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17 Best Places to Visit in Europe with Toddlers (Picked by Parents)

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Traveling with toddlers can be both a joy and a challenge. On the one hand, they are always up for new adventures, but on the other, it requires extra planning to keep them entertained and comfortable!

If you’re looking forward to exploring Europe with your toddler in tow, we share a list of the best places to visit in Europe with toddlers!

These destinations have all been hand selected by us (we traveled with our youngest from the age of 2.5 months), as well as by other parents who have actually been there with their toddlers.

From picturesque Malta to sunny Italy, to the best places to holiday in Greece and over to France, there are so many other beautiful countries in Europe — these countries offer amazing experiences that are sure to delight you and your little bundle of energy alike.

Read on for our top picks of places guaranteed to make your next European trip with your toddler even more special.

17 Best Places to Visit in Europe with Toddlers

Below are our top picks of where to go in Europe with a toddler. Each amazing place is perfect for a Europe trip with a toddler so you are sure to have a great time.

For all of these destinations below we recommend you take along some of the most essential toddler travel gear , such as a lightweight stroller, a travel car seat, and a toddler baby carrier.

1. Malta with a Toddler

From the picturesque Mediterranean coastline to the charming towns and villages, Malta has plenty of activities to keep young children entertained.

In my personal opinion, Malta is one of the best countries to visit with a toddler . Life is just slower in Malta, giving you plenty of opportunities to travel at a pace comfortable for a toddler.

You will find plenty of wonderful playgrounds, an aquarium, adventure parks, a water park , and so many other fun places to explore with your little one.

Best Places To Visit In Malta With A Toddler

We visit Malta with all three of our children. Avalee was 2 and actually celebrated turning 3 in Malta.

We spent a few weeks exploring this island and found plenty of fun things that kept our kids entertained.

We rented a car when we explored Malta (you can easily rent one through Discover Cars ). It made life really easy to come and go as we please and work around our toddler’s sleep schedule.

You can also make use of the hop-on-hop-off buses if you prefer not to rent a car.

Here is a list of the best places to visit in Malta with a toddler.

• If you’re looking for a fun day out with your little one, head to Popeye Village . This theme park has splash pools, inflatables, and food stalls. Grab your private return transfers and entrance tickets here.
• For a cultural excursion, Valletta is the best choice. With its beautiful architecture that dates back to the 16th century and plenty of churches, palaces, and museums to visit.
• We loved exploring the island of Gozo ! Make sure to visit Comino on this fantastic day tour , and a visit to the Blue Grotto is a must (here is a great Blue Grotto tour )!
• Other great towns to visit with your toddler include Mdina, The Three Cities, and Rabat which offer stunning turquoise waters for swimming.
• Other fun places to visit with a little one include Malta National Aquarium, Duck Village, Mediterraneo Marine Park, Splash and Fun Water Park, and plenty of playgrounds. 

Toddler Gear to Pack + Where To Get Toddler Supplies in Malta

To best enjoy the streets, we recommend investing in a lightweight, easy-to-fold stroller (we love GP Pockit Travel Strollers ) for when the little ones need a break from all the walking.

In Malta, there are a plethora of supermarkets that offer all the necessary supplies for your toddler’s needs – from diapers to snacks and drinks.

Most restaurants should have high chairs so I wouldn’t bother bringing one along. Overall we found it really easy to explore Malta with our 2-year-old.

Where to Stay in Malta with a Toddler

I recommend you stay in Mellieħa with your toddler. Here you will plenty of resorts with pools and Mellieħa Bay is perfect for little kids with shallow water and sand for them to play in.

The Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa is a perfect child-friendly resort to stay at. It is a 4-star resort, 1 km away from the beach.

It has 3 pools (with shallow pool areas for kids), one of which is a heated indoor pool, and a sauna. Such a great place to relax with your child.

2. Italy with a Toddler

Italy is a wonderful destination for family vacations.

The Italian people are always welcoming and accommodating to families traveling with children, often providing them with special privileges like skipping queues!

We loved Italy so much that we spent three months traveling around the country with our three kids, including our toddler who was 2 years old.

If you are looking for one of the best European holidays with toddlers, then Italy is probably our top pick.

Best Places To Visit In Italy With A Toddler

There are so many destinations to visit in Italy, but I think the three regions that we found were the easiest to explore with a toddler were Tuscany (stroller-friendly), Sicily (for a beach holiday), and Puglia (for a beach holiday).

Tuscany is a picturesque region of Italy perfect for travelers with toddlers. Its towns are fairly flat, making them more stroller-friendly in comparison to towns in other regions.

• We recommend basing yourself at either Lucca or Florence and exploring some of the other towns and cities on day trips from there.
• Spend an afternoon biking along the walls of Lucca and getting lost in the streets in the historic town center.
• Stroll around Florence (don’t miss Piazza Della Repubblica and its antique carousel), or have a picnic in the famous Boboli Gardens .
• Visit Pisa, Siena & San Gimignano on a day trip. We highly recommend this popular tour .
• Head out on a day trip to explore the Cinque Terre Towns. Make sure to take your toddler baby carrier and leave the stroller behind. Here is a fantastic Cinque Terre day tour you can book .

There are so many wonderful places to visit in Tuscany and you could easily spend 2 weeks in this region alone. Find a list of the best places to visit in Tuscany here.

Sicily is a fantastic place to visit with a little one as you can find some gorgeous sandy beaches (plus beautiful towns) to enjoy on your family vacation.

• Sicily has a plethora of attractions, from the Greek theatre in Taormina to Mount Etna’s cable car ride .
• We loved the beaches at San Vito lo Capo and Cefalu.
• If you want to add a bit of a unique touch to your vacation, why not book a few days on one of the Aeolian Islands ?
• We recommend basing yourself at either Taormina or San Vito Lo Capo whilst exploring Sicily.

You could easily spend 2 weeks in Sicily. Find a list of the best places to visit in Sicily here.

Head south to Puglia for some fun beach days with your little one. Here you can spend hours building sand castles, going on walking tours of the Castellana Caves, and more.

You could easily spend 10 days in Puglia. Find a list of the best places to visit in Puglia here.

• Make sure to plan a day trip to Alberobello. Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage site and such a unique town to explore with all the cone-shaped trulli. Click here to book your tour  to see the Tulli of Alberobello.
• Ostuni is a gorgeous white city with gorgeous alleys to explore. Click here to book your tour  in Ostuni of the White City.
• Polignano a Mare is a cliff-side town with beautiful pedestrian streets to explore. It also has a beach, but note that the beach has big stones on it so might be hard on little feet.
• For beaches with sand , head to the Gargano Peninsula or Maldives of Salento .
• Other fun things that your toddler will enjoy in Puglia: The Parco Avventura Indiana Park Castellana Grotte, Fasano Safari and Amusement Park, and Aquapark Egnazia Water Park.

Where To Get Toddler Supplies In Italy

I highly recommended that you bring along a lightweight stroller and a toddler baby carrier . Because many of the streets will be cobblestone streets, I recommend bringing one with bigger rubber wheels.

In cities you will find Supermarkets  typically have an aisle dedicated to baby supplies. Diapers will be cheaper here than at the pharmacies. You can find brands such as Huggies and Pampers.

We tried to stock up in the cities as it is much harder to find supplies in smaller towns. In the smaller towns we often only found baby items in pharmacies.

You can find all our top tips and recommendations on how to visit Italy with a toddler here.

Where to Stay in Italy with a Toddler

• Florence in Tuscany: I recommend  MyFlorenceHoliday Gold Bridge . Their family room includes a cot and high chair and has a kitchen area where you can prepare bottles etc.
• Lucca in Tuscany : The 4-Star Hotel Ilaria has a triple room that includes a cot. This popular hotel is located in the historic center of Lucca.
• Taormina in Sicily: I would stay at a beachfront hotel. Hotel Caparena is a 4-star hotel that offers cots. They have an outdoor pool and a private beach.
• San Vito Lo Capo in Sicily: I Mori Hotel is a 3-star hotel, located 400 metres from San Vito Lo Capo Beach. They have spacious modern rooms and can provide a cot.

3. France With A Toddler

France is an excellent destination for a family vacation, even with toddlers or younger children. With its wide array of interesting and engaging attractions, you can be sure to have a memorable holiday there.

From the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris to the stunning Palace of Versailles, France with a toddler has no shortage of sights and activities to explore.

Best Places In France To Visit With A Toddler

From the stunning French Riviera along the Mediterranean coast to the lush Alsace region in northeastern France, there are so many places to explore and enjoy.

And Annecy, located in the Haute-Savoie region, is simply breathtaking.

Visiting Paris with a toddler is also a great place as it offers plenty of family-friendly attractions and activities.

To make sure your holiday goes as smoothly as possible, there are a few items you should pack beforehand: a portable high chair, a stroller, and a baby carrier.

This will make it much easier to get around your destination and enjoy the sights without having to lug heavy items.

Also, if you plan on hiring a car for travel throughout the French countryside, you can easily rent a car seat from the rental company.

Where To Find Toddler Supplies

France is filled with the necessary supplies that your toddler will need, no matter how big or small they may be.

Food and any baby essentials such as diapers or wet wipes are readily available in all supermarkets.

Additionally, you can easily find toddler snacks and food items – even if they may not be from your usual brand!

3. Poland With a Toddler

Poland is an enchanting destination for young families looking to explore Eastern Europe.

With its stunning cities and rich culture, Poland offers the perfect holiday getaway for those looking to experience something unique and exciting with their little ones.

The country boasts a number of varied activities and sights fit to please the whole family – from city tours of Warsaw, Krakow , and Gdansk to exploring the vast Baltic coastline, from sight-seeing in the enchanting old towns to visiting museums and galleries filled with captivating historical artifacts.

Children will love the range of activities available as well – there’s something for all ages!

Kids can explore castles and palaces, take part in interactive workshops and museum visits, go on a themed scavenger hunt or even visit the aqua parks to cool off during the summer months.

If you’re looking for an exciting getaway that will provide something for everyone and create a lifetime of memories, Poland is definitely worth considering with its beautiful cities, stunning natural scenery, and infinite activities.

Best Places To Visit In Poland With A Toddler

Poznań is the ideal destination for a family trip with small children. The city’s 10th-century foundations and centuries-long history offer a unique experience for toddlers, and many of its attractions are dedicated to children’s learning and entertainment.

One of the top stops for toddlers is the Museum dedicated to Poznan’s “sweet ambassador”, St. Martin Croissant. Here, live shows and tastings of traditional croissants offer a fun learning experience for kids and adults alike.

A visit to Citadel Park is also a great place to explore; its lush greenery, flower garden, and sculptures designed by Magdalena Abakanowicz will captivate any toddler.

Finally, a trip to Krakow is not complete without a horse carriage ride and an exploration of the majestic Wawel Castle. Both these attractions offer a unique experience that your young ones won’t soon forget.

Zakopane is a great place to visit with a toddler because it has lots of fun things to do and see making it one of the best toddler-friendly European cities.

There are parks, playgrounds, lakes, and mountains that your toddler can explore. You can also find plenty of family-friendly activities such as mini-golf, hiking trails, tobogganing, aquaparks, and horseback riding.

Whether it’s learning about Polish history, exploring nature, or indulging in some sweet treats, Poland is full of amazing experiences for toddlers and their families.

Where To Get Toddler Supplies In Poland

Most of the essentials like food, diapers, and wet wipes can be found in large supermarkets throughout the country.

As an added bonus, many of these stores also carry organic and specialty items for those looking for something different.

Most restaurants have high chairs available for toddlers, although it’s always best to double-check with the establishment before your visit.

If you plan on doing a lot of walking during your trip, then a stroller is essential for keeping your little one safe and comfortable.

4. Austria With a Toddler

Austria is an amazing place for toddler-friendly holidays in Europe. It boasts an incredible mix of attractions and activities that will enthrall and delight children of all ages.

From its breathtaking mountain villages to its baroque architecture and historic sites, Austria is a country filled with treasures.

For the adventurous child, there are salt mines to explore, and for the scientific child, there are dinosaur parks.

