Spring cities

If it's spring in Amsterdam, it must be tulip time! While you can, of course, visit some of the tulip fields near the city, Amsterdam itself is a riot of colour. The city's parks are at their floral best at this time of year. Vondelpark, Westerpark and Oosterpark are all great places for walking, cycling or enjoying a drink and a spot of people-watching at one of the little cafes and bars. However, anyone who really knows their plants should also squeeze in a trip to Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest and best stocked botanical gardens in the world. Alternatively, a cruise along the canals or a browse at one of the open-air markets are equally good ways to enjoy some spring sunshine.

What could be better than exploring lovely Lisbon on a balmy spring day? Picture yourself strolling along the banks of the Tagus on a walk that will take you past many of the city's most scenic spots. Highlights include the famous suspension bridge, the Cristo Rei monument and the Tower of Belém. Afterwards, perhaps you'll make tracks for one of the city's characteristic kiosk (quiosque) cafes, where the views are often as memorable as the food and drink. Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, on the Bairro Alto, has a kiosk with one of the best views (although you'll probably want to take the Glória Funicular to get there).

If you long to explore the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Temple of Hephaestus and the other ancient attractions of Athens, the spring months provide ideal weather. And, though you may not need a shady refreshment stop, it'd be a shame to miss out on trying seasonal delicacies or year-round favourites at one of the city's tavernas or cafes. You could even book a food tour so you don't miss out on trying the best locally-produced coffee, olives, yoghurt, cheese and aromatised vinegar. Beyond the city, a cruise to the Saronic islands is a wonderful outing for a bright spring day. Highlights might include Aegina's Temple of Aphaia, a spot of shopping on Poros and even a dip in the Aegean.

Spring is the perfect time to visit Paris. The warmer weather is ideal for leisurely drinks at a pavement cafe, a photogenic stroll along the Canal St-Martin or a wander around one of the many parks and gardens that Paris has to offer. Jardin des Tuileries is a must (especially after a visit to the Louvre) – during spring you can enjoy the blooming magnolia and judas trees and the formal flower beds. Then there's the Musée Rodin: the museum's exhibits extend into its gardens, while thoughtfully placed wooden sun loungers are ideal observation points. Alternatively, if you're travelling with children, why not relax in one of the famous green deckchairs in the Jardin du Luxembourg while the kids indulge in the time-honoured pastime of sailing wooden boats around the Grand Bassin.

Spring in Tokyo is sakura, or cherry blossom season. Join the locals in hanami, or flower viewing, an activity often enjoyed with a picnic and in the company of family or friends. Favourite spots in the city include Meguro River and Shinjuku Gyoen. And don't miss the chance to see the famous blossoms illuminated at night. You can even sample the cherry blossom courtesy of sakura-flavoured food and drinks sold in many cafes and grocery shops. As well as sakura, spring in Tokyo also means baseball. Why not attend a game or, if you want to improve your own skills, book a session at one of the indoor batting cages, like those at Spo-Dori at Tokyo Dome City.

The milder spring months are ideal for exploring Venice's canals, cobbled streets, bridges and squares. After a visit to St Mark's Square, enjoy a wander in the nearby Royal Gardens. For a longer walk, the south-facing Fondamenta delle Zattere is just right for sunny strolls alongside the Giudecca Canal. And, for a full day out, Venice's Lido offers plenty to do. A slim beach separating the Venetian Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea, its beaches and green spaces are interspersed with Art Nouveau palaces and grand nineteenth century buildings. Finally, for something more unexpected, head to Cannaregio district. Close to the railway station, you'll find the Mystical Garden of the Carmelites, safely encircled by the walls of an ancient convent.

Spring temperatures make exploring Madrid by bike a real pleasure. A city-wide bike scheme, BiciMAD, makes cycle hire easy, while the Madrid Rio, a riverside cycle path, is a great place to test your pedal power. You'll want to get off your bike before plunging into the Rastro, the city's oldest street market. Open on Sundays and public holidays, plan to arrive early and then head off for tapas and beer. Afterwards, a walk in a park, such as the Casa de Campo, should set you up nicely for a night on the town. Whether it's bars, restaurants or a concert, spring is when Madrid's nightlife really starts to get going. Alternatively, you could be lucky enough to score tickets for one of the last matches of the season's La Liga football games.

