8 Things To Do in Lisbon in February (+ Insider Tips)

Lisbon is magical in February and filled with love and celebration; you can really feel it.

I usually go to Lisbon in February to celebrate my partner’s birthday and celebrate Valentines at the same time.

But that’s not all, you can experience the carnival as well, and see some historical monuments.

One thing I’ve learned about the Portuguese people is that they love to celebrate.

Visiting Lisbon in a different month?

8 Things to Do in Lisbon in February

I’ve collected 8 things I like to do in Lisbon, with some things I suggest you do if you’re new in Lisbon, or you want to take it all in, in a new way.

1. Experience the Carnival

For many, the number one thing happening in February is the carnival, and let me tell you, it’s spectacular.

You can experience it in Lisbon’s city center, but if you want the full experience, you need to go to Torres Vedras; this is where it’s happening.

If you want to experience it in Lisbon, stay around The Praça do Comércio, in Bairro Alto.

However, it starts in Parque das Naçōes, where you can experience the parades.

I recommend everyone going to Lisbon in February to experience the carnival flow through the cobbled streets of Lisbon.

2. Celebrate Valentine’s Day

After the many dark winter months, it’s time to celebrate love, because in February it’s Valentines.

This is something which is huge in Lisbon, and what better way to do it than in the city with sunny weather and stunning views?

There are so many things to do to celebrate Valentines in Lisbon.

Here are some suggestions:

• Cruise the Tagus River.
• Take a romantic walk in one of the many gardens.
• Experience the stunning views of Lisbon’s 7 hills.
• End your day with an incredible dinner at one of the many rooftop restaurants.

3. Experience Lisbon on a Bus

If it’s your first time visiting Lisbon, or you feel you want to see a lot of Lisbon without having to worry about GPS or planning, then this is for you.

Lisbon has many tourist buses, mainly red and yellow, that take you through the city and show you all it has to offer.

Be aware that there are a lot of different bus routes, so it depends on what you want to see.

If you love history, then I recommend the Belem tour, where you get to see Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Tower and much more.

There is both a Yellow Bus Tour and a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour.

Book your tour: https://viator.tp.st/9RhKbqPK

4. Wine Tasting

I’ve always been into Wine, but in recent years, I’ve been drinking more Portuguese wine than ever, and it’s not Port I’m talking about.

Portugal makes incredible Red and White wine, and it cost a fraction of what French and Italian wine cost.

It taste incredible, and that’s why I suggest, if you’re into wine, do a wine tasting in one of the many places you can do.

You can either go to a wine bar and try your own wine tasting, one I really like is by the wine, or you can go on a wine tour around Lisbon.

5. Visit a Fado House

If you’re into music, and you want to experience Fado which is the music genre Portugal is famous for, then I recommend visiting one of the many Fado Houses.

You can even combine the Fado music with incredible food and really dive into the experience of Fado in Lisbon.

As February is one of the wettest months and Fado happens inside, it’s the perfect time to experience this.

6. Walking Tour in Belem

A walking tour in Belem is magical as well, and especially if you do it by yourself, at least that’s what I like to do.

Doing it yourself, you can do it in your own tempo, and you decide 100% what you want to see, and don’t worry about navigating Belem.

I have made a self-guided tour of Belem, where you see monuments like Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Tower and also get to try the famous Pastes de Belem.

As many of these are outside, don’t worry, even through February is one of the coldest months in Lisbon, it’s not as cold as we think.

7. Day Trip to Sintra

Sintra is a magical city just 30 min by train from Lisbon, and this is where you want to spend at least a day.

You might’ve heard about the famous Pena Palace. This is a palace located in Sintra, but that’s not all.

You can experience many palaces and castles walking around nature in Sintra.

One tip here is to take the train from Lisbon, and then take a bus from Sintra station. I chose to walk from Sintra station to the castle, and it was so exhausting.

8. Food Tour

I saved my favorite for last, and that is doing a food tour.

I’m a huge foodie, and in Portugal, wherever you go, you just get incredible food, whether it’s snacks, meals, or desserts.

You can do this in 2 ways: Either you can book a food tour and just follow along or you can go and explore yourself.

If you go by yourself, research some restaurants in Lisbon, but find smaller snacks as well.

I recommend trying:

• Pastel de Nata at Manteigaria
• Bifana at As Afonso do Bifana
• Pastel de Bacalhau
• Chocolate at Arcadia Chocolates
• Timeout Market

The Weather in Lisbon in February

In February, the weather in Lisbon is not as cold as it might seem, with mild temperatures ranging from 9°C to 16°C (48°F to 61°F).

I’ve been wearing T-shirts and linen pants on my visits during February, and I have not frozen once.

I wear a thin jacket in the evening as it gets a little bit chillier.

What to Pack for Lisbon in February

Since Lisbon can be rainy and chilly in February, packing the right clothing is crucial for a great vacation.

Here are some things to consider:

• Rain jacket or/and a thin jacket
• Sweaters and t-shirts
• Waterproof boots or all-weather shoes
• Comfortable shoes, because in Lisbon, you walk a lot
• Small travel umbrella (If you’re staying at a hotel, you can borrow an umbrella)
• Sunglasses (It’s always sunny in Lisbon)

I’ve also made a complete packing list for some more general things I recommend bringing.

Wrap-Up

I strongly recommend visiting Lisbon in February. You still have nice sunny weather, not that many tourists, and everything is at your feet.

Pack a light jacket, t-shirts, and pants with some comfortable shoes and then go and explore the city.

You can go on a food tour, celebrate valentines or experience the Carnival which is a must in Lisbon.

If you need more things to do, then here is a curated list of some free things do to in Lisbon.

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