March is one of the most underrated months to visit Europe. The worst of winter is over, crowds are still low, and prices haven’t climbed into the spring and summer peak yet. You won’t find beach weather in most of Europe, but you will find plenty of sunny days, comfortable temperatures for sightseeing, and the chance to explore famous cities without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
This is also the month when Southern Europe really starts waking up for the season. Places like Rome, Lisbon, and Barcelona feel lively again, but not overwhelmed. Even cooler destinations — London, Paris, Amsterdam — are far more pleasant than they’ll be during the summer rush, and hotel rates stay surprisingly reasonable across most of the continent.
Below you’ll find my updated list of the best places to visit in Europe in March 2026 — from warmish islands like Tenerife to major cultural cities where you can enjoy museums, food markets, and historic neighborhoods without the usual lines or heat.
This article was last updated in November, 2025.
Europe's only March beach destination
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
- March avg high: 71F/22C
- March avg low: 60F/16C
- March avg precip: 1.1″/2.8cm
If you want reliably warm beach weather in Europe in March, Tenerife is easily your best bet. The Canary Islands sit far south — closer to Morocco than mainland Spain — so the climate here is mild all year, and March feels like early summer compared to the rest of Europe. It’s warm enough for the pool or beach most days, and the island has a huge range of resort towns depending on how lively or quiet you want things to be.
I spent almost a month in Tenerife and found it incredibly relaxing, especially in March when the crowds are mostly older northern Europeans escaping the cold. The beaches themselves aren’t as dramatic as some Mediterranean ones, but the overall atmosphere is very easygoing, the food is good and inexpensive, and the island is small enough that you can explore almost everything on day trips. Mount Teide towering over the island is a highlight, and the national park scenery is genuinely impressive.
Tenerife is also just one of several Canary Islands that offer similar weather — Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura all have the same March climate and tend to be slightly cheaper. If you’re looking for a warm, beach-friendly European getaway without long-haul flights, the Canaries are as dependable as it gets.
Hotel prices in March
- 3-star hotels from: US$88 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$123 per night for two people
- All-inclusive resorts from: US$255 per night for two people
Where to Go in Europe in March
Europe in March is all about timing — the weather is improving, crowds are still light, and prices haven’t climbed into spring or summer territory yet. You won’t get tropical heat, of course, but you can enjoy mild, pleasant days in the Mediterranean along with quieter city breaks in places like Rome, Paris, and Barcelona. Even the cooler destinations feel more relaxed this month, making March a great time for affordable European travel without the usual tourist rush.
Rome, Italy
- March avg high: 60F/16C
- March avg low: 42F/6C
- March avg precip: 2.6″/6.5cm
Rome is one of the world’s great year-round destinations, but March is an especially good time to visit. The winter chill is fading, café tables start returning to the piazzas, and you get the perfect combination of “pleasantly busy” instead of the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds you’ll see from May onward. You still need advance tickets for places like the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums, but moving around the city is far easier than in peak season.
I’ve visited Rome many times, and I always find that March hits the sweet spot: warm enough for long walks, cool enough that sightseeing doesn’t feel like a marathon, and lively in all the right ways. The city has so many iconic sights packed into a compact area that even first-timers quickly settle into a comfortable rhythm — morning sightseeing, a long lunch, and an afternoon of wandering cobblestone streets before dinner. Rome never gets boring, but it’s especially pleasant before the summer heat arrives.
Hotels are also more reasonably priced in March, especially in the classic neighborhoods on both sides of the river. You might still get a rainy day or two, but overall it’s one of the most dependable times of the year for a Rome trip — warm, atmospheric, and without the fatigue that comes with peak-season crowds. If you want the full Rome experience without the summer chaos, March is ideal.
Hotel prices in March
- Good 3-star hotels in March from US$95 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in March from US$137 for two people
Paris, France
- March avg high: 55F/13C
- March avg low: 43F/6C
- March avg precip: 2.1″/5.3cm
Paris in March feels like the city slowly waking up from winter — café terraces begin to fill again, the gardens start showing early signs of spring, and the crowds are still far lighter than what you’ll see from April onward. It’s cool, of course, but perfectly manageable with a light jacket, and you get that wonderful mix of crisp mornings and soft afternoon light that makes wandering around Paris so enjoyable.
