Best holiday destinations in February

Wondering where to go for a memorable February holiday? From dreamily romantic city breaks and fun family trips in the UK, to tropical carnivals, and adventures in snow-clad countries, here we present the best holiday destinations in February, along with recommended places to stay.

1. Paris, France

Why visit: cosy romance 
Average temperature: 3°C - 8°C (37°F - 46°F)
Travel time from the UK: 1 to 2 hours
Average daily budget: £60-£150

With a fresh bite in the air, visiting Paris during the month of love delivers a certain poetic flair. As a result, it’s one of the best holiday destinations in February for couples.

It's the perfect time to wrap up warm and go for romantic riverside walks before finding an intimate cafe to cosy up in. 

With almost 150 art galleries and museums to explore, you won't be short of indoor activities, either. But don't just do the obvious — whisk your loved one away to discover Paris off the beaten track.

Visiting for a special occasion? See our customisable Luxury Paris itinerary, and our Romantic Paris break. 

Where to stay: for a slice of iconic elegance, Derby Alma offers chic decor a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower.

Who said a cosy couple’s holiday has to break the bank? If you’re on a budget, the dorms and private rooms at St Christopher's Inn overlook Canal Saint Martin.

2. The Maldives, Indian Ocean

Why visit: sustainable winter-sun wonders
Average temperature: 26°C to 31°C (79°F to 88°F)
Travel time from the UK: 10-11 hours
Average daily budget: £150-£300 per day

Arguably, there’s no better way to overcome the winter blues than replacing them with the breath-taking blues of the Indian Ocean by escaping to the Maldives in February.

Falling within the Maldives' dry season, the weather will be blissfully warm and sunny — perfect for enjoying the islands’ turquoise waters and coral reefs. 

Try your hand at snorkelling, kayaking, paddle-boarding, jet-skiing and windsurfing, or embark on a thrilling dolphin-watching trip, with wellness retreats on hand to rejuvenate you post-adventure.

.And in good news if you’re looking to travel better, the Maldives has plenty of sustainable holiday options, including luxury-laden holidays.

Where to stay: Thoddoo’s Fairy Inn lives up to its name. Near a beautiful beach, the grounds are glorious, and the service divine.

Meanwhile, over on Baa Atoll, Dreamland Maldives Resort also delivers what its name promises. With a private beach and excellent snorkelling, it also boasts a kids’ playground.

3. Cadiz, Spain

Why visit: a fabulous festival, scenic strolls and walks on the wild side
Average temperature: 11°C -17°C (52°F -63°F)
Travel time from the UK: 2-2.5 hours
Average daily budget: £80-£150 per day

Almost entirely surrounded by water in Spain’s Andalucía region, Cadiz evokes visions of sun-soaked summer breaks. 

Come mid-February, though, this charming, laidback city is transformed into the stage for a fabulous fiesta. With eleven days of street parties and parades, Cadiz Carnival is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry. 

February is also a top time to take scenic strolls along a clutch of beautiful beaches near town, with dozens more within reach along the aptly named Costa de la Luz (coast of light).

If you want to walk on the wilder side, Parque Nacional Coto de Doñana — Spain’s largest nature reserve — is also easily accessed. A key site for migrating birds, this is one of Europe’s more significant wetland reserves.

Interested in seeing more of the region? Browse our customisable Andalucia Explored itinerary.

Where to stay: celebrating something special? Try Senator Cádiz Spa Hotel. This old town gem has a rooftop pool.

Looking for a February break that won’t break the bank? You might appreciate Planeta Cadiz Hostel. It offers dorms, rooms and family rooms in a great location.

4. Arenal, Costa Rica

Why visit: hot springs, waterfalls, wildlife and outdoor adventures 
Average temperature: 22°C -28°C (72°F- 82°F)
Travel time from the UK: 10-11 hours
Average daily budget: £60-£120

Visiting Arenal in Zona Norte of Costa Rica is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica. And, as revealed in our guide to when to go to Costa Rica, February is one of the best months to visit one of the country's most iconic destinations. Namely, Arenal volcano.

This dry-season time of year is perfect for embarking on adrenaline-pumping adventure activities in Arenal's stunning natural surroundings. For example, you could go zip-lining through the treetops, rappel down cascading waterfalls, take a thrilling white-water rafting excursion, and enjoy epic volcano hikes.