And for a truly magical experience, you can take your toddler to one of Austria’s many ice caves!

Best Places To Visit in Austria With A Toddler

Vienna is undoubtedly one of the best European cities to visit with toddlers, the Prater amusement park has been delighting visitors since the late 19th century.

This historic park offers rides and attractions suitable for all ages, from classic wooden roller coasters to a Ferris wheel and carousel.

Salzburg is another great option for families with young children, especially if you want to use it as a base as there are many great day trips to awesome places from here

Visit Mirabell Palace and Gardens, or take a tour of the Hohensalzberg Fortress. You can also check out the world-famous Salzburger Zoo, where your little ones will learn about the many animals that live there.

Or, take a train ride to the top of Mt. Untersberg for breathtaking views of the city.

Finally, make sure to explore some of Austria’s stunning natural scenery on a family hike through the Alps or along one of its beautiful lakes.

Where To Get Toddler Supplies In Austria

When it comes to finding the supplies you need for your toddler, Austria has a wide range of options. Supermarkets are well-stocked with all kinds of necessities from diapers and wipes to snacks.

Austrians are known for their welcoming hospitality, so you’ll find that most restaurants are family-friendly with special children’s menus and high chairs.

If you’re taking a trip to the amusement park, make sure you bring a stroller to keep your toddler comfortable while walking around.

Austria also has plenty of children’s shops that offer clothing, toys, and other necessities so you can easily be prepared for any unexpected needs during your stay in Austria with a toddler.

6. Spain With a Toddler

Contributed by  Andalucia in My Pocket

Spain is a top pick when it comes to the best European destinations with toddlers. There will always be children playing around the terraces at restaurants, whilst the parents are dining.

From my experience, going to the supermarket with a toddler always created conversations with other people and with the cashier, who always made a real fuss about the baby sitting in the shopping cart.

The restaurants were also always open to accommodate the toddler, all had highchairs, and were happy to cook something simple, off the menu for him as he used to be a picky eater.

Breastfeeding in public was never an issue either. 

Best Places In Spain To Visit With A Toddler

Some of the best places in Spain to visit with a toddler are along Costa del Sol.

The beautiful sandy beaches always had playgrounds for toddlers, as well as family-friendly chiringuitos where we as adults ordered fish, whilst the toddler would get French fries and chicken nuggets.

These chiringuitors are straight on the sand, in the shade, which allows the children to play if they get bored.

The beaches around  Malaga  are particularly family-friendly. All beaches and towns in the South of Spain are stroller friendly. 

Where To Find Toddler Supplies In Spain

Finding toddler supplies in Spain is very easy, either at the supermarket or the pharmacy, which are everywhere.

If you plan to rent a car during the high season, make sure to do it in advance, as the car seats are limited.

7. Greece With a Toddler

Contributed by World Wild Schooling

Another of the top picks of the best places in Europe with toddlers is Greece.

The Greeks have a soft spot for kids, so you don’t need to be concerned about the noise caused by your little ones running around which makes it a perfect spot for a family vacation, particularly if you have young children in tow.

In Greece, breastfeeding is a breeze, and there is no stigma attached to it, so feel free to do it wherever you want.

While there aren’t many baby changing rooms available, you can change your baby’s diaper in public without any fuss from the locals.

Additionally, Greek cuisine is incredibly child-friendly, with most restaurants offering grilled meat and veggies that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. 

Best Places In Greece To Visit With A Toddler

Traveling with toddlers can be a challenge, but  Athens  is a city that makes it easier to explore with little ones.

The city center is stroller-friendly and largely without cars, which makes it easier to navigate with young children. 

You can take your little ones to explore the Acropolis or visit the National Garden, where they can run around and play in the playgrounds (tip: take a carrier with you for the Acropolis, as strollers are not allowed!). 

If you’re looking to venture outside of Athens, Corfu is also a great option for families with young children. The island is very kids-friendly, with plenty of activities to keep them entertained. 

One of the highlights is the pirate ship tour, where your little ones can dress up like pirates and sail around the island.

There’s also a water park with slides, pools, and water games that are sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.

After more ideas? Here is our post on the best places to visit in Greece for first time visitors .

Where To Find Toddler Supplies In Greece

When it comes to your toddler’s needs like food, formula, and diapers, fret not because these are easily accessible in supermarkets in Greece.

And if you’re worried about where your little one will sleep, simply request a crib in advance and most hotels will gladly provide one.

Overall, Greece is a perfect destination for family vacations, with its love for kids and plenty of toddler-friendly activities to keep them entertained.

Rest assured that your little one will have a blast discovering all that Greece has to offer.

Contributed by Guide Your Travel

Germany also gets a vote as one of the best European countries to visit with toddlers, as it offers a wide range of family-friendly activities and attractions.

Germans in my experience are generally very tolerant towards children and you’ll find that breastfeeding, finding changing rooms, and having high chairs shouldn’t be a problem.

Best Places In Germany To Visit With A Toddler

Berlin is a vibrant city with a rich history, and it offers many attractions for families with young children. The city has plenty of playgrounds and parks, such as the famous Tiergarten and the Mauerpark, where toddlers can run around and play.

Munich is known for its beautiful architecture, delicious food, and famous Oktoberfest celebrations, but it is also a great city for families with young children. Families can visit the Munich Zoo or the Deutsches Museum, which has a children’s science center with interactive exhibits. 

In Hamburg, families can take a boat tour of the city’s canals or visit the Miniatur Wunderland, which is the world’s largest model railway exhibition. And for a fun day out, families can visit the Hagenbeck Zoo, which has a wide variety of animals and a playground for children.

Where To Find Toddler Supplies In Germany

You can find toddler supplies in most major supermarkets and shops like Rewe, Edeka, or Aldi.

For more specific things and a bigger selection, head to drug stores like Rossman or DM, which have everything you could possibly need.

Contributed by World by Weekend

One of the best places to visit in Europe with toddlers is Ireland. After living in Ireland with my toddler for the past year plus, I’ve found the country is very accepting of young children.

Most pubs and restaurants across Ireland allow children before 7 pm, and many restaurants have children’s menus.

When I first moved here I was still breastfeeding and found it commonplace for mothers to breastfeed in parks and other public spaces.

Best Places In Ireland To Visit With A Toddler

Dublin, the country’s capital city, is of course a wonderful place to visit with toddlers.

The city’s main park, St Stephen’s Green, is great for a family stroll. The park also has a phenomenal playground with toddler-accessible features.

Dublin is also very stroller friendly, with even pavement (no cobblestones here!) and a compact city center that’s easy to navigate on foot.

While I love Dublin, to get a real sense of Ireland you need to get out west. One of my favorite toddler-friendly destinations in the country is the town of Dingle.

This charming town has a small aquarium that kids will love. It’s also a great place to stroll along the water and hopefully catch sight of a dolphin or two.

Whilst there are plenty of other things to do in Dublin , one of my favorites is to stop into Murphy’s, a local institution, and taste some brown bread ice cream.

Where To Find Toddler Supplies In Ireland

Toddler supplies are readily available across Ireland. Major grocery chains, such as Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, and Eurospar, sell diapers, wipes, formula, and toddler foods.

Even small towns have convenience stores that stock these items, so you’ll never be too far from toddler necessities.

10. Luxembourg

Contributed by Paulina On The Road

Luxembourg is one of those countries that your kids might not have heard of but are going to love. It is small, compact, and safe, making it a perfect destination to roam around with kids.

The attractions are close enough to be explored on foot with your kids. Plus, the people are also welcoming.

The country offers so many kid-friendly activities that your little ones will have the fun of their life. There are playgrounds, museums and so many activities for kids which is why it makes the list of the best European vacations with toddlers.

Best Places In Luxembourg To Visit With A Toddler

I have visited Luxembourg with my babies thrice and these are the cities I have found perfect for toddlers so far.  The country’s capital is a great place to explore with kids, with many parks, playgrounds, and museums. The city is stroller-friendly, and most of the attractions are within walking distance.  A visit to Esch-sur-Alzette is a must. This city is known for its cultural events and festivals, making it an exciting place for families to visit.  The charming town of Echternach has many attractions suitable for kids, including the Abbey Museum and the Beaufort Castle.

Where To Find Toddler Supplies In Luxembourg

There are a number of stores in Luxembourg for toddler supplies. If you have decided on where to stay in Luxembourg , look for a kids’ store nearby. For example, I usually shop from LToys in Niederanven.  Plus, you can find rental strollers for babies at Toddgo.  

Contributed by Parenthood and Passports

Norway, may not be your most obvious choice when it comes to the best places to travel with toddlers in Europe! However, you will be pleasantly surprised as it is one of Europe’s most child-friendly travel destinations.

The Scandinavian country is known for its low crime rate and progressive environmental efforts making it an ideal place to travel for families concerned about safety, air quality, and health.

There are so many beautiful places in Norway you will be spoilt for choice of where to go.

Best Places To Visit In Norway With A Toddler

The capital city of Oslo, Norway is a fantastic destination for families with toddlers. This beautiful city offers an array of activities and attractions that are perfect for little ones.

From world-class playgrounds like the one at Frogner Park to the open-air Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, there are lots of great and enjoyable places to explore in  Oslo with kids .

Additionally, the city of Bergen, on the country’s west coast will remind kids of Arendelle, from the hit Disney movie,  Frozen .

Known as the “Gateway to the Fjords”, Bergen’s colorful row of old wooden buildings lining the wharf is picture-perfect. But kids will most enjoy riding the Ulriken Cable Car or taking the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen.

There are plenty of easy and beautiful hikes near Bergen and throughout Norway that you can also do with your toddler if you seek a vacation with lots of fresh air and pristine scenery.

Where To Find Toddler Supplies In Norway

Norway is so family-friendly that you’ll have no problem finding necessities for your toddler. You’ll find stores everywhere that carry items like diapers and formula.

Businesses tend to cater to families, with high chairs, children’s menus, coloring pages, and even an occasional balloon provided in restaurants. 

Even the trains in Norway have specific family cars with play areas built in for young children and toddlers. 

12. Iceland

Contributed by Wandering Wagars

Iceland has long been a bucket-list destination for adventure-seekers. This incredible North Atlantic country draws tens of thousands of visitors each year who are looking to explore majestic landscapes, epic mountains, and jaw-dropping gorgeous hot springs.

But amidst some of the world’s most magnificent landscapes, Iceland is an underrated family-friendly travel destination .

The people, while generally reserved among outsiders, open their arms to families and the beautiful scenery makes the perfect natural playground for young ones.

Best Places In Iceland To Visit With A Toddler

Spend some time learning about the country’s fascinating Viking history at some of the many family-friendly Viking museums such as the Saga Museum near Reykjavik.

Head out for a full-day adventure from the country’s capital along the eye-popping ‘Golden Circle’ route that zips inland past magnificently blue geysers, and towering waterfalls, and into a national park where the country is, quite literally, being torn in two.

Head to the rarely-visited Westfjords for a truly special experience. Journey past shipwrecks, ancient Viking trails, and adorable fishing towns that offer a constant stream of local, summer festivals that are a delight for families of all ages.

And don’t miss the scenic Myvatn area where the volcanic geography is literally bubbling with energy. Find family-friendly hot springs like the Myvatn Nature Baths, bubbling mud pools glowing with every color of the rainbow, incredible hikes through otherworldly rock formations, and the most beautiful lake in the country.

Where To Find Toddler Supplies In Iceland

The towns in Iceland are quite spread apart, but grocery stores and small markets are in every town, and they all have everything that you need to enjoy the country with a toddler.

In larger towns such as Reykjavik and Akureyri you’ll find larger groceries where it’s easy to pick up more supplies for those embarking on the ‘Ring Road,’ a beautiful road trip that circles the entire country.

13. Portugal

Contributed by The Algarve Family

Portugal is a fantastic family-friendly travel destination . The culture, nice weather, and mixture of sun and sand make this an amazing destination to visit with your little one. 

As full-time travelers that made the Algarve our home, we love traveling in our new home country with our 18-month-old toddler and I am sure that you will too.

