Vienna in March 2025: Events + Tips for Visiting

Love it? Share it!

Visiting Vienna in March brings in a fresh perspective of the city – all the Christmas decorations are gone and the city slowly wakes up to the dawn of spring. With pleasant weather and fewer crowds, March is a good time to visit Vienna.

Vienna in March is still quiet in terms of tourists and the touristy areas are not super crowded.

Visiting Vienna in March 2025: Tips & Activities Guide to the Imperial City

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

We have visited Vienna numerous times and enjoyed our spring break trips there.

From seasonal events to charming outdoor markets and peaceful walks through historic streets, Vienna offers a blend of chilly charm and the first hints of spring which we are sure you will appreciate.

March is considered a shoulder season in Vienna. This transitional month is perfect for exploring Vienna’s rich cultural heritage, iconic architecture, and cozy cafés without the overwhelming crowds of peak tourist seasons. 

Plus, with manageable weather and plenty of indoor and outdoor attractions, you can tailor your trip to suit your interests while enjoying the city’s unique atmosphere.

In a hurry? Here is a snapshot of the events for Vienna in March 2025

Events/Festivals	Dates
Schönbrunn Easter market	March 27 to April 21, 2025
Am Hof Easter market	April 4 to 21, 2025
Freyung Altwiener Ostermarkt	TBD
Vienna Restaurant Week	March 4 to 10, 2025
SPARK Art Fair	March 21 to 23, 2025
Women’s Day Celebrations	March 8, 2025
WIKAM Vienna	March 8 to 16, 2025
Edelstoff Design Market	March 8 to 9, 2025
St. Patrick’s Day	March 16, 2025
Steiermark Frühling festival	March 27 to 30, 2025

March is a perfect time to visit Vienna are it has not hit the tourists’ peak seasons. Considered a transition or crossover month, in March spring, is knocking on the doors, and sunshine will adorn the city in the afternoons.

Days are getting longer and with little to no crowds, this is the best time to visit the city’s prime tourist attractions or book a luxury hotel for less.

Weather in Vienna for March

Vienna is located in the heart of the European continent and its daily temperatures reflect what we “presume” the European climate to look like. Talking from a Canadian perspective, it’s pleasant, and not a lot of snow!

Vienna Austria is surrounded by the Alps and the northern European plains – so winters are snowy and cold. But March looks promising with little to no snow.

The old town which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site is completely walkable in March, as long as you dress fairly warmly. 

And we are talking about a warm jacket (faux leather jacket or a trench coat), warm socks, and comfortable shoes (or ankle-length booties). No winter clothing is necessary.

So here is what the temperatures look like.

• The average maximum daytime temperature in Vienna in March is 10°C (50°F) – so not too cold or too warm.
• The city gets about 4 hours of sunshine every day.
• In March, the average hourly wind speed in Vienna remains remarkably consistent, hovering within a narrow range of just 0.3 miles per hour around 9.7 miles per hour.
• At night, the average temperature hovers around a colder 2°C (36°F).
• You can expect at least 7 – 10 rainy days in Vienna in March.

How cold is Vienna in March? Does it snow in Vienna in March?

Snow is uncommon in Vienna in March. Snow or ice-related activities (like the ice rink at the Rathaus City Hall) are closed for the season. During our trip, there was no snow on the ground, nor did it snow while we were there.

It is a bit chilly though, in the evenings or early mornings, the weather is still bearable to walk outside. The wind is common in the capital city.

Packing for Vienna in March 

Keeping the Vienna temperatures in mind for March, here is what you should be packing:

• Denim or faux leather jacket – I took my faux leather jacket to Vienna and it was apt for mid-morning. Check out this leather jacket from Levis 
• Light cardigan – Especially for people who are always cold like me, carry a warm cardigan or a pullover. I am in LOVE with this merino wool cardigan – check it out here
• Comfortable walking shoes – Comfortable walking shoes are a MUST in Vienna Europe. I prefer shoes to booties at this time of the year. Here are two of my all-time favorites  –
  • Walking shoes from Sketchers – Click here to buy my favorite pair from Sketchers  
  • Comfy ankle-length booties – Click here to buy (they are waterproof as well) 
• Umbrella, poncho, or waterproof (lightweight) jacket for layering
• Day pack or a purse – Don’t forget to add a day pack or a purse. Both these items can pack a ton of things – from a wallet, small cosmetic pouch, and camera to a light cardigan, and a water bottle when you are out and about exploring. Check out this anti-theft travel purse and this day pack for travel which will store your essentials
• Universal adaptor – Don’t forget to pack your universal adaptor

Skip heavy winter jackets or parkas and winter boots, as the temperature will rarely go below freezing point. You can pack something green, to ring in St Patty’s Day in the imperial city.