Better still, book an Arenal tour to experience a stack of exhilarating experiences in a single trip. No matter what kind of tour you take, your guide is likely to know more than a thing or two about local flora and fauna. 

When you want to relax, chill out in the area’s best hot springs, or soak up the scenic beauty of Lake Arenal — the largest lake in Costa Rica, no less.

If that wasn’t enough, you can also visit one of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica — La Fortuna — from Arenal.

Want the best of both worlds? Our customisable Beaches and Volcanoes trip delivers exactly that. 

You might find our insider’s guide to how to plan a trip to Costa Rica useful, too.

Where to stay: 3.5 km from the slopes of the Arenal Volcano, Hotel Sierra Arenal offers tropical gardens, super service, and a stunning pool.

Meanwhile, the Springs Resort and Spa offers panoramic views of the Arenal Valley, 28 hot spring pools and a spa.

5. Copenhagen, Denmark

Why visit: cosy hygge vibes in Denmark’s cool capital
Average temperature: -1°C-4°C (30°F-39°F)
Travel time from the UK: 1.5-2 hours
Average daily budget: £80-£150

Decidedly picturesque around the year, Copenhagen, capital of Denmark, is one of the best holiday destinations in February if you’re seeking a trip that’s cool in vibe (and temperature!)

This month sees the city transformed into a winter wonderland, replete with snow-shrouded streets. As such, it’s one of the best times to embrace the Danish concept of hygge.

Imagine the comfort and contentment of cosying up in a café or bar with a hot drink and pastry after ice skating one of Copenhagen's outdoor rinks.

You’ll also want to wrap up warm to wander the picturesque canal district of Nyhavn, where colourful 17th-century buildings housing shops, cafes and galleries line the waterfront.

Where to stay: 5 minutes’ walk from Copenhagen Central Station and Tivoli Gardens, Hotel Tiffany is a fab three-star choice with style and great service.

Also well-located by City Hall Square, Scandic Palace Hotel is elegant in style, with a great Nordic restaurant.

6. Dominica, Eastern Caribbean

Why visit: carnival, outdoor adventures and whale-watching
Average temperature: 24°C-29°C (75°F-84°F)
Travel time from the UK: 12+ hours, depending on layovers
Average daily budget: £100-£200

Verdant volcanic mountains. Cascading waterfalls, rivers and ravines. Beautiful black sand beaches unspoiled by mega-resorts. It's clear why Dominica is known as the Nature Island. 

This Eastern Caribbean treasure is nothing less than awe-inspiring, hence its inclusion in our wider best travel destinations feature. And, with Dominica’s Mas Dominik carnival running through February, it’s an especially wonderful time to visit.

February is also a top time to tackle Dominica's Waitukubuli Trail — the Caribbean's first long-distance hiking trail. It offers fourteen varied segments, including the challenging Boiling Lake trail. 

For something less strenuous, romantic nature-lovers will be enchanted by Freshwater Lake and Boeri Lake, which lie beyond the heights of Laudat village.

Meanwhile, divers come for Dominica's pristine reefs. Don't dive? Snorkel Champagne Reef or Tourcari Bay.

Given that Dominica is the only place in the world where sperm whales are resident year-round, going whale-watching is another unmissable experience. And all the better if you visit in February, as peak whale sightings are between November and March.

Where to stay: for beachfront bliss, we love Picard Beach Cottages. You can enjoy whale-watching trips from the doorstep of your cute, well-equipped cabin.

For back-to-nature luxury, check-out Jungle Bay. It has gorgeous grounds and breath-taking views over the south coast.

7. New Orleans, USA 

Why visit: Mardi Gras music, dancing and all that jazz
Average temperature: 10°C-19°C (50°F- 66°F)
Travel time from the UK: 12-16 hours
Average daily budget: £100-£200

If you love music and fabulous street celebrations, New Orleans is hands-down one of the best holiday destinations in February. 

And the reason? You’ll get to witness the city’s unforgettable Mardi Gras events.

Music-mad visitors will also want to explore the New Orleans jazz museum. Here, rotating exhibits showcase jazz history and culture, and celebrate the city's jazz greats.

Meanwhile, the French Quarter's historic Preservation Hall hosts intimate jazz concerts for over 350 nights of the year. Being bijou, beautiful and brilliant, you'll want to arrive early.

Where to stay: for boutique beauty, book Maison de la Luz. This stylish five-star has its own speakeasy bar.