The Portuguese love babies and people will come up to you asking questions and trying to interact with your toddler in a fun way. We enjoy that Portugal is a safe country for toddler travel.

Eating is never a hassle as an abundance of wonderful food is available at reasonable prices and most restaurants have high chairs.

The majority of mothers breastfeed in Portugal so finding a spot to breastfeed is never a problem. The Portuguese take their children everywhere with them and clean facilities to change diapers are usually easy to find. 

Best Places In Portugal To Visit With A Toddler

With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, the beaches of Lagos in the Algarve are a great place to visit with a toddler.

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, offers many fun activities to do with toddlers such as visiting the aquarium, and science museum, or exploring the city by tram!

Where To Find Toddler Supplies In Portugal

Diapers, baby food, formula, bottles, and all other baby supplies are readily available in pharmacies and supermarkets. 

Contributed by Work Play Mommy

If you are traveling with a toddler in tow, don’t overlook the United Kingdom for your next family trip.

The UK is easy to travel with a family due to its international airport options, free museums and entertainment, stroller-friendly transportation, and diverse food options (including toddler favorites!)

Best Places In The UK To Travel With A Toddler

You can find toddler-friendly activities wherever you go. If you travel to Wiltshire County your child can  dance among the stones at Stonehenge . Manchester is a c calm, laid-back city with lots of family activities including an aquarium. 

If you get a sunny day why not head to Southampton and spend your holiday on the beach? For some of the oldest history and culture, head to Edinburgh which is considered the seat of Scottish history.

London is a haven for kids’ activities. Children under 10 ride the Tube and London bus for free and the playgrounds are secured. Plus many of the most famous sites like the Science and Natural History museums are free. 

Where To Find Toddler Supplies In The UK

Our family was pleasantly surprised by how welcome our children and toddler were everywhere we went. Pubs quickly produced high chairs. Changing tables were readily available in restrooms and parks.

If you travel via train, we found the train station attendants were quick to help us find a car for our stroller and our family.

We found everything that we needed easily. Private transfers provided safe, clean car seats. Taxis fit the entire stroller with your sleeping child buckled inside. And many hotels or rentals provide toddler beds!

However, Tesco, a popular grocery chain in the UK is always nearby where you can purchase an extra bag of diapers (nappies), snacks, wipes, and more.

Contributed by European Cities with Kids

The Czech Republic is the perfect destination to visit in Europe with toddlers.

 If you’re planning a trip to the Czech Republic with toddlers, Prague is the best place to visit. Most attractions are outdoors, leaving plenty of space for busy toddlers to run around. I visited Prague on my first solo trip with a toddler when my daughter was 2. 

There are plenty of family-friendly attractions, events, and places to eat. Another highlight is the many family-friendly festivities throughout the year, from the traditional Christmas markets to Prague Easter Market.

We visited Prague Easter Market and loved trying the traditional cuisine and buying souvenirs. Look out for the horse and carts in the central square – the perfect activity for toddlers.

Most cafes have baby-changing facilities in the toilets. Lots of restaurants have children’s menus.

The best places to eat include Pizza Nuova and Koala Café. There are plenty of chain eateries, such as McDonald’s too.

Best Places In Prague To Visit With A Toddler

If you’re visiting Prague with a toddler, make sure you visit Prague Zoo. Located on the city’s outskirts, Prague Zoo is one of the  best zoos in Europe .

Charles Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in Europe. Walking along it is a mist-do when in Prague. Just below the bridge is an excellent children’s park with lovely views across the river.

Aquaplace Praha is a massive complex of water parks, pools, and play areas – perfect to keep toddlers entertained for hours!

Where To Get Toddler Supplies In Czech

There are pharmacies everywhere that sell all the baby supplies you may need. Supermarkets also stock baby food.

16. Netherlands With a Toddler

Contributed by Go Places With Kids

The Netherlands is a wonderful place to visit with a toddler because, in general, the culture is extremely family-friendly and accommodating of babies and toddlers. 

During our stay with our toddler, we found that many places we visited had a dedicated mother’s room for breastfeeding and changing diapers.

High chairs were also available in most restaurants and child-friendly food options were easy to come by.

Best Places In the Netherlands To Visit With A Toddler

Amsterdam is at the top of our list of places to visit in the Netherlands with a toddler. There are so many toddler-friendly activities to do in Amsterdam !

It’s also simple to get around using public transportation or a bike (you can rent bikes with a toddler seat or wagon) and the city is easy to navigate with a stroller.

Rotterdam is one of the places that surprised us the most on our trip was Rotterdam.

We found that there were lots of fun things to do in Rotterdam with kids , from the Pancake Boat cruise to amazing playgrounds to the Kids Marina.

Like other major cities in the Netherlands, it is very easy to get around by bike or public transportation. 

Where To Find Toddler Supplies In Netherlands

Toddler supplies such as diapers and formula are readily available at supermarkets (the most popular being AH).

You can also rent baby gear during your stay (crib, car seat, stroller, etc.) through a service such as Babonbo.

17. Croatia With a Toddler

Contributed by Places of Juma

Croatia is the perfect destination to bring your children for an unforgettable vacation.

The warm and friendly locals are always delighted to welcome families and make sure that kids have plenty of fun activities to keep them entertained. F

rom lush green forests and sparkling waters to sun-soaked beaches, Croatia is the perfect place for making memories with your little one.

Croatia is full of exciting activities that kids and toddlers will love, such as exploring its many historical sites, taking a cruise on the tranquil Adriatic Sea, or simply playing in the sand at one of the many stunning beaches

Best Places In Croatia To Visit With A Toddler

The stunning Istrian region , located in the north of Croatia, is particularly well-suited for families and especially those traveling with toddlers.

Summer temperatures tend to be milder here than in other parts of the country, and there’s a range of toddler-friendly activities and amenities on offer, such as:

• Aquapark Aquacolors – the biggest water park in Croatia ( grab your tickets online here )
• Aquapark Istralandia has loads of fun play areas for toddlers. ( Grab your tickets online here )
• Dinopark Funtana
• Aquarium Pula
• Glavani Park , and so much more!

If you’re looking for a quiet stroll with the stroller, there are plenty of resorts in Istria that have coastal promenades . The most popular ones include Umag, Porec, Rovinj, Medulin, and Novigrad.

You can find a list of more things to do in Istria with kids here.

Of course you might also like to add on some additional days in order to explore Dubrovnik, Split and Zagreb .

If you are planning to visit Split in Croatia, you might be interested in staying in one of our recommended luxury hotels in Split .

Where To Find Toddler Supplies In Croatia

Parents in Croatia have access to a wide range of toddler supplies no matter where they are.

Supermarkets like Konzum, Spar, and Plodine provide an abundance of options for anything you may need – from food and drinks to clothing and toys.

If your little one gets sick, there are plenty of drugstores and pharmacies.

Where to Stay in Istria, Croatia with a Toddler

I recommend you stay at a beachfront resort that has a pool. That way you can schedule in plenty of relaxing fun days for your family that will be as relaxing as it possibly could be with a toddler.

I highly recommend the Maistra Select Family Hotel Amarin in Rovinj. This kid-friendly hotel has a a special children buffet and they have cots availble as well.

The hotel has 4 swimming pools and playgrounds together as well as babysitting services. You will also love the beach area with sun loungers and umbrellas.

Best European Vacations With Toddlers FAQs

Here are some answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Best European Vacations with toddlers.

To plan a trip to Europe with a toddler, you should start by researching family-friendly destinations, accommodations, and transportation options. Think about your toddler’s needs and schedule, and plan activities that are age-appropriate and enjoyable for the whole family. Don’t forget to bring essential items such as a stroller and a car seat.

Many European cities have cobblestone streets and narrow sidewalks that may not be stroller-friendly, and some tourist attractions may not allow strollers. Alternatively, you could consider using a baby carrier or renting a stroller once you arrive at your destination.

If you plan to use taxis or ride-sharing services, it’s a good idea to bring a portable car seat that meets European safety standards. If you plan to rent a car, car rental companies in Europe typically require the use of car seats for children under a certain age or weight and may have car seats available for hire. It’s best to check with your transportation provider and do research on local laws and regulations to ensure your child’s safety and what travel car seat you may need.

Summary Of The Best Places To Travel With Toddlers In Europe

Parent travelers looking for the best places to visit in Europe with toddlers need not look any further.

From Italy and Malta, to Ireland and Luxembourg, there are plenty of destinations that offer fun activities for young children.

Not only will these countries provide a unique cultural experience, but they also have great toddler-friendly attractions such as parks, playgrounds, and museums making your travel with a toddler a memorable and fun experience.

Additionally, you can easily find all the necessary supplies at local stores or supermarkets throughout each country.

So if you’re planning your next family vacation abroad make sure to consider some of these incredible European locations!

Jolene Ejmont

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The Best Places to Travel in Europe with a Baby

For new parents who love to travel, carrying an infant along may seem like quite a task. However, traveling with a baby can be easier than you expect, and finding the right destinations is the key to successful family travel. Here are our top 5 places to travel in Europe with a baby, plus some tips and tricks to make traveling with your baby easier than ever.

Travel to: Europe

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a city of bright colors and fairytales, which babies (and parents) will love. When the weather is good, head to the Tivoli amusement park and enjoy the funfair booths and beautiful flower gardens.

You’ll also want to visit The Blue Planet, Copenhagen’s famous aquarium with over 20,000 living creatures to entertain your baby. Copenhagen is also a great city for walking tours, which means you can avoid taking public transportation or riding in the car too much.

2. Granada, Spain

With beautiful architecture based in the Moorish era of Spain, Granada has plenty to offer parents. To get a complete tour of the city and rest your legs, get on the hop-on, hop-off city train, an enclosed tram that takes you through the entire city. You can listen to interesting details of Spain’s history while your baby sleeps peacefully. Also, be sure to visit the beautiful Alhambra Palace, wander the gardens, and get a glimpse of Spain in another era.

See Also: What to Pack for Two Weeks in Europe

3. Munich, Germany

While it may be known for Oktoberfest, the German city of Munich has much to offer families as well. An easily walkable city, Munich is home to plenty of family-friendly parks. This includes the 89-acre zoo, Tierpark Hellabrunn, complete with pony and camel rides for kids.

If you’re looking to buy a souvenir or two, head to Obletter, a multi-level toy store with over 16,000 toys.

4. Lisbon, Portugal

This seaside city in Portugal is nestled into a culture that adores children, and many restaurants offer kid-friendly play areas. If you’re looking to relax and soak up some sun with your infant, Lisbon is a great city.

Unfortunately, Lisbon isn’t very walkable since the city is built on steep hills leading up from the coast. However, there is a tram that will take you around, so you can rest your feet and still see the sights.

See Also: The Least-Visited Countries in Europe

5. Tuscany, Italy

Feeling welcome is important, and Italy is another European country that is in love with babies. Many come here for the scenic landscapes and countryside homestays, labeled Agriturismo as an amalgam of agriculture and tourism; here, you can wander the fields and gardens, and if you’ve got a toddler, there will be plenty for them to discover. Also, public nursing is allowed, which is a nice perk for new parents.

Whether you decide to head to Pisa to see the leaning tower, wander through the gothic-style Cathedral of Florence, or just drive through the iconic rolling fields of Tuscany, you and your baby will absolutely love this part of Italy.

Use these tips to travel better with a baby

To make your family travel a success, try these five tips.

Carry your baby using a wrap

Strollers are heavy, hard to bring on a plane, and just plain cumbersome. If you can, try to avoid bringing a stroller by carrying your baby with you.

Using a baby wrap will keep your infant close to you, where they feel most safe, but will also keep your arms free to carry luggage, open doors, eat, and snap photos to cement those memories forever!

Buy disposable baby gear at your destination

Don’t worry about packing tons of extra diapers: just bring enough for the trip. You can always buy basic baby supplies once you get to your destination. Any local supermarket or pharmacy will carry what you need.

Use trains to get around

If you’re using public transportation on your trip, a train is absolutely the safest method. Thankfully, Europe is full of trains, which makes your travel even easier. You can carry your baby with you, and in many cases, they can travel for free!

