26 Best Places to Visit in Europe in February

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The start of the year is a great time to travel to Europe and the best places to go in February in Europe are incredibly varied! It’s cold in many parts of the continent, but if you want a warm vacation, then you can always head south.

If you’re looking for something more urban or romantic, then city breaks are also a great hit in February. Then, of course, if you’re after a snowy escape, then either head north, or head up the mountain to popular ski resorts in France, Austria, or Italy.

But it’s not just about skiing in Europe in February. There are so many unusual things to do in Europe during this season and pretty much all weather is available. In addition, February isn’t anywhere as busy and touristy as other months.

So, if you’re looking for some ideas on where to go while you’re visiting Europe in Feb, check out these top European destinations!

Also, if you’re after an escape from the winter cold, check out these posts:

Which part of Europe is best to visit in February?

There are so many great places to go in Europe in February but to say what’s the best place really depends on what you’re looking for.

If you want to enjoy some warm weather and avoid the crowds, then head to southern Europe. Countries like Spain, Portugal, and Greece will be much warmer than countries in the north, like Sweden or Norway.

However, if you’re looking for a winter wonderland to explore, then those northern countries are a great option.

Where in Europe is the warmest in February?

The warmest places to go in February in Europe are definitely the Mediterranean regions. Countries like southern Spain, Portugal, and Greece will have temperatures ranging from the high teens all the way up to 25 degrees Celsius, particularly around the Spanish islands.

Then, places like Croatia or Italy will be a bit cooler but still much warmer than other parts of Europe. If you’re after mild weather, you could also consider islands such as Sicily or Malta.

They’ll be warmer than most other places in Europe.

Is February a good time to visit Europe?

Yes, February is a great time to visit Europe. This month typically has fewer tourists than most other months (outside of popular ski resorts), so it’s easier to find reasonably priced flights and accommodations.

Also, there are lots of great events going on during this time that will make your trip even more fun! For example, the beer festival in Belgium or the Carnival season in Venice.

Where to go in February in Europe?

So, if you’re wondering where to go in February in Europe, you’re in the right place! With so many different countries to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect February getaway.

And don’t forget to enjoy all the amazing sights and sounds that this beautiful continent has to offer – whether it’s a traditional European street market or an amazing outdoor museum.

Here are the best places to go in Europe in February.

1. Reykjavik, Iceland

Average Temperatures: 1°C / 34°F

Aptly nicknamed the land of fire and ice, Iceland is a country that’s sure to take your breath away with its amazing landscapes.

During February, this island will be quite cold. But as it still gets quite dark at night and it’s located in northern Europe, it makes it another great place to see the Northern Lights. If the Northern Lights are on your bucket list, this is definitely one of the best places to go in February in Europe.

As well as the infamous Arora, be sure to explore the beautiful sights of the Golden Circle and bathe in the milky waters of the Blue Lagoon. In addition, Reykjavik is home to some fascinating museums like the Perlan Wonders of Iceland and the National Gallery of Iceland.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Reykjavik

2. Canary Islands, Spain

Average Temperatures: 17°C / 62°F

Located just off the coast of Africa, the Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago that is almost guaranteed to have warm and sunny days in February. With some of the warmest February temperatures anywhere in Europe, this is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for some winter sun.

The islands are home to lots of different landscapes like volcanoes, deserts, and mountains, in addition to beautiful beaches. And with many of the islands being just a short ferry from one another, this is the ideal time for a bit of Spanish island-hopping.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in the Canary Islands

3. Athens, Greece

Average Temperatures: 12°C / 53°F

If you’re looking for another mild-weathered place to visit during your trip to Europe in February, then head to Athens. This city in the southern part of Greece will be warm enough for you to walk around without a coat but is still much colder than during the summer months.

In addition, Athens is simply a wonderful city to visit whether you go in winter or summer. Be sure to pay a visit to the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Athens

4. Stockholm, Sweden

Average Temperatures: -1°C / 30°F

Stockholm is a fantastic city and if you’re wondering where to go in February in Europe for gorgeous old town vibes and delicious food, you’ll love Stockholm.

It’ll be pretty chill so be sure to wrap up warm, but you can explore the historic buildings and wonderful museums without the summer crowds.

A few highlights include the Royal Palace and the incredible Vasa Museum, where you’ll find a remarkably preserved 17th-century warship. Also visit the picturesque Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town, with narrow alleys, charming boutiques, and atmospheric taverns.

