Where to go in Europe in February: top places to visit
If you’re wondering where to go in Europe in February – for a short break, for Valentine’s Day, or for a school half-term trip – I have some great ideas here!
My collection includes vibrant cities filled with fascinating landmarks and museums and where you can embrace the crisp winter weather. There’s also warmer destinations if you’re looking to escape the cold, romantic city breaks, and coastal spots with beautiful sea views.
Read on for more information.
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Where to go in Europe in February
Athens, Greece
Athens is a fabulous destination for a trip in February. The capital of Greece, it sits in the south of the mainland, with excellent connections to the rest of the Greek islands (meaning you could easily plan a twin-centre break if you have the time).
Although it doesn’t get as cold in February as some of the destinations in this post, it’s still one of the city’s colder months. However, a visit to Athens is about learning about its ancient history and experiencing its culture, and you don’t need hot weather to do this.
Read more about the top sights here.
February is also arguably a better time to visit, as tourist numbers will be lower and the city experiences very hot temperatures during the summer months (it can rise to the mid-30s in Celsius in July and August).
Top things to do in Athens in February
– Visit the world-famous Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Athens’ most iconic landmark. See the Parthenon, the Theatre of Dionysis, the open-air Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Temple of Athena Nike
– Learn about Greek history in the Acropolis Museum. In particular, don’t miss the frieze from the Parthenon on display in the top-floor Parthenon Gallery
– Visit more ancient sites, including the Roman Agora, the Tower of Winds, Hadrian’s Library, and the Ancient Agora with the Temple of Hephaestus
– Go into Greece’s largest museum, the National Archaeological Museum
– See the Changing of the Guard (on the hour every day) at Greece’s Parliament building by Syntagma Square, and see the soldiers in their traditional costumes
– Wander around the old streets of Plaka, pop into some of the shops, and sample some local Greek food
– Visit Monastraki Square, a bustling, lively area, and pop into the local markets
– Chill out in the National Garden or at one of the nearby beaches
– Take in the views of the city from Philapappos Hill, or take the funicular up to Mount Lycabettus
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city in Northern Europe, is a fantastic destination during the winter months. It has a whole range of unique activities and experiences that make visiting during the colder months, when the days are short, worthwhile.
Some of these are within the city itself, while others will take you outside into Iceland’s beautiful countryside, where there are waterfalls and hot springs and all the natural beauty that the country is so famed for.
Reykjavik is a place to really embrace winter. You’ll need to take suitable clothing to wrap up in though – averages highs are only around 3 degrees Celsius and it can go down into minus figures.
And when you visit in February, you may be lucky enough to experience the Northern Lights (the aurora borealis), a bucket-list experience if ever there was one.
Top things to do in Reykjavik in February
– Visit the city’s unique church, the Hallgrimskirkja Church, the largest of its kind in the country, and go up to the observation deck and look out over the city
– Wander along the harbourside and take a snap of the eye-catching Sun Voyager sculpture
– Go Northern Lights chasing: book a tour to go out into the countryside, where it is darker and there is less light pollution, or go out on a Northern Lights boat trip
– Take a dip in the hot springs and pools of The Blue Lagoon, where you’ll find a fantastic warm pool in which you can immerse yourself while sipping a drink from the waterside bar. It’s a really quite unique experience!
– Visit the Perlan Museum, where you can go into an ice cave and see a Northern Lights show
Paris, France
Paris is one of the most visited cities in Europe, and for good reason. It’s full of amazing sights that are worth visiting, whatever the weather.
This puts Paris on the list of year-round destinations. However, if you visit during the winter, you’ll get the chance to see the iconic Eiffel Tower lit up at night and have the chance to sightsee during the city’s low season.
This is a real advantage, given the plethora of world-famous attractions Paris has: The Louvre is the most visited art gallery in the world, the Eiffel Tower is one of the world’s most visited monuments, and almost 10 million people visit the Palace of Versailles every year.
Paris is also often called the ‘City of Love’, so it’s must-visit destination for anyone planning a romantic trip around Valentine’s Day on February 14th (find out all the romantic things to do in Paris here).
Top things to do in Paris in February
– Visit the iconic Eiffel Tower. Go up the tower, which stands at over 1,000 feet, and experience the incredible views from the viewing platform. It’s especially romantic at night when it is lit up and twinkles in the dark sky
– Visit some of Paris’s world-class museums such as The Louvre and The Musee D’Orsay
– Wander through some of the city’s beautiful gardens, such as the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Jardin des Tuileries
– Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral on the Ile de la Cite in the middle of the river
– Stroll along the Champs-Élysées, one of the world’s most famous avenues
– Visit the artistic neighbourhood of Montmartre: go up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, which offers stunning views of the city
– Take a cruise down the River Seine, many of which give you the chance to indulge in some lunch or dinner
– Take a trip out to the Palace of Versailles. Located just a few miles away, it’s a massive residence with beautiful gardens set in extensive gardens spanning over 60,000 square metres
Valletta, Malta
Valletta, Malta’s capital city, is a great destination to visit year round. But because the island is situated in the Mediterranean Sea, between the south of Italy and the north of Africa, this means that even in the winter months it never gets too cold. Generally the island experiences mild temperatures and sunny days during this season (although the evenings are cooler and there is more rainfall at this time of the year).
