The Best Places to Visit in March 2024: Top 10 Travel Destinations

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, and our guide to The Best Places to Visit in March 2024: Top 10 Travel Destinations, by Hannah REES.

With the first sunny days already here and spring just around the corner, March is the perfect month to travel. The flowers are blooming, the days are longer and for many destinations, March falls between the high and low tourist seasons, which means lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.

But March is also a month of celebrations and festivals, and many cities hold events to showcase local culture and traditions, giving you the chance to experience the local atmosphere. 

So if you’re planning a trip soon, here are the best places to visit in March 2024.

The Best Places to Visit in March 2024: Top 10 Travel Destinations

1. Tokyo, Japan 

The first thing that springs (pun intended) to mind when you think of Tokyo in March are the cherry blossom trees that herald the start of spring. Countless events mark the arrival of the flowers, such as the Ueno Sakura Matsuri (cherry blossom festival) in Ueno Park where the avenue of cherry blossom trees that runs along the main path is illuminated by hundreds of lights.

You can also visit the cherry blossom festival in Sumida Park, along the riverbank, where you can admire the cherry blossom trees against the backdrop of the Tokyo Skytree. Don’t forget to visit Rikugien Gardens to see the famous weeping tree.

For another flower festival, head to Showa Kinen Park, which features spring flowers including tulips and peonies. And make sure you plan a visit to the Hama-rikyu gardens, a place of peace and tranquillity in the city, where you can go to the Nakajima tea house by the pond. 

Another festival that celebrates the warmer weather is the Jindaji Daruma Doll Fair, held every year on the 3rd and 4th of March. There is also an annual Mount Takao fire-walking festival (Hiwatari-sai) held on the second Sunday in March at the Takao-san Yakuo-in Buddhist temple, where monks walk barefoot over burning embers.

Finally, don’t miss the Kinryu-no-Mai (Golden Dragon Dance), held every year on the 18th of March in the Asakusa district. Huge golden dragons can be seen parading down Nakamise Street and around the temple precincts.

2. Seville, Spain

Seville is a great city for walking and cycling and the warm, sunny days and little rain in March make it an ideal time to go, as the orange blossoms are ready to open and you can simply sit on the terrace of a bar or restaurant, sipping a glass of Manzanilla or Cruzcampo. 

Spring is also the most festive time of the year to visit Seville. If you want to see some impressive processions, make sure you go during Semana Santa (Holy Week : Sun, Mar 24, 2024 – Sun, Mar 31, 2024), one of Seville’s highlights, when the whole city takes part in the festivities and you can see thousands of hooded penitents walking through the streets followed by religious statues in procession. 

3. Dublin, Ireland.

March in Dublin brings with it a unique and spirited atmosphere that captures the essence of Irish culture. While the weather may be a little unpredictable, the city comes alive with events, celebrations, and a charm that’s hard to resist and secures Dublin a spot in our best places to visit in March 2024 guide.

The most renowned event in Dublin is St. Patrick’s Day (Match 17th), when the city transforms into a sea of green, with parades, traditional music, and lively street performances.

Beyond St. Patrick’s Day, Dublin offers a rich tapestry of cultural events throughout March. From theatrical performances to art exhibitions, the city’s vibrant cultural scene provides ample opportunities to explore and engage with Ireland’s artistic side.

While it might still be early in the season, you might catch the beginning of spring blooms in parks and gardens. Take a leisurely stroll through St. Stephen’s Green or Phoenix Park, and witness the city’s green spaces come to life with vibrant colors.

However, it’s important to note that March can also bring unpredictable weather, and Dublin can often be cool and rainy at this time of year so pack appropriately!

4. Lisbon, Portugal

March is a great time to plan a visit and explore the Portuguese capital, as the weather warms up and the city is still fairly quiet. 

One of the best things you can do to welcome spring to Lisbon is to take a walk along the River Tagus (Tejo) at sunset. Better still, why not take a boat trip and watch the sun set over the city? 

