Best cherry blossom destinations in Europe
Best cherry blossom destinations in Europe
Central urban parks and historic old town avenues in Europe
Cherry blossoms might be most associated with Asia, but a handful of European cities put on a spring show that rivals it on a smaller scale.
Western Europe has some of the best known blossom spots, often thanks to trees planted decades ago along riverbanks, parks and old university grounds that turn pink for a few weeks each spring. Southern Europe tends to see blooms a little earlier in the season, while cooler northern areas catch up several weeks later, giving travelers more flexibility on timing than in some other regions. A number of cities now hold small festivals or events tied to the bloom, though nothing on the scale of the traditions found further east.
Bloom windows are short and shift a little each year, so checking recent updates before booking is worth doing. The destinations on our list for Europe bring together well loved blossom spots with a few quieter corners just as worth the trip.
Lists by region
City in Germany
Bonn
Beethoven's birthplace on the Rhine
Pink blossom arches over the cobbled lanes of the Old Town every April. The Japanese cherries were planted in 1980. They line the alleys around Breite Straße. The blossom lasts several weeks before petals carpet the streets. Bonn was the West German capital from 1949 to 1990.
City in Belgium
Brussels
Europe's cozy capital of culture
Several blossom streets cluster in Schaerbeek. Cherry trees line both sides of the tram tracks on Avenue Rogier. Josaphat Park forms a large arch of flowers. Avenue de Mai in Woluwe Saint Lambert fills its median with trees. Bloom starts in late March or early April.
City in France
Paris
The city of love, art and history
Jardin des Plantes is small but known for exceptional Japanese cherry blossoms. Jardin Nelson Mandela at Les Halles covers about 10 acres of pastel and pink cherry trees. Parc de Sceaux outside the city has pink sakura in the north grove and white in the south.
City in Czech Republic
Prague
A fairy-tale city with rich history
Strahov Monastery has hosted a Hanami festival with a samurai parade, taiko drumming and martial arts demonstrations. The Japanese Garden at Troja Botanical Garden holds a sakura tree planted by Václav Havel in 2003. The Czech Japanese Association also runs a free Hanami picnic in Prague 6. Check dates each spring.
City in Denmark
Copenhagen
Scandi-cool vibes and world-class food
Blossom typically appears from the last week of March to mid April. The first week of April is the safest bet. Bispebjerg Cemetery has a cherry blossom walkway on its fringes. Langelinie Park blooms a little later and hosts the annual Sakura Festival around the third weekend of April.
City in United Kingdom
London
A Tapestry of History and Modernity
Kew Gardens' Cherry Walk starts at the Rose Garden behind the Palm House and passes several Japanese varieties. Greenwich Park has an avenue of cherry trees leading to the rose garden at Ranger's House. Regent's Park has a row of cherry trees along Chester Road. Timing varies each year, so check current conditions.
City in Austria
Vienna
A Symphony of Culture and Elegance
Japan gave Vienna 1,000 cherry trees to mark Austria's 1,000th anniversary. They were planted in a grove on the Donauinsel. Cherries also bloom in Setagaya Park in Döbling, which opened in 1992. Buds open from mid April through the end of the month. Blossom lasts about 10 days.
City in Netherlands
Amsterdam
Canals, culture and a vibrant spirit
The Bloesempark in the Amsterdamse Bos has about 400 Japanese flowering cherry trees. The Flower Association of Japan and the Japan Women's Club donated them. The gift marked 400 years of ties between Japan and the Netherlands. The park officially opened in 2000 on a former tree nursery. Blossom arrives each spring.
City in Switzerland
Bern
Medieval charm on the Aare
A Japanese farmer and beekeeper named Yoshiyuki Urata gave Bern 100 Somei Yoshino cherry trees in 1975. He had studied agriculture in Saint Gallen. In the Rosengarten the blossom frames the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It usually arrives between late March and mid April and lasts only a few days.
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