So it’s an excellent choice if you fancy escaping cold weather in February.
The city is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts a fascinating history. There are many museums and churches to pop into, as well as stunning architecture that you’ll see throughout the centre.
And the fact that Malta is the 5th smallest country in Europe (it’s only 121 square miles) means that on a trip to Valletta, it’s easy to see the main attractions, and take day trips to other parts of the island. You can also hop across to the two neighbouring islands, Gozo and Camino.
Top things to do in Valletta in February
– See the stunning views across the Grand Harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens
– Sail across to the ‘Three cities’, fortified towns on the other side of the Grand Harbour, and visit the Inquisitor’s Palace
– Go inside the spectacular St John’s Co-Cathedral and view its famous Caravaggio paintings
– Visit the Grandmaster’s Palace, once home to the Grand Master, the head of the Knights of Malta
– Visit Fort St. Elmo and the National War Museum
– Wander through the old capital of the island, Mdina – or ‘The Silent City’ – so named because it’s now virtually deserted
– Island hop to nearby Gozo and Camino, the two other Maltese islands in the Mediterranean Sea
– Go to the harbour town of Marsaxlokk with its beautiful Church of Our Lady of Pompeii and its bustling Sunday market
London, United Kingdom
London offers a mix of historic landmarks, modern attractions, top-class museums, and memorable experiences. This makes it a city that you can visit at any time of the year, even in February. And although it’s not one of the warmer months to visit (and you’re probably likely to experience some rain during your trip), there’s plenty to recommend it as a February city break (not least the fewer tourists and cheaper hotel prices).
There are lots of famous sites to visit, such as the Tower of London, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. There’s also a river to sail along, Royal Parks to stroll through, and fantastic places to stop off for food and drink, and to partake in some retail therapy.
It’s also a great place to have a romantic weekend away for Valentine’s Day. You can take a romantic cruise down the Thames, sip cocktails in The Shard, have afternoon tea in famous Ritz Hotel, and visit a West End show (check out my separate post for more ideas).
Top things to do in London in February
– See the Changing of the Guard by Buckingham Palace (note that if you want to visit Buckingham Palace at this time of year, you need to check if it is open and book onto a small guided tour)
– Visit one of the city’s other palaces: there’s Kensington Palace, once home to Queen Victoria and Princess Diana, as well as King Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace
– Be wowed by the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London, and look over to Tower Bridge
– Walk across Tower Bridge and climb onto the nearby museum ship, HMS Belfast
– Go inside St. Paul’s Cathedral, see the stunning interior, and climb up to the galleries
– Look out over the city from the London Eye and wander across the bridge to see the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey
– Sip cocktails in the sky in The Shard, London’s tallest building, or in the Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden
– Take a cruise along the River Thames to see some of the top sights from the water. You can also book afternoon tea cruises and dinner cruises, great for romantic trips
– Stroll through one of the city’s parks and gardens: there’s Hyde Park, St. James’ Park, Kensington Gardens, and Kew Gardens, among others
– Treat yourself to afternoon tea at The Ritz Hotel
Porto, Portugal
Portugal’s second city is located in the north of the country and on the Douro River. With a historic centre that is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a fabulous place to visit, full of charming areas that are fascinating to explore.
And with Porto being famous for its port wines, you can pop across the river and partake in a tasting session at one of the city’s renowned port lodges, or take a wine cruise up the river. Fans of Harry Potter will also find something for them in the city.
Being in the north, Porto is not quite as warm as some of the destinations further south such as Lisbon and the Algarve. However, it is still likely to be mild in February, with average highs that can reach around 14 or 15 degrees Celsius: definitely warm enough to be out and about sightseeing.
Below are the top things to do in Porto in February. You can read more about these things here.
Top things to do in Porto in February
– Head up to the hilltop complex that contains the Se do Porto, the city’s 12th century cathedral, and look out over the city and the iconic Ponte de Dom Luis I suspension bridge from the square
– Wander along the Ribeira riverside promenade and look out on the river, the bridge, and the port-wine lodges opposite
– Walk across the bridge and hop in the cable car down to Vila Nova de Gaia which houses the city’s port lodges and where you can book sampling tours. You’ll see the old traditional rabello boats moored on the water here
– Climb the 76 metre high tower Torre des Clerigos, and then visit the nearby Livraria Lello, a neo-gothic bookshop that JK Rowling drew on for inspiration when she penned Harry Potter
– Visit some of the city’s lavishly decorated churches and buildings, such as the Palacio da Bolsa, the Igreja do Carmo, and the Igreja Ildefonso
– See Porto’s monumental town hall in the central Plaza, the Praca da Liberdade
– Take the tram to the coast. The vintage tram number 1 runs from Ribeira, along the side of the River Douro to Foz do Douro on the Atlantic Coast.
