Where to go in February by train

Crisp sunny days, romantic evenings, ice skating and pre-Easter festivities: when looking for the best places to go in February by train, think beyond the classic Valentine’s trip to Paris and you’ll be surprised by the amount of things to do in this short winter month. From ice skating to carnivals, here are the best places to visit in February.

For more slow travel inspiration, insights into overland routes and insider tips, subscribe to our newsletter.

Nice

Angelo Leen

Go for: memorable mardi gras moments

Forget summer, Februrary is when Nice truly comes to life. This French Riviera favourite puts on one of the biggest carnivals in the world each winter with two weeks of festivities. There are colourful parades day and night, fireworks, performances and musical groups from around the world. This year, Nice Carnival takes place from February 15 to March 2 and the theme is ‘King of Oceans’. Be sure to look out for the flower parade which has been going since 1876 which uses 250,000 stems (80% grown locally) and 21 tonnes of mimosas which are distributed to the public. The whole thing is very family-friendly and great for a half-term break. 

Average temperature in February: 13 degrees
Dates: February 15 to March 2 2025
Location: Flower Parade, Place Masséna, Nice
More info at www.nicecarnaval.com

Take a four-day trip to Nice

Florence

Katie Smetherman

Go for: sweet treats and empty streets

Okay so the streets of Florence are never totally empty, but it's so much nicer to explore the Tuscan capital without the summer crowds. But that’s not to say there’s nothing happening in February – on the contrary. The city hosts one of the longest Carnevale celebrations in Europe to prepare for Lent, starting in the first week of February and ending in the first week of March. There are magical parades, performances and papier-mâché floats around the city. ravelling at this time of year also means you can enjoy Florence’s fabled gelato without the queues. Head to tiny institution Perché no!... for seasonal delights.

Average temperature in February: 7 degrees
Dates: From the first week of February 2025 
Location: Across the city

Take a seven-day trip which includes Turin, Florence, Milan and Paris

Lausanne

Go for: showing off your moves on the ice

For a February holiday that leans fully into the delights of winter, try Lausanne. Situated right on Lake Geneva, this Swiss city is beautiful any time of the year but in February, it’s the perfect weather to make the most of their excellent ice skating rinks. Yep, as the home to the International Olympic Committee headquarters, the Olympic Museum and the lakeshore Olympic Park, there are lots of sporting provisions, including rinks for all types of skating. Try your ‘Blades of Glory’ moves at Montchoisi or La Pontaise or watch the thrills of an ice hockey match in the Vaudoise Aréna, Lausanne offers various sites for those who love skating. Warm up with fondue and scenic strolls around the city’s medieval streets. 

Average temperature in February: 3 degrees
Dates: All February 2025
Location: Montchoisi (Avenue du Servan 30), La Pontaise (Route des Plaines-du-Loup 7), Vaudoise Aréna (Chemin du Viaduc 14)

Take a five-day trip to Lausanne

Brussels

Luke Watkinson

Go for: the twinkling lights of the ‘Bright’ festival

Belgium's capital really makes the most of the longer dark days of winter with its annual festival of lights each February. In 2025, Bright will be illuminating the city from February 13-15 with playful installations and artistic creations brightening up buildings, streets and landmarks each evening. After an atmospheric walk, retire to one of the city’s atmospheric bars to warm up with a locally-brewed beer. It’s also ideally timed for anyone looking for an alternative romantic long weekend away.

Average temperature in February: 4 degrees
Dates: February 13 to 15 2025, 7pm to 11pm
Location: Various neighbourhoods including the Royal Quarter
More info at www.visit.brussels

Take a three-day trip to Brussels

Catania

Carla Lipani

Go for: a Sicilian saint celebration

Although it might not be typically sunny and warm in February, Sicily doesn’t get as cold as the rest of Italy and has lots going on in the first months of the year. In early February, there’s the spectacle of Festa di Sant'Agata where over a million Catanians follow a silver reliquary of St Agata through the streets, celebrating the patron saint of the city. This turns into a city-wide party which includes fireworks and street food. This is also the time of year when you can catch the delicate pinkish-white blossoming almond trees which spring up across the island in February.

Average temperatures in February: 16 degrees
Dates: February 3 to 5 2025
Location: From Church of Sant'Agata alla Fornace up to the Cathedral, Catania

Take a 12-day trip which includes Zurich, Rome, Catania, Naples, Milan and Paris