Read our in-depth guide to what to wear in Vienna in March.

Hotels in Vienna – Where to stay

Finding accommodation in Vienna in March, shouldn’t be an issue. You can choose a luxury stay near the city center with a great price point or choose from a variety of mid-range hotels (for less).

• Imperial Vienna Hotel (Luxury Hotel) – This luxurious hotel is in the heart of Wien city. It has beautiful interiors and a restaurant on-site. All the Vienna tourist attractions are less than 1 km away. Book your stay here
• Zeitgeist Vienna Hotel (Mid-range hotel) – This is an economical hotel, with good access to trains. Great for a long-term stay. Old Town Wien is located about 2 km away from the hotel. Book your stay here
• Austria Trend Hotel Rathauspark Wien (Mid-range hotel)  – This is where we stayed on our trip to Vienna. Great value hotel (mid-range). It is a refurbished city palace, which makes it all the more special. Free buffet breakfast was included, which had a lot of variety of food.  Book your stay here

Buy the Vienna Pass for sightseeing in March 

For sightseeing in Vienna, we highly recommend purchasing the Vienna Pass. The Vienna Pass offers free entry to many of the city’s prime tourist attractions and also includes a hop-on and hop-off bus tour to access these sites.

Vienna Pass doesn’t include public transportation access, but you can add that for an additional cost. Check out the Vienna Pass here.

Best things to do in Vienna in March – Spring Events Vienna March 2025

1. Explore the Hofburg Palace and its many Hofburg Exhibitions

A visit to the Hofburg Palace is a must at any time of the year. The Hofburg was the imperial palace of the Hapsburg rulers and today it serves as the residence of the President of Austria.

Many of the wings of the palace are free to view from the outside. But to access the museums including the popular Sisi Museum and seasonal exhibitions, there is an entry fee. This is included in the Vienna Pass.

Rudolfina Masked Ball is set to take place on Carnival Monday (March 3, 2025), where the Hofburg transforms into the city’s largest masquerade ball. Sisi Museum also holds seasonal events in March including Children’s birthdays.

2. Stroll the inner city of Vienna in the afternoon

When it’s warm and sunny outside, head to the inner city of Vienna. The area near the Hofburg Palace is surrounded by cafes and stores, and remnants of the historical (famine) past.

Taking a walk in the afternoon will be comfortable and you will be able to appreciate the city’s beautiful architecture!   

3. Head to any of the museums at the Museum Quarter (in the morning, if it rains or if you are cold)

Vienna is a perfect city for arts and history lovers. There is an amazing museum quarter in the city that will quench the thirst of every art and heritage fanatic (probably one of the reasons why we love Vienna so much and keep re-visiting).

Our favorites are Albertina, the Leopold Museum, and the Museum of Natural History.

Leopold Museum is home to an extensive collection of modern art, featuring renowned artists such as Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Richard Gerstl, and Oskar Kokoschka.

Albertina Museum also showcases a large art collection, including works by Monet, Picasso, Dürer, and Klimt. The Natural History Museum, on the other hand, has a good collection of minerals, precious stones, fossils, and animal skeletons, including some taxidermy of extinct species.

Plan to visit them in the morning hours or a few hours before closing – that way you will make use of the nice weather outside to explore other things. The museum entry is included in the Vienna Pass, and they are located a short distance away from each other.  

4. Art museum exhibitions in Vienna

For art history lovers, the Albertina Modern Museum located in Karlsplatz is a must. It is the second location of the Albertina Museum known to be one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art.

You can also pop by the Belvedere Palace and Museum for an amazing display of artwork and decorated staterooms and gardens, also included in the Vienna Pass.

As far as March exhibitions go, the SPARK Art Fair Vienna is a good one. This event showcases modern and contemporary art from Austria and around the world. It is a 4-day event, and you can also book guided tours and participate in workshops.  