Plan for one travel hub rather than moving around

While it’s tempting to plan a few nights in Italy, a few in Spain, a couple in Denmark, and so forth, be careful not to overbook your trip.

Instead of planning fewer nights in more places, plan more nights in fewer places. Ideally, find cities that you can call your ‘home base’ and spend the entirety of your trip using one hotel room or apartment. This will make the trip easier for your baby while still allowing you to take day trips to nearby destinations.

See Also: Tips for Travelling with a Baby Under 1 Year Old on a Plane

Avoid the summer months in southern Europe

Southern Europe gets very hot in the summer: it’s not unusual to see temperatures of over 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) for multiple days in a row.

So, when traveling with your baby, it may be best to avoid July and August. But don’t worry: you can catch good weather and avoid the crowds by traveling in May-June or September-October.

While traveling with your new baby may be a bit more challenging than it was before, it’s absolutely worthwhile. For a couple who fell in love with travel before they expanded their family, introducing your baby to new experiences and cultures will leave an impression that will last a lifetime. Best of all, you’ll be strengthening your family ties and developing cherished memories together.

Have you traveled with a baby or small child? Tell us your stories below!

Amy Copadis

Amy Copadis is a freelance writer and blogger currently living in Spain. She writes to fund her addiction to travel and coffee.

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10 Best Places to Travel with Kids in Europe

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Travelers looking to embark on their first trip to Europe with family may be wondering, what are the best countries in Europe to visit with kids? We get this question a lot in our Facebook community , so we asked our members to share their recommendations for families considering Europe with kids for the first time. Our list of the best places to travel with kids in Europe focuses on countries that are accepting of young kids, offer a lot of family-friend things to do, and have other kid-friendly features. So whether you are looking to relax on a European beach, soak in some history, or practice your language skills, we have a perfect family trip to Europe just for you!

Companies such as  Viator  or  GetYourGuide   offer various tours in France, Italy, Portugal, Greece, and all over Europe with a flexible cancellation policy and a book now, pay later option. These companies offer peace of mind for families if they have to cancel for any reason.

Best Places to Travel with Young Kids in Southern Europe

Whether you are seeking the best places to travel with a baby in Europe, some of the best European vacations with toddlers, or generally the best places to travel with kids in Europe , Southern Europe offers some of the top-ranking options! From beaches to scrumptious food to ancient history, these countries offer a lot for families looking to explore Europe for the first time!

Italy was the most recommended country in Europe for young kids by our Facebook community . As one of the best places to travel with kids in Europe , you can expect friendly locals, kid-friendly foods, and an amazing array of things to do – including playgrounds in many cities. We hear it all the time, Italians love kids! And it’s so true. Families who choose Italy can expect locals to strike up conversations and look fondly at their little ones. In fact, Italy is also one of the best places to travel with a baby in Europe. Summers in Italy are very hot and August is the busiest month for tourism, so spring and fall are the best time to visit.

You won’t find any kids’ menus here, but kids can order anything off the regular menu and you can ask for a kid-sized portion from most restaurants. Of course, kids will love eating as much pizza and gelator as they please! Plus, pizza bianca, pasta bianca, and Macedonia (fruit salad) are great options for picky palates. It’s worth noting that there is no smoking allowed inside restaurants in Italy, however, it is still allowed on restaurant patios.

Where to Go in Italy with Kids

If you choose Italy with kids, there are many great cities to choose from too! 

• Rome : History and art lovers will adore Rome , where they can see the Colosseum, explore a children’s museum together, and spend relaxing days in the Villa Borghese gardens, offering multiple playgrounds, a rowboat pond, and a zoo, among other things.
• Sicily : Those looking for a unique experience can head to Sicily . Here, families with young kids can learn about Mt. Etna, float down lazy rivers at Etnaland, and meet the wildlife at Bioparco di Sicilia.
• Tuscany : Tuscany is filled with small towns offering quaint stays filled with peaceful days. Here, you can roam vineyards, shoot down waterslides at Piccolo Mondo Park, and meet the animals at the Zoological Garden of Pistoia. Located in Tuscany, Florence offers a children’s museum, in addition to some of the world’s best art museums. You can even enjoy a kid-friendly tour at the Uffizi Gallery. 
• Puglia : New to American tourists, Puglia is another wonderful region with young kids. Here, meander charming towns, relax on the beach, and get adventurous at Parco Avventura Indiana Park (with areas for children as young as 2). Or, go hiking, take carriage rides, and more at Ostuni Adventure Park.

Certainly, one of the best places to travel with kids in Europe is Greece! With a family-oriented culture, Greece is a great option for your first family trip to Europe. Many cities in Greece even offer free dining, accommodations, and public transportation for little ones. Here, families can visit beaches, historical sites, and more. Plus, the locals adore kids. Expect your kids to get a lot of positive attention! Familie will also appreciate the top-notch family resorts available. Summers are often the busiest time for tourism, due to its great weather and most things, like hotels, being open for the season. Winter is a great time to visit too, just be prepared for fewer hotel options and no beach time.

Kids will be able to find a lot of food they’ll love too! Have them try souvlaki, chicken, or pork skewers, with Greek-style potatoes (fried in olive oil) on the side. Plus, kids will adore dipping pita into tzatziki or other spreads. Traditional Greek gyros can be a great option too!

Where to Go in Greece with Kids

If you’re looking for popular kid-friendly destinations in Greece, there are several to choose from. Here are the best places to travel with kids in Europe!

• Rhodes : Consider Rhodes , a family-friendly Greek Island, offering lovely beaches. Here, peek at vintage toys at the Rhodes Toy Museum, explore the Valley of the Butterflies, and visit the historic ruins at the Acropolis of Rhodes. Then, head to Faliraki Water Park for a fun day spent on waterslides and in pools.
• Halkidiki : Located in mainland Greece, Halkidiki is another great choice for families with young kids. Spend lazy days on the soft sands of Kalamitsi beach. Then, engage with interactive stations at Aristotle Park or take adventurous kids to the Petralona Cave.
• Zakynthos : Zakynthos is a great choice for a Greek Island with kids. Not only with you have an array of beaches to choose from, but kids will adore meeting the small animals at Askos Stone Park and splashing the day away at Tsilivi Waterpark and Water Village!
• Athens : Athens is another classic Greek destination for families. Filled with ancient history, great restaurants, and a lot of family-friendly activities, Athens is sure to please everyone in your family. Here, explore ancient ruins like the Acropolis, stroll through the National Garden, and take the 40-minute tour with Happy Train with Kids, an adorable street train that lets families see the sights from Ermou Street to Syntagma Square.

RELATED : 16 Exciting European Beach Destinations For Families

In Spain , families can expect friendly locals who want to chat with or smile at kids. This warm attitude toward little ones is just one of the reasons Spain is on our list of the best places to travel with kids in Europe . With beaches, impressive museums, and walkable cities, it is easy to see why families love Spain with kids. Plus, Spain also offers an array of incredible outdoor experiences for adventurous families. Spain tends to be busiest during the summer, making the shoulder session a great option for families looking for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

Plus, food in Spain is divine! From tapas to seafood, parents will be thrilled with their options! And kids will be too. Consider kid-friendly foods like paella, revueltos (basically scrambled eggs), and plenty of sandwich options too, including the kid-favorite bocadillo de jamón. Gelato and churros con chocolate are popular options too.

Where to Go in Spain with Kids

If you choose Spain for upcoming European family vacations , you’ll have your choice of cities. Here are the best places to travel with kids in Europe!

• Barcelona is perfect for families seeking a mix of time on the beach and plenty of museums. Stroll through colorful Park Güell, learn something new at the Chocolate Museum, and take advantage of the nearby beaches. Plus, don’t miss spending a day at the Tibidabo Amusement Park! Then, read more about the best things to do with kids in Barcelona here .
• Malaga is a great option for families who want to see castles, relax on the beach, and visit a thrilling water park. You can also meet dolphins, penguins, and other fantastic creatures at the Selwo Marina Delfinarium. Don’t miss spending a day at Tivoli World Amusement Park too!
• Valencia is one of the most family-friendly cities in Spain. Here, you can experience an immersive zoo experience at Valencia Bioparc, stroll through Parque de Cabecera, and relax on Malvarrosa beach. Plus, don’t miss Parque Gulliver, where kids will be amazed by this incredible playground experience.
• Interest in a winter visit? The Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia make a great snow destination in Europe for families. Here, you can experience a cozy mountain escape, as well as opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing or sledding, and dog sledding.  

Research remarkable homestays in Spain with Plum Guide now!

Up next on our list of the best places to visit with kids in Europe is Portugal ! Like its neighbors along the Mediterranean, Portugal is famed for its welcoming locals and warm attitudes toward kids. In fact, hotel and restaurant staff are notoriously caring and helpful with young kids in Portugal. Due to its location, parents can also typically find direct, as well as relatively short flights when choosing Portugal (NYC to Lisbon is less than 7 hours). Plus, the weather is delightful. Lisbon is even known as one of the sunniest places in Europe! Finally, Portugal is also a very safe country to visit with kids since it has very little crime.

As one of the best European vacations with toddlers, Portugal also offers several foods that even the pickiest eaters will love. Grilled chicken and fish are widely available. Small fishcakes are usually a hit with the kids! Then, kids should also try the local favorite francesinha (“little Frenchies”), or Portugal’s answer to the French croque-monsieur. For deserts, ice cream and pasteis de Belem (custard tarts) reign supreme. Similar to Italy, dinner usually starts around 7:00 PM. As a plus, all cafes will also provide tap water (perfect for mixing bottles at the table!).

Visiting Portugal As A Family: Important Information You Need To Know

Where to Go in Portugal with Kids

Families who choose Portugal for their next European vacation with kids have several great areas to explore! Here are a few of our favorites when it comes to the best places to travel with kids in Europe. 

• Algarve : Portugal’s southernmost region, Algarve , is a great choice for young kids. Here, families will find an array of lovely resorts, plenty of beaches, and stunning scenery. When you’re ready to leave the beach, head to Zoomarine, Lagos Zoo, or embark on a dolphin-watching cruise. Don’t miss spending the day splashing at Aqualand Algarve, an exciting water park for the whole family.
• Porto : Located in the north, families love Porto for its history, easy-going locals, and an array of family-friendly activities. Spend your days strolling through the gardens at the Crystal Palace and embarking on cruises along the Douro River. Then, just outside of the city, spend a fun day learning about animals at the Zoo Santo Inácio.
• Lisbon : Visiting Portugal’s capital, Lisbon , is another great option for families! With all the amenities of a large city, while still being filled with charm, Lisbon offers families the best of both worlds. When you’re ready to explore, add The Lisbon Zoo, The Lisbon Aquarium, St. George’s Castle, and a scenic gondola ride on the Lisbon Cable Cars to your itinerary. Here are more Amazing Things to Do in Lisbon With Kids . Looking for a great day trip from Lisbon? Sintra looks like a fairytale and makes a great family excursion.

Wondering where to go in Europe with kids and looking for something a little unique? As one of the best countries in Europe to visit with kids , Malta features one of the longest tourist seasons in Europe and plenty of sunshine (and very little rain!). Family-friendly resorts are dotted across the island, but if you’re looking for a city stay, make Valletta your home base. Those seeking a kid-friendly resort will appreciate that many of them even offer free shuttles to explore Valletta. Plus, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful resorts. For options with a kids’ club, consider The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta , InterContinental Malta, an IHG Hotel , or Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands .

Things to Do in Malta with Kids

When you’re looking for things to do in Malta with kids, there are plenty of beaches to choose from, like Mellieha Bay and Golden Bay. For time off the beach, head to the ​​Malta National Aquarium. Families will also love taking a boat tour to see the crystal clear waters of the Blue Lagoon! Finally, with any extra time, take the ferry to explore the neighboring islands of Gozo and Comino.