Oh, and don’t forget to explore the metro stations in Stockholm. They’re more or less an open-air art gallery!

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Stockholm

5. Prague, Czech Republic

Average Temperatures: 2°C / 35°F

I loved the city of Prague, but the one thing I regret was going at a time when it was so busy. In some parts of the city, you could barely move without crashing into someone else.

However, in February, you almost definitely won’t have this problem. Plus, you may also be treated to a beautiful blanket of snow.

Admire the iconic landmarks such as the majestic Prague Castle and the picturesque Charles Bridge. Explore the cosy cafes and traditional pubs tucked away in the medieval alleys, where you can savour hearty Czech cuisine and warm mulled wine.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Prague

6. Lisbon, Portugal

Average Temperatures: 14°C / 57°F

If you’d prefer a milder experience as opposed to the wintery weather of Prague, head to Lisbon. This hilly city is a wonderful place to explore and, in winter, you won’t have the hundreds of tourists that visit the city during the warmer weather.

This makes it a great time to explore the winding alleyways of the Alfama District and admire the impressive Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. Don’t forget to climb to the top of the São Jorge Castle for fantastic views over the city.

Also, I recommend taking a day trip to Sintra if you visit Lisbon in February. Whilst you won’t have quite as lush garden scenery as you would in the peak season, the place is still stunning and well worth a trip.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Lisbon

7. Florence, Italy

Average Temperatures: 10°C / 50°F

Florence is one of the best cities to visit in Italy and it’s not hard to see why. With so much fantastic history, beautiful architecture, and delightful museums, you can easily lose yourself to Florence’s charm.

Visiting Florence in February will give you all of the allure of the city without the crowds. Admire iconic landmarks such as the magnificent Duomo and the renowned Uffizi Gallery, where you can marvel at masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci.

You can also cosy up in quaint cafes and trattorias, indulging in hearty Tuscan cuisine and robust red wines. Take leisurely walks along the banks of the Arno River, crossing the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge adorned with jewellery shops.

Florence in February is fantastic and I’m sure you’ll love it there. It’s also a great time to take a day trip to Pisa and Cinque Terre while you’re there!

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Florence

8. Trogir, Croatia

Average Temperatures: 10°C / 50°F

Split’s little sister, I absolutely loved visiting Trogir in Croatia. The city is absolutely beautiful with cobbled streets running through the old town, historic squares, and a magnificent cathedral.

We spent our time there wandering the narrow streets, exploring the harbourfront, and climbing to the top of the oceanfront castle for beautiful views over the ocean. In February, the weather will be pretty mild, so it’s definitely one to visit if you don’t like the cold.

You can also do several day trips from Trogir. Krka National Park is less than an hour away and both the cities of Split and Zadar are also easy day trips making it one of the best places to go in Europe in February.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Trogir

9. Cappadocia, turkey

Average Temperatures: 4°C / 39°F

You might not consider Cappadocia to be a good place to visit in February in Europe, but it may just surprise you. You’ve probably seen pictures of the town in the summer months: the hot air balloons flying over the valleys and the crowds of tourists exploring the fairy chimneys.

Well, imagine it without quite so many hot air balloons and swap out the crowds for a dusting of snow! Cappadocia is a wonderful place to travel in February and you can experience the beauty of the region in a whole new way.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Cappadocia

10. Rome, Italy

Average Temperatures: 11°C / 52°F

Rome is one of the cultural capitals of Europe. Steeped in history, the city is visited by thousands every year who dream of walking its ancient streets, However, February will greet you with less than half of that crowd.

The winter months are a great time to explore Italy’s capital. The weather is mild and the crowds are much smaller. Plus, you’ll still get to explore all of that magnificent history and see the only wonder of the world in Europe.

Don’t forget to visit the smallest country in the world: the Vatican City. Here, you’ll find the magnificent Vatican Museum (which you’ll probably need an entire day to explore on its own), and the beautiful St Peter’s Basilica. Whether you spend 3 days in Rome or a week, you’ll love this historical gem.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Rome

11. Vienna, Austria

Average Temperatures: 3°C / 37°F

There is so much to see in Vienna. It’s a captivating city with a wealth of history to offer and yet, it doesn’t seem to be as highly sought after as places like Rome or Paris. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in Europe in February, definitely add Vienna to your list!