Travelling on a budget? Try India House Hostel. It offers private rooms and shared dorms, plus an outdoor pool and deck.

8. Devon, UK

Why visit: half-term fun and beautiful, brisk walks
Average temperature: 4°C -9°C (39°F -48°F)
Travel time from the UK: N/A
Average daily budget: £100-£200

If you’re wondering where to go for a fun UK holiday in February, Devon has bags of attractions and outdoor activities to keep the whole family happy. 

Looking to get active in the fresh air? Wrap up warm and head to Dartmoor National Park for 365 square miles of wilderness, woodland and valleys, just as spring flowers are starting to sprout.

The scattering of Bronze Age sites and Dartmoor ponies are plus points for kids.

Little ones will also love the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, which presents 185 million years of history along 95 miles of the coast. Home to Britain’s richest concentration of mid-Triassic reptile sites, the East Devon section is the oldest stretch.

For more fun, and epic views, take the cliff-top train that connects the town of Lynton with Lynmouth. Fun fact: it’s the UK's only fully water powered railway. 

Elsewhere, towns like Totnes, Torquay, Exeter and Ilfracombe offer a variety of scenery. Enjoy quaint harbours and quaysides, as well as Norman, Medieval and Tudor architecture. They're not short of family-friendly watering holes and theatres, either.

Want more ideas? Discover the best things to do in Devon, and get yourself a Rough Guide to Devon and Cornwall, or a pocket Staycations guide.

Where to stay: travelling with kids? Ilfracombe Holiday Park has modern apartments with a pool and soft play area.

Want to stay somewhere quaint? Head to Bayards Cove Inn, Dartmouth. This historic hotel offers views over the river and sea. 

9. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Why visit: festivals, temples and trekking
Average temperature: 15°C-29°C (59°F-84°F)
Travel time from the UK: 14-18 hours
Average daily budget: £40-£80

February is one of the best times to visit Thailand. With great weather presenting a low chance of rainfall, there's a big chance you'll get to see spectacular cultural events, among them Chiang Mai’s Flower Festival.  

It's fair to say witnessing this vibrant three-day celebration of parades and flower-festooned floats is an unforgettable experience. 

While here, you’ll also want to explore Chiang Mai’s cultural landscape — the reason the kingdom’s second city has long been mooted as a UNESCO site. 

Note that Chiang Mai's most famous temples — Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Chiang Man — aren’t just museum pieces. Rather, they’re living community centres. 

Chiang Mai is also well set up for outdoor activities and cultural experiences, including trekking, bird-watching trips, white-water rafting, and educational trips that fund projects in hill-tribe villages.

All that considered, Chiang Mai is one of the best holiday destinations in February if you're looking to combine culture, nature, adventure and giving back to local communities.

Want to travel better? Check out our customisable Chiang Mai Sustainable Trails trip. 

Where to stay: Baan Boo Loo Village is a great choice great for families, with stilted-rooms and gorgeous gardens.

Watching the pennies? BB House Budget & Boutique is cosy, comfy, clean and friendly.

10. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Why visit: winter sun, walks on the wild side and whale watching
Average temperature: 15°C-22°C (59°F -72°F)
Travel time from the UK: 4 to 4.5 hours
Average daily budget: £80-£150

The third largest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria has an abundance of appeal as a winter sun holiday destination.

With temperatures often reaching 22°C in February, you can enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches while the folks back home in the UK are still shivering.

If you're up for an adventure, take a look at our guide to exploring the rugged heart of Gran Canaria on foot, and discover the island's lesser-known gems.

For an easy hike to an epic sight the entire family can enjoy, head to Roque Nublo. This mighty rock was once worshipped by the island’s indigenous population.

Meanwhile, the town of Las Palmas — arguably the most beguiling of Canarian capitals — is a stunning place to amble, and boasts plenty of places to dine al fresco. On that note, you might want to read up on the best foodie experiences in Gran Canaria.

Lastly, given that February is a prime time for whale watching in the Canary Islands, take a boat tour to see them do their thing.

Where to stay: travelling with kids? Consider Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa, while Valentina Beach Apartments & Suites will suit a range of traveller types.

11. Rio de Janerio, Brazil

Why visit: the world’s biggest carnival, and biggest urban rainforest
Average temperature: 25°C-30°C (77°F- 86°F)
Travel time from the UK: 11-12 hours
Average daily budget: £100-£200

As revealed in our guide to the weather in Brazil in February, this is a magnificent time to visit the country, not least when Rio de Janeiro’s carnival falls within the month.