Kid-Friendly Food in Malta

If you’re looking for kid-friendly food in Malta, it won’t be hard to find! Italian restaurants serve pizza and pasta across the island. Then, have kids try pastizzi (cheese-filled pastry snacks) or imqaret (deep-fried dates wrapped in pastry). Fish and delicious bread are also widely available. After dinner, top off the night with a little gelato. This is surely one of the best places to travel with kids in Europe!

Best Places to Travel with Young Kids in Western Europe

Some of the best places to visit with kids in Europe are famed for historic sights, iconic foods, and top-notch family hotels. If you’re planning a family trip to Europe, we recommend adding Paris and London to your list. Certainly, they are some of the best places to travel with kids in Europe! Read more to find out why.

READ NEXT : The Ultimate Guide to Vrbo vs Airbnb for Families

London, England

When thinking about the best European places to visit with kids, London likely comes to mind. With no language barrier for Americans and a very connected subway system, it is a great starter city for those planning a family trip to Europe. Public transportation included with the Oyster card lets kids 10 and under ride free. Then, as one of the best places to travel with a baby in Europe, neighborhood pharmacies carry baby food, diapers, and other essentials. If you’re wondering which neighborhoods to stay in, we recommend West End (tons of attractions, but expensive), South Bank (near many attractions and great restaurants), South Kensington (near many free museums and two large parks), or Greenwich (trendy with river views).

Buy European train tickets, the safe and simple way by using  Rail Europe .

Things to Do in London with Kids

Plus, London is filled with playgrounds, parks, and gardens for kids to burn extra energy after visiting some of the best museums in the world. Speaking of museums, most of them offer free admission to kids. Many museums also offer self-guided and led tours designed for children and families, including The National Gallery and The Victoria & Albert Museum. To soak in the city’s sights, families will also appreciate the option of a Hop-On Hop-Off bus (perfect for resting tiny feet and still seeing what London has to offer!). The London Eye, London Duck Tours, and the Sea Life London Aquarium are also great things to do in London with kids. Here are 13 Exciting Things to Do in London with Kids !

Kid-Friendly Food in London

Picky eaters won’t leave London hungry! Here, they can munch on kid-friendly fare like pasties and fish and chips (french fries). Afternoon Tea is also a treat! Kids will delight in eating tiny sandwiches and sweets. Plus, Afternoon Tea in London may be one of the only times you’ll find a kids’ menu in Europe! Street food is also easy to find, making eating on the fly easy to do (not to mention delicious!).

Read Next : Best Places For A Kid-Friendly Tea Time in London

France may not as quickly come to mind when thinking about the best places to travel with kids in Europe, but Paris is a very kid-friendly destination. For starters, the city’s wide boulevards are lined with charming cafes, meaning tired trekkers have many choices to sit and rest. Plus, Paris is filled with beautiful parks and squares where families can relax or have a picnic. Families looking for the best neighborhoods to stay in Paris with young kids should consider the 1st arrondissement (the heart of Paris, with lots of things to do), the 5th and 6th arrondissements (lively, but family-friendly with great restaurants), or the 7th arrondissement (small accommodations with views of the Eiffel Tower ) to start.

If you’re looking for hotels in Paris, here are the Best Paris Hotels for Families with Pools or Kids’ Programs !

Things to Do in Paris with Kids

It’s easy to fill your itinerary with amazing things to do in Paris with kids. Spend your days meandering lush gardens, like the Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin de Plantes. Then, don’t miss the chance to take a quick day trip and stroll through the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens together. Kids will also enjoy meeting the animals at the Paris Zoological Park , seeing the Eiffel Tower from all angles, and embarking on a river cruise down the Seine. Near the Eiffel Tower , you will even find an enchanting carousel perfect for kids. Finally, don’t miss the chance to treat kids to Disneyland Paris !

Read Next : Fantastic Things To Do In Paris With Young Kids

Kid-Friendly Food in Paris

When it’s time to eat, families will find endless options. In fact, parents won’t be the only ones embracing their inner foodies! Spend mornings devouring croissants and other sweets. For lunch and dinner, kids can eat local favorites like omelets, ham and cheese crepes, cheese plates with fresh bread, and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. When in doubt, grab your favorite picnic supplies for a fun afternoon under the Eiffel Tower. Kids’ menus (menu enfant) can also be found at some restaurants throughout the city. Finally, don’t miss these 9 Amazing Places for Pastries and Desserts in Paris For Families .

Pro Tip : While Paris is a great place for a family trip to Europe, don’t plan to bring a stroller. Baby carriers are the way to go, as Metro stops do not offer elevators and many places do not allow strollers due to limited space.

Visiting France As A Family: Important Information You Need To Know

Best Places to Travel with Young Kids in Northern Europe

If you’re still wondering where some of the best European places to visit with kids are located, we have two great options in Northern Europe for you to consider. Here, you’ll find European family vacations filled with fun things to do, picturesque scenery, and more. Keep reading to find out why families love Findland and Copenhagen, two of the best places to travel with kids in Europe!

If you’re wondering where to go in Europe with kids that offers endless outdoor adventures and stunning scenery, Finland is your answer! This Nordic country offers beautiful fjords, endless skies, and epic chances to see the Northern Lights. As such, winter is a popular time to visit. However, as one of the best places in Europe to visit with kids , there are plenty of fun activities all year round. Spend summers hiking and enjoying the Baltic Sea or winter skiing and visiting Santa. While not known to be overly outgoing, Finnish people are generally very happy and warm once you start chatting. English is also widely spoken here. Finally, Finland is a very safe country with very little crime. 

Not only does Finland offer fun things to do with kids, but the food is surprisingly good too! For breakfast, kids can munch on yummy options such as blini (pancakes), riispuuro (rice porridge), or köyhät ritarit (similar to French toast). Later in the day, soups, fish, sausages with sides of mashed potatoes and lingonberries, and daily-made bread are a staple for families. Adventurous eaters can also try reindeer. Those with a sweet tooth will also appreciate the wide variety of berry-themed desserts featuring tasty options like blueberries, lingonberries, cloudberries, and cranberries.

Where to Go in Finland with Kids

As one of the best places to travel with kids in Europe, there are plenty of cities to choose from for your visit. Here are a few of our favorite Finnish cities for families!

• Helsinki is a popular choice for the summer months. Here, you can swim in the Baltic Sea, stroll through large food markets, and even take a day trip to nearby Estonia! This seaside city also boasts family-friendly things to do like the ​​Suomenlinna Island Fortress, the Helsinki Zoo, the Helsinki Underground Playground, and the Finnish Museum of Natural History. It’s a great choice for families who desire a more local feel, yet still vibrant city.
• Families seeking a fairy tale world to explore can make Naantali their home base. Here, you’ll be in quick proximity to Moominworld, which is a magical place sharing the tales of Tove Jansson (and only open during the summer months). Plus, you can spend your days strolling through Kultaranta Garden and watching ships in the harbor. This southwestern city also offers an array of lovely summer resorts.
• Winter travelers can’t miss searching for the Northern Lights and meeting Santa Clause at Rovaniemi . Kids will adore Santa Clause Village, where they can meet Santa’s reindeer and the big man himself. Outdoor winter activities like sledding and dog sledding are also available. Read more about spending Winter In Lapland: The Ultimate Itinerary For Families .
• Offering ten children’s slopes, Levi is the ideal option for ski families looking for a winter adventure in Finland. As the largest ski resort in Finland, there are 45 slopes in all,  mostly suitable for beginners and intermediates. After skiing, head to Kids’ Land to roast marshmallows and go sledding. Levi also offers opportunities to catch the Northern Lights. Plus, kids will adore the Searching For Santa experience.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen welcomes kids with open arms! With hundreds of parks and kids’ activities, reliable public transportation (free for kids under 12), a walkable city center, and plenty to do, it’s certainly one of the best places to visit with kids in Europe! As an example of how kid-friendly Copenhagen is, visitors may be surprised to find kids sleeping cozily in their strollers outside cafes. Those embarking on their first trip to Europe with their family will appreciate that most museums offer free admission or reduced rates for kids under 12-years-old. When looking for accommodations, consider neighborhoods like Frederiksberg (wide tree-lined streets, outside the city center), Nyhavn (touristy with colorful, fairytale-like buildings), or Østerbro (near the city center, with fewer crowds). 

Things to Do in Copenhagen with Kids

When you’re ready and explore, there are plenty of things to do in Copenhagen with kids. Enjoy family-friendly museums like the Experimentarium, the National Aquarium, and the National Museum of Denmark, which includes a top-notch children’s museum too. Then, spend a thrilling day at Tivoli, which offers green spaces, rides, and restaurants. You can also visit the 35-meter  Round Tower ,  where kids can try to run the whole way up the long winding spiral. Plus, the view is stunning! Another kids-favorite thing to do in Copenhagen is watching the  changing of the guards  at Amalienborg Palace. When you’re ready for a low-key afternoon, Skydebanen in Vesterbro and the Bermuda Triangle in Nørrebroparken in Nørrebro are popular playgrounds.

If you’re looking to get out of the city, take your kids on an exciting treasure hunt for The Six Forgotten Giants. Alternatively, you can also visit the island of Malmö, Sweden, or take the almost three-hour drive to Legoland®.

Kid-Friendly Food in Copenhagen

When you’re ready to eat, kids will be pleased with their options. Kids who like meatballs and mash potatoes may enjoy Frikadeller, while other kids may prefer the daily fish option. Plus, we can’t forget about the delicious assortment of Danish pastries! Those traveling with littles will even find options with high chairs and changing tables in the bathrooms.

Best Places to Travel with Young Kids in Wider Europe

If you are still wondering where to go in Europe with kids, we have one more exciting option to put on your list. While Turkey technically splits its borders between Europe and Asia, the city of Istanbul is a fantastic option for those looking for unique European places to visit for families. Keep reading to find out why it’s one of the best places to travel with kids in Europe!

Istanbul, Turkey

The final location on our list of the best places to travel with kids in Europe is Istanbul ! While perhaps not the first city that comes to mind, Istanbul is a great option for families seeking vibrant cultural experiences and must-see historical sites. Plus, Istanbul puts you near some amazing Turkish beach destinations with crystal clear water. Children are highly regarded in Turkey, and most people will go out of their way to ensure they are comfortable and well cared for while visiting. While you won’t find many (if any) changing tables here, diapers and baby food are widely available at pharmacies and grocery stores. Those staying in residential neighborhoods are also likely to find playgrounds too.

Things to Do in Istanbul with Kids

When you’re ready to explore one of the best European places to visit with kids, there are tons of family-friendly things to do in Istanbul. Firstly, kids will love visiting Legoland Theme Park, where they can build legos, visit the Istanbul-themed mini-park, enjoy the 4-D cinema, and more! Then, don’t miss kid-friendly places like the Istanbul Toy Museum, Istanbul Aquarium, Basilica Cistern, and the Istanbul Maritime Museum. If you’re interested in a day trip, take the ferry to Princes’ Islands, where you can leave the hustle and bustle of Istanbul for carriage rides and sea views. Finally, if you want to add a beach destination to your Turkish itinerary, consider Cesme, Marmaris, Fethiye, Bodrum, or Antalya.

Kid-Friendly Food in Istanbul

Expect gracious service across Istanbul when you’re ready to eat with kids. Most restaurants in Istanbul are kid-friendly, and many offer high chairs and children’s menus (though, certainly not all). If you’re looking for foods kids are sure to love (or at least try), consider options like döner (similar to sandwiches), bazlama tost (think pita), Turkish pancakes, or kumpir (similar to a loaded potato). There is even a Turkish-style of pizza! After dinner, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in Turkish ice cream.

Tips for Visiting Europe with Young Kids for the First Time

Now that we have shared the best places to visit in Europe with kids , there are some things you should know about your first trip to Europe with family. Here are a few tips to help you have a successful trip to Europe with kids. Plus, don’t miss reading our Comprehensive Guide on How to Travel with Kids if this is one of your first trips with kids.

• Get tips from parents who have been there before! Getting advice from family travel experts, like those in our Facebook community , can help you prepare for your upcoming trip.
• Keep in mind, that there is still a lot of smoking across Europe. You will notice it on the street and most restaurant patios.
• Learn a bit of the language (and teach your kids too!). This will go a long way in communicating with the locals, especially in places where English may not be widely spoken.

