Top 10 May bank holiday ideas

It’s that time of year again. Two May bank holidays coming up along with noticeable weather improvements, but where should you go to enjoy the break? Our resident kiwi Kelly Leaper takes us through her tips.  Travel to one of our top 10 May bank holiday destinations and lap up the sun and fun.

Amsterdam

Spring is always a fantastic time to check out Amsterdam, with the sun shining and the Tulips in full bloom at Keukenhof Gardens – which is just 20 minutes outside the city and showcases Holland’s national symbol in all its glory. This year the first bank holiday weekend also falls on the Dutch Queen’s Day, Koninginnedag, which means you can experience the full orange fun and celebratory atmosphere that Amsterdam has to offer.

Dublin

Dublin is a bustling city that has always been a favourite place to take a quick break. The Irish are best known for having pride in their nation, and it’s obvious to see why. Dublin’s gorgeous Georgian streets set the scene as you explore a city rich with history. You can see the Book of Kells in Trinity College and of course the world famous Guinness brewery. At this time of year you can also experience the So Go Dublin Arts festival, driving home the importance of art and culture in this historic city.

Bruges

Explore the fairy tale city’s canals by boat or take part in the ‘Inside Bruges trail’, 29 April – 3 May, wandering through the old cobbled streets and architecture. On 1 May you can even check out the alcoves in Koningin Astrid Park while rocking out to the Red Rock Rally, a free annual rock concert in the park. There’s no better time to enjoy this beautiful medieval town.

Lake Garda

Formed at the end of the last ice age, Lake Garda offers a splendid view of colours, mountains and vineyards. There’s no better place for a peaceful getaway. The lake has a little something for everyone in the region, with perfect conditions for windsurfing as well as ample opportunities for retail therapy. And if the thought of relaxing or playing golf all weekend doesn’t satisfy you, then it’s nice to know that Lake Garda is just a short trip to Verona, Milan and Venice.

Barcelona

May is one of the best times to visit this stunning Spanish city. The weather is warm, without being too uncomfortable, so you can spend more time appreciating the chic splendour that Barcelona is famous for. A short trip over a May bank holiday also allows you to avoid the crowds, leaving you in peace to stroll along the beaches, shop along Las Ramblas and admire Gaudi’s marvellous designs. Particularly noteworthy is the unfinished Sagrada Familia or the smooth contours of Parc Guell, which offers a panoramic view of the city and makes a perfect location for a picnic.

Prague

Prague is a great place to visit all-year-round, but never more so than in May. In this month Prague boasts a number of spectacular events, ranging from its hyped-up Czech beer festival to the ritualistic Majales, a parade to the old town square in celebration of spring. This year Prague is also commemorating the 20th anniversary of the fall of communism. These festivals and more make the Czech Republic’s already-beautiful and historic capital so much more appealing.

Athens

May Day is celebrated in Athens with several parades and festivities, and it also marks the flower feast day – an appreciation of flowers and springtime dating back to ancient times. What better time to join them than celebrating the end of winter! May is also a great time to visit Athens because the weather is bearable and there’s an absence of large tourist groups. That also means cheap prices can easily be found, which makes visiting the ancient and breathtaking city all the more worthwhile.

Split

Green hills and cool blue waters beckon travellers at this time of year, when the sun shines over Croatia’s largest coastal city. The weather is warm and provides perfect conditions to sunbathe and get a head start on a summer tan, while the beaches are also warm enough for a relaxing dip. Beyond its beaches, Split offers a mishmash of cultural heritage without the masses of beach-crazed tourists. Their absence makes it easier to appreciate the city’s astounding history, showcasing the many influences which stretch right back to antiquity, as is evident in the UNESCO site of Diocletian’s palace. Split is also well known for its music scene, so it’s a great idea to pop into a quirky cafe and see what’s on.

Dubai

When is Dubai not a fantastic place to visit? The city has so much on offer, especially for those out on a shopping excursion or looking for a spot of luxury at great prices. The most populous emirate pulls countless tourists to its shores every year with its modern look, good prices and exotic disposition. May is a relatively quiet time of the year, so a quick break to the Arab city would provide ample opportunity to shop and take in its cosmopolitan surroundings at a relaxed pace. Dubai also recently opened the Burj Khalifa, which is now the tallest building in the world.

Marrakech

Marrakech is one of the more liberal Muslim cities and offers so much to the western traveller. With so much to see and so little time to see it, May bank holiday dates are a great times to visit the Red City. The sun beats down for most of the day but temperatures are warm without being unbearable, leaving you free to discover the hidden passages in the Medina (old city), or become entranced by snake charmers’ music, or try various morsels from the many food stalls. Take time to appreciate the shrines belonging to some of Marrakech’s local saints and visit the Jemaa el Fna – the city’s celebrated square, which at other times of the year is crowded with tourists.

And for some inspiration to get off the beaten track, here are 10 alternative city breaks as well.

Happy Travels!