Location: Marx Halle, Karl-Farkas-Gasse 19 Dates: 20 to 23 March, 2025

For Queer Art enthusiasts, you can enjoy performances, workshops, and art exhibits at the Queer Art Space. This 8-week-long exhibition is held at Kunsthalle Exnergasse in Währinger Straße.

Location: Kunsthalle Exnergasse Dates: January 19 to March 18, 2025

5. Celebrating Women’s Day in Vienna City

The first Sunday in March is celebrated as International Women’s Day and Vienna does this in great honor and style.

The city hosts numerous events such as IWD Lunch with Women with Passion, Feminist Rrriot Festival, etc. which honor the endurance and fight for women’s emancipation. It also celebrates feminism and equality of rights.

Dates: March 8, 2025

6. Celebrate St Patty’s Day in Vienna

March is the month when you go green. So if you are heading to the city in and around St Patrick’s Day, pack something green and head to any of the pubs in Vienna where it is celebrated.  

Party with a purpose with the Irish at the Vienna Irish Ball is a popular event and it has an entry fee of 110 euros, but the evening comes packed with a three-course meal and entertainment.

Location: InterContinental Hotel Vienna. Dates: March 9, 2025

Also, taking place in Vienna is a week-long extravaganza at Charlie’s P. Starting from March 13th to the 19th you can enjoy Irish fun and flair, music and dance, and more! Entry is free for all!

Location: Währinger Str. 3, 1090 Wien, Austria. 

There are also tons of bars in the city for a pint of Guinness with fish and chips to party all weekend long. The Giant Ferris wheel of Vienna – Riesenrad – also joins in, as it lights up in green!

7. Steiermark Frühling festival (+ other food fests)

Steiermark Frühling festival is a (FUN) food and drink fest associated with the Austrian province of Styria. But you can join the traditional fun and fare here in Vienna at the Rathausplatz. This event takes place over 3-4 days and is free to participate.

You will find food stalls at the square, along with locals dressed in traditional attire!

Location: Rathausplatz Dates: March 27 to 30, 2025

You will also find modern culinary festivals such as the Mit Alles which features gourmet bites, and local wine tasting. The festival takes place towards the end of March or the beginning of April. 

Dates: TBD 2025

In March, you can also participate in the Vienna Restaurant Week. Just like ‘restaurant weeks’ take place in most cities, Vienna is no different. In this event, you can try different local dishes at different restaurants at a great price. 

Dates: 4 to 10, March 2025

Read: 4 days in Vienna itinerary | Where to stay in Vienna for first time visitors

8. Celebrating Easter in Vienna

If Easter falls in the month of March, we highly recommend planning your trip around the festival as this is one of the best times to visit Vienna to enjoy the traditional festivities (other than Christmas, of course).

The Easter markets tend to start about 2.5 weeks before Easter and usually run through to Easter Monday.

Dates for Easter 2025 are – April 19th (Saturday), April 20th (Sunday), April 21st (public holiday)

Here are the various tentative spots to explore

• Am Hof Easter market: From April 4th to April 21st, 2025 (enjoy culinary delights and crafts at this historic square)
• Schönbrunn Easter market: From March 27th to April 21st, 2025 (set up at the iconic Schönbrunn palace grounds)
• Freyung Altwiener Ostermarkt: 2025 dates to be announced (located near the city centre, outside the Schottenstift monastery. With lots of festive wares and cute egg decorations and food samplings)

In addition to markets, there are also free and paid Easter concert events organized across the city.

Tip: During Easter, a traditional beer called “Osterbock” is quite popular in Vienna – it is like a Red Bull, meant to fuel the body with energy (after a long day of fasting). A must-try!

9. Vienna International Art & Antique Fair

The Vienna International Art & Antiques Fair, also known as WIKAM Vienna is a prestigious event that showcases an extraordinary array of exhibits, ranging from Asian art and Gothic sculptures to antique clocks, carpets, furniture, and jewelry from the Baroque to Art Deco periods.

This is a great opportunity to explore contemporary masterpieces as well as participate in special exhibitions highlighting unique collections.

Location: Palais Ferstel  Dates: 8 to 16 March, 2025

10. Edelstoff Design Market

Another shopping experience is the Edelstoff Design Market. This market is located at the Marx Halle and can shop for cool clothing, jewelry, creative accessories, and interior decor items like tableware, crockery, vases, etc. 

