Things to do in Venice in February 2026

February is one of the most atmospheric months to visit Venice. The city slowly wakes up from winter, Carnival takes centre stage, and misty mornings give way to lively afternoons filled with masks, music, and celebrations.

It’s important to know, however, that Carnival days come with higher prices and much bigger crowds, especially during weekends and the final days leading up to Martedí Grasso (the final day of Carnival celebrations). Outside those peak dates, February can still feel calm, affordable, and very local.

While temperatures are still wintery, February offers a unique balance: fewer crowds than spring on non‑Carnival days, cultural events throughout the month, and the chance to experience Venice Carnival if you plan carefully.

From practical travel tips to events, weather, and what to expect around the city, this guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Venice in February.

Is February a good time to visit Venice?

Yes, especially if you want to experience Venice at its most iconic. February combines winter calm with one of the city’s most famous events: Carnival.

Why visit Venice in February:

• Carnival atmosphere: Masks, costumes, parades, and palace events bring Venice’s traditions to life.
• Fewer tourists (outside Carnival weekends): Early February and weekdays are quieter than spring and summer.
• Lower prices: Flights and hotels are often cheaper than in peak months, except during Carnival’s final days.
• Cultural focus: Concerts, exhibitions, museums, and seasonal food make February rich in experiences.

The weather in Venice in February

February is still winter in Venice. Temperatures usually range between 1°C and 8°C (34–46°F). Fog is common in the mornings, rain is possible, and snow is rare but not impossible. High humidity can make it feel colder, and acqua alta may occur.

What to pack:

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Can you ride a gondola in February?

Yes. Gondolas run all year, and February can be a beautiful time for a ride, especially on foggy mornings or during Carnival when the canals feel theatrical.

• Daytime (up to 5 people): €90
• Evening (7 PM–3 AM): €110

Tip: Dress warmly and bring a scarf. If you want context and stories, consider a Grand Canal gondola tour with app commentary.

Are restaurants and shops open in February?

Yes. By February, most businesses are fully open again after January’s quiet period.
Restaurants and bacari operate normally, especially in central areas.

Carnival-themed shops and mask ateliers extend their opening hours.
Some small local places may close midweek, so check opening times online.

I’ve pinned my favourite spots in the places to eat, drink and shop in Venice on my Venice Unlocked Map (more than 250+ pinned spots!).

Venice in February: Attractions, Events & Experiences

1. Take part in Venice’s most awaited event: the Venice Carnival

If you want to experience Carnival at its best, plan around the official events spread across the city and the lagoon. The celebrations usually kick off with the Venice Carnival Street Show, a city-wide programme of live performances, music, and shows that animate squares and neighbourhoods from day one.

One of the most popular moments is the water parade on the Grand Canal, where decorated boats and costumed rowers create a unique Carnival spectacle on the water. Another highlight is the series of water shows at the Arsenale, where the Darsena becomes a floating stage with lights, music, and choreography, one of the most impressive modern Carnival events.

For a more exclusive experience, there’s the official Carnival dinner show, combining costumes, performances, and fine dining in a historic setting. Beyond Venice itself, allegorical float parades are also worth seeing.

They take place in Pellestrina, the Lido of Venice, and mainland locations like Mestre, and offer a more local, less crowded way to enjoy Carnival traditions.

2. Try Carnival-themed experiences in Venice

Beyond the main events, Carnival is a perfect time to immerse yourself in hands-on experiences. These are the kinds of experiences that I love doing in Venice!

You can start with a dress-up experience, putting on a traditional costume of the 17th or 18th century, and take as many pictures as you want. It’s a fun way to feel part of the celebrations.

Another must-try is a mask-making workshop, where you’ll learn the history of Venetian masks and create your own unique souvenir.

For a local perspective, a Carnival-themed walking tour takes you through hidden streets and squares, uncovering the traditions, symbols, and stories behind the masks and festivities of the Serenissima Republic.

And for something unique, a Carnival party cruise lets you enjoy music, dancing, and drinks on the canals while surrounded by Venetian costumes. A truly Venetian way to experience Carnival from the water.

3. Attend a private masquerade party in a Venetian palace

One of the most immersive ways to experience Carnival is by attending a private masquerade party in one of Venice’s historic palaces.

These events are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step inside grand ballrooms, surrounded by golden mirrors, Murano glass chandeliers, tapestries, and lavish decorations — a true taste of the glory of the Serenissima.

Masquerade parties usually include live performances, music, and dinner, and tickets sell out quickly, so it’s important to book well in advance.

Most parties have a dress code: some require formal evening attire with a matching mask, while others encourage full traditional Venetian costumes. If you don’t have your own, costumes can be rented from local shops such as La Bauta or Ca’ del Sol, so you can fully join the spectacle.

