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best family city breaks in Europe

Best Family-Friendly City Breaks in Europe

What are the best European destinations for a family city break? Here is your selection of destinations with many activities for families.

 

Come paddleboard in Amiens, discover the mysteries of Bremen, set out to conquer the treasures of Paris, Rome, Athens, walk in the footsteps of Dali in Cadaques or treat yourself to a haunted visit to Bratislava Castle.

 

Book your flights, your family accommodation as well as your tours and activities in Europe, and visit the best destinations for a family city break.

 


Best Family Friendly City Breaks in Europe
©Visit Vesprem

1. Veszprém

Hungary

The city of Veszprém is wedged between the wooded slopes of the Bakony Hills and the northern shore of Lake Balaton. It is a place of rare and distinct natural and environmental assets and an attractive cityscape. Veszprém is known to domestic and foreign visitors by the slogan the City of Queens.

 

 

A wide range of opportunities for free-time activities is offered by the Cloisters and Gardens pathway - the 12-hectare park area along the Séd Stream with a 3.2 km long walking trail – at the foot of Castle Hill. In this gem of the city wonders of nature and historical heritage can be discovered in unique harmony. For a special family experience follow the signs for Veszprém ZOO. The constantly refreshed attraction awaits both young and old all-year-round for an adventure across six continents.

 

You can travel through exotic jungles across the savannah and the Arctic, as well as back in time to the prehistoric world of the dinosaurs The wildlife park in the picturesque Fejes Valley and on Gulya Hill has been home to hundreds of animals for more than 60 years, and this large zoological family has grown over the years too. 

 

The Veszprém Zoo is more than just a place to see the animals. It is constantly expanding the range of interactive and adventure activities on offer, such as the African Savannah playground, where you can enjoy adventures on cableways, climbing frames, bouncy castles and even climb onto a real zebra-striped safari plane.

 

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Budapest (1h30 by train or car).

 

Where to stay:  “Historia & Historante”. Situated in the heart of Veszprém. 

 


Best family- friendly city breaks in Europe -Bremen
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2. Bremen

Germany

With its small preserved town centre, its cobbled streets, its incredible monuments, or even its culinary specialties such as the "Blechkuchen", the Bremen's most famous dessert, Bremen is a perfect destination for a family city break.

 

With the children visit the "Bremen City Musician Pantomine" for free. The famous fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm is performed every Sunday from May to September at 12:00 at the Domshof.

 

Take a selfie in front of the statue of musical animals, the symbol of the city; a donkey is surmounted by a dog itself surmounted by a cat, itself surmounted by a rooster. That rings a bell, doesn't it? Come to Bremen and re-live your childhood memories and the tales of the famous Brothers Grimm.

 

Come and discover the hidden treasures of one of the most beautiful German cities by booking your flights, accommodation and your tours and activities in Bremen.

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Bremen or Hamburg (1h30 by car, 2h30 by public transport).

 

Where to stay: "Monopol Boutique Hotel" located in our guest's favorite part of Bremen.

 


Best Family Friendly City Breaks in Europe - Pisa
Alliance Images

3. Pisa

 Italy

Ranked among your best places to visit in Italy, Pisa and its leaning tower is also ranked among the most amazing monuments in Europe.

 

Pisa is a perfect destination for lovers of the Renaissance but also contemporary and modern art. Book your tours and climb to the top of the leaning tower of Pisa. If you're traveling with teenagers, don't miss the Keith Harring Pisa's Mural. This wall occupies 180 square meters of the south wall of St. Anthony's Church.

 

During your stay do not miss to visit the best hidden gems in Italy, the Best Beaches in Italy as well as the Most amazing Castles in Italy.

 

Book your flights to Pisa, your accommodation in Pisa as well as your tours and activities in Pisa as a "Pisa Cathedral Guided Tour and Leaning Tower Ticket".

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Galileo Galilei Airport in Pisa.

 

Where to stay: "Residenza d'Epoca Relais I Miracoli". Set just 50m from the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

 


Best Family Friendly City Breaks in Europe Vilnius
Shutterstock Editorial astudio

4. Vilnius

Lithuania

Almost every year the Vilnius Christmas tree is listed among your Most Beautiful Christmas Trees in Europe. The Capital of Lithuania is a perfect Christmas destination with its magical Christmas market and its Christmas Lights ranked among the most beautiful in Europe.

