Easter is a time of rebirth, celebration, and for many, travel. It offers a unique opportunity to witness some of the most profound cultural traditions worldwide or simply enjoy the beginning of spring in a beautiful setting. From the solemnity of religious ceremonies to the colorful festivity of seasonal events, here are the ten best destinations to visit for an unforgettable Easter holiday, each with its unique charm and traditions along with recommended hotels that will make your stay more enjoyable.

Easter in Vatican City is an unparalleled spiritual experience. Thousands of Christians from around the globe gather to celebrate Holy Week with ceremonies led by the Pope himself, culminating in the Easter Sunday Mass at St. Peter's Square. The air is thick with devotion, and the ancient streets of Rome provide a stunning backdrop to this sacred occasion. Beyond religious observances, Rome’s historic sites, from the Colosseum to the Pantheon, offer a deep dive into the rich tapestry of human history.

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Seville hosts one of the most spectacular Easter celebrations in the world. Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is marked by daily processions of elaborate floats and hooded penitents winding through the city's medieval streets. The air is filled with the scent of orange blossoms and incense, creating a sensory spectacle that draws visitors from across the globe. Seville’s vibrant culture, flamenco music, and exquisite Andalusian cuisine add layers of pleasure to the Easter experience.

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Paris in spring is a sight to behold, and Easter adds an extra layer of charm to this already magnificent city. Churches like Notre-Dame de Paris and Sacré-Cœur hold special services, and the city's parks are perfect for traditional egg hunting activities. The streets come alive with Easter markets selling chocolate and seasonal treats. Paris’ world-class museums, cafes, and blooming gardens offer endless opportunities for leisure and exploration.

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Though not traditionally celebrated in Japan, Easter coincides with the cherry blossom (sakura) season in Kyoto, making it a breathtaking destination. The city’s historical sites, including temples, shrines, and gardens, are framed by delicate pink and white blossoms. Cultural experiences like tea ceremonies and geisha performances provide a deep dive into Japanese traditions. Kyoto’s scenic beauty and tranquility offer a different, yet equally enriching Easter experience.

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New York City offers a vibrant Easter celebration with the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival on Fifth Avenue, where extravagant hats and costumes take center stage. The city's iconic landmarks, including Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provide a dynamic backdrop for Easter activities. New York is also a melting pot of Easter traditions from around the world, reflected in its diverse culinary scene and cultural events.

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Easter in Sydney marks the arrival of autumn and is celebrated with the Royal Easter Show, Australia's largest annual event. The show features agricultural competitions, animal experiences, live entertainment, and carnival rides, providing fun for the entire family. Sydney’s stunning beaches, vibrant harbor, and iconic Opera House offer myriad activities for travelers looking to combine Easter celebrations with exploration of this dynamic city.

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Easter in St. Petersburg is celebrated with grandeur, marking the end of Lent with decorated eggs and special services in the Russian Orthodox Church, including the famous midnight mass. The city, emerging from the long winter, is alive with cultural events and the beauty of early spring. St. Petersburg’s palaces, museums, and canals invite exploration, and the White Nights of late spring provide a unique natural phenomenon to experience.

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While Easter in Rio de Janeiro may be less traditional, the city’s exuberance and warm autumn weather make it a fantastic holiday destination. Beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema offer sun-soaked relaxation, while the city’s Easter services and celebrations reflect Brazil’s rich Catholic heritage. Rio’s lively culture, samba music, and delicious cuisine ensure a vibrant Easter holiday.

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Easter in Cape Town is a time of great natural beauty, with the city’s landscapes transitioning into autumn. The Cape Winelands offer Easter egg hunts amongst the vineyards, providing a picturesque setting for a holiday escape. The city itself, nestled between mountains and ocean, hosts a variety of Easter-themed events, from music festivals to craft markets. Hiking up Table Mountain or visiting the penguins at Boulders Beach are just some of the outdoor adventures that complement the Easter festivities. Cape Town's rich cultural tapestry, diverse cuisine, and stunning landscapes make it an unforgettable Easter destination.

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Easter in Antigua offers one of the most visually stunning and emotionally charged experiences in the Americas. Semana Santa (Holy Week) here is famous for its elaborate street carpets (alfombras) made of dyed sawdust, flowers, and fruits, which decorate the processional routes. The sound of solemn marches and the sight of robed processions against the backdrop of colonial architecture and volcanoes create a profoundly moving atmosphere. Beyond the Easter celebrations, Antigua is a city rich in Spanish colonial history, with cobblestone streets, ruins, and vibrant markets waiting to be explored.

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While the ten destinations above offer unique Easter experiences, here are a few more places that are worth considering if you're looking for something a little different:

Prague's Easter markets are some of the most colorful and vibrant in Europe. Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square come alive with stalls selling painted eggs, handcrafted goods, and traditional Czech Easter delicacies. The city’s Gothic and Baroque architecture, along with its historic bridges and cobblestone streets, provides a magical backdrop for the celebrations.

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Easter in Corfu has a unique blend of Orthodox Christian traditions and local customs, making it a fascinating destination. The most notable event is the “Pot Throwing” on Holy Saturday, where locals throw pots from windows and balconies to mark the beginning of spring, symbolizing the new crops that will be gathered in new pots. The island's beautiful landscapes, ancient ruins, and serene beaches offer plenty of reasons to extend your stay beyond the Easter festivities.

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Choosing the perfect Easter holiday destination depends on what you’re looking to experience. Whether it's participating in age-old religious ceremonies, enjoying spring festivals filled with color and life, or simply taking in the beauty of a new place in the springtime, there's a destination out there that's perfect for you.

Each of these destinations brings its own unique flavor to the Easter celebrations, from solemn religious processions and ancient rituals to lively street festivals and egg hunts. Once you’ve made the decision where to spend your easter, go straight to explore Traveloka for great deals on activities, flight and hotel. Visit Traveloka for more information!