I’ve been to Paris many times, and March is one of my favorite months for a relaxed visit. You can stroll through the Marais or along the Seine without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, museums are far easier to navigate, and iconic attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre feel more pleasant than at almost any other time of year. Even the hop-on hop-off bus and Seine River cruise — two of my personal favorites — are more comfortable before the high-season rush.
Hotel prices are also better than later in spring, and availability is much easier across the central neighborhoods. Paris will never be a “cheap” destination, but March gives you a noticeable break on both crowds and costs. If you want that classic Paris atmosphere with a bit more breathing room, this is a fantastic time to go.
Hotel prices in March
- Good 3-star hotels in March from $75 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in March from $109 for two people
London, England
- March avg high: 51F/11C
- March avg low: 39F/4C
- March avg precip: 1.9″/4.8cm
London isn’t warm in March, but it’s one of the best months for sightseeing without the heavy summer crowds. The weather is mild, the days are getting longer, and most indoor attractions — museums, galleries, pubs, markets — are in full swing. London is such an “indoor city” anyway that March fits it perfectly, and you’ll enjoy shorter lines almost everywhere you go.
I lived in London for six months, and honestly, March feels very similar to most of the year: gray skies, occasional drizzle, and a city that’s still incredibly fun regardless. You can hop between neighborhoods like Covent Garden, Soho, Shoreditch, and South Kensington without the peak-season masses, and iconic attractions like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and the British Museum are far more enjoyable before Easter.
Hotel prices also dip a bit compared to April and May, and flights into Heathrow and Gatwick are usually reasonable. London is never a bargain, but March gives you more freedom and more space — and if you’re the kind of traveler who loves pub culture, museums, West End shows, and long walks along the Thames, this is an ideal month to visit.
Hotel prices in March
- Good 3-star hotels in March from US$76 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in March from US$109 for two people
Barcelona, Spain
- March avg high: 61F/16C
- March avg low: 44F/7C
- March avg precip: 1.7″/4.3cm
Barcelona starts shaking off winter in March, and while it’s not true beach weather yet, the city feels alive again. Daytime temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing, the Ramblas and Gothic Quarter aren’t yet jammed with summer crowds, and you can enjoy Gaudí’s big attractions — Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló — with far fewer lines than you’d face later in the year.
Even though I prefer Barcelona in late spring or early fall, March still has that great mix of mild weather and energy without the heat or tourist chaos. You can wander the waterfront, explore the food stalls at La Boqueria, or spend an afternoon in El Born without constantly dodging tour groups. And the city’s restaurant scene is fantastic year-round, whether you want tapas bars, seafood along Barceloneta, or long late-night dinners.
Hotels are also far more affordable in March than in high season, especially around Eixample and Gràcia. If you want a lively European city with great food, iconic architecture, and enough warmth to enjoy long days outside, Barcelona is an easy and rewarding pick this time of year.
Hotel prices in March
- Good 3-star hotels in March from $124 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in March from $170 for two people
Madrid, Spain
- March avg high: 60F/16C
- March avg low: 42F/6C
- March avg precip: 1.0″/2.5cm
Madrid warms up nicely in March, and the city feels far more comfortable than during its hot summer months. This is a great time to explore the big museums — the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen — without the peak-season crowds, and the outdoor café scene along Gran Vía and Plaza Mayor starts to wake up again. The city has a very local, authentic feel in March before tourism really ramps up in April and May.
I’ve always enjoyed Madrid for its energy. It’s a place where you can wander for hours, ducking into markets like San Miguel or San Ildefonso, or spending an afternoon in Retiro Park when the first touches of spring start showing. It’s also a more relaxed sightseeing city than Barcelona, with wide boulevards, big plazas, and a rhythm that feels both cosmopolitan and laid-back.
Hotel prices in March are generally reasonable, and you’ll find excellent food everywhere — from old-school tapas bars to modern Michelin-starred restaurants. If you’re looking for a warm, culture-filled city break with great walkability and a strong local vibe, Madrid is a perfect choice in March.
Hotel prices in March
- Good 3-star hotels in March from $65 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in March from $81 for two people
Lisbon, Portugal
- March avg high: 66F/19C
- March avg low: 48F/9C
- March avg precip: 1.9″/4.8cm
Lisbon is one of Europe’s best spring cities, and March is right when it starts to shine. The days are mild, the sun shows up far more often than in northern Europe, and you can comfortably spend hours walking the hills without overheating. It still feels like shoulder season, so you get most of the benefits of spring travel without the full crowds and prices of April and May.
