The continent is a kaleidoscope of diversity, home to cultural behemoths, world-famous cuisines, and jaw-dropping scenery. Although the idea of a break in a bustling city with kids might sound daunting, a lot of Europe’s metropolises are surprisingly child-friendly, so don’t be put off. In this guide, we’ve put together a list of the best European city breaks for families with kids of all ages.
Paris is the world’s most visited city for good reason: it has something for everyone. Kids and grown-ups alike will gaze in awe at iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. The city boasts over 100 museums, from the colourful modern art of the Pompidou Centre to the Cité des Enfants, which offers fun, hands-on science exhibitions. When it’s time to burn off some energy, the Jardin du Luxembourg and Jardin des Tuileries are gorgeous spots with playgrounds, while the city’s countless patisseries have sweet treats galore for refuelling afterwards. Oh, and the magical Disneyland Paris is just an hour’s drive away.
Don't miss: Climbing the Eiffel Tower for panoramic city views.
Best time to visit: April to June and September to October.
Barcelona is a sensory wonderland that kids are sure to love. Little ones will thrill at Gaudí’s colourful and surreal designs, particularly Park Güell and the majestic Sagrada Família. A hop-on/off bus tour is a great way to check out the main attractions, including the Camp Nou stadium, a must-see for aspiring footballers. If city sightseeing gets a bit much on warm summer days, head to one of the many beaches that line the coast, like the golden-sand bay of La Barceloneta.
Don't miss: Exploring Gaudí's masterpiece, the Sagrada Família.
Best time to visit: May to June and September to October.
Perhaps more than anywhere else, history comes to life in Rome. Around every corner lurks a majestic monument that will have your little ones’ imagination firing – none more so than the Colosseum. If that tickles their fancy, you can even spend a couple of hours in training at the Gladiator School on Via Appia Antica. The city is well served for green space, with the sprawling Villa Borghese home to playgrounds, a lake and a fantastic zoo (the Bioparco). And don’t forget the cuisine: with delicious gelato, pizza and pasta everywhere you look, your kids will be in seventh heaven.
Don't miss: Touring the ancient Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Best time to visit: April to June and September to October.
Copenhagen has a reputation as an incredibly child-friendly place, making it one of the best European city breaks for families. Denmark is the home of LEGO, so a visit to the huge flagship store on the Strøget is a must: pick up exclusive sets or complete your collection at the Pick-a-Brick Wall. The centre is also home to Tivoli Gardens, a historic theme park with over 30 rides for everyone from adrenaline junkies to tiny tots. Plus, getting around is easy with bike hire and boat rides – a great way to get a different angle of the famous Little Mermaid statue.
Don't miss: Visiting the historic Tivoli Gardens amusement park.
Best time to visit: May to September.
With its quaint, cobbled streets, the Alfama district of Lisbon is a magical spot for strolling with little ones – make your way up to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia for stunning views. The city is blessed with fantastic family attractions including the enormous Oceanarium, home to penguins, otters, sharks, rays and much more. The Pavilhão do Conhecimento is a hands-on science museum where kids can learn through play, while the fairytale castles of Sintra are just a 40-minute train ride away. For a sweet treat, the famous Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts) are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Don't miss: Riding Tram 28 through the city's charming neighborhoods.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to October.
For weekend breaks in Europe, Amsterdam has to be near the top of any list. The centre is compact and highly walkable with little ones, while families with older kids can hire bikes and make the most of the superb cycling facilities. The canals that snake through the city are the perfect place to take a cruise for a different perspective, or you can go the whole hog and stay on a houseboat for a holiday your kids will never forget. Check out the distinctive and colourful work of Van Gogh or visit the NEMO Science Museum for tons of interactive fun.
Don't miss: Cruising the picturesque canals by boat.
Best time to visit: April to May and September to November.
Berlin is a modern metropolis with a wealth of attractions for kids of all ages. The city is teeming with museums including the Museum für Naturkunde (full of epic fossils) and the Deutsches Technikmuseum (packed with cars, trains and planes). Outdoors, Tiergarten has playgrounds, a zoo and an aquarium, while the view from the dome of the nearby Reichstag Building will delight little ones and adults alike. For some sustenance, visit a kindercafé, which are specially designed to cater to families. Alternatively, at the Ritter Sport flagship store, your kids can design their very own chocolate creation.
Don't miss: Exploring the historic Berlin Wall and East Side Gallery.
Best time to visit: May to September.
Smaller and quieter than Lisbon, Porto makes for a surprisingly cheap city break. It’s blessed with plenty of green space for exploring, including the Parque de Serralves, where kids can take introductory horse-riding lessons, learn about sowing, planting and watering, and explore the park’s wildlife. The riverside makes a lovely spot for a bike ride, while the nearby beaches are easily accessible via metro for cooling off in summer. If the weather’s not quite so appealing, World of Discoveries is a fantastic immersive experience where you can walk in the footsteps of Portugal’s famed explorers.
Don't miss: The cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Best time to visit: May to September.
Prague is known as a hotspot for partygoers and loved-up couples, but it’s great for families too. There are tons of attractions for all ages, including Prague Zoo, the Illusion Art Museum, The Playground (a flagship toy store with 10 themed attractions), and the Museum of Bricks, the largest private LEGO collection in the world. Kids will love chowing down on trdelník (chimney cake), available from stalls all over the city. And although they can’t partake in Prague’s fantastic beer, they can soak in it at one of the many beer spas, a unique experience you won’t forget.
Don't miss: Walking across the iconic Charles Bridge at sunrise.
Best time to visit: May to September.
If you’re after a cheap European city break for families, Krakow is a safe bet. This affordable city has a charming old town with pedestrianised streets that are perfect for strolling with little ones. Discover more about its history at the Rynek Underground Museum, whose attractions include a mechanised puppet show that kids will love. Other highlights include the UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine, dating back to the 13th century, and the fairytale architecture of Wawel Castle. When you’ve all worked up an appetite, Polish cuisine has tons of treats including pierogi (dumplings) – try a food tour to find the finest.
Don't miss: Visiting the historic Wawel Castle and Cathedral.
Best time to visit: May to September.
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