The ultimate guide to visiting Vienna in March

As winter draws to a close in March, Vienna welcomes a wave of exciting events. The State Opera House hosts the opulent Opera Ball while the Wien International Art & Antiques Fair gathers collectors from all over the world.

Cool temperatures and fewer tourists also make March the best time to explore Vienna’s attractions. Spend an afternoon wandering through the lavishly decorated Imperial Apartments at the Hofburg Palace or marvel at the galleries filled with Old Masters in the Kunsthistorisches Museum. If you’re visiting Vienna in March, this guide has everything you need to know.

Why go to Vienna in March?

In March, you’ll find off-season deals

March signals the end of the low season in Vienna and is the perfect time to take advantage of last-minute travel deals. Many hotels and B&Bs offer weekend packages that are ideal for enjoying a short stay in the city. Grab seats to a classical concert, opera, or other live performance in the City of Music, as ticket prices at box offices are often significantly reduced. You’ll also find deals on regional train fares, providing a great opportunity to explore some of the best day trips from Vienna or to take an impromptu weekend trip to neighboring Prague.

Visit Vienna’s top sights without the crowds

Colder months are the best time to experience Vienna’s most popular attractions without the crowds of summer. In March, you can plan a flexible itinerary of the city's top attractions and landmarks without worrying about the hassle of timed entries and sold-out tickets.

March is loaded with unique activities

Wondering what to do in Vienna in March? Luckily, the city’s calendar is packed with events and festivals. Music lovers can delight in the sounds of the Vinyl Festival, while the Wien International Art & Antiques Fair is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Families celebrating an early Easter in Vienna can take part in the festive activities at Schönbrunn Palace’s Easter market, including an egg-painting competition, as events begin in advance of the holiday.

Explore Vienna’s indoor activities in March

Don’t let March’s sometimes gloomy weather get you down! It’s a wonderful time to explore Vienna’s world-class museums. Wander the halls of the Belvedere Palace or find inspiration in the modern art at the Leopold Museum, located in the aptly named Museum Quarter. Warm up with a steaming beverage by joining a coffee tour to immerse yourself in the city’s renowned cafe culture.

What’s the weather like in Vienna in March?

The weather in Vienna in March is usually chilly and overcast, with a couple of sunny days throughout the month.

• Average day temperature: 53 F (11.5 C)
• Average night temperature: 40 F (4 C)
• Average days of rain: 7 days
• Average days of sun: 7 days

Top things to do in Vienna in March

1. Get in the groove at the Vinyl & Music Festival

One of the best things to do in Vienna in March is to dive into the city’s dynamic music scene at the Vinyl & Music Festival. Held during the first weekend of the month at the historic Ottakringer Brauerei, this relatively new event is already a local favorite. It celebrates Vienna’s rich musical legacy while tapping into the modern vinyl resurgence.

Over the course of the weekend, you can find a variety of live DJ sets playing every genre you can think of. Outside, food trucks line up to dish up traditional Austrian street food like Vienna sausage and schnitzel. While you’re immersed in the music scene, check out the nearby Haus der Musik, or House of Music Museum, known for its remarkable interactive exhibits.

2. See masterpieces at the Kunsthistorisches

Standing proudly on Maria-Theresien-Platz, directly across from the Natural History Museum, the Kunsthistorisches Museum is the largest museum in Austria. Its collections span art from ancient Egypt to 18th-century Europe and everywhere in between. Particular highlights include the Picture Gallery, which is filled with portrait masterpieces, and the lovely collection of Greek and Roman statues on the first floor.

Due to its size, the Kunsthistorisches Museum is a wonderful place to spend a day if the March weather isn’t cooperating. Also, don’t get so caught up in the artwork that you overlook the building itself. The stunning marble and stucco designs with gold leaf detailing are a true work of art. Snap a photo on the grand staircase for one of the most iconic shots in Vienna.

Address

Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010

Opening hours

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday–Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Thursday, 10:00 AM-9:00 PM

Closed Monday

3. Find treasures at the Art & Antiques Fair

Art lovers visiting Vienna in March will be just in time for the Wien International Art & Antiques Fair (WIKAM), one of the city’s most anticipated cultural events. Hosted annually for more than 40 years, this prestigious fair has earned a reputation as one of the leading art events in Europe. For one exciting week near the end of March, the elegant Palais Ferstel transforms into a bustling hub for collectors, museum representatives, dealers, and art enthusiasts from around the world. You can browse an impressive mix of historic, contemporary, and even avant-garde art pieces from renowned galleries and artists, and maybe even treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Address

Strauchgasse 4, 1010 Wien, Austria

Opening hours

Festival dates vary; open daily, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM

4. Explore the halls of the Hofburg Palace

A must-see on any first-timer's visit to Vienna, the Hofburg Palace is the former winter residence of the famous Habsburg dynasty. Located in the heart of the city, this sprawling complex is one of the largest royal palaces in Europe, with the oldest portions dating from the 13th century.

Inside, the tour begins in the ornately decorated Imperial Apartments, where centuries of Habsburgs went about their daily lives. From there, make your way into the Sisi Museum, dedicated to the life of Empress Elisabeth, who was tragically assassinated in 1898. Wrap up your tour in the dazzling Silver Collection Museum, which features over 7,000 distinct pieces of porcelain, gold leaf, and silverware. You’ll need at least three hours to explore everything this former imperial residence has to offer (the audio guide is definitely worth it), making it a great place to spend a rainy March day in Vienna.

Address

Hofburg Palace, 1010

Opening hours

Daily, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM

5. Treat yourself to a night at the opera

One of the most romantic things to do in Vienna in March is to spend a night at the opera. Opened in 1869, the Vienna State Opera is a marvelous example of Renaissance Revival architecture, showcasing an elegant marble staircase, walls draped with golden silk, and ivory door handles. The wealth and opulence of the city are on full display. Find your place in one of the classic red velvet seats beneath the glimmering chandeliers in the 1,700-seat theater, and enjoy the show.

The opera house hosts performances by the Vienna Ballet and Opera, and in March, it becomes even more glamorous during the Vienna Opera Ball, which welcomes international celebrities to its halls.

Address

Opernring 2, 1010.