I’ve long thought Lisbon is a bit underrated, partly because it sits “off to the side” of the usual Paris–Rome–London route. But that’s also what makes it so enjoyable. The tiled buildings, yellow trams, and miradouros (viewpoints) give the city a unique character, and it’s easy to mix major sights with simply wandering through neighborhoods like Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Chiado. Add in the day trip to Sintra and you’ve got a very full, very satisfying few days.
Hotel prices are still reasonable in March, especially compared to peak summer, and the restaurant scene is excellent value for a Western European capital. If you’re looking for a warmer, less hectic alternative to the “big three” European cities this time of year, Lisbon is a smart and very enjoyable choice.
Hotel prices in March
- Good 3-star hotels in March from $72 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in March from $96 for two people
Florence, Italy
- March avg high: 59F/15C
- March avg low: 41F/5C
- March avg precip: 3.2″/8.0cm
Florence in March is one of the best times to experience the city without the overwhelming tourist crowds that arrive from April onward. The weather is mild enough for long walks between the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Uffizi, and you can actually enjoy the city’s narrow historic streets without feeling rushed or crowded out. It’s still early spring, so you may get a cool or drizzly day, but overall it’s an excellent month for sightseeing.
I’ve been to Florence several times over the years, and March consistently feels like the sweet spot. You can spend real time with the Renaissance masterpieces — Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus — without the shoulder-to-shoulder museum experience Florence is known for later in the year. The city’s compact size also makes it perfect for leisurely days: an espresso in Piazza della Repubblica, a few hours in a gallery or two, then a long Tuscan lunch before wandering the riverfront.
Hotels are more affordable in March than in late spring or summer, especially around Santa Croce or the Oltrarno district. Florence will always be one of Europe’s great cultural capitals, and March gives you the chance to enjoy it at a gentler pace, with lower prices and more breathing room.
Hotel prices in March
- Good 3-star hotels in March from $98 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in March from $112 for two people
Athens, Greece
- March avg high: 60F/16C
- March avg low: 44F/7C
- March avg precip: 1.6″/4.0cm
Athens in March is one of the most pleasant ways to experience the city — warm enough for comfortable sightseeing, cool enough that climbing up to the Acropolis doesn’t feel like a workout in the sun. Spring arrives early in Greece, so parks and hillsides start turning green again, and the city feels lively without the intense crowds of late spring and summer.
What I love about Athens in March is how easy it is to see the big sights without rushing. The Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and the Acropolis Museum are far more enjoyable when you’re not battling peak-season heat or tour groups. You can also explore neighborhoods like Plaka and Monastiraki at a slower pace, ducking into cafés, bakeries, and rooftop bars with great views of the Parthenon. Even a day trip to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion is much nicer before the summer surge.
Hotel prices are still well below their May–October highs, and the restaurant scene remains one of the best values in Europe for fresh, flavorful food. If you want a historic, culture-heavy trip with reliably pleasant weather, Athens is a top choice in March.
Hotel prices in March
- Good 3-star hotels in March from $71 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in March from $85 for two people
Malaga, Spain
- March avg high: 64F/18C
- March avg low: 46F/8C
- March avg precip: 2.1″/5.3cm
Málaga is one of the warmest mainland cities in Europe in March, making it an ideal early-spring getaway for anyone craving sun without flying all the way to the Canary Islands. Daytime temperatures are usually comfortable enough for long walks along the waterfront, exploring the old town, or grabbing an outdoor table for tapas. It’s not full beach weather yet, but it’s close — and far sunnier than most of Europe this time of year.
I’ve always found Málaga to be one of Spain’s most underrated cities. Most people treat it as the gateway to the Costa del Sol, but the city itself is extremely enjoyable, with excellent museums (including the Picasso Museum), a walkable historic center, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. And once you’re here, it’s incredibly easy to do day trips to places like Ronda, Nerja, or even quick stops along the coast.
March hotel prices are still very reasonable, and restaurants and cafés haven’t yet switched into peak-season mode. If you want warm weather, affordable prices, and a base with lots to explore both inside and outside the city, Málaga is one of the best choices in Europe this month.