Planning Your Itinerary

• Plan low-key days in your itinerary. Having rest days or beach days can be helpful for kids.
• Finally, remember that this trip is about making memories together! If you don’t get to everything on your list, don’t fret, just focus on enjoying this special time with your kids.
• Many museums and classes offer kid-friendly tours. Do your research ahead of time and book opportunities that will appeal to your kids.
• Adding a smaller town to your itinerary can be more manageable than only big cities. Think about pairing some of the other best places to travel with kids in Europe, like Assis with Rome, for example.
• Hotel rooms tend to be smaller in Europe. And, they may have occupancy restrictions. Families who need a lot of space or who have more than one or two children should consider renting a home or apartment through Vrbo or Plum Guide .
• Book your hotel stay using   Hotels.com ,  Travelocity , Agoda , or Expedia . Or book directly with your favorite chains, like  Marriott   to  Hilton , etc.
• If you’re considering a home rental, read The Ultimate Guide to Vrbo vs Airbnb for Families .

Restaurants

• Do not expect kids’ menus in any of the locations we recommend. You may find them at touristy restaurants, but we advise doing some research about typical foods in the location you choose so you know what your kids may like ahead of time. Dinner also tends to be eaten later in Europe, so be prepared for late opening times (many restaurants may be closed between lunch and 7:00 pm, for example). Choosing accommodations with a kitchen where you can prepare your own food can help too! Finally, keep a few beloved snacks hidden for the hardest days.
• Do not expect public restrooms or changing tables in bathrooms. Be sure to pack your own changing mat and be flexible while traveling.

Getting Around

• Depending on where you are visiting, you may encounter cobblestone streets or rough streets (and no sidewalks!). Packing a baby carrier or finding a durable stroller is the way to go! If you bring a stroller, make sure you can manage to fold and store it quickly. Some museums – but not all – will offer stroller parking. Finally, check with your hotel ahead of time that your stroller will fit within your room.
• Kids are often free or discounted on a lot of public transportation, so double-check age requirements before purchasing tickets. In fact, kids under four are not required to have a Eurail pass, and kids 4-11 years need a pass but it’s free! Be aware, that not every Metro station has an elevator, which can make strollers tricky.

Happy Travels!

Travelers about to embark on their first trip to Europe with family have so much to look forward to! We hope you found this article featuring the best places to travel with kids in Europe helpful in planning your next adventure. Whether you want to relax on a beach in Spain, dine on scrumptious Italian food, or explore Scottish castles, we know you will make amazing memories with your little ones. Certainly, if you were wondering where to go in Europe with kids , we are sure you found a great option – or two!

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the attractions, accommodations, or things to do on this list may be closed. Please ensure availability before making your decision. 

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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10 Countries to Visit in Europe with Toddlers

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EXPLORING EUROPE WITH TODDLERS

Europe is a continent full of rich culture, beautiful scenery, and delicious cuisine. It’s also home to many great vacation destinations for parents wanting to explore Europe with toddlers.

Disclosure: Kindly be aware that certain links provided below may be affiliate links. If you decide to purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It’s important to note that I am an Amazon Associate and earn from qualifying purchases. For the comprehensive disclosure statement, please click here .

From the seaside resorts of Spain to the pristine mountains of Switzerland, Europe has plenty for families looking for an active getaway where they can explore new places together.

For this post, we’ve gotten some help from other family travel bloggers that have explored Europe with their toddlers. London has great things to do with kids , and although it didn’t make the list, it’s a favorite for many parents.

Here are 10 countries that you should consider when planning your next vacation to Europe with toddlers.

Related Post: Best International Places to Travel with Toddlers

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

NORTHERN EUROPE WITH TODDLERS

Table of Contents

Copenhagen, Denmark

Catherine from Postcard Narrative

One of my favorite places to visit in Europe with toddlers is Denmark, specifically Copenhagen.

Not only does Copenhagen have a kid-friendly infrastructure, but compassion toward kids is woven into Danish society, making it one of the  best places to travel with little ones . Anywhere we dined, toured, or strolled, people made a point to interact with our social and highly active toddler.

Here are the five top things to do with young   kids in the Copenhagen area :

• Find nostalgia and watch your toddler’s eyes light up at Tivoli’s historic amusement park . There is a massive playground any kid will love to explore. 
• Take a day trip to Legoland or at least make time for a visit to downtown’s Lego store.
• Take a Canal Tour .
• Burn off some energy at one of the 100+ playgrounds. Many offer community centers with indoor activities in case of rain. We had a blast at Skydebanehaven . 
• Interact with the animals at the Copenhagen Zoo or Blue Planet (northern Europe’s largest aquarium).

Make sure to enjoy brunch at Mad & Kaffe. If the thought of a sit-down meal with an unpredictable child stresses you out, grab a takeout pizza from the Neighborhood in the Vesterbro district and have a picnic.

Visit between April – July for the best weather and a lower chance of precipitation. 

Denmark’s Public transport is a dream, so book accommodations near a station. We recommend the Tivoli area as its train station is a perfect hub for local attractions, Legoland, and the airport. 

WESTERN EUROPE WITH TODDLERS

Paris, france.

Keri from Bon Voyage With Kids

One of our family’s favorite international travel destinations with toddlers is the City of Lights, Paris! France is a kid-friendly country, and Paris is a great place for les enfants!

After all, many families live there, and there is so much to do there with kids, even toddlers. With so many beautiful parks, many of which have beautiful playgrounds, exquisite food, walkability, and excellent public transportation, toddlers can enjoy this beautiful city too.

Our favorite things to do with toddlers include visiting one of the beautiful gardens, like Jardin du Luxembourg, so tots can stretch their legs and even enjoy some playground time!

Another fun activity is the Aquarium de Paris , where your little one can learn about sea creatures. Plus, it’s a chance to relax a little bit.

For parents that want to take a tour of Versailles, there is a private tour just for families with young children .

You can also take them to the gorgeous Monmarte area to ride the train or visit one of the beautiful carousels throughout the city, one of which is at the base of Monmarte.

Of course, you can visit Disneyland Paris for a day trip , by taking the train from the city! What’s more toddler-friendly than Mickey Mouse?

For dining, the French love chocolate, and when we have visited Paris with our kids, a chocolate croissant is a favorite breakfast treat or snack.

There are many creperies, particularly in the St. Germain area, where toddlers can get a savory or sweet crepe, a family-friendly chain called Flam’s that serves a type of flatbread common in the Alsace region of France, and many brasseries where tots can get a Croque monsieur (a grilled ham and cheese sandwich) and a side of frites (fries).

For the world’s best hot chocolate, stop by Angelina’s on Rue de Rivoli for this special treat. There are many hotels in Paris to stay in, but our favorite is the Crowne Plaza Paris in the Republique area.

If you are traveling with a toddler to Paris, be sure to travel with a narrow stroller, as some sidewalks in Paris can’t accommodate wide strollers. A carrier like the Tula Toddler Carrier is the perfect stroller alternative .

Read More: 10 Reasons to Travel with Toddlers

SOUTHERN EUROPE WITH TODDLERS

Dani from Diapers in Paradise

Malta, a small island nation in the Mediterranean, is a fantastic international destination for toddlers. With its fascinating history, it is no wonder that Malta feels like a perfect blend of Italy and the Middle East.

Malta is truly a year-round destination, as the weather is sunny and hot all the time. But the spring is the best bet for having the most events, slightly cooler weather and more greenery, and avoiding the busy tourist season in the summer.

Some of the best things to do in  Malta with a toddler  include exploring the silent city of Mdina, which is a labyrinthine medieval walled city with no cars – only horse-drawn carriages! 

While there, try out Bacchus if eating in a very fancy medieval dungeon is up to your toddler’s alley.

Another highlight is Popeye Village, which is the set from the 1980 movie “Popeye”. The set has been left intact and turned into a Popeye-themed amusement park. And while that sounds incredibly cheesy, it’s quite well done and a lot of fun for kids.

A few other favorite things to do are visiting the colorful boats of Marsaxlokk harbor, a stop by the Malta National Aquarium and the amazing playground outside of it, and of course – the beaches!

The beaches to the north of the island tend to be the most family-friendly, with Mellieħa Bay being one of the best.

If you plan to move around the island a lot but want to be closer to beaches and stay somewhere walkable, consider staying in St. Paul’s Bay or Bugibba instead of the more popular but closed-in Valletta.

The Seaview Hotel Malta is in a fabulous location and within walking distance of an ultra-popular destination for delicious Maltese food, Tarragon.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is simply a great destination for every kind of traveler. The Catalan capital has plenty of incredible sights to offer, even for the smallest family members.

A must when visiting Barcelona with kids is the impressive Sagrada Familia . The basilica is the city’s landmark and one of the most famous sights in Spain. 

A visit is worthwhile even from the outside because of the imposing building’s extraordinary details, shapes, and colors. Here you can walk through the neighboring park to admire the Sagrada Familia from different angles.

Some of the best things to do in Barcelona with a toddler include:

• Barcelona Zoo
• Sagrada Familia
• Casa Batlló
• Telefèric de Montjuïc
• Barcelona Aquarium

Another great activity during your family vacation in Barcelona is a visit to the beach. Here, all family members will have fun.

The city beach is located just a few minutes’ walk from the center of Barcelona and is easy to reach. 

Along the city beach, there is also a long promenade, perfect for a walk. Street artists often build extraordinary works of art out of the sand, which is fascinating, especially for the little ones.

Another great activity with kids is visiting the Tibidabo Amusement Park , located on the mountain of the same name. Here, you will find a great  Barcelona viewpoint  and lots of fun rides and fun activities for toddlers.

Catalan cuisine is diverse, so there are plenty of delicious dishes to try in Barcelona. 

While there, a visit to a tapas bar is worthwhile, as there is a wide selection of small snacks, such as Cerveceria Catalana. Another great option is Café Bliss.

The best time to travel with children is spring and autumn. This is when the weather is mild and fewer tourists. 

From Places of Juma

Croatia is one of my favorite countries in Europe and on top of that a fabulous destination for families with toddlers! 

This picturesque Balkan country delights with hospitality, the warmth of its people, and their joy in children, but also with the most beautiful landscapes, beaches, and numerous attractions.

 In Croatia, you can do a lot with your family. A must for adults are the coastal cities like Split and Dubrovnik, both of which are UNESCO cultural heritage sites. In addition, some of the most beautiful  sandy beaches in Croatia  are also nearby and perfect for families with small kids!

But it’s not just sightseeing and swimming that’s interesting there are also plenty of kid-friendly activities. One of the biggest highlights for toddlers is the Funtana Dinopark in Istria . 

The Dinopark covers nearly 80,000 square meters toddlers will be amazed by the life-size and movable dinosaur figures!

A cool place to visit is Istralandia near Novigrad or Aquapark Aquacolors in Porec, where children of all ages experience their vacation paradise.

Take your kids for a bike ride along the coast or explore the most beautiful spots on a kayak or boat tour. Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path in Croatia . There is so much to do and see.

We also found the food in Croatia to be delicious! In Pula, there is a lovely restaurant (Restaurant Jupiter) where you can get the best pancakes with ice cream.

You have to visit the pizza restaurant in the “Saloon” in Porec your toddler is sure to love it!

Another highlight is the many lovely family-friendly accommodations in Croatia. My favorites are the mobile homes at Camping Platz Lanterna and the Falkensteiner Family Hotel Diadora in Zadar.

Sicily, Italy

Samantha from The Wandering Wanderluster

Italy is without a doubt one of the most family-friendly destinations in Europe.  Sicily  is a fantastic family destination for families looking to explore Europe with toddlers. 

Deceiving in size, Sicily has a lot to offer families traveling with children of all ages, including even the youngest family members. 

Aside from its internationally recognized cuisine that most toddlers will eat with minimal fuss, the island’s main drawing card is the number of children-friendly sandy beaches. 

Both shallow and warm during the summer months, parents can relax as their little ones paddle along the calm shoreline, build grand sandcastles or find treasures washed up from the sea. 