And there’s no need to wait until summer for your first swim of the year, as the weather could be warm enough to enjoy one of Lisbon’s beautiful beaches, such as the Praia de Carcavelos or the Praia do Guincho.

Another great thing to do is to take a day trip to Sintra, just 30 minutes away. This beautiful village has been declared a Unesco World Heritage Site. Things to see include: the Palácio da Pena, the Quinta da Regaleira and the Castelo dos Mouros

Lisbon also hosts a number of cultural events in March, including the LGTBI film festival and the International Music Festivals Forum.

And Lisbon is also the birthplace of the pastel de nata, an egg custard pastry tart, and one of Portugal’s most famous desserts. So, while you’re there, make sure to test one!

5. Cape Town, South Africa 

In the southern hemisphere, March means the end of summer. So head to Cape Town for cooler, more bearable temperatures and fewer crowds. You can expect warm, sunny days and very little rain. 

In terms of activities, Cape Town is ideal for sports fans, as the city hosts the Cape Cycle Tour, the Two Oceans Marathon and the Cape Epic. 

On the 16th March, the Cape Town Lekker Carnival takes place on the Green Point Fan Walk to celebrate culture and community.  

For music lovers, there’s the International Jazz Festival at the International Conference Centre and the Galaxy KDay Festival on the 2nd of March.

Head to Boulders Beach to view the penguins as the best time to see these penguins is from March to May, the peak of the breeding season.

6. Washington DC, US

Washington DC is another great place to welcome spring with the National Cherry Blossom Festival starting on the 20th of March, which highlights the friendship between Japan and the United States and commemorates Japan’s gift of cherry trees in 1912.

And when you’re in Washington DC, it’s important to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture by visiting iconic monuments such as the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. You can even sign up for the History Tour Pub Crawl to learn more about what life was like in Washington during Prohibition. 

7. Paris, France

Paris can be charming in March, as the nice weather sets in and you can see the city come alive with flowers and trees in full bloom.

Paris, the City of Light, exudes romance, elegance, and timeless charm, making it a perennial favorite among travelers.

It shouldn’t be too crowded and you won’t have to queue for hours to get into a museum or fight for a table in a popular restaurant. As the weather in March can be unpredictable, don’t forget to pack layers and warm clothes. 

Stroll along the Seine River, wander through charming neighborhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais, and indulge in gourmet delights at Parisian cafes and bistros.

Explore the city from a different perspective by taking a cruise along the River Seine. The crisp air and the sparkling city lights create a magical ambiance, making it an unforgettable experience.

Finally, take advantage of the lower tourist numbers to explore Parisian boutiques and department stores without the typical crowds. Discover unique finds and perhaps even catch some end-of-winter sales.

8. Sicily, Italy 

Situated off the southern tip of Italy, in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is Italy’s largest island. March is an ideal time to go to avoid the crowds, as the ski season is over and summer hasn’t started yet, so you can still find good flight deals and low hotel prices.

Don’t miss cities such as Palermo, Syracuse, Marsala, Messina, Agrigento and Catania.

The best time to visit Agrigento is during the Almond Blossom Festival, from the 3rd to the 11th of March, which marks the arrival of spring in Sicily and celebrations include concerts, dances, theatrical performances and much more. And while you’re in Agrigento, be sure to visit the Valley of the Temples.

Catania is well worth a visit for its fascinating sites, such as Piazza Duomo, Villa Bellini and Sant’Agata Cathedral. And why not head to Messina to see the Piazza della Repubblica, Via Santa Cecilia and the Nebrodi National Park.

And as the capital of Sicily, Palermo is not to be missed, with numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Palazzo dei Normanni, the Palatine Chapel, San Giovanni degli Eremiti and many others.

On the 8th of March is the Festa della Donna (International Women’s Day), when mimosas are given to women all over Italy. 

