This year, Easter falls on Sunday, 1 of April. Here are some suggestions for where to pass the holiday weekend, from the magic of Disneyland Paris to the ancient streets of Rome.
For some people, Easter is a time to celebrate beliefs while for others it is the perfect time to celebrate the blooming flowers, chocolate eggs and fluffy bunnies that accompany the wonderful spring season! Whatever it may be, you’ll find a reason to celebrate in one of these five cities that we recommend visiting for Easter.
1. Rome
Spend Easter at the epicentre of the Catholic Church in Rome at The Vatican for a veritable holy experience. The Pope will hold a 10.15am mass on Easter Sunday at St. Peter’s Basilica. If you’re planning to attend, tickets are required for entry. Take care to arrive VERY early as the mass is quite popular. If you can score a seat, great, but be prepared to stand. At noon, the Pope will make his Urbi et Orbi (to the City and to the World) blessing to the crowd in Saint Peter’s Square. This sacred address only happens twice a year–Easter and Christmas–, so if you’re in town, don’t miss it. The Romans, in fact the Italians in general, take Easter very seriously so many stores, restaurants and attractions, including the Vatican Museums, will be closed on Easter itself and Easter Monday, a national holiday known as Pasquetta. If you want to admire Michelangelo’s inspiring frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, be sure to check the times, get tickets in advance and plan your visit during the week.
2. Dublin
Make your way to Dublin Ireland to celebrate Easter with a Celtic twist. Indulge in some chocolate by attending the Easter Experience at Butler’s Chocolate. Taking place 1 – 2 April, you can make your own chocolate bunny, enjoy an Easter egg hunt and take a tour of the chocolate factory and museum! Be sure to book your tickets ahead of time. Take advantage of your stay in the capital and venture out to the beautiful Irish countryside to see the majestic castles and immerse yourself in ancient folklore.
3. Paris
A wonderful destination for the long weekend, Paris has something to offer everyone in the family, from the magic of Disneyland Paris, arts and culture at the Louvre, the iconic Eiffel Tower to colorfully delicious Ladurée macaroons and so much more. Go on a ‘chocolate shop hop’ and visit the many chocolate shops throughout the city and take in the ‘City of Lights’ during one of its most spectacular seasons. You could also attend the Easter Mass at the stunning Notre Dame Basilica, get more details here. Finally, take a trip to Provins, a majestic medieval town, an hour and a half train ride from Paris that hosts an 8,000 egg Easter egg hunt (free of charge) for children! Explore the beautiful town while you search for the colorful treasures.
Tip: The hunt starts at the Provins Tourist Office on Easter Sunday or Monday at 2 p.m.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcoz1_FHLYX/
4. Prague
Visit this stunning historical Czech city with tons of amazing Easter events celebrating the joys of spring! The Prague Easter Markets are open everyday from 17 March to 8 April. The ones in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are within walking distance of each other. Don’t forget to watch the astronomical clock on the hour, located on the south wall of the Gothic Old Town Hall. This marvelous piece of mechanical genius has been telling the time, date, positioning of the sun and the phase of the moon for 600 years!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BDZF-5LSdYJ/
5. Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the perfect place to celebrate Easter being the city that inspired its symbolic beginnings. One of the most iconic Easter events in the city include the Good Friday Procession when thousands of Christian pilgrims march along the Via Dolorosa in the Christian Quarter of the Old City. Also, don’t miss a whimsical walk down the Yoel Moshe Solomon Street where 1,000 colorful parasols dangle above passers-by in honor of The Umbrella Street Project.
6. Vienna
The capital of Austria becomes a masterpiece in April as the flowers begin to bloom creating a spectacular backdrop for the city’s distinct Romanesque architecture. Explore one of the many Easter markets in the city and see Europe’s tallest pile of Easter eggs at Easter Market Freyung! Make your way to Schonbrunn Palace, which hosts an Easter market of its own, and walk through the beautiful palace gardens. In the evening attend a concert inspired by the works of Mozart and Strauss.