When winter in Prague starts to feel endless, a quick weekend escape can make all the difference and with budget airlines it’s possible to swap grey skies for sunshine.
Whether you’re wandering the historic streets of Rome, soaking in the sun in Madrid, or exploring the vibrant, cat filled city of Istanbul, these affordable March getaways prove that you don’t need a big budget to find spring a little earlier this year.
Rome
Rome is a budget-friendly choice for a quick weekend away with temperatures typically ranging from 13–18°C. Flights are available on Mar. 13–15 on Ryanair for approximately 2,605 CZK or a week later on Wizz Air for 100 CZK cheaper.
Accommodation in Rome can be expensive, but if you book ahead, it can stay affordable.
Hostelworld makes it easy to find the best hostels, including the popular Alessandro Palace & Bar, where beds start at less than 1000 CZK per night. Airbnb can also be a cost-effective option if you’re travelling with friends.
Third-year AAU student Lindsey Czarnecki, who visited Rome in April 2025, emphasized that saving money often comes down to budget-based choices like walking rather than taxis and being selective about paid attractions.
“I went to the Colosseum and other sites, but instead of paying to go on a tour of it or walk inside, my friend and I just walked around the outside and got a broader view,” Czarnecki said.
She also noted that many churches and historic locations across the city are free to enter.
Madrid
Madrid is a lively city with sunny weather year-round, making it a great option for a weekend away. With walking streets, late-night culture and plenty of free sights, the Spanish capital has a mix of both atmosphere and affordability.
Third year student Isabella Farrera emphasized both the sunshine and convenience of the city during her recent stay this month, especially when staying centrally. She recommended Urban Inn Madrid, a capsule-style hostel with beds starting at around 850 CZK per night.
“It’s a perfect walk from everything you need. Great location from the center,” Farerra said.
Budget flights from Prague are available on Ryanair, including March 5–7 (around 3,219 CZK) and March 19–21 (around 3,439 CZK). In March, Madrid typically sees temperatures around 15–20°C with frequent sunshine.
Istanbul
If you’re looking for a destination that feels quite different from Prague while still being relatively close, add Istanbul to your list.
As Istanbul is uniquely situated between Europe and Asia, there are endless sights to explore including grand mosques and vibrant street markets.
Third year student Amelia Ziolkowski visited Istanbul last March and noted that food and accommodation was generally cheaper than in many European destinations. While some major historical landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern can be more expensive activities, many neighborhoods, markets and cultural sites can be explored at little to no cost.
She also recommended taking advantage of the city’s public ferry system to explore beyond the main tourist areas.
“The pass does also give you access to the ferries so that you can easily take a day trip to the ‘Asian’ side, which in my opinion was nicer than the European side,” Ziolkowski said.
Flights from Prague are often cheapest during spring break, with direct flights from Pegasus Airlines starting at around 2,700 CZK. By late March and early April, Istanbul typically begins to warm up, with average temperatures around 14–18°C and increasing sunshine.
As the seasons begin to shift, these affordable weekend trips make it easier to trade frigid days for warmer skies. Sometimes the best way to get through winter is simply to leave it for a few days.
