Are you itching for a change of scenery? Have some vacation time to use? Ready to head somewhere warm?
Here are the BEST places to visit in February, and a few things to do in each location (including some FREE options!).
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
February is when this vibrant city holds the Rio Carnival — one of the world's largest and most famous festivals.
Things to do in Rio
Experience the Rio Carnival parades and street parties.
Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.
Relax on the famous Copacabana Beach.
Explore the historic neighborhood of Santa Teresa.
Take a cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain.
Trek the colorful Selarón Steps.
Enjoy panoramic views from Parque Lage.
Learn more about visiting Rio here.
Kyoto, Japan
February is a quieter time to visit Kyoto, with fewer tourists than in the summer months, and beautiful plum blossoms in bloom.
Things to do in Kyoto
Explore the historic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
Wander through the traditional Gion district.
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and its thousands of torii gates.
Experience a traditional tea ceremony.
Enjoy cherry blossom viewing at Maruyama Park.
Visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace Gardens.
Explore the scenic Philosopher's Path.
Experience the vibrant Nishiki Market.
Learn more about visiting Kyoto here.
Venice, Italy
The best part about Venice in February? Fewer people, which makes it an ideal time to experience the romantic ambiance of the city and truly absorb the history without fighting through crowds of tourists. (Check out: How to Survive a Trip To The City of Venice)
Things to do in Venice
Take a gondola ride through the picturesque canals.
Visit St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace.
Wander through the charming streets of Burano.
Explore the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
Attend the Venice Carnival with elaborate masks and costumes.
Walk across the famous Rialto Bridge and take in the stunning views.
Explore the hidden alleys of Dorsoduro.
Learn more about visiting Venice here.
Quebec City, Canada
The famous Winter Carnival descends on Quebec City in February bringing fun and festivities to this chilly Canadian spot.
Things to do in Quebec City
Attend the Quebec Winter Carnival festivities.
Explore Old Quebec and its cobblestone streets.
Visit the historic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
Take a stroll along the Dufferin Boardwalk.
Try traditional poutine at local eateries.
Explore the historic Plains of Abraham.
Walk along Terrasse Dufferin for views of the St. Lawrence River.
Learn more about visiting Quebec City here.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona in February offers milder temperatures, fewer tourists, and a chance to explore the city's rich culture.
Things to do in Barcelona
Visit the iconic Sagrada Familia. (Check out: Sagrada Familia—The World’s Most Visited Construction Site)
Explore Park Güell and its colorful architecture.
Wander along La Rambla and visit the Boqueria Market.
Discover the Gothic Quarter and Barcelona Cathedral.
Relax on Barceloneta Beach.
Visit the Parc de la Ciutadella.
Explore the El Raval neighborhood.
Attend free concerts at Plaça Reial.
Learn more about visiting Barcelona here.
Zermatt, Switzerland
February is the perfect month for winter sports in Zermatt, with the iconic Matterhorn as a backdrop.
Things to do in Zermatt
Ski or snowboard in the Zermatt-Cervinia ski area.
Take the Gornergrat Railway for stunning mountain views.
Experience the Glacier Paradise at Klein Matterhorn.
Explore the car-free village of Zermatt.
Stroll through the charming Bahnhofstrasse.
Explore the Gorner Gorge.
Learn more about visiting Zermatt here.
Marrakech, Morocco
February offers mild temperatures, making it an ideal time to explore the vibrant colors and culture of Marrakech! (Check out: Travel Morocco—Experiences, Tips, and Must-See Sights)
Things to do in Marrakech
Explore the historic Medina and Jardin Majorelle.
Visit the Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs.
Experience the bustling souks.
Relax in the Menara Gardens.
Enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine in Djemaa el Fna.
Visit the Koutoubia Mosque.
Explore the El Badi Palace ruins.
Learn more about visiting Marrakech here.
Queenstown, New Zealand
February in Queenstown offers outdoor adventures and stunning landscapes with milder weather.
Things to do in Queenstown
Take a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu.
Explore the nearby Fiordland National Park.
Enjoy the views from the Skyline Queenstown Gondola.
Visit the historic Arrowtown.
Hike the Queenstown Hill walking track.
Relax on the shores of Lake Wanaka.
Explore the Queenstown Gardens.
Learn more about visiting Queenstown here.
Photos in this post: Rio by Athena, Venice by Anastasiya Lobanovskaya, Kyoto by D J and Satoshi Hirayama, Quebec City by Julius Romeus, Barcelona by Bruno Joseph, Zermatt by Scott McIntosh, Marrakesh by Taryn Elliott, and Queenstown Ketan Kumawat via Pexels.
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Meet The Author
Lindsay Shapka is an avid traveler and the creator of The Anthrotorian — a website dedicated to sharing travel tips, stories about adventures, culture quirks, artists you should know, fascinating bits of history, and more!
She is also an artist, marketing specialist, editor, and freelance writer who has work featured on websites, blogs, and in magazines like National Geographic Traveler.
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