 

Vilnius is also a perfect destination for families in spring and summer for a family city break in a safe and welcoming destination.

 

As soon as you arrive in Vilnius go to the tourist office and ask for the "Vilnius for Children" card. You can also download it online from the tourist office website. The city has selected 15 perfect spots for children.

 

A sweet craving? Enjoy an ice cream in Vilnius, these are among the best ice cream in Europe (along with Italy). Lithuanian cows graze in beautiful green meadows and provide high quality milk which is used to make smooth and delicious ice cream. Some ice cream parlors like "Fionos Cukraine" offer low-sugar ice cream, perfect for getting children used to the real tastes of things.

 

After a good ice cream, there's nothing better than getting some exercise by visiting the "Bernardine Park" playground or even climbing the trees at "Uno Parkas Adventure Park". Vilnius is full of magical places and is a perfect destination for a family city break.

 

Book your flights to Vilnius, your accommodation in Vilnius as well as your tours and activities in Vilnius as a "Vilnius: Mysterious Miracles Self-Guided Gaming Walk".

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Vilnius.

 

Where to stay: "Relais & Châteaux Stikliai Hotel" features a swimming poo

 


Best Family Friendly City Breaks in Europe Athens
Shutterstock Editoroial Piotr Kloska

5. Athens

Greece

Treat your children to the best of history lessons by visiting one of the most important destinations in Europe: Athens. This initiatory journey will be precious baggage for your child throughout his life. The Acropolis is to be put at the top of your to-do list as well as the Parthenon (note the site is not accessible with a stroller). It is worth treating yourself to a guided tour to better understand the importance of these historical sites.

 

When you travel with children everything is expensive, do not hesitate to treat yourself to free activities such as the free show of the "Evzones" succession in Syntagma Square in front of the Hellenic Parliament. It's the equivalent of the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and it will amuse the kids.

 

Finally, do not hesitate to take the funicular up Mount Lycabettus to admire the view of Athens and the Aegean Sea. It seems that this clear horizon is at the origin of the development of philosophy. Looking into the distance, with the sky and the sea as the horizon, the spirit of the first philosophers was able to rise and they were able to think about the human condition, about life, and philosophy would have been born here.

 

Your children can't sit still and are fed up with museums? Visit the Keiramikos district, there are no historical sites but a lot of street art which will appeal to teenagers.

 

Book your flights to Athens, your accommodation in Athens as well as your tours and activities in Athens as a "Acropolis Guided Tour with Entry Ticket".

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Athens.

 

Where to stay: If you are traveling in the summer, book a hotel with a swimming pool such as the "Novotel Athens".

 


Best Family Friendly City Breaks in Europe Gdansk
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6. Gdansk

Poland

There are only good reasons for families to visit Gdansk this year. You have ranked Gdansk among the best Christmas Markets in Poland, among the Most beautiful ferris wheels in Europe, Safest places in Europe, Best Christmas Lights but also the Best destinations to visit in Autumn.

 

Gdansk is a perfect destination for a family city break. After a visit to the colorful city center go to the beach located a few minutes from the city center. Visit the Park Reagana and the "Port Brzezno Park" with their playgrounds, the little train but also zip-lines.

 

Take a boat trip to the Hel Peninsula and play on its long sandy beaches, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Poland. Finally Gdansk is home to the largest Zoo in Poland where your children can see animals from all over the world. 

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Gdansk.

 

Where to stay: "Sopot Marriott Resort & Spa" is 2 minutes walk from the beach..

 


Best Family Friendly City Breaks in Europe London
CroMary

7. London

England - UK

London is a multifaceted city. It seems to be made for shopping lovers, rock and underground music lovers but it is also one of the best destinations for families in Europe. Let your kids discover the beauty of Green Park and Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Legoland or a Warner Bros Studio tour in the footsteps of Harry Potter.

 

We have selected for you the best activities and tours in London as well as the hotels, apartments, guesthouses at the best price in London. There is always something to discover in London.

 

How to get there: Book your flights to London

 

Where to stay: "Hotel Cafe Royal" for its kid's club but also for its Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre.

