Europe in February
 

We only have 6 days to visit in Europe and have not been there before. Was thinking somewhere in Italy, France, Spain, Austria, Switzerland or Greece. I know it will be cooler but that is the month we can go and we are from Minnesota so we can bear cool weather. I have read that since it is off season for tourists that attractions will be less crowded but we dont know exactly which destination to start with for our first trip to Europe. Any preference to which destination would be the best to visit in February and dont need to take in account it is only 6 days we know that is a short time for a Europe destination but we will be grateful for what we can see. Seems of course like Greece or Rome will be a tad warmer and I am leaning that direction but any suggestions to a wonderful sightseeing trip in Europe are appreciated. We hope to get to Europe with future trips. Oh had considered Ireland as well but worried that it would be better to visit there when it is more lush green since I have always wanted to go there for the landscape. Am I correct to assume that?

Of your choices Rome will probably be the warmest - but be aware that it does get some cold days and snow is possible. A potential issue in Italy is that in off season some sight. One potential issue in Italy is have early closing hours - soe sights being open only 9 am to 1 or 2 pm - rather than all day. If you decide to do Rome - do check the times on the sights you want to see most.

However if it were me I would do Paris - where most of what you want to see is indoors and sights will be open full hours. Yes, it will likely be colder than Rome - but still not nearly as cold as Minnesota (temps below freezing and snow are possible but very rare). Many (most) days it is still comfy walking around and exploring the neighborhoods for a New Yorker - and Minnesota is usually colder than we are.

Welcome to Fodors,

Ireland more (more) lush green!!!

Anyway looking at Italy, France, Spain, Austria, Switzerland or Greece. for 6 days and given the short days you will have I'd look at one city. Unless you really like the snow keep out of Austria and Switzerland.

Do look at either Paris or Rome. For me, and for a first visit, and in Feb then Paris looks good. You can do a few days out (Champagne, Verseilles etc), you can visit the many museums, churches etc. I'd take a segway tour with fatbikes to get to know your way around with an American twist.

Rome might be a tad warmer than Paris but it could be the other way around.

Thank you for your replies and bring up the idea that attractions may close early. My husband has always wanted to do a segway tour but we have a 15 year old son, not sure if he would be allowed. I should have been more clear, we will visit only one City just not sure where to go for our first trip. They all sound wonderful, how to choose? We could go late Feb or early March. We own a retail store and thst is our slow season.

From their website "For your riding safety, guests must be at least 12 years of age and weigh at least 100 pounds and not in excess of 260 pounds."

We live in Vienna, Austria, and have visited Paris for a week in February (with our children). For us Paris in February was cold, grey and enchanting; while Vienna is but cold and grey. I would choose Paris.