For us, March Madness is trying to figure out where to go in Europe in March.
As the weather warms just enough to either enjoy the last of the snow flurries or welcome the onset of spring’s bloom, we have a hard time choosing between the best European cities to visit.
Should we pack a light jacket for Spain or keep a scarf on hand for Scandinavia?
Do we spend hours in film festival halls in Czechia or days exploring wild Scotland?
If you’re in the same predicament, here are a few of the best places to visit in March in Europe to fuel your destination inspiration.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Laurie Noble. Image Location: Stortorget, Stockholm, Sweden
Europe in March: Sunny skies or still snow-covered?
March brings such uneven weather: so many cities could experience blankets of snow, buckets of rain, or a blast of heat—sometimes all three between March 1 and March 31. The warmest place in Europe in March is usually Cyprus. But should you want to spend March on the mainland, here are the average temperatures in cities that heat up over the month.
- Seville, Spain: 60℉
- Palermo: 54℉
- Athens, Greece: 53℉
- Dubrovnik, Croatia: 53℉
- Monte Carlo, Monaco: 53℉
Image Credit: Getty Images, Westend61. Image Location: Zell am See, Austria
Best places to visit in Europe in March
For St. Patrick’s Day: Ireland
We don’t mean to sound cliché, but visiting Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day is a worthy addition to your bucket list. Dublin and Kilkenny have different ways of celebrating the holiday, giving you ample opportunity to down Guinness in the capital and have meaningful cultural immersion on the River Nore.
For the Northern Lights: Sweden
Scandinavia is still quite snowy in March so you are forgiven if you thought we meant to say Switzerland. Stockholm is finally above freezing most days, though you can warm up more in the museums and unique bars of the capital city. Take an overnight train ride to Lapland and marvel at the Northern Lights.
For Families: Portugal
Portugal is a dream for parents. Lisbon alone has a fantastic zoo and oceanarium, both worthy of half-day itineraries. The Algarve is warming up in March, and while the kiddos may not be able to swim, the hiking trails are ready for your clan to conquer.
For Spring Break: Austria
If you really wanted a beachy spring break, you’d be in Florida. So instead of settling for a colder beach trip in Spain or Greece, go to Austria and redefine spring break. You won’t have trouble finding a place to drink in Vienna and if you really want to break out your swimsuit, resorts in Bad Waltersdorf and Tirol have spas, indoor swimming pools, and outdoor recreation if you dare to take a snow bath in your skivvies.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Clement Leonard. Image Location: Esch-sur-Sûre (Esch-Sauer), Wiltz, Luxembourg
Where to go in Europe in March
Scotland
Scotland may or may not be a winter wonderland when you visit, and that’s half the fun. Head into the highlands to cling to the last breaths of winter as you take one last hike that’ll earn you a glass of the finest Scotch in the region.
Luxembourg
It’s easy to forget about Luxembourg, but once you visit in March, you’ll remember it as one of your favorite experiences. This compact country feels much larger when fewer people are around, making it one of the best European destinations to visit in March for travelers who need fewer queues in their lives.
Croatia
Croatia’s lengthy shape gives you options to adjust your comfort each day. Need to turn up the heat? Ride down to Dubrovnik and do a Game of Thrones tour under the sun. Want to savor the pre-spring cold fronts? Stay north around Zagreb to explore the wildlife and landscape of the Žumberak and Samobor Mountains.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Harald Nachtmann. Image Location: Foro Romano, Rome, Italy
Best cities to visit in March
Rome, Italy
Closest station: Roma Termini
The Ides of March has long been a day of significance in Rome, and now, it’s an important date on your calendar, too. We’re almost positive that you’ll have a better visit to the Sacred Area of Largo di Torre Argentina than Julius Caesar did, especially since it’s now open for tourists.
Prague, Czech Republic
Closest station: Praha hlavní nádraží
Where better to make it a movie night in March than in the Czech Republic? The Prague International Film Festival, aka Febiofest, One World Film Festival, and Prague Short Film Festival will take your mind off of work and school back home.
Escape the March madness
No need to wait until summer break. Download the Trainline app now and see how cheap train tickets are to the best European cities to visit in March. Take advantage of the smaller crowds. Explore Europe on your terms, on a train.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Gonzalo Azumendi. Image Location: Ferragudo, Algarve, Portugal