International Women’s Day is a great excuse for a mini-vacation. In 2025, March 8 falls on a Saturday, which means there is an opportunity to organize a small trip and make a gift to your mother, fiancee, wife or girlfriend. The only question is where to go for the March holidays to have a good time, change the atmosphere and recharge your emotions. Let’s look at the best destinations for tourism.
Travel in Russia
If you want to spend a holiday weekend without flights abroad, you can go to interesting places inside the country.
1. Sochi: sun, nature and relaxation
In March, spring is already felt in Sochi: magnolias are blooming, the air temperature reaches +15°C during the day, and there are significantly fewer tourists than in summer.
What to do:
- Walk along the seaside promenade and enjoy the sea air.
- Visit Krasnaya Polyana: ski trails are available for outdoor enthusiasts, and you can relax after walking in the spa complexes.
- Explore local attractions: Olympic Park, Eagle Cliffs, Arboretum.
Sochi is a combination of nature, outdoor activities and comfort, which makes it an ideal place for the March holidays.
2. Kazan: oriental flavor and cozy streets
Kazan is one of the most beautiful cities in Russia, a unique symbiosis of Oriental culture with European comfort. The main advantage of a weekend in Kazan is that 2-3 days will be enough to explore the main attractions – they are located very compactly and within walking distance.
What to watch:
- Kazan Kremlin with snow-white walls and the Kul Sharif Mosque.
- Bauman Street is the main pedestrian zone with cafes, souvenirs and street musicians.
- Tatar cuisine – try echpochmaki, chak-chak and rich broth.
3. Nizhny Novgorod: ancient cathedrals and embankments
This city is ideal for leisurely walks and exploring Russian history.
What to see:
- Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin is an ancient fortress with stunning views of the Volga River.
- Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street is a central pedestrian zone with historical buildings.
- Museums dedicated to Russian art, literature, and merchant life.
Nizhny Novgorod has a special atmosphere in spring: the combination of ancient architecture, wide embankments and cozy cafes makes it a great place for a holiday.
4. Karelia: a winter’s tale at the beginning of spring
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature, Karelia is an excellent choice. There is still snow here in March, and winter activities are still available.
What to do:
- Go dog sledding through snow-covered forests.
- Arrange a trip to the Ladoga skerries, the most beautiful rocky islands.
- Watch the northern lights on clear nights.
Be sure to visit Ruskeala Park, one of the most impressive places in Karelia, especially in winter. Marble Canyon, surrounded by snow-covered fir trees, turns into a fabulous landscape. In the evening, it is illuminated by multicolored lights, creating an unusual sight. If you plan your trip in advance, you can catch the retro train that goes from Sortavala to Ruskeala. This is an opportunity to see winter Karelia from wagons styled after the last century.
5. Caucasian Mineral Waters on March 8
A trip to the resorts of the CMS is an opportunity to combine outdoor recreation with visits to sanatoriums and healing springs. Which is especially nice after a long winter. In March, spring is already felt here: the first flowers bloom in the parks, and the air is filled with the freshness of the mountains.
What to do:
- Take a walk through the Resort Park of Kislovodsk and climb Mount Koltso.
- Try mineral water from natural springs in Pyatigorsk, Zheleznovodsk and Yessentuki.
- Visit Tambukan mountain Lake and SPA treatments with local mud.
- Go on an excursion to Lermontov’s Cabin and learn more about his life in the Caucasus.
- Take the cable car up Mount Mashuk and admire the view of Elbrus.
6. Moscow region: holidays in country hotels
You don’t have to travel far to change the situation. There are many cozy country complexes in the Moscow region where you can relax at the spa, walk along the snow-covered paths and enjoy the silence. This option is suitable for those who want to spend March 8th away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Where to go for a weekend from Moscow:
- Zavidovo is an ecopark with hotels on the shore of the reservoir.
- Istra is a historical area with picturesque landscapes.
- Ruza – rest in wooden cottages and the opportunity to fish.
Where to fly on March 8th?
If you want to change the situation, but Europe is not included in the plans, there are several interesting destinations available to Russians.
1. Armenia: warm climate and delicious food
In March, it is already quite warm in Armenia: in Yerevan, the temperature can reach +15°C. This is a great time to explore the ancient streets and discover Armenian cuisine.
What to watch:
- Lake Sevan is a beautiful natural area with clear water.
- The temples of Garni and Geghard are ancient monuments surrounded by mountains.
- Gastronomic tours – try hash, dolma and real Armenian shish kebab.
2. Uzbekistan: Oriental bazaars and ancient cities
In spring, Uzbekistan is warm and comfortable for walking. This is an ideal place for those who dream of seeing a real oriental flavor.
Main attractions:
- Samarkand is an ancient city with magnificent mosques and mausoleums.
- Bukhara is a place where you can experience the atmosphere of the old East.
- Tashkent is a capital with modern neighborhoods and ancient buildings.
3. Turkey: sea holidays and excursions
In early spring, on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, especially in Antalya or Alanya, the air temperature is usually around 15-20 °C. It is pleasant weather for walking, sightseeing and outdoor recreation, but for swimming in the sea the water is still cold (about 16-18 °C). In addition, this is a great opportunity to relax in luxury hotels at more affordable prices.
What to do:
- Visit Cappadocia and take a hot air balloon ride.
- Visit the ancient city of Ephesus and the thermal springs of Pamukkale.
- Stroll through the ancient streets in Kasha.
- Relax in spa hotels with traditional hammams.
Turkey remains one of the most popular foreign destinations where you can spend the March holidays comfortably.
What to do in Moscow on March 8th?
If the trip is not included in the plans, but you want to celebrate the holiday, there will be many events in the capital. Where to relax on a cheap weekend:
- Parks and walks: VDNKh, Kolomenskoye, Sokolniki.
- Theaters and concerts: festive performances and shows.
- Restaurants with live music: an evening in a cozy place with a pleasant atmosphere.
- Exhibitions: museums will have special exhibitions dedicated to Women’s day.
Where to go on March 8, 2025 depends on your preferences. Do you like nature? Choose Karelia or country hotels. Do you want romance? Kazan and Nizhny Novgorod will provide comfort and atmosphere. And if you dream of a change of scenery, go to Armenia, Uzbekistan or Turkey. The main thing is to make this day special.