Location: Marx Halle, Karl-Farkas-Gasse 19  Dates: 8 to 9 March, 2025

11. Warm up in a cozy cafe (with Viennese cake)

March in Vienna brings a special charm to the city’s famed coffee shops. As winter’s chill begins to recede, the Viennese coffee culture blossoms alongside the city’s iconic architecture.

What’s more, this time of the year marks the perfect period to indulge in the quintessential Viennese cake – the Sachertorte. This chocolate delicacy, served with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream, pairs delightfully with a traditional Wiener Melange or a classic Viennese espresso.

12. Food and culinary scene in Vienna

Spring in Vienna is also the ideal time to explore the city’s vibrant food and drink scene beyond coffeehouses. Enjoy seasonal specialties like asparagus dishes, fresh salads with local produce, or a crisp glass of Grüner Veltliner, Austria’s renowned white wine.

For something heartier, try a plate of Wiener Schnitzel accompanied by lingonberry jam and potato salad, or sample spring-inspired pastries like Bärlauchstrudel, a savory strudel made with wild garlic.

Don’t forget to pair your meals with a refreshing Almdudler, a traditional Austrian herbal soda.

There’s something magical about savoring these delights as the city comes alive in spring. Whether you’re sitting in a cozy corner of a historic coffeehouse or dining alfresco under blooming trees, you’ll feel a part of Vienna’s rich tapestry of tradition, comfort, and culinary excellence.

13. The Ottakringer Vinyl & Music Festival

We also recommend spending some time at the Ottakringer Brauerei, which is the oldest brewery in Vienna. It is perfect to sample local beer and grab a bite to eat. This brewery also hosts a festival with food trucks in its garden (called the Bierfest) which takes place in the summer and early fall.

However, in March you can enjoy the 2-day Ottakringer Vinyl & Music Festival. Tickets can be purchased at the venue.

Location: Ottakringer Brewery, Ottakringer Platz 1 Dates: 8 to 9 March, 2025

14. Enjoy Classical Music and Italian Opera concerts

When in Vienna, a visit to one of the operas is a must! Known as the City of Music, Vienna boasts an incredible classical music heritage, having been home to legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. 

March is an ideal time to immerse yourself in this rich musical tradition, as the city offers an array of performances in iconic venues. The Vienna State Opera, Musikverein, and Konzerthaus are just a few of the world-renowned locations where you can enjoy the work of timeless composers performed by acclaimed orchestras and talented soloists. 

Many concerts during this month showcase the finest pieces of classical repertoire, from symphonies and concertos to exquisitely performed operas. You can also enjoy Italian opera concerts from the likes of Puccini’s Tosca and Turandot or Rigoletto and La Traviata at the Vienna State Opera and the Volksoper Vienna.

For opera and classical music concerts in March in Vienna, you can check out the schedule here

Pro tip: There are guided tours available to view the interiors of the Wien Opera House, which is stunningly beautiful inside and is worth a visit even if you don’t book a concert.

15. Enjoy a romantic time at the Wien Thermal Spa 

Therme Wien is a huge green area in Vienna, which is also Europe’s largest urban spa. The entire Vienna spa complex has various indoor and outdoor pools, as well as the usual array of spa offerings to indulge in.

Reservations are done on a 3-hour basis or one can book an entire day of pampering and relaxation at the Therme Wien! This is high on my list for our next trip to Vienna!

16. Explore the Schönbrunn Palace and gardens

The Schonbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was the summer residence of the Hapsburg rulers. The palace is strikingly beautiful in bright yellow paint and has a whopping 1441 rooms.

Built in Rococo style, the palace is largely associated with the rule of Maria Theresia. The palace is also considered to be one of the most impressive palaces in Europe, so it should be on your Vienna itinerary.

The Schonbrunn palace complex is huge. To explore the palace interiors, an entry ticket is required (which is included in the Vienna Pass).

One of the most beautiful things about this palace is its 500 acres of spectacular park and garden. In March, you won’t be able to see colorful flowers, but the gardens will be open for viewing/strolling.

And there is ample greenery and sunshine for a walk (or photos).

To explore every nook and corner of the park will take you at least 2-3 hours. But if you are short on time – we highly recommend visiting the classical Gloriette arcade (which is set on the top of the hill) and the Neptune Foundation as it is stunning!