4. Try the best Carnival sweet: the fritole

Venice Carnival wouldn’t be complete without its traditional sweet treats, and the one you must try is the fritola (or frittelle).

These delicious fritters are made from a batter of flour, eggs, milk, sugar, sultanas, and pine nuts, fried to golden perfection, and dusted with icing sugar. Some variations also include cream, zabaione, or jam, making them even more indulgent.

Fritole are usually about 4 centimetres in diameter and can be found in pastry shops across Venice after the Epiphany (6th of January) and during Carnival. My personal favourites are from Pasticceria Tonolo and Emilio Colussi.

If you have a sweet tooth like me, don’t stop there, try galani (or crostoli), mammalucchi at Pasticceria Targa and castagnole, other traditional Carnival desserts.

5. Feeling romantic in the City of Love on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day on 14 February is the perfect excuse to celebrate love in Venice. The city is famously romantic, with fiery sunsets over the canals from viewpoints like the Rialto Bridge, Riva degli Schiavoni, Zattere promenade, or even from rooftop terraces of luxury hotels.

A private gondola ride through the quiet canals is a classic for a reason — it’s intimate, timeless, and unforgettable. You can plan it in advance or book last minute for a spontaneous surprise. My guide to gondola rides in Venice explains everything you need to know, including routes, tips, and up-to-date prices.

For dinner, Venice offers countless romantic options. For a more luxurious experience, try Quadri in St. Mark’s Square, Arva at the Aman Venice, or Bistrot de Venise, near the Rialto Bridge. Candlelit meals in these settings are perfect for couples looking to make Valentine’s Day truly special.

For more ideas, check my romantic things to do in Venice guide — it’s full of experiences that turn a Venice trip into a romantic memory you’ll never forget.

6. Go on a Bacaro tour

Whether it’s your first time in Venice or not, you can’t leave the city without visiting a bacaro. Bacari are small, cosy taverns serving traditional cicchetti , bite-sized Venetian dishes created to feed locals and visitors after a long day.

Pair them with a Venetian Spritz or a glass of local wine for the full experience.

Bacari aren’t just about food — they’re a living Venetian tradition, especially among young locals who keep the ritual alive through bacaro tours. This guided food and wine itinerary turns the city’s taverns into stops on a delicious and cultural journey.

Check out a highly-rated and popular Bacaro tour, where a local guide will take you to some of Venice’s best bacari. It’s perfect for February — you can escape the winter chill, enjoy affordable bites (usually €2–4 each), and taste authentic Venetian flavours.

7. Visit Venice’s best art museums and palaces without the crowds

After the busy Carnival period, Venice quiets down. From the second half of February, streets and squares are calmer, and queues at museums are much shorter — making it the perfect time to enjoy the city’s art treasures in peace.

While Venice is often called an open-air museum, many of its most impressive artworks are indoors, hidden in churches, galleries, and palaces.

Here are my top recommendations:

• Gallerie dell’Accademia – For Renaissance art lovers, featuring masterpieces by Titian, Canova, Veronese, and Tiepolo.
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection – Ideal for contemporary art enthusiasts. Discover 20th-century works collected by Peggy Guggenheim over four decades. Skip-the-line tickets are highly recommended.
• Doge’s Palace + Correr Museum, Marciana Library & National Archaeological Museum – One ticket grants access to four top museums in St. Mark’s Square, including the Doge’s Palace and the Prisons.
• Galleria Internazionale d’Arte Moderna Ca’ Pesaro – Home to 19th- and 20th-century paintings and sculptures, with works by Klimt, Chagall, Miró, Kandinsky, Klee, and Matisse.
• Natural History Museum – Perfect for families visiting Venice in February. A great indoor escape from rainy or grey days that will keep kids engaged and entertained.

Exploring museums in February means more space, quieter rooms, and time to really appreciate the art, a luxury you won’t get during the high season.

📅 Venice Events in February 2026

Discover the Best of Venice in February

Visiting Venice in February gives you the chance to see the city from a completely different perspective, from the colourful, world-famous Venetian Carnival to the quieter streets after the celebrations.

If you plan ahead, you can enjoy the full Carnival experience, from street shows and water parades to mask-making workshops, private palace parties, and themed gondola rides. For couples, February is also the perfect month to celebrate Valentine’s Day in one of the most romantic cities in the world.

If you prefer milder weather and longer days, consider visiting Venice in March, when spring begins to arrive and the city slowly comes back to life.

Either way, February offers a unique mix of culture, romance, and local traditions that you won’t find at any other time of the year.

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