March Travel to Eastern Europe Offers Holidays, Cultural Events, and More

March in Eastern Europe begins the springtime travel season. Easter markets, springtime festivals, landscaped old towns, and traditional farewell rituals to winter can be enjoyed during this hopeful, colorful month. While winter temperatures may linger, particularly in the northern countries, this time of year is good for those who prefer lower prices and thinner crowds. As a traveler, you can enjoy each destination at your own pace in March, which falls in the off-season.

Click on the link for the city of your choice and get in-depth information about events and weather for that destination.

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Prague in March

Prague in the Morning Sun — CC BY Roman Boed

If you're lucky, you'll catch Prague's famous Easter market during this month. Brightly decorated traditional eggs and other crafts can be purchased in Old Town's center of festivities - the Old Town Square. Even if you don't catch the city in the middle of Easter festivities, Prague is notorious for bursting with sights and activities for travelers with diverse interests, from food, to art, to history.

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Budapest in March

Hungarian Parliament Building — CC BY Pavlo Petrenko

Hungary's Spring Festival occurs in March. Performances and concerts are held, and a traditional market sells hand-crafted items. But don't stop there. Enjoy a glass of wine or a shot of palinka, Hungary's fruit brandy, to warm up after a chilly stroll, or heat up with a walk up to Castle Hill to view sights there and look over the legendary Danube River.

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Bratislava in March

Bratislava Market — CC BY-ND Roman Pfeiffer

Slovakia ushers in spring with the drowning of Morena and a traditional Easter market. If Bratislava's your destination, be sure to check out the open-air market and enjoy a leisurely exploration of the small old town.

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Warsaw in March

The drowning of Marzanna and Easter both have the potential to occur in March - these Polish cultural events will make your March trip to Warsaw memorable. If you've missed the springtime festivities, not to worry--museums, shopping, sightseeing, and concerts will fill your days and evenings with culture and fun.

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Krakow in March

Krakow knows how to do Easter and springtime. The historic center blooms with color for the annual Easter celebrations. Furthermore, Krakow is keen to be explored, from Main Market Square to Wawel Castle to the Kazimierz District. Each area of Poland's cultural capital has its own personality and deserves a visit.

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Moscow in March

Moscow in Spring — CC BY-SA Nikolas Titkov

March 8th is International Women's Day in Russia. Russia may also celebrate Maslenitsa during this month. However, Moscow will almost assuredly be on the chilly side, so dress warm so that you are comfortable. Visiting Red Square and the Kremlin, along with other notable Moscow districts, will be more pleasurable with the right clothing.

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Vilnius in March

Kaziuko Muge — Kerry Kubilius, licensed to About.com

Kaziukas Fair is Vilnius' annual arts and crafts market which takes place over three days on the weekend nearest to St. Casimir's Day (March 4th). If you plan to travel during this month, it is well worth it to try to visit while the fair is underway. Find traditional arts and crafts from Lithuanian and neighboring countries at this open-air market that fills Old Town Vilnius to the gills with activity.

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Ljubljana in March

Springtime Ljubljana — CC BY-SA Gillaume Speurt

Enjoy spring in Ljubljana with carnival celebrations and preparations for Easter. Springtime in the historic center is lovely, with plenty of cozy cafes to pop into if the weather gets chilly and a charming center complete with Art Nouveau building facades.