Pro-tip: There is a strudel-tasting show at the Schonbrunn Palace that you MUST go to. The show and a piece of strudel from the royal kitchen are included in the Vienna Pass’s price.

17. (Spring) Skiing near Vienna

There is still time to go skiing in Austria in March. Jauerling boasts of aprè-ski and a free ski park for kids, and it is located only 80 minutes drive from Vienna (near Wachau). This is perfect for a spring skiing trip as the weather is still cold and chilly here. 

Schidorf Kirchbach is another beginner-friendly ski good ski resort near Vienna, located about a 90-minute drive away.

18. Make the most of your visit in March: Take day trips from Vienna to nearby towns

Vienna is a convenient location to venture out on day trips from the city.

Vienna Woods

Vienna Woods or Wienerwald is a protected green belt of mixed woodland terrain, sprinkled with centuries-old castles and small towns.

For wine lovers or adventurous hikers, visiting Vienna Woods in March is a great time as the sun is not too strong for strenuous hikes and climbs nor are the small towns too crowded to enjoy a relaxed exploration and wine tasting.

Wachau Valley

The stunning lower Danube Valley aka Wachau Valley is a MUST visit from Vienna. In an hour, you will be in the most beautiful countryside – where you can visit Melk Abbey and the Krems.

In March you can go wine tasting, but the weather may or may not be suitable for a cruise. Wachau Valley is also rainier than Vienna, so pack a waterproof jacket.

Salzburg

Mozart’s hometown is just 2 hours away from the capital city. This pretty medieval town is filled with amazing views – thanks to the Alps surrounding it and of course tons of history.

Salzburg is also home to some of the Nazi historical remnants and they are worth a visit.

In comparison to Vienna, Salzburg is more medieval with a towering fortress over the city, cobblestone streets, Christmas-y lanes, the Alps, and lush greenery (places where the Sound of Music was shot). Vienna or Wien has a slightly modern outlook and is oh-so-trendy. We found Salzburg to be a little colder than Vienna in March.

Resources: Here is our 2-day itinerary for Salzburg.

Austria Itinerary Ideas  

When visiting Vienna in March, you can explore a few other cities during your spring European vacation. As mentioned, Wachau and Salzburg can be both added to your Austria itinerary.

You can easily travel to these destinations by train or rent a car for more flexibility.

Read: Beautiful Places in Austria

Looking to expand your adventure beyond Austria? From Vienna, it’s possible to visit nearby cities like Bratislava, Budapest, Prague, and Munich. Keep in mind that the weather in these cities is generally similar to Vienna in March, with rain and cloudy days expected.

Here are a few tips to help you plan:

• Salzburg to Munich is 2 hours by train, so you can easily add this to your itinerary.
• If you’re eager to celebrate Easter, Prague is a fantastic destination to consider. 
• Note that Vienna can be more expensive than Prague, especially for hotels and transportation.
• Prague is slightly colder in March than Vienna, so pack accordingly.
• Bratislava is only an hour’s train ride away from Vienna, so this can be added as a day trip too!

We hope you found this guide on visiting Vienna in March useful. Vienna is beautiful – it offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and beauty, have a great time in the imperial city! 

Read other posts from Europe Travel Resources

Planning your trip to Europe – If this is your first-ever trip to Europe, consider reading our Europe 101 guide.

Schengen Visa – If you require a visa to travel to Europe, most likely it is the Schengen Visa (for those belonging to the Euro Zone or EU, doesn’t include the UK). Read our guide to applying for Schengen Visa.

Visitors with US and Canadian passports do not require a visa to enter the country and stay for 90 days; however, from 2026, an online authorization – ETIAS – is required prior to travel. 

Europe Itinerary Samples – Read our itineraries from Europe

• Europe – Get our 27 Europe in one week itinerary samples
• Vienna – Vienna in one day, explore the city highlights in one day
• Vienna – Explore Austria Vienna in 2 days 
• Central Europe in 2 weeks – Visit Munich, Budapest, Prague and Vienna Vienna in 14 days
• Winter Destinations – European winter destinations for Christmas markets, skiing or winter sun
• Winter sun destinations – Winter sun destinations for December to January
• Places to visit in February – Best places you must visit in Europe in February
• Europe Packing: Packing for Europe for all seasons and regions.

Pin: Vienna in March: Travel Guide and Tips for Visiting the Imperial City

Love it? Share it!