Hotel prices in March
- Good 3-star hotels in March from $58 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in March from $92 for two people
Nice, France
- March avg high: 59F/15C
- March avg low: 46F/8C
- March avg precip: 2.4″/6.0cm
Nice is one of the most appealing places on the French Riviera in March, thanks to its mild temperatures, early spring sunshine, and a relaxed vibe before the summer crowds arrive. You can comfortably stroll the Promenade des Anglais, explore the Old Town, or grab a seaside table for a long lunch without the heat or the peak-season pressure. It’s not quite “swimming weather,” but it’s perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the coast.
I’ve always liked Nice in March because it gives you the Riviera feeling without the Riviera prices. The city is remarkably walkable, with colorful markets, elegant Belle Époque architecture, and easy viewpoints like Castle Hill. And if you want to explore more of the Côte d’Azur, places like Antibes, Cannes, Èze, and even Monaco are all quick and inexpensive train rides away — March makes those day trips far more enjoyable and crowd-free.
Hotel rates are still well below what they’ll be in April and May, and you get more flexibility with last-minute plans. If you want a warm, scenic, and easy European getaway with tons of variety and charm, Nice is a fantastic pick for March.
Hotel prices in March
- Good 3-star hotels in March from $70 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in March from $85 for two people
Split, Croatia
- March avg high: 57F/14C
- March avg low: 46F/8C
- March avg precip: 2.5″/6.3cm
Split is a fascinating mix of ancient history and coastal scenery, and March is one of the most comfortable months to explore it without the crush of summer tourism. The weather is mild enough for long walks through Diocletian’s Palace — one of the most unique old towns in Europe — and the waterfront promenade starts to feel lively again as outdoor cafés reopen. It’s too early for proper beach days, but the sunshine and lighter crowds make sightseeing especially pleasant.
One of the things I’ve always liked about Split is how authentic it feels outside peak season. In March you’re sharing the city mostly with locals rather than tour groups, and that makes wandering the narrow passageways and hidden courtyards inside the palace walls much more enjoyable. You can take your time exploring the markets, the harbor, and Marjan Hill without battling the summer heat, and the whole Dalmatian Coast feels calm and welcoming.
Hotels are still in their low-season pricing, which gives you far better value than you’ll find later in spring. And while many of the ferries to the nearby islands operate on reduced schedules, day trips to places like Hvar or Šolta are still possible. If you want a scenic, historic European destination that feels “real” in March — and one that avoids the crowds and heat of high season — Split is an excellent choice.
Hotel prices in March
- Good 3-star hotels in March from $65 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in March from $72 for two people
Valletta, Malta
- March avg high: 61F/16C
- March avg low: 50F/10C
- March avg precip: 1.9″/4.8cm
Valletta is one of Europe’s smallest capitals, but it packs in more atmosphere and history per square block than almost anywhere else. March is an excellent time to visit — warm enough for long days outdoors, but still early enough in the season that you can enjoy the city’s fortifications, cathedrals, and waterfront views without the summer crowds. It’s also one of the sunniest destinations in Europe this time of year, which is a huge plus if you’re chasing blue skies.
What makes Valletta especially appealing in March is how walkable and compact it is. You can wander from the Upper Barrakka Gardens to St. John’s Co-Cathedral to the harbor in minutes, stopping at little cafés and bakeries along the way. The architecture has this dramatic blend of Mediterranean, Baroque, and British influences, and the whole city is a UNESCO site — so even simple strolls feel like sightseeing. The ferries to Sliema and the Three Cities run frequently, making it easy to explore more without needing a rental car.
Hotel prices are still very reasonable before the Easter bump, and the weather is pleasant enough for outdoor dinners in the evenings. If you want a warm, beautiful, and incredibly unique European destination for March — one that’s easy, friendly, and full of history — Valletta is a fantastic choice.
Hotel prices in March
- Good 3-star hotels in March from $47 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in March from $70 for two people
Reykjavik, Iceland
- March avg high: 38F/3C
- March avg low: 28F/-2C
- March avg precip: 3.2″/8.0cm
Reykjavik might not be “warm” in March, but it’s one of the best months of the year for Iceland if you want that perfect mix of winter scenery and longer daylight hours. March still feels like real winter — snow on the mountains, icy landscapes, and that crisp Arctic air — but with roughly 11 hours of daylight and far fewer visitors than in summer. It’s also one of your last good chances of the season to catch the Northern Lights.