 


Best Family Friendly City Breaks in Europe Ljubljana
Natalia Deriabina

8. Ljubljana

Slovenia

Ljubljana is probably one of the nicest and safest capitals in Europe. Awarded the title of "European Best Green Capital", Ljubljana has a 100% pedestrian city center particularly appreciated by families. Concerned about accessibility, the city has fitted out the public space for people with reduced mobility, families with pushchairs, bicycles and pedestrians.

 

Take the funicular and go up to the castle. Hunt the dragons or treat yourself to a moment of pure fun at "Tivoli Park" (it's free!).

 

Book your flights to Ljubljana, your accommodation in Ljubljana as well as your activities and tours in Ljubljana as a "Ljubljana: Guided Walk & Funicular Ride to Ljubljana Castle".

 

How to get there: Book your flights to  Ljubljana.

 

Where to stay: "InterContinental Ljubljana" features an indoor pool as well as a rooftop restaurant.

 


Best Family Friendly City Breaks in Europe Rome
Shutterstock Editorial PiercarloAbate

9. Rome

Lazio - Italy 

For the same reasons you should visit Athens & Paris, Rome is a perfect destination for a family city break.

 

We do not say that it is relaxing but it is an unforgettable dive into history for your children who will be unbeatable in history after this stay. Our favorite is the guided tour of the Colosseum, with your skip-the-line tickets you save time and learn the incredible history of this place as beautiful as it is terrifying.

 

If you are traveling with young children, book a guided sightseeing bus tour with multiple stops. This will save you from having to answer the eternal question "is it still far?". There are hundreds of activities and tours for families in Rome such as fun lessons at a Gladiator school or a "Rome: Fun Family Private Tour" with tasting of chocolates, Italian biscuits and culinary specialties.

 

Book your flights to Rome, your accommodation in Rome (with airco or a swimming pool if traveling in summer), as well as your tours and activities in Rome as a "Rome: Street Food Tour with Local Guide".

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Rome and your transfer

 

Where to stay: "Mama Shelter Roma" for its trendy decor and indoor swimming pool.

 


Best Family Friendly City Breaks in Europe Paris
Marco Saracco

10. Paris

France

Every year millions of families stroll through the streets of Paris. This open-air museum is perfect for families. Your children will discover the statues of Rodin, the Mona Lisa, or Dadaism at the Georges Pompidou Museum, the gargoyles of Notre-Dame de Paris, the summit of the Eiffel Tower.

 

Book your accommodation in Paris as well as the best activities and tours for your family.

 

 During your stay, be sure to visit Disney Land Paris, your favorite amusement park in Europe.

 

Need more inspiration? Discover the most beautiful beaches in France, Best Destinations to visit in France, Best Hidden Gems in France and Best Castles in France.

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Paris and your transfer

 

Where to stay: "Cheval Blanc Paris & Dior Spa Cheval Blanc Paris" it has a Kids' Club.

 


Best Family Friendly City Breaks in Europe Cadaques
Magdalena Juillard

11. Girona & Cadaques

Spain

Cadaques is a perfect destination for a family city break combining sun and culture. While walking in the alleys of Cadaqués you have the feeling that Salvator Dali's soul is still hanging. In fact, Dali used to live in "Portlligat", very near Cadaques. It was his only residence since he used to stay in hotels. His house in Portlligat is a museum now and is well worth a visit; you can't miss it: there's a giant egg on top of the roof! The egg was the symbol of renewal for Dali.

 

This year discover Salvador Dali’s favorite refuge. During your stay be sure to visit the best hidden gems in Spain, Most beautiful beaches in Spain and the best Castles in Spain.

 

Book your flights to Girona (1 hour by car) or Barcelona (2 hours by car), your accommodation in Cadaques and your tours and activities such as a "full-day Salvator Dali tour from Barcelona ".

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Girona (1 hour by car) or Barcelona (2 hours by car).

 

Where to stay: "Hotel Sol Ixent" located 2 minutes walk from the beach it features a seasonal outdoor pool.

 


Best Family Friendly City Breaks in Europe Bratislava
Rasto SK

12. Bratislava

Slovakia

Bratislava is a magical destination for children. Come in November or December and discover its Christmas market considered one of the most beautiful in Europe.

 

Traveling with pre-teens and teens? Visit Bratislava in October, it is one of the best destinations for halloween in Europe.