The history here is stunning. You’ve got huge imperial palaces, wonderful art galleries, museums, exquisitely designed churches, panoramic viewpoints, and much more.

You can explore the oldest zoo in Europe, explore vibrant markets, and try some of the most delicious cakes I’ve ever tasted (Sacher torte).

If you love imperial history and beautiful cities, you’ll love Vienna in February. Plus, the city of Bratislava is just a quick train ride away!

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Vienna

12. Baden-Baden, Germany

Average Temperatures: 5°C / 41°F

Now, this place is for nature lovers and everyone who adores exploring the great outdoors. Baden-Baden is a beautiful small town located in the south of Germany in the Black Forest region.

It’s a spa town, so there are lots of thermal springs here. There is also lots of historic architecture, a huge casino, an impressive opera house, and beautiful gardens.

But the surroundings are my favourite part. There are some great hiking trails here, from visiting cascading waterfalls to hiking to the top of a mountain for some stunning views over the forest.

There is also a funicular railway and several ruins here including the fascinating Hohenbaden Castle, plus, it’s within easy distance of the beautiful town of Heidelberg.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Baden-Baden

13. Istanbul, Turkey

Average Temperatures: 7°C / 44°F

One of the best European cities (and also Asian), Istanbul is much better in the off-season. I’ve visited the city several times and the first time was in June and the second was in December.

Safe to say, every other time since that June visit has been much less hot, much less crowded, and much more enjoyable!

As the largest city in Europe, it’s no surprise that there’s quite a lot to do in Istanbul. You can spend time exploring the city centre, visiting the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, and much more.

Climb Galata Tower for fantastic views over the city and don’t forget to take a tour around the Grand Bazaar! A river cruise on the Bosphorus is also a great way to spend your time and the views from the water are wonderful.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Istanbul

14. Antalya, Turkey

Average Temperatures: 14°C / 57°F

Another fantastic place to visit in Turkey in February is Antalya. This coastal gem is the complete opposite of the bustling city of Istanbul, but it’s just as enjoyable.

During the winter season, the weather is mild, and the streets are calm. The beaches are beautiful, and it’s a great time to explore ancient ruins like Perge, Side, and Phaselis without the unbearable heat.

Similar to other coastal destinations in Turkey like Fethiye and Oludeniz, Antalya is full of fresh seafood restaurants, bustling markets, and tourist attractions promoted by streetside sellers. However, this is dialled down a notch in February – another reason I love travelling off-season!

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Antalya

15. Helsinki, Finland

Average Temperatures: -5°C / 23°F

Helsinki is a great place to visit in February because it’s not too cold but is still a fairly wintery destination. You’ll find lots of fun museums to explore, like the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma or Design Museum.

Plus, there are tons of outdoor activities like skiing resorts near the city, and ice skating rinks that you can use while you’re in town.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Helsinki

16. San Sebastian, Spain

Average Temperatures: 10°C / 50°F

If milder weather is what you’re looking for during your trip to Europe in February, then San Sebastian is the place for you. This city on the coast of Spain will have temperatures in the mid-teens during February, making it a perfect destination to enjoy the city. 

You can explore, wander the streets, travel to the gorgeous nearby coastal towns like Getaria or Zarautz, or even take a bus to Bilbo for a day trip.

In addition, this area of Spain is one of the gastronomic capitals of Europe and there are lots of great restaurants here that serve up delicious Basque cuisine.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in San Sebastian

17. Madeira, Portugal

Average Temperatures: 10°C / 50°F

Another of the best places to do in February in Europe, Madeira is an island off the coast of Portugal. The mountains here are stunning, and you’ll find lots to do whether you’re into adventure sports like hiking up the infamous Pico do Arieiro.

This peaceful island is perfect for anyone who loves a taste of the great outdoors, and, with mild temperatures in the mid-teens, it makes the outdoors much more bearable than summer.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Madeira

18. Rovaniemi, Finland

Average Temperatures: -9°C / 16°F

From mild warmth to Arctic winter, Rovaniemi is a city located in the Arctic Circle that is definitely worth a visit during February.

This town is home to Santa Claus’s Village, where you can experience Christmas all year round, and, for those dreaming of crisp snow and frost-covered forest, February is the best time of the year for this type of weather! 