The city itself is compact, walkable, and surprisingly cozy, with colorful houses, great cafés, geothermal pools, and a food scene that’s far better than people expect. Reykjavik makes a great base for day trips: the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon, glacier tours, and even ice caves are all running in March, and roads are usually manageable by this point in the season. I’ve been to Iceland during this shoulder period and it’s a really nice balance — dramatic scenery without the summer crowds and prices.
March hotel rates are noticeably lower than in peak season, which helps quite a bit because Iceland isn’t cheap. If you want a European trip in March that’s all about scenery, adventure, and the chance to see the aurora, Reykjavik is easily one of the top picks — especially before the big tourist wave returns in May.
Hotel prices in March
- Good 3-star hotels in March from $126 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in March from $168 for two people
Interlaken, Switzerland
- March avg high: 50F/10C
- March avg low: 33F/1C
- March avg precip: 3.2″/8.0cm
Interlaken in March is one of those “in-between” destinations — and that’s exactly why it can be such a fantastic deal. It’s the shoulder season between winter ski crowds and the big summer hiking rush, so the towns of Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald feel calmer and more local than usual. I’ve always said the Lauterbrunnen Valley is the most beautiful area in Europe, and in March you still get those dramatic cliffs and waterfalls, just without the peak-season congestion.
Weather can vary a lot — some years you’ll still see plenty of snow at higher elevations, while the valley floors start to thaw and feel almost springlike. Many cable cars and mountain restaurants begin reopening toward the end of the month, but even if a few lifts are undergoing maintenance, enough infrastructure is running that you can still explore the region easily. The views from places like Männlichen or Schilthorn don’t disappoint no matter the season.
Hotels are at some of their lowest prices of the year, which is rare for Switzerland. If you want to see one of Europe’s most iconic alpine areas while avoiding the crowds and saving money, March is an underrated and surprisingly peaceful time to go.
Hotel prices in March
- Good 3-star hotels in March from $152 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in March from $217 for two people
Thank you for quick reply. I have made my mind to go to Italy.
My itinerary (month: end of March)
Flight from London to Rome
Arrive in afternoon in Rome
3 nights in Rome (leave late on 4th day)
1 night in Pisa (arrive late from Rome, night stay and Pisa tower next morning)
2 nights in Venice (arrive in evening, stroll nearby, 1 full day in Venice, half next day – may be do one of the small island Murano)
2 nights in Lake Garda – may be south (arrive in evening, stroll nearby, 1 full day doing half boat ride, 1 or 2 towns to choose from Sirmione, Malcesine, Limone and Garda – which ones?)
Next morning flight – return to London from Verona airport
Is this too much for the first time visitor by a couple or doable – any other suggestion? Have planned this way to avoid backtracking. Not considering Florence for this time. Traveling to other cities is via fast trains only.
Hi Roger, fantastic article and its really helpful. Can I consider Amsterdam and Brussels in March? Also should I prefer Rome-Florence-Venice over Amsterdam-Brussels? I am planning for 5-6 nights (for Ams-Brus I will choose less). I do not like wet and overcast weather. Thanks in advance.
Hemanshu,
Especially if you don’t like wet or overcast weather, I’d definitely choose Italy. Amsterdam and Brussels are overcast often even in summer, and in March they will be chilly and possibly rainy as well. You might get a little rain and clouds in Italy, but it will definitely be warmer and more pleasant. I love Amsterdam and I even lived there for a while in 2005, so it’s mostly just about the lousy weather you’d probably get in March. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Roger,
My husband and I only have a week in March, any recommendation on where in Europe to go? Florence 3 days is included as a destination any suggestions where to next we always prefer off the beaten path small towns when in Europe. Thank you!
Georgen,
If you only have a week and you are definitely spending 3 days in Florence, I’d stay in Italy for the remaining 4 days. The obvious choices are Venice and Rome, but I have to assume that since you didn’t mention those that you’ve already been there. In March it might be good to go to Sicily, since it will be a bit warmer there. Palermo is the main town and it’s not nearly as touristy as Florence, Venice, and Rome.