 

Bratislava is a family friendly city which offers several playgrounds. "Areal Hier Strkovec" is the biggest children playground in Bratislava. It includes a mobile ice rink, ping pong tables, and games. For children aged 3 to 12, the "Eurovea" playground, that is part of the Eurovea shopping mall complex, is a good choice. Children will also love the Bratislava Zoo as well as the "Rope Center Lanoland" and its many zip-lines.

 

Book your flights to Bratislava, your accommodation in Bratislava as well as your tours and activities in Bratislava as a "Bratislava by Sightseeing Bus".

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Bratislava

 

Where to stay: "NH Bratislava Gate One" offering a spa area with an indoor pool.

 


Best Family Friendly City Breaks in Europe Trieste
Filippo Ferraro

13. Trieste

Italy

Considered one of the most beautiful Christmas Destinations in Italy, Trieste is a perfect all-year-round destination for a family city break.

 

Located at the border with Slovenia and Croatia, Trieste is one of the best destinations to visit in Italy. During your stay, discover the history of its castle, ranked among the most beautiful castles in Italy. The castle of Miramare is recent; it was built in 1856 by Archduke Maximilian, Emperor of Mexico. He had fallen in love with this region and decided that it was here that he wanted to live.

 

During your stay, be sure to visit the "Fattoria dell'Asino Berto (Berto donkey farm), where children can see sheep whose milk is used to produce the delicious Pecorino. The family that owns this farm organizes many activities for families and children, guided tours of the farm and its animals. On site you will find a restaurant where you can taste all the products of the farm as well as the local wines.

 

Book your flights to Trieste, your accommodation in Trieste as well as your tours and activities in Trieste as a "Trieste: Miramare Castle Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket".

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Trieste.

 

Where to stay: "Grand Hotel Duchi D'Aosta" features an indoor pool.

 


Best Family Friendly City Breaks in Europe Gothenburg
Janice Carlson

14. Gothenburg

Sweden

Sweden is a safe country that appeals to families. Outdoor activities, unspoiled nature, cycling, walking, paddleboarding, discovering a new culture and unique gastronomy, for sure, Sweden is one of the best destinations for a family city break in Europe.

 

If Stockholm is a very good destination for children, Gothenburg is too. In Gothenburg there are many activities for children such as the Lieseberg amusement park, with its Ferris wheel, its roller coaster. Children will also love the "Universeum", Scandinavia's largest center for scientific discovery. It is the perfect place to dive into fascinating universes with its giant aquarium of 30,000 fish, a tropical forest, a space dedicated to reptiles, to the conquest of space.

 

For the same reasons, children will also love the Gothenburg Natural History Museum, fun and educational.

 

Gothenburg is a good family destination if your children are between 5 and 13 years old, if they are a little older (teenagers) Stockholm is a good choice.

 

Book your flights to Gothenburg, your accommodation in Gothenburg as well as your tours and activities in Gothenburg as a "Gothenburg: Land & Water Amphibious Bus Sightseeing Tour".

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Gothenburg Airport.

 

Where to stay: "Sankt Jörgen Park" just a 10-minute drive from Gothenburg this hotel offers a 2,000m2 spa, indoor and outdoor pools.

 


Best Family Friendly City Breaks in Europe Tallinn
Myroslava Malovana

15. Tallinn

Estonia

Besides being one of the most beautiful fortified towns in Europe, one of the destinations with the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe, Tallinn is also one of the safest destinations in Europe (low crime rate) and one of the best destinations for a family city break in Europe.

 

A true fairytale destination, Tallinn will delight children with its historic center which makes it one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe.

 

Trendy enough for teenagers and really magical for the youngest children (don't miss a ride on the city train) Tallinn offers a mix of culture, nature, shopping, gastronomy, but also outdoor activities with its beaches and Zoo.

 

Are you traveling with pre-teens? Do not miss to visit the "KGB Museum", it may give them a vocation as a secret agent.

 

Book your flights to Tallinn, your accommodation in Tallinn as well as your tours and activities in Tallinn as a "Private Walking Tour with a Local".

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Tallinn.

 

Where to stay: "Tallinn Viimsi Spa & Waterpark" offers a Water Park.

 


 

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