The days are much longer in February than in December, but there’s still darkness, so a possibility of seeing the infamous Northern Lights. In addition, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy here like skiing and dog sledging.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Rovaniemi

19. Paris, France

Average Temperatures: 5°C / 41°F

Paris is always a great city to visit, and February is no exception. You’ll find lots of things to do here, like visiting the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, or Notre Dame Cathedral.

And don’t forget about all the amazing restaurants – Paris is known for its world-famous cuisine! Plus, the city of love is a popular destination for a Valentine’s Day escape with your significant other.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Paris

20. Berlin, Germany

Average Temperatures: 2°C / 35°F

It might be cold in Berlin at this time of year, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not one of the best places to visit in February in Europe.

The capital and largest city in Germany has lots to offer such as famous museums like the Pergamon Museum or stunning architecture like the Reichstag Building. And if you’re looking for a good nightlife scene,

Berlin is the place to be – there are plenty of bars and clubs to keep you entertained! Other cities in Germany like Frankfurt, Cologne, or Hamburg are also great at this time of year.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Berlin

21. Paphos, Cyprus

Average Temperatures: 15°C / 59°F

If you’re looking for a place to escape the cold weather, Cyprus is a great option.

This island country located in the Mediterranean Sea will have an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius during February, making it perfect for outdoor activities.

And Paphos has no shortage of great things to do outdoors. There are gorges to explore, stunning coves to discover, and some fascinating ancient ruins like the Tomb of the Kings, and Paphos Castle, or take a day trip to the Ancient Kourion, sitting majestically on a hilltop.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Cyprus

22. Seville, Spain

Average Temperatures: 16°C / 60°F

Located in the south of Spain, Seville is a city that’s perfect to visit in February.

With temperatures between the high teens and low 20s, you’ll be able to enjoy all the sights and sounds this city has to offer without having to worry about being too cold. In addition, there are plenty of great places to eat here, like La Bodega de la Cathedral or El Patio Andaluz.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Seville

23. Venice, Italy

Average Temperatures: 7°C / 44°F

A city that needs no introduction, Venice is a world-famous Italian destination with lots to offer tourists. One of the main attractions here is the canals and waterways running through it, which you’ll see at their best during February.

There are also plenty of museums like Doge Palace, as well as amazing restaurants. Plus, it’s known for being a rather romantic destination, ideal for Valentine’s Day.

And don’t forget the famous Venice Carnival that fills the streets in Feb! So, if you’re looking for an exciting and romantic European getaway in February, Venice is definitely the place to go!

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Venice

24. Zurich, Switzerland

Average Temperatures: 7°C / 44°F

Although it might be cold in Zurich during February, this city is definitely worth a visit. With its charming medieval Old Town and stunning lake views, there’s no shortage of things to see and do here.

Plus, Zurich is home to some amazing museums like the Swiss National Museum or Kunsthaus Zurich, as well as trendy cafes and bars, making it the perfect hip and modern city break.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Zurich

25. The Dolomites, Italy

Average Temperatures: -8°C / 18°F

If you are a ski or snowboard fan, February is the best time to visit the Dolomites. This mountain range in northern Italy will be cold and covered in crisp snow, perfect for winter sports.

In addition, there’s plenty more than just skiing here – there are lots of trails perfect for hiking or mountain biking as well as charming villages to explore. And if you’re looking to relax after a day on the slopes, there are plenty of spas here as well.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in the Dolomites

26. Bruges, Belgium

Average Temperatures: 5°C / 41°F

Last but not least, Bruges is another of the best places to visit in February in Europe. This is partly because it’s home to the most delicious chocolate – ideal for keeping you warm if the temperature gets a bit chilly!

With its old-world charm and beautiful canals, Bruges is a wonderful city to wander around.

In addition, there are plenty of fascinating churches like the Basilica of Holy Blood and don’t forget to climb the Belfry for a fantastic panorama of the city. So, if you’re looking for the best places to go in February in Europe, definitely add Bruges to your list!

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Bruges

Final Thoughts on Where to Go in February in Europe

Overall, February is the perfect time to explore Europe. You’ll find much cheaper prices, much fewer crowds, and so much beautiful scenery.

You can explore the winter sun or head into the mountains for a ski trip. So, no matter where you’re thinking of travelling this February, I hope this has given you plenty of inspiration!

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