What better place to begin your spring visit to Berlin than its Gardens of the World! Make sure you visit the Chinese Garden of the Recovered Moon, which marks the city's 1990 reunification. Then, to discover the city itself, a walk along the banks of the Spree is the perfect starter. The House of World Cultures, part way along the riverside, is a pretty spot for a refreshment break or, if you're so inclined, it's also where you can jump on one of the sightseeing steamers. And, if you haven't had enough of the water, the Wannsee, the Havelhöhenweg and the Müggelsee all make great day trips.

London comes alive in the spring. Daffodils and other spring flowers fill the parks and garden squares, pavement cafes open up, and a river cruise on a bright spring morning is hard to beat. London even has ornamental blossoming trees to rival almost anywhere: head to Kew Gardens for some sensational cherry blossom or try Kensington and Chelsea's garden squares for some of the best magnolia blooms. Foodies should make the most of the sunshine and explore the city's markets – Southbank Centre Food Market, Borough Market and Maltby Street Market are some of the best.

Although it's great at any time of year, there's something special about the Big Apple in the spring. Whether it's drinking a cup of coffee in Central Park, seeing Manhattan from the green vantage point of the High Line or taking in Macy's annual two week spring flower show, dozens of seasonal treats await you. The lively and friendly St. Patrick's Day parade is one of the largest events in the city. So, too, is the enthralling spectacle of the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival - while the hundreds of large colourful Easter eggs that adorn the city provide a different spin on the traditional Easter egg hunt. And don't forget to check out Broadway: spring is a traditional time for new shows to start their run.

As the sun warms the Mediterranean, allow yourself to be enticed by Valencia's beaches. Beachside restaurants at both Las Arenas and Malvarrosa open their outdoor patios, providing the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of chilled Agua de Valencia, a tasty concoction of Spanish cava and the famous orange juice. Of course, you'll also want to explore the city itself. A cycle ride along the Turia, once a river winding its way through Valencia but now a very long garden, is an interesting way to sightsee. Equally, you might fancy a sightseeing cruise of L’Albufera, the saltwater marshes just south of the city. Golf is also a popular activity at this time of year - but you also mustn't miss the floral displays at the Jardí Botànic and the University of Valencia Garden.

If you consider yourself a foodie or bon viveur, spring is a particularly good time to visit Marseille. The almost enticing produce markets are heaped with fruit, vegetables and other goodies from across Provence. Meanwhile, the vineyard tours are in full swing, giving you the chance to experience, say, a private tour of Châteauneuf Du Pape. Back in the city, explore the Old Port - or sit back and enjoy a pastis at one of the bars. When it's time to stretch your legs, the walk up to the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde is doable in the cooler spring temperatures, though there's a train if you prefer. Beyond the Old Port, the ochre walls and narrow streets of Le Panier are an appealing place to walk.

Slightly cooler, drier weather makes spring a fabulous time for a visit to Singapore, especially if you want to get out and about outdoors. The Sakura Japan Fair, held annually at the Gardens by the Bay is a fabulous celebration of the famous blossom and an opportunity to indulge in Japanese-themed activities, including a Pokémon forest. Then, what about a wander through Kampong Glam, the city's historic Muslim quarter? Nowadays, it's also quite a hip neighbourhood that's great for shopping, camera enthusiasts (it's home to the Vintage Camera Museum) and cake lovers (don't miss the ‘Rich and Good Cake Shop’). For something else a little different, try Haw Par Villa, an outdoor art park that's filled with traditional Chinese sculptures and dioramas.

The warmer, longer days ensure that spring is a lively time in this city where East and West meet. It's the season of festivals, with April alone seeing the city host a tulip festival and an international film festival. Meanwhile, comfortable temperatures also mean comfortable sightseeing. Don't miss a tour of the historic Sultanahmet neighbourhood and, of course, a Bosphorus cruise. The hop-on hop-off bus tour is great if you want to intersperse a guided tour with your own explorations - or perhaps pause for refreshments. Guided cycle tours are an option for the more energetic who want to see the city from another angle. Afterwards, take it easy at one of the outdoor cafes overlooking the Bosphorus in the Ortakoy neighbourhood.