Another interesting choice in Italy is Sorrento, which is just south of Naples. It’s fairly touristy, but it’s a fantastic place to stay for a few days because it’s lovely and the ideal place to visit Naples, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and the Isle of Capri. Those are my best options with the information you provided. Let me know if you have any questions. -Roger
Roger,
Thank you for this great article! My mother and I have secured flights to and from Munich, arriving on the 19th March and departing on the 29th March 2019. My brother will be joining us for the initial week or so if this trip and wishes to visit Geneva, for a visit to CERN. He will then depart on the 24th March from Munich. I am trying desperately to create an itinerary thereafter for my mother and I- and was hoping to visit Prague-Vienna-Budapest. I see now that this may not be possible unless I change my departure date, ir fly directly to Prague from Geneva. I’m also concerned that this may be too much activity for my mum, who is in her sixties. What are our other options from Geneva? Croatia, perhaps? She is more likely to be interested in culture and history, And loves visiting gardens- though it may not quite yet be the season for that.., I’m hesitant to take her to a bustling city like Rome..Perhaps it is also because I have travelled extensively in Italy, and wish to travel elsewhere. she has been to France and Greece before, and I would like her to experience something different- I doubt that Geneva will very affordable- and in addition to travel cost, I also want to consider shorter travel times on trains/ flights as these tire my mother tremendously.. please help!
Jessica,
If you have a 10-day trip and are spending your first 5 days in Geneva, it would be impossible to squeeze those 3 other cities in. I should also mention that Geneva has a lovely location on a lake, but it’s not really much of a tourist city. You might have a quick look at my main article on where to go in Switzerland. With 5 days to spare I’d recommend choosing two cities, and hopefully ones that are less than 5 hours apart by train.
I just checked quite a few train times from Geneva and the only city that can be reached in less than 5 hours or so is Paris, so if you don’t want to go to France it might be best to fly out of Geneva Airport. You could fly to Vienna and then two days later take a train to Prague for 3 days and then fly home from there? Croatia has limited train service that is also slow, so you’d have to fly into Split or Dubrovnik. This is a challenge. I think Vienna and perhaps Salzburg are probably great choices. I’m not sure how much help I’ve been, but I’m happy to answer other questions if you have them. -Roger
Roger,
I am planning my honeymoon in April 2019 for 15 days. Have decided Paris and Rome for 11 days. Couldn’t decide on the third option for the remaining 4 days between Barcelona, Vienna and Amsterdam. We want something with museum, less touristy, easy accessibility and more walking. Kindly suggest.
Raja,
That should be an amazing honeymoon. Eleven days is actually a long time for Paris and Rome so you might want to move a bit more quickly. Paris is really gorgeous, but you can see all of the things that interest you in 4 days or maybe 5. Rome is also a fascinating place, but it’s also quite hectic and many people are happy to see the main sights in 3 or maybe 4 days and then move on. You could always go to Florence and/or Venice as well, as they are all connected by fast and short train rides.
Barcelona, Vienna, and Amsterdam all have great museums, and I’d say Amsterdam is most famous for that. But they are all quite touristy (because they are so interesting). All three are all flat so walking is quite easy. Amsterdam is the most compact of the three, although the main sights in Vienna are all in a small area in the center as well. Barcelona is larger and more spread out. It’s hard to choose between them and you’d have to fly in and out, so I’d pick the one that interests you most. I think Amsterdam is the most interesting, but Barcelona will have nicer weather in April. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Glad I found this site. My 2 kids (19, 20) and I are trying to decide between Iceland or Lisbon for early March 2019. I know Iceland will be colder, but I think the sites would be more spectacular. Any recommendations, comments would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Julie,
That is a tough one. Iceland is literally my favorite destination in the world, but as you say, March is before even the shoulder season and it’ll be chilly. On the other hand, Lisbon has a fairly mild winter and it should be quite nice in March. I think I’d probably vote for Lisbon for this trip and then hopefully you can schedule an Iceland trip closer to summer. Let me know if you have any questions. -Roger
Sorry, quick follow up as an additional option to my questions above. I just checked one way tickets from Zurich to Madrid, Spain and we can fly one way to Madrid for about $50 per person. Another option would be to fly into Zurich and spend a couple days in Switzerland. We could fly out of Switzerland and spend a couple days in Madrid then catch a train to Barcelona for a couple days and fly back to Zurich for our flight home. Thoughts?
