. Corfu, Greece
Corfu is known for its unique Easter experiences, combining ancient Greek Orthodox traditions with local customs. The island’s Easter celebrations are lively, full of music and surrounded by beautiful scenery.
- Pot Throwing Ceremony – On Holy Saturday, locals throw clay pots from their balconies to mark the start of spring and new beginnings. It’s an old tradition that is believed to bring good fortune.
- Midnight Mass at Spianada Square – Watch the entire square glow with candlelight, followed by an incredible fireworks show.
- Traditional Greek Easter Foods – Treat yourself to tsoureki (sweet bread) and roasted lamb, enjoyed by families across Greece.
5. Seville, Spain
Seville’s Easter celebrations, known as Semana Santa (Holy Week), are some of the most breathtaking in Europe. The city comes alive with candlelit processions, religious parades, and music. The atmosphere is both spiritual and festive, making it a truly special destination for Easter.
- Semana Santa Processions – Watch the street parades filled with religious floats, marching bands and people dressed in traditional robes.
- Easter Service at Seville Cathedral – Attend a service at one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedrals, blending history and spirituality. You can find more information here.
- Flamenco Shows – After the religious festivities, enjoy an exciting flamenco performance – one of Seville’s most famous traditions.
6. Vienna, Austria
Vienna offers a sophisticated Easter experience, combining festive markets, classical music and elegant traditions. This city is perfect for those looking for a relaxing break with a touch of luxury.
- Easter Markets – Visit Schönbrunn Palace’s Easter market for handcrafted gifts and traditional treats.
- Concerts at Vienna State Opera – Experience world-class classical music or an opera performance over the Easter weekend.
- Easter Egg Rolling at Prater Park – Take part in one of Vienna’s traditional Easter games, where people race to roll eggs down a hill.
7. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is a wonderful place to celebrate Easter. The city offers a mixture of history, culture and outdoor fun, making it a perfect place for solo travellers, couples or groups.
- Easter Egg Hunts in Princes Street Gardens – Join a fun Easter egg hunt while taking in the view of Edinburgh Castle.
- Scottish National Gallery Easter Events – Explore special Easter exhibitions and activities, perfect for anyone interested in art and culture.
- Easter Service at St Giles’ Cathedral – Attend a traditional Easter service at St Gile’ Cathedral, one of Edinburgh’s most famous churches. For more information about this historic cathedral, click here.
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is a cosy city that combines Danish traditions with lively Easter celebrations. It’s a great place for those looking to relax and enjoy a peaceful Easter break.
- Easter Egg Hunt at Tivoli Gardens – One of the world’s oldest amusement parks hosts exciting Easter egg hunts and activities for all ages.
- Easter Service at Vor Frelsers Kirke – Experience a beautiful service at this Baroque-style church.
- Traditional Danish Easter Meals – Try traditional Danish Easter foods, such as lamb dishes and smørrebrød (open sandwiches) at local cafés.
9. Valletta, Malta
Valletta, the capital of Malta, has a strong Christian tradition, and Easter is celebrated with both religious events and festive activities. The city also offers a mix of spiritual experiences and scenic views.
- Good Friday Procession – Watch religious statues paraded through the streets of Valletta, with people singing hymns as they walk.
- Easter Mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral – Attend a service at this magnificent church, known for its beautiful interior.
- Easter Egg Hunt at Upper Barrakka Gardens – Take part in an Easter egg hunt in these lovely gardens where you can also see beautiful views of the Grand Harbour.
10. Paris, France
Paris is always a great choice, and during Easter, the city is full of lovely traditions, delicious food and beautiful spring views. It’s an excellent destination for those who want to enjoy Easter in a relaxed and elegant way.
- Easter Service at Notre-Dame Cathedral – Attend Easter mass at one of Paris’s most famous churches, where you can experience both the history and beauty of the city. For more information about the cathedral and its Easter events, visit here.
- Easter Egg Hunt at Jardin des Plantes – Participate in fun Easter egg hunts in one of city’s most beautiful gardens.
- Indulge in Easter Chocolates – Paris is famous for chocolates and Easter is a great time to try delicious treats from top chocolatiers like La Maison du Chocolat.
11. Cologne, Germany
Cologne is a city full of history, culture and festive Easter traditions, making it an exciting city break.
- Easter Service at Cologne Cathedral – Attend mass in one of largest and most breathtaking Gothic cathedrals in Europe.
- Easter Markets at Alter Markt – Browse the Easter markets at Alter Markt, where you can find decorations, crafts, and traditional German treats.
- Easter Egg Hunt at Stadtgarten – Enjoy a fun Easter egg hunt at Stadtgarten, a peaceful park in the city.
These European cities offer something special for Easter, whether you’re looking to explore history, try local food or just relax during the holiday. Don’t forget to consider travel insurance for your trip to make sure you are covered while enjoying all the fantastic activities these destinations have to offer.