– Go on a river cruise up the Douro: there are plenty to choose from
– Try Portugal’s famous tart, the pastel de nata (the Manteigaria bakery serves these piping hot from the oven and they are worth trying!)
Verona, Italy
The Italian city of Verona is another good choice for a February getaway. Located in Northern Italy, it’s just over an hour by train to both Venice and Milan, making a twin centre break possible. It’s also not far from Lake Garda, one of the Italian Lakes.
Verona is a charming Italian city, full of history and beautiful architecture, with several must-see attractions. And as its setting for Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, it would be a perfect place for a romantic Valentine’s weekend.
Here are the top things to do on a short break here (and find out more here).
Top things to do in Verona in February
– Go to Piazza Bra and see The Arena sitting majestically in the centre. This Roman amphitheatre is actually older than the Coliseum in Rome. You can go inside to explore it and climb to the top of the auditorium to get a sense of its scale (it’s huge!)
– See Juliet in Casa di Giuletta. There is a bronze statue of her in the courtyard, a small museum, and you can gaze up at the famous balcony
– Walk to the Duomo and go inside to see its stunning interior
– Wander along the river and cross the Ponte Pietra, the oldest bridge in Verona. There’s the ruins of a Roman Theatre on this side of the city, as well as an archaeological museum
– Climb the hill to the top and the Castle San Pietro for incredible views across the river and over the city centre
– Eat delicious Italian food in one of the wonderful restaurants in the city
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital of Gran Canaria, one of the Canary Islands that sit off the northwestern coast of Africa. Because of its location, it’s a warm, sunny place, even in the winter months. Along with the other islands in this Spanish archipelago, it’s one of the best places for a February break if you’re looking for some sunshine.
Las Palmas is a vibrant city with a rich history and lively cultural scene. There are also beaches that you can relax on, and towns and various natural features just a short distance away. So if you’re planning to visit in Febraury – perhaps on a day trip while staying elsewhere on the island or as a city break – there are plenty of things to do and see.
In addition, if you happen to visit between the end of January and the beginning of March, you’ll get to experience the Las Palmas carnival, a vibrant festival of celebration that takes place in the city.
Top things to do in Las Palmas in February
– Explore the historic Vegueta district, including the Casa de Colon, the Cathedral, and the Plaza de Santa Ana
– Visit a museum: In addition to the Casa de Colon, there’s the Museum of Modern Art (CAAM), the Elder Museum of Science and Technology, an archaeological museum, and a naval museum
– Relax on the long Las Canteras beach. Make the most of the island’s waters and go whale or dolphin watching, or do some water sports
– Go to the city’s aquarium, the Poema del Mar. This has over 550 animal species and the world’s largest curved aquarium window!
– Try some of the local cuisine – there are plenty of fish and seafood restaurants in the beach area – and pop into the city’s food markets
– See some of the island’s unique landscapes: visit the Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve or go walking in an old volcano, the Bandera Caldera
– Visit some of the nearby historical towns, such as Arucas and Firgas
– See some of the events scheduled as part of the Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is another place to put on your list for a short February break.
It’s another place where the colder weather can enhance the atmosphere of the old medieval streets, especially on the Royal Mile in the old town. Mist hanging low in the air and the crisp winter cold can really bring the history of the old buildings, quaint shops, and hidden nooks and crannies, to life.
My post on the best things to do in 3 days in Edinburgh sets out the top things to do here. It’s also a great place to visit if you’re looking for some romance – so it’s another place to consider for Valentine’s Day (check out some of the romantic things to do in Edinburgh here).
Things to do in Edinburgh in February
– Explore the historic old town and the Royal Mile, along with its many attractions. These include St. Giles’ Cathedral, The Real Mary King’s Close, the Royal Museum, and the Museum of Scotland
– Explore Edinburgh Castle, which is perched dramatically on top of an extinct volcano at the top end of the Royal Mile
– Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, at the other end of the Royal Mile. The official residence of the King when he is in Edinburgh, it’s a small attractive palace with a view across to Arthur’s Seat, a volcanic hill that sits 800 feet high above the city
– See the magnificent Victorian Gothic Scott Monument and then take a wander through Princes Street Gardens
– Take in the city views from Calton Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
– Warm up in the cold evenings by trying some of the famous whisky: pop into one of the local pubs or do some whisky tasting at the nearby Whisky Experience Museum