One of the largest and most famous festivals in the world, experiencing the vibrant energy of Rio’s carnival is a once-in-a-lifetime joy, with samba parades, lively street parties, and electrifying music ringing through the streets.

February is also the ideal month to enjoy Rio’s beaches. Air temperatures rarely dip below 27°C (81°F), and the water will be around 25°C (78°F). Just don’t expect to have the beaches to yourself, though — this is a peak-season month.

While you won’t want to miss the city’s top sights and experiences — Copacabana Beach, Christ the Redeemer, and taking a cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain — we also recommend visiting Tijuca National Park.

The largest urban rainforest in the world lies within the city’s limits, which means you don’t have to go far to hike scenic trails, swim in natural pools, and be wowed by cascading waterfalls.

Where to stay: looking for luxury? 80 metres from Copacabana Beach, Ritz Copacabana Boutique Hotel features an outdoor pool, epic views of the city, and oodles of style. 

Or, if you're on a budget and into water-sports, check-out Rio Surf House Hostel e Pousada. It's close to the beach and boasts a garden, terrace, water sports facilities, shared lounge and games room.

12. York, England
 

Why visit: Europe’s biggest Viking festival
Average temperature: 1°C-7°C (34°F to-5°F)
Travel time from the UK: N/A
Average daily budget: £100-£200

Visiting historic York in spring makes for a thoroughly rewarding February holiday destination, especially if you’re travelling with kids.

This month sees the city host the Jorvik Viking festival – Europe’s largest Viking festival, no less. 

The Jorvik Viking Centre itself is also a sure-fire child-pleaser, especially the “time machine” that transports you to back to 866 AD — the year Vikings invaded York.

Elsewhere in town, Harry Potter fans will be in their element ambling the intriguingly named Shambles. 

One of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe, it’s easy to see why this winding thoroughfare is one of our top 20 UK locations for amazing street photography. 

It’s also obvious why the Shambles has laid claim to being JK Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley. Potter-heads won’t want to miss mooching around The Shop That Must Not Be Named at number 30.

Editor’s tip: to make the most of your time in this handsome historic city, Rough Guide Staycations York shares time-saving tour itineraries.

If you’re likely to venture further afield, discover five unusual things to do in Yorkshire.

Where to stay: looking for five-star luxury? Located slap-bang in the historic centre, The Grand Hotel deliverers exactly that.

13. Kerala, India

Why visit: winter sun, beach bliss, nature and culture.
Average temperature: 23°C-33°C (73°F- 91°F)
Travel time from the UK: 9-12 hours.
Average daily budget: £40-£80

Coconut palm-fringed beaches, green rice paddies, serene backwaters, and undulating hills of tea and spice plantations. The diverse landscapes of Kerala make this region of southern India one of the best destinations for winter sun.

In fact, given that peak-season crowds have declined while the weather in Kerala in February remains dry, warm and sunny, this is one of the best months to visit.

For a glimpse of village life, glide Kerala’s meandering waterways on a houseboat. Perhaps base yourself in the harbour city of Kochi, where you can wander its grand architecture, palaces, and spice markets.

For deserted beach bliss, head north of Kozhikode, or join fellow sun worshippers on the golden sands of Varkala in the south. 

In the mood for love? Kerala has two entries in our gallery of the most romantic places in India, and features in our overview of the most beautiful places in India.

To cool down from life on the coast, you could head for the mountains around Munnar. While the lower slopes are blanketed in emerald-green tea gardens, the higher peaks offer trekking routes and stunning views over misty mountaintops.

Where to stay: for tasty home-cooked food, check-out the very well-appointed Nirrvaan homestay near Varkala Beach.

Want something extra-special? Try Tissa's Inn. Located in the colonial city of Fort Cochin, this elegant boutique hotel offers rooftop yoga and a pool.

14. Venice, Italy

Why visit: carnival and romantic ambience
Average temperature: 1°C- 9°C (34°F-48°F)
Travel time from the UK: 2 to 2.5 hours
Average daily budget: £100-£200

Voted one of the most beautiful cities in the world by Rough Guides’ readers, Venice is undeniably enchanting, even though the crowds can be overwhelming.

While the weather in Venice in February is pretty chilly, it’s also often atmospherically misty, with picturesque canals, bridges and piazzas providing the perfect backdrop for romantic getaways.