Sicily also has several family-friendly resorts in coastal towns, including popular destinations such as Cefalu and Siracusa. 

Almost all have kid-friendly facilities and swimming pools where toddlers can build their first swimming skills. Many such as those located in Arenella or Fontane Bianche south of Siracusa are next to fully equipped lidos, so you can split your days between the pool and the beach with ease and head back to the hotel quickly for nap times. 

For a fun-filled day, you can also visit the famous  Etnaland theme park , which has a water world, dinosaur land, and a park with toddler-friendly rides, such as a carousel and teacups.

Families with toddlers should avoid visiting in July and August when temperatures reach over 100 degrees. 

For a more comfortable stay, the best time to visit is May, June, or September when the sea is still warm, the sun isn’t as dangerous for little ones, and the crowds are fewer. 

CENTRAL EUROPE WITH TODDLERS

LeAnna from Wander in Germany

Traveling to Germany with toddlers  is a surprisingly fantastic destination for the family. After all, what better place to play Knights at real-life castles or visit the actual “Cinderella Castle,” Neuschwanstein, where every age can bring out those Princess fantasies!!

What toddler doesn’t love trains!? Riding on the trains in Germany with kids is often more of a highlight for them than the destinations themselves!

While any time of year is beautiful in Deutschland when traveling with the littles, nothing makes a tot crankier than being cold or wet. So, while it may mean a few more tourists, months like July and even September are ideal for the weather. 

Some great places to visit are Munich, the Black Forest, the North Sea, and the Alps, as you’ll find plenty of kid-friendly activities in all of them. 

When traveling in Germany, be on the lookout for Biergartens that has playgrounds! Mom and Dad get to have an actual sit-down dinner, and the kiddos don’t have to sit at a stuffy restaurant. It’s a win for all!!

Karolina from Polish Foodies

Poland is one of the best destinations in the world to travel with a toddler. Why? Because Poles love children!

The best time to visit Poland with a toddler is from April to October. The weather is warm enough for your little one to enjoy the outdoors.

Most of the places you visit are suitable for kids. There is a kids’ corner in almost every restaurant and cafe. High chairs are readily available, so no need to worry about a travel high chair. 

Outdoor playgrounds are scattered throughout the country. Walk for 15 minutes in any direction, and you are bound to run into a playground.

Poland is best explored by car. If you stop by any gas station, you can be sure you will have a baby changing table available. If you are still nursing your toddler, you can do it in public without worrying about negative comments.

One of the best places to visit in Poland with toddlers is Krakow. There is a Butterfly Museum that your kid will love, as well as the Illusion Museum.

If it’s raining, visit Krakow’s Water Park , an indoor waterpark that toddlers will love. There are also many indoor playgrounds available in the city, so be sure to visit one of them on a rainy day.

When talking about traveling to Poland with a toddler, we can’t forget about the food. Polish cuisine is mild, which makes it perfect for kids. You can be sure they will love  pierogi , the famous traditional Polish dumplings stuffed with fruits, cottage cheese, or meat.

Budapest, Hungary

Helga from ShegoWandering

The Hungarian capital city Budapest is one of the best places to travel with toddlers in Europe. The city has a long list of things to do with toddlers. 

Budapest is known for its historic architecture, the beautiful Parliament building near the Danube, museums, and the delicious Hungarian food. Hungary is also famous for its beautiful  bridges in Budapest , thermal baths, and the Buda Castle.

If you’re planning a family trip to Budapest, you should explore some of the following! 

First, the Budapest Zoo, that’s beautiful, the animals are treated well and with good care, and there are plenty of activities inside the zoo for families. 

A visit to the Budapest Zoo is a great option, but if you are already in the area, you can also think about the most famous thermal bath in Budapest, the Szechenyi Thermal Bath.

Another great option to explore is the  Buda Castle  and Budapest War Museum, where there are interactive activities for families with young kids.

Families with toddlers might also enjoy a ride on the Budapest Eye or plan a visit to the summer baths on Margaret Island or the water park  Acquaworld .

On  Margaret Island , you can also rent 4-wheel bikes for families and cycle around the island. You can even take a  Tuk-Tuk City Tour , which your toddler will love.

A few other places to check out with your toddler are the  CSOPA Science Center ,  Children’s Railway , and Heroes’ Square.

Some of the best food in Budapest that kids will love is the Hungarian Langos with sour cream and cheese, or Nutella, as well as trying some desserts like the Somlói Galuska. 

The best place to stay for families in Budapest is an apartment on booking or AirBnB. The safest areas are in the IV, V, VI districts. Those are the central districts that I recommend staying in Budapest with kids.

The best time to visit Budapest depends on your itinerary. Budapest is a perfect destination for the summer. Hungary isn’t as hot as Southern European countries, and you can enjoy outdoor activities.

Although summer is a great time to visit, Budapest is also a destination for the holidays. December is the perfect time to visit the  Budapest Christmas Market , which many families love.

Overall, if you want to explore Europe with toddlers, Budapest is a great option to get history, culture, and delicious food.

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Europe with Kids – Where to Go & What to Do

SD › Europe for Families Updated: February 11, 2023 By Santorini Dave

The Greek Islands are my favorite destination in Europe when traveling with kids. Spectacular, fun, interesting, and good value.

Hotels in Europe for Families Amsterdam – Hotels for Families Athens – Hotels for Families Barcelona – Hotels for Families Dublin – Hotels for Families Edinburgh – Hotels for Families Florence – Hotels for Families Istanbul – Hotels for Families London – Hotels for Families Madrid – Hotels for Families Milan – Hotels for Families Mykonos – Hotels for Families Paris – Hotels for Families Rome – Hotels for Families Santorini – Hotels for Families Venice – Hotels for Families My boys doing a cooking class in Florence , Italy. The Best Kid-Friendly Destinations in Europe Best City for Kid-Friendly Attractions: London • Paris Best for Kid-Friendly Beaches: Naxos (Greece) Best for History and Culture: Italy Best for First Timers: UK & Ireland Best for Beach Vacation: Greece Best Value: Portugal Best for Outdoor Activities: Switzerland & Germany Best for Train Trips: France Best for River and Canal Cruises: Germany & France Best for Fun and Relaxation: Greece Best for Idyllic Evening Dinners: Spain & Greece Best for Kid-Friendly Bike Tours: Amsterdam

Greek Islands with Kids

Greece Highlights

• Santorini – Incredible views and scenery. Take a boat tour of the caldera which was formed by a volcanic explosion and forms a huge cliff that runs the length of the entire island. The beaches are not Greece’s best but there is a water park with slides.
• Crete – The largest island in Greece. Lots to do and see. Great beaches, historical sites, small traditional villages, thriving cities, and some wonderful hikes. Crete offers a little bit of everything – or rather, a lot of everything.
• Rhodes – A great island if you’re looking to visit Turkey – whether it be a day trip or a more involved trip up to Istanbul. Rhodes has great beaches and an incredible Old Town.
• Naxos – The best island for families in all of Greece. Wonderful kid-friendly beaches, with a gentle slope, and calm shallow water. The main village is packed with fun restaurants and shops. The island’s interior offers interesting traditional villages and great walks.
• Paros – A hipper version of Naxos with a bit more partying and shopping and perhaps beaches that aren’t quite so kid-friendly – though still wonderful. Nearby Antiparos is a great day trip for its laid-back charm and quiet beaches.
• Corfu – One of Greece’s most beautiful islands. Corfu Town is a beautiful old city and makes a great base for exploring the island. Lots of kid-friendly activities on the island (including a water park) and some great beaches.

Book in Advance

• Half-Day Athens Food Tour with Tour Guide
• Athens Highlights Walking Tour
• 5-Hour Catamaran Sunset Cruise on Santorini
• Mykonos to Delos 4-Hour Tour
• Crete: Hiking Tour in Samaria Gorge

Further Reading

• Santorini Travel Guide
• Mykonos Travel Guide
• Greece Travel Guide

London With Kids

• Where to Stay in London

London Highlights

• Natural History Museum : A stunning collection of kid-friendly exhibits, with dinosaurs and a huge blue whale among the favorites.
• The London Transport Museum and The Imperial War Museum : My kids loved these museums and they’re 2 of London’s best attractions for kids.
• Tower of London and Tower Bridge : History and sightseeing; torture chambers and a medieval castle.
• London Eye : Great views of the city from the world’s tallest observation wheel.
• The Science Museum , British Museum , National Portrait Gallery , and the Victoria and Albert Museum all have kid friendly tours and programs.
• Tower of London Ticket with Crown Jewels Exhibition
• Harry Potter: Warner Brothers Studio Tour and Transfers
• Classic London 3.5-Hour Bike Tour – A fun and active way to see the best of central London. With tour guide.
• Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames

Further Reading on London

• London with Kids – The Ultimate Guide
• The Best Hotels in London for Kids
• Book London Tours & Tickets in Advance
• The Best Playgrounds in London
• Tips for Visiting the British Museum
• Tips for Visiting Stonehenge
• A Guide to the Best Markets in London
• The Best Castles to Visit in England with Kids

Paris With Kids

• Where to Stay in Paris

Paris Highlights

• The Eiffel Tower (of course): Great views are often dismissed by kids as boring, but not from the Tour Eiffel. The city looks small far below but never feels distant. If your kids are old enough walk the stairs instead of wait in line for the elevator.
• The Catacombs : Run this by your kids first — you’ll descend 20 metres below street level where you’ll be able to explore 1.7km of corridors walled with the remains of long dead Parisians. They’ll either be thrilled or terrified and you can make your plans from there.
• Musée de Louvre : It’s a huge intimidating museum that can make for a long visit for kids or an enthralling cultural journey depending on how you approach it. Read and discuss some of the paintings and sculptures before you arrive. Buy postcards of famous paintings and hunt for them during your visit. The Skip the Line Guided Tour is worth the expense.
• Musée d’Histoire Naturelle de Paris : France’s best science museum could fill a whole day. The highlight for kids is usually the Galerie de l’Evolution.
• Notre Dame Cathedral : Climb the 422 steps to the cathedral’s towers and you’ll be face to face with some fierce Gargoyles and an incredible view of Paris. Kids will recognize the scenes from The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
• Eiffel Tower Skip The Line Tickets
• Louvre Skip The Line Tickets
• Chocolate and Pastry Tasting Tour
• Behind the Scenes Bakery Tour
• Versailles Guided Bike & Palace Tour
• Paris with Kids — The Ultimate Guide
• The Best Hotels & Apartments in Paris for Families
• Book Paris Tours & Tickets in Advance
• Travel Guide: Paris with Kids
• Montmartre Family Tour
• Tips for Visiting the Louvre
• What You Pay for Everyday Things in Paris

Amsterdam With Kids

• Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam Highlights

• Boat tour: Hop on board a canal tour or rent your own pedal boat (from the same shop) to see Amsterdam’s famous canals. There are 3 lines for the canal tours and 14 stops. Day passes are available and most of Amsterdam’s major sites are easily accessible from the
• Bike tour: Amsterdam is famous for it’s bike friendly culture and visitors will feel quite comfortable getting around it’s compact center on 2 wheels. Numerous shops rent bikes and little ones can hop into a bakfiets — the local version of a bike trailer.
• Science Center NEMO : Lots of hands-on fun at the Netherlands largest science museum for children aged 6 to 16.
• Visit one of Amserdam’s beautiful parks: Both Amsterdamse Bos (cheese farms, watersports, and horse riding) and Vondelpark (walking, biking, an open air theatre,  playground, and near to Rijksmuseum ,  Stedelijk Museum and  Van Gogh Museum ) are great parks that could keep the kids busy for hours.
• Volendam, Edam, & Zaanse Schans Small-Bus Tour
• Small-Group Bike Tour of Central Amsterdam
• Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan
• Amsterdam with Kids – The Ultimate Guide
• Recommended Hotels in Amsterdam for Families
• Book Amsterdam Tours & Tickets in Advance
• Amsterdam for Families and Children

