Best city breaks with teenagers

Dublin is a great choice for a city break with teenagers, as they’re old enough to get a sense of the city’s history and also soak up its lively atmosphere. Kilmainham Gaol is a fascinating (and macabre) glimpse into Dublin’s not-so-distant past, while Dublinia is a Viking-themed museum where visitors can experience the sights, sounds and smells of the era.

If you’ve got budding athletes in tow, they’ll love learning about Gaelic sports on the Croke Park stadium tour. When evening rolls around, drop into a pub that hosts a trad night for a taste of Ireland’s beautiful musicality – under-18’s are welcome until 9pm.

Looking for a city break for teenagers? Don’t rule out Prague. Take a stroll around the charming old town and check out the famous Astronomical Clock, which puts on a show every hour. Next up, cross the gorgeous (and highly Instagrammable) Charles Bridge en route to the John Lennon Wall, which is daubed in all kinds of colourful graffiti.

For a change of pace, the waxwork figures of Madame Tussauds are always a hit. As night falls, let your teens feel intrepid with an after-dark ghost tour, hearing tales of Prague’s dark past.

Barcelona is a fantastic destination for a weekend break with teenagers. The city is home to many masterpieces designed by Gaudí, including the Sagrada Família and Parc Güell, both of which will wow adults and kids alike.

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.

The Picasso Museum is another hit, with the artist’s unique style sure to inspire debate. For a bit of downtime after all that sightseeing, head to one of the city’s beaches or hit up the Mercat de la Boqueria for delicious Catalan cuisine.

Families with older kids visiting Copenhagen should make a beeline for Tivoli Gardens. With over 30 rides to choose from, this historic theme park has something for even the most high-octane teens.

Getting around the city is part of the fun, as it’s a lovely place to rent bikes or even a boat, giving you a different perspective of the famous sights. On warm summer days, your kids will love topping up their tan and making a splash at the many harbour baths.

When it’s time for some sustenance, Reffen is a trendy and sustainable street food market with waterside views.

For cheap city breaks with teenagers, Krakow is a top choice. For teens who love going off the beaten track, check out experiences like a guided tour of the planned socialist utopia of Nowa Huta – you can even cruise around in a vintage Trabant or Lada.

If you’re heading to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, consider the more hands-on Miners’ Route, where the whole family can dress up as novice miners and learn the ropes. Back in the city centre, the Pinball Museum is guaranteed to go down well, while Lost Souls Alley is an interactive horror experience that will appeal to extreme thrill-seekers.

The epic monuments and jaw-dropping architecture of Rome are sure to impress even the most aloof teens. A tour of the world-famous Colosseum will evoke memories of the ferocious gladiatorial battles of old, while the eerie Catacombs and Capuchin Crypt offer something a little different.

In the height of summer, head to the shaded and sprawling Villa Borghese, where you can hire bikes, rollerblades and carts to get around in style. As evening rolls around, the narrow streets of pretty Trastevere come alive with cafes and restaurants serving up all the family-friendly staples: gelato, pizza, pasta… what more could you ask for?

With countless attractions to suit all ages, London is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit with teenagers in the UK. The city’s markets make great destinations for a wander: try Borough Market if they’re into their food, or Camden Market for quirky and vintage clothing.

Shopaholic teens will love the enormous Westfield in Stratford, which is handily located next to the Olympic Park – make a detour to the ArcelorMittal Orbit and experience the thrill of the world’s largest tunnel slide, if you dare. If your kids are more into skateboarding, the legendary skate space on the Southbank will be right up their street.

Edinburgh has plenty to offer for families with teens. The castle is an impressive and ever-popular starting point, so get there early to avoid the crowds in peak season.

On the other side of town, active kids with energy to burn will enjoy the hike up Arthur’s Seat and the epic views from the top. A walking tour is always a great way to see a city, and Edinburgh has various themed options, from ghost tours to Harry Potter walking trails, taking in sights such as the cafe where J.K. Rowling wrote the first book.

The whole family will love Belfast – not least its crown jewel, Titanic Belfast, with nine interactive galleries telling the story of the world’s most famous ship. Teens will be old enough to get to grips with the city’s troubled history, so why not book onto a murals tour to learn more and visit the Peace Wall, where you can even add your own message of hope.

Take a stroll down the Instagram-friendly Umbrella Street outside the Duke of York pub, or visit the wonderful St George’s Market (open Fri-Sun) for tasty treats and handcrafted souvenirs.