February also sees the city host its celebrated carnival. Expect parades, street performances, music, and many, many masks. Experiencing carnival is a sure-fire way to inject colour, life and energy to winter-weary souls. 

Be aware, though, if you’re planning to visit Venice in February for carnival, you’ll want to book accommodation well in advance.

The same goes for booking tickets to top attractions in the city. 

Where to stay: for complete indulgence book the Gritti Palace. Once home to the Doge, this luxurious hotel blends vintage opulence with hi-tech facilities.

Meanwhile, restored palace Palazzo Abadessa has a pretty garden and huge rooms furnished with antiques.

15. Southern Province, Sri Lanka

Why visit: culture, coastal adventures and safaris on land and sea
Average temperature: 27°C to 32°C (81°F to 90°F)
Travel time from the UK: 10-12 hours flight plus road transfer
Average daily budget: £50-£100 

Where to start. There are simply so many reasons Sri Lanka’s Southern Province is one of our best holiday destinations in February. And for that reason, our recommendation is to take a trip that covers a host of Southern Sri Lanka.

First up, most of the best places to surf in Sri Lanka are in this region, as are many of the best beaches, like Tangalla. With the weather here in February hot and sunny, with just the occasional shower, it’s a wonderful month to hit the coast.

On that subject, February is also a top time to go whale-watching, particularly in Mirissa. Book a boat tour to spot blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins.

More incredible animal encounters await in Yala National Park. Expect to see huge herds of elephants, hundreds of species of bird, and elusive leopards.

Want a spot of culture between exploring the outdoors? Go to Galle — one of our essential things not to miss in Sri Lanka. 

Famed for its UNESCO-designated fort, Galle is also a hot spot for foodies, with the Galle Literary Festival drawing international visitors in late January or February – check dates before planning your trip. 

Where to stay: for a gorgeous stay in Galle, Le Jardin du Fort boasts stylish, quirky décor in an old colonial building close to the beach.

Meanwhile, if surfing and access to wildlife-watching opportunities are on your mind, check-out Surf and Yoga Sri Lanka in Mirissa. 

16. Svalbard, Norway

Why visit: Northern Lights, polar nights and arctic wildlife
Average temperature: -14°C to -20°C (7°F to -4°F)
Travel time from the UK: 6 hours
Average daily budget: £200-£400

One for hardier, adventurous souls, this. February sees Svalbard — a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean — experience extremely cold temperatures, snowfall and limited daylight hours.

But those who brave these extremes will be rewarded with incredible sightings of the Northern Lights, with the long polar nights offering extended opportunities to see this awe-inspiring celestial happening.

Witnessing the polar night phenomenon — when the sun remains below the horizon for several weeks — is pretty darn incredible in itself. It creates a surreal atmosphere of perpetual twilight. 

Enchanting landscapes aside, Svalbard also offers a wide range of winter activities. Take your pick from snowmobiling vast Arctic landscapes, dog sledding  snowy valleys, ice-caving frozen glaciers, and cross-country-skiing scenic trails.

You’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled for Arctic wildlife species, such as polar bears, reindeer and Arctic foxes.

Where to stay: located in Longyearbyen, Radisson Blu Polar Hotel — the northernmost full-service hotel in the world — serves fine food and panoramic fjord views.

Also centrally located in Longyearbyen, Basecamp Hotel offers traditional lodge-style accommodation, cosy comforts and stacks of atmosphere. 

17. Antigua, Guatemala

Why visit: culture and volcano hikes
Average temperature: 18°C-24°C (64°F-75°F)
Travel time from the UK: 14+ hours (layovers required)
Average daily budget: £40-£80

As a result of the weather in Guatemala in February being dry and sunny, this is one of the best months to visit Antigua — a charming city that’s packed with well-preserved colonial architecture.

With temperatures warm — rather than stiflingly hot — this is a top time to amble Antigua’s cobblestone streets and visit landmarks like the Santa Catalina Arch, Antigua Cathedral, and Palace of the Captains General.

Antigua is also known for its unique handicrafts, textiles and artwork — be sure to spend time browsing the Mercado de Artesanías and Nim Pot market.

In good news for active types, the area around Antigua offers exhilarating outdoor activities. For example, you could hike Volcán Pacaya or Volcán Acatenango, the latter of which is one of the best hikes in Central America.