Barcelona With Kids

• Where to Stay in Barcelona

Barcelona Highlights

• Parc Güell : A fun and wacky collection of Gaudi’s creations. Kids will love the colors, crazy sculptures, and playful nature of the park.
• Ride one of the city’s 2 cable cars: one goes to the beach , the other up to an old castle . Both are great for adventurous kids.
• L’Aquarium Barcelona or the Barcelona Zoo are easy to get to and make a great morning or afternoon visit.
• The great city beaches and the city’s famous and colorful boulevard Las Ramblas are fun ways to enjoy some unstructured family free time.
• Private Cooking Class and Market Tour
• Barcelona Highlights & Montjuic Cable Car – Half-Day Tour
• The Best Hotels in Barcelona for Kids & Families
• Barcelona with kids – the best things to do
• Book Barcelona Tours & Tickets in Advance
• 15 Things to Do with Kids in Barcelona

Cornwall & Devon Counties With Kids

Cornwall & Devon Highlights

• The fantastic beaches of Southwest England: Kid friendly beaches can be found up and down the coasts’ of both counties.
• St Michael’s Mount , Marazion: Walk during low tide (or ferry during high tide) to Cornwall’s most important historical landmark.
• National Maritime Museum Cornwall , Falmouth: The huge maritime collection of boats and artifacts is perfect for slightly older kids.
• Rent a cottage : Stay in a self-contained cabin — on a farm, near the sea, or in a small Cornish village.
• Dartmoor National Park : Camp, hike, and explore this beautiful park.
• The Eden Project : An amazing all-weather destination focused on nature, the environment, the arts, and having fun.
• West Cornwall Private Tour

Further Reading on Cornwall & Devon

• Book Cornwall Tours & Tickets in Advance
• 10 of the Best Campsites and Family Day Trips in Cornwall
• Official Guide to Southwest England
• Information on the resorts and towns of South Devon

Dublin With Kids

• Where to Stay in Dublin

Dublin Highlights

• Dublin Zoo : One of Europe’s best zoos. Easy access with the hop-on hop-off bus.
• Kilmainham Gaol Historical Museum : A great introduction to Ireland’s history. Located out of town but on the hop-on, hop-off bus route.
• The National Museum – Archeology : Features items pulled from the bogs (including mummified bodies) and a viking exhibit that are very popular with kids.
• The Natural History Museum (a.k.a. the Dead Zoo): An amazing collection of animals that kids love.
• Viking Splash : Tour Dublin and get a (small) spattering of history aboard an amphibious WW II vehicle.
• Take the DART train to Howth (north) or Bray (south): Get to the coast, go for a walk, play on the beach, and take a break from the city.
• Cliffs of Moher Full-Day Tour from Dublin
• Full-Day Scenic Tour of Giant’s Causeway
• Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin
• Dublin: Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Trip
• Hotels for Families in Dublin
• Book Tours & Tickets in Advance
• Especially for Kids in Dublin

Edinburgh With Kids

• Where to Stay in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Highlights

• Edinburgh Bus Tours : It’s a hilly city with lots of up and down (on cobblestoned streets that don’t lend themselves to strollers). This hop-on hop-off bus has 24 stops sprinkled around the city center.
• Edinburgh Castle : Just about everyone’s favorite attraction in Edinburgh. A must.
• Museum of Childhood : 4 floors of games, toys, and action figures. Lots of hands on fun for kids of all ages.
• Dynamic Earth : Fun, educational, and engaging. An interactive museum with films and presentations.
• National Museum of Scotland : Hands on fun for kids. Loads of Scottish history for the adults.
• Edinburgh Fringe Festival : If you’re in Edinburgh in August — and can find accommodation — be sure to take in the festival’s children’s theatre, puppetry, kids comedy, and dance and music workshops. If your visit is in May then the Imaginate Children’s Theatre Festival is a can’t miss event. And for April there’s the wonderful Edinburgh International Science Festival .
• Edinburgh Guided Walking Tour
• Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Highlands Small Group Tour
• West Highland Lochs and Castles – Small Group Tour
• Edinburgh’s Best Hotels for Families
• Book Edinburgh Tours & Tickets in Advance
• The Top Sights and Views in Edinburgh
• Edinburgh.org : Information on hotels, festivals, and planning your visit.
• Glasgow.com : Glasgow is only 55 minutes away by train and makes a perfect daytrip if you’re short on time.

Prague With Kids

• Where to Stay in Prague

Prague Highlights

• Petřín Hill has a funicular that goes up to the top you’ll have great views, a mirror maze for kids, pony rides on the weekends, and a sizeable rose garden. For an even better view, climb up to the top of Lookout Tower or visit the observatory to take in the stars through their collection of telescopes.
• Nostalgic Tram No. 91 is a unique way to see the city. Vintage tram cars from the early 1900s travel along a special route that runs throughout Prague and past many of the city’s best sights. Not well known among tourists and for an affordable $1.50, it’s popular with both young and old.
• Theater and Puppet Shows – There are several kid friendly theater options unique to Prague including the Black Light Theater which combines elements of dance, animation, mimes and illusions. Puppet shows also have a strong tradition in the Czech Republic and the National Marionette Theater does puppet versions of Mozart’s Don Giovanni and the Magic Flute.
• Kid-Friendly Museums – At the Art Gallery for Children (Galerie umění pro děti) children are encouraged to interact in this multimedia space by touching, creating or even altering the art installations. Workshops are available for kids 5-12 and it’s a great way to introduce them to art. Or visit the Lego Museum – the largest in Europe. You’ll get to see lego versions of classic Prague landmarks like the 5 meter tall Charles Bridge.
• Children’s Island – Though there are numerous outdoor playgrounds around Prague, this one is devoted entirely to kids. It features a full range of swings, slides, climbing nets, sandpits, open space to run around. Most importantly it offers a great place for parents to sit and relax on the bank of the Vltava River with a nearby café for coffee and refreshments.
• Prague: City Tour By Bus, Boat, and on Foot
• Prague City Bike Tour
• Prague Castle Tour (and Admission Ticket)
• Eating Prague: Half-Day Food Tour
• Český Krumlov Full-Day Trip from Prague (with Lunch)
• Best Hotels for Families in Prague
• Highlights of Prague
• Prague is a Real Life Fairy Tale
• The Spa Towns of the Czech Republic

Provence & the Cote d’Azur With Kids

Provence & the Cote d’Azur Highlights

• The cities of Arles , Avignon , and Aix-en-Provence — Three cultural giants that are beautiful, walkable, and packed with cool attractions. Each is overflowing with art and architecture and all are within an hour’s drive of each other.
• Beaches: The southern coast of France is known for it’s fantastic beaches with the best found between St Tropez and St Raphael.
• Monaco: A small city state whose narrow winding streets are fun to explore. Highlights for the kids will undoubtedly be the fantastic Oceanographic Museum , the Prince’s collection of antique cars , and the parks and gardens that fill the city.
• Le Pont du Gard : This Unesco World Heritage Site is a wonder of Roman planning and architecture. The kids program for 5-12 year olds is enriching, well designed, and describes in detail how the aqueduct was built and used.
• Carcassonne : A remarkably well preserved medieval city. Le Cite can be painfully busy during July and August but as it’s one of Europe’s largest city fortifications it’s probably worth enduring the crowds.
• One Day Tour of Provence from Cannes
• Half-Day Tour of Monaco, Monte Carlo, and Eze (from Cannes, Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Monaco)
• Full-Day Tour of French Riviera (from Cannes, Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Monaco)
• Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in South France
• The Best Family Hotels in Nice
• Book Tours for Aix-en-Provence in Advance
• Kid-friendly things to do in Saint-Tropez
• Best of Provence, activities for families

Rome With Kids

• Where to Stay in Rome

Rome Highlights

• Colosseum and Roman Forum : the highlight of a trip to Rome (likely for the whole family). Visit early to avoid the heat and crowds.
• Villa Borghese Gardens : rent row boats and bikes, have a picnic, hop on the #3 tram for a tour of Rome, and visit the Cinema dei Piccoli for afternoon and evening children’s movies. This large park can easily form the basis of an entire day’s activities.
• Explora : Rome’s top notch kids’ museum has lots of hands-on fun, an outdoor play area, and an ice cream shop. Visits are limited to 90 minutes.
• Tivoli’s temples and gardens make a great day trip out of the city. The nearby Aquapiper water park makes it worthwhile for the kids as well. ( Hydromania is another water park closer to Rome.)
• Visiting the Vatican and the Vatican Museum probably won’t be at the top of your children’s to do list. If you decide to go anyway, a private tour will allow you to skip the long entrance lines and pick out the highlights of the museum’s extensive works.
• Gladiator School
• Walking Tour: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
• Skip The Line: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s
• Pizza Making Class in Rome
• Italy Travel Guide
• Great Hotels & Rentals for Families in Rome
• The Best of Rome with kids – the 10 best things to do with kids in Rome
• Book Rome Tours & Tickets in Advance
• 5 Quirky Things to Do In Rome

Tuscany: Agriturismo With Kids

This is so much fun for families. Stay at one of the Best Agriturismo in Tuscany or Best Agriturismo in Umbria . These are working farms typically with a beautiful setting and a rustic atmosphere (though accommodations can range from spartan to luxurious). Getting a villa that has a swimming pool is a good idea when traveling with kids. Meals are often included (and delicious). Getting a rental car is close to mandatory as agriturismos are off the usual bus and train routes.

Best Agriturismo for Families in Italy

• Salvadonica – Family rooms sleep family of five. Nice swimming pool.
• Castello Vicchiomaggio – Two-bedroom apartments and family junior suites sleep families of four and five. Nice swimming pool.
• Skip the Line: Leaning Tower of Pisa & Cathedral Ticket
• Florence Walking Tour and Skip-the-Line Uffizi Gallery
• The Best Agriturismo Villas in Tuscany
• What is an Agriturismo
• Best Things to Do in Florence
• Where to Stay in Florence

About Santorini Dave

We are a family of four (kids 12 and 15) who will be visiting the Dolomites for 4 or 5 days in July. We plan on hiking and eating! We will have another week or so afterwards and would like to visit somewhere else in Europe for a beach holiday. So of course I ‘m thinking about Greece. We are an active family that enjoys swimming in the sea, jumping off rocks and eating seafood. We (I) also love visiting historical sites. What is your recommendation? Should we stick to one island or maybe two? Which ones? We have traveled to Spain, England and Italy and my family’s favorite was the town of Praiano on the Amalfi Coast- the food, swimming and jumping off rocks! Thank you for your help. Cheers!

In the Cyclades, Santorini, Naxos, Ios, and Milos all have cliff jumping. Santorini and Naxos are the best for history (actually both are great for history). All of them have wonderful food. With one week I’d stick to two islands, max.

A lot of great ideas here! Thanks. We are planning to go to Paris followed by London March 29 to April 6 (and back to Paris for flight home). This just happens to coincide with Brexit. If we nix the London leg, where else would you recommend we take our 10 & 6 year old for a few days? I’m starting to get concerned about the possible issues with Brexit and want to consider another, close by, location that we could travel to – as our first trip overseas as a family of 4.

Barcelona is great with kids and much better weather than London in April. Amsterdam is another good alternative.

Hello Dave,

I’m planning to travel along with my wife and my 3-years old boy. The period is between December 25 and December 31. Ideally we would love to have a place where the kid can have really some good time (he enjoys parks, and love animals) as well we enjoy the city and restaurants.

Which city would you recommend?

Barcelona is a great kid-friendly destination in winter for families.

We are travelling at the end of September and beginning of October to Switzerland to visit friends. We have a 7 and 9 year old. We will be ending our trip in Prague but we are trying to figure out a destination that would be fun for us in the middle part of our vacation. We have discussed flying to Barcelona or Italy, but is there any destination that you would recommend. Thanks for your advice. Great website.

I think the Greek islands are the best family-destination in Europe. Crete is a great choice for a trip later in the fall. Great weather and beautiful towns and beaches.

We are planning to travel in October with a 2.5 year old and a 5 month old. We have a flight booked to London and then South of France, Zurich then Dubai (1 full month here). What are your