Roger,
First, I want to thank you for your diligence in maintaining such a wonderful resource of information here on this site. I used your site, the comments from others, and some advice you shared after i asked questions a few years ago to plan a trip for my wife and I to visit Paris and various places in Italy for our first ever trip to Europe to celebrate our 20th anniversary. It was a fantastic trip and we want to take our teenage children (15 and 17) to Europe for spring break this year during mid March. I’ve found some fantastic prices for round trip tickets for around $500 from an airport a few hours from our house to the following European destinations:
Berlin
Milan
Zurich
Brussels
Copenhagen
Stockholm
Here’s my question. We have about eight days to travel and I would like to visit a few different countries over the eight days. What would you recommend as a starting/finishing point (among the locations listed) and method to see as much as possible (without overwhelming ourselves) in the short time we have?
Chett,
I’m glad you find this site helpful, and I apologize for the slow reply this time, as I’m on a cruise and in Barbados at the moment.
If you have 8 days to travel I’d recommend choosing 3 cities to visit and spending 3 days in two and 2 days in one. In March I don’t think I’d recommend northern Europe. I like the idea in your other comment about Switzerland and Spain. You could fly into Zurich and spend 2 or 3 days in the Interlaken area, and then fly to Madrid for 2 or 3 days and then a train to Barcelona for your remaining 2 or 3 days. Switzerland is amazing all year round, and Spain will have mild weather in March. Let me know if you have other questions and I’ll have more time to respond in a couple days. -Roger
I think you need to reconsider your pricing of Lisbon. A central 3 star hotel is consistently impossible to find for less than 60€, anf that the average price is 37€ now is way off!! It’s not that cheap anymore.
Nils,
Thank you for the comment and I really appreciate people caring about the accuracy of our information. Those hotel rates for Lisbon say:
Good 3-star hotels in March from €37 for two people
Good 4-star hotels in March from €57 for two people
Hostel dorm beds in March from €19 per person
In other words, the absolute cheapest 3-star hotel in Lisbon in the month of March that gets good reviews was €37 when we checked it. I just checked it again now and there are some places that are even lower. In summer those rates will be higher, of course, but March is a slow month so it’s not surprising that deals are available. And again, those aren’t AVERAGE room rates, they are the minimum, for comparison to other cities on the list. London, for example, starts at €67 for a 3-star in March, so that helps you know that Lisbon is cheaper, at least for hotels.
It’s pretty much impossible to figure out an “average” price for hotel rooms, so at least telling readers the bottom of the market for price gives them something to compare cities with. -Roger
Greetings Roger- We are trying to decide where to take our 3 daughters (19, 15 and 12) for spring break, which is March 9th through the 17, 2019. My husband and I have both lived in London (which we love and would enjoy showing our girls) but I have several relatives living in Dublin and the surrounding area that might be happy to play “tour guides” for a bit. We also have relatives living in Lengwil, (Thurgau Canton, Switzerland) and also near split, Croatia. For which of these cities would you cast you vote? We are looking for an immersion in history, culture and nature. We don’t need beaches and warm weather. Cost is something to consider but we understand what we are getting into having lived in Europe previously. Your opinion is appreciated!
Erin,
It sounds like you’ve got some really nice options with some interesting base cities. Any of them would be a good choice, but for a mid March trip I’d worry that Ireland might be a bit gloomy. Personally, I like Dublin, but to me the real “magic” of a visit to Ireland is the small towns and castles and scenery and whatnot. In other words, if this was a May or September trip I might lean towards Ireland. In March I think Croatia might be a better choice and you can do Ireland another time. The weather in the Split area will be reasonably mild (at least compared to northern Europe) and the crowds will be small. If you go to Croatia you should try to make it to Plitvice Falls National Park if you can, and especially on a sunny day. It’s one of Europe’s best natural sights.
Speaking of nature, you really can’t beat Switzerland for natural beauty and in March there will be snow on most of the mountains still. Have a look at my article on where to go in Switzerland for my advice about seeing the best in a short visit. You may know that Switzerland is very expensive, even compared to its neighbors, but if you have a place to stay near Zurich for at least part of your trip that would cut costs down. You could invest in either some Swiss Travel Passes or at least the Half Fare Cards to keep the train travel cheap. If you can pull off a Switzerland trip in an affordable way it would be my top pick. If not then I’d choose Croatia over Ireland at that time of year, although I’m sure you’d really enjoy any of them. Let me know if you have any other questions and I hope this helped. -Roger