Keen to make the most of your time in Guatemala? Our customisable Unparalleled-Guatemala itinerary covers Antigua, Flores Island, Guatemala City and more.

Where to stay: located in a charming town house in Antigua’s old town, Hotel Boutique Los Pasos boasts attractive suites, plus a garden and roof terrace.

For a brilliant back-to-nature experience outside town, we rate Earth Lodge. The rustic cabins are cute and cosy, the mountain views are incredible, and there's an on-site yoga studio.

18. Singapore, Southeast Asia

Why visit: tropical shopping, island-hopping and culture
Average temperature: 24°C -31°C (75°F - 88°F)
Travel time from the UK: 12-14 hours
Average daily budget: £100-£200

Falling just after the rainy season, February is a good time to head to Singapore, not least if you want to hop over to Sentosa Island. 

Located just off the southern coast of Singapore, it’s accessible by a short causeway or cable car ride from the mainland. 

Home to lots of popular attractions — including the Universal Studios Singapore theme park, the S.E.A. Aquarium, and the Wings of Time outdoor show — the island also boasts a bounty of beautiful beaches.

Back on the mainland, be sure to explore Singapore's iconic Gardens by the Bay, including futuristic Supertree Grove, and the awe-inspiring Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories. 

Shopping and eating aside, among the many other memorable things to do in Singapore, we especially recommend crossing the MacRitchie Treetop Walk, hiking Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and dining al fresco in Boat Quay.

Travelling with kids? Take inspiration from our Singapore Family Fun itinerary.

Where to stay: for period splendour in the Colonial District, The Capitol Kempinski occupies two period buildings and prides itself on being both luxurious and intimate.

Want to stay in Chinatown? Try Oasia Hotel. You won’t miss it — it’s covered in a lush green vertical garden. 

19. Zermatt, Switzerland

Why visit: skiing, scenic snow hikes and incredible train trips
Average temperature: -5°C-4°C (23°F -39°F)
Travel time from the UK: 1.5 to 2-hour flight, plus 3-4-hour train
Average daily budget: £200-£400

Presided over by the iconic Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Zermatt is one of the reasons you voted Switzerland one of the most beautiful countries in the world. 

It’s also one of the best holiday destinations in February for skiers and fans of other snow-based activities. Take your pick from snowshoeing, ice climbing and tobogganing. Or how about paragliding with the majestic Matterhorn as your backdrop?

If that sounds too high-octane, you could always take a cable car to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. From the top, you can also hike scenic trails to admire the Matterhorn from different perspectives.

Talking of different perspectives, we also recommend taking a scenic train trip (or two). The views from the Glacier Express and Gornergrat Railway are something else.

Want to do more than ski and see the Matterhorn? Browse our Grand Circle of Switzerland itinerary.

Where to stay: looking for Alpine atmosphere? It doesn’t get better than Kulmhotel Gornergrat, currently the highest hotel in the Alps.

For all-out glamour, try Grand Hotel Zermatterhof. As its name suggests, this is the grandest hotel in the canton, and one of the finest in the country.

Find out the best ways to get to Switzerland and discover how to plan an unforgettable trip.

20. Bruges, Belgium

Why visit: romantic, crowd-free ambience 
Average temperature: 1°C-7°C (34°F 45°F)
Travel time from the UK: 3.5 hours by train
Average daily budget: £100-£200

Visiting medieval Bruges during winter months like February is a rather magical experience. 

At this time of year, the cobblestone streets and picturesque canals of the city’s UNESCO-designated centre look especially enchanting. 

Wrap up warm and spend your days exploring the attractions of Bruges’ historic heart — including the Belfry of Bruges, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and Markt square — stopping off in cosy cafes to slurp hot chocolate, or devour Belgian waffles, pralines, and hearty stews. 

Come the evening, the sight of illuminated fairy-tale-esque houses reflecting on the canals exudes an otherworldly vibe. 

Talking of canals, we also recommend taking a scenic boat tour to soak up Bruges’ medieval buildings, bridges and windmills while gliding the tranquil waterways.

Where to stay: small, elegant and utterly charming, Hotel de Castillon is located in the heart of historic Bruges, and boasts a pretty courtyard terrace.

For utter luxury, the Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage is located in a magnificent 19^th-century building, and offers elegant rooms close to the Markt.

Still undecided? You’ll find more ideas in our feature on the best places to visit in spring, and our month-by-month guide to where to go when.

You might also want to make use of our trip ideas platform.