The Feast of Saint Joseph is on March 19th, and is celebrated with foods such as pastries and bread, as San Giuseppe is credited with saving people from starvation during a terrible drought in the Middle Ages.

Holy Week takes place from the 24th to the 30th of March, and celebrations and processions are held all over the island. 

9. New Orleans, USA

There’s nothing better than strolling the streets of NOLA, and the mild, sunny, spring-like weather of March makes it a perfect time to do so. And Mardi Gras may be over, but the mood in New Orleans in March is still one of celebration. 

Not only is there St Patrick’s Day and you get to drink green beer and catch a cabbage from one of the parades, but there’s also the New Orleans Book Festival from the 14th to the 16th of March. Admission to this event is free and it includes readings, panel discussions, speeches, book readings and giveaways.

Another big celebration is St Joseph’s Day, a tradition brought over by Sicilian immigrants. You can expect lots of dancing, lots of food and lots of music.There’s also Super Sunday, organised by New Orleans’ Native American communities, with parades, colourful traditional dress and music. 

Stroll through the historic French Quarter, known for its charming architecture, lively streets, and iconic landmarks. Explore Jackson Square, visit the St. Louis Cathedral, and wander through the vibrant streets filled with shops, galleries, and street performers.

New Orleans is synonymous with jazz, and there’s no better place to experience it than in the birthplace of this musical genre. Explore the city’s numerous jazz clubs and live music venues for an authentic musical experience.

March also marks crawfish season so get yours at one of the local restaurants. And if that got you thirsty, you can either go down Bourbon street or there’s always the New Orleans Bourbon Festival, which attracts a host of craft distilleries. 

Because of these many celebrations, The Big Easy gets very busy in March, so it’s best to make your reservations in advance.

10. Marrakech, Morocco

With milder temperatures and fewer crowds, March is a fantastic time to visit Marrakech. Be sure to visit the magnificent Jardin Majorelle and the historic Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other not-to-be-missed sights include the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech’s largest mosque, the Saadian Tombs and the Bahia Palace.

And to soak up the city’s unique atmosphere, be sure to visit the bustling souks, indulge in the flavours of Moroccan cuisine and even try a traditional Moroccan hammam.

Bonus Destination: Marmaris, Turkey 

A very popular family destination for the ideal beach holiday, Marmaris, Turkey, is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, making it a favourite among British families seeking the quintessential beach holiday. This picturesque resort town, nestled between crystal-clear waters and lush green hills, offers an array of activities from relaxing on golden sands to exploring ancient ruins.

What was once a small fishing village, is now a bustling resort that has preserved its charming character despite its modern amenities. The transformation of Marmaris has allowed it to cater to all tastes, whether you’re looking for adventure on the high seas or a quiet corner on the beach. And did you know that it is very easy to send money to Turkey if needed. This makes it easy to handle unexpected expenses or simply boost your travel budget while enjoying Marmaris—something everyone needs to do every now and then.

Final words on The Best Places to Visit in March 2024: Top 10 Travel Destinations

And if none of these destinations appeal, and you just want to relax on the beach, then we have you covered too! For the perfect island getaway, visit one of the Caribbean islands, especially the more southern ones such as Barbados, Saint Lucia and Antigua.You can expect sunny skies and warm temperatures, the perfect antidote to the winter blues, as you lie on a golden sandy beach, take a dip in the crystal-clear water, or hike through the jungle-covered hills. And if you want to spot humpback whales, March is the best time to see them in the Dominican Republic.

March is a magical time of year when the world comes alive with color and energy. Whether you’re marveling at cherry blossoms in Japan, exploring the timeless elegance of Paris, or soaking up the vibrant culture of New Orleans, there’s no shortage of incredible destinations to visit in March. Embrace the beauty of spring and embark on an unforgettable journey to one of these ten enchanting destinations.

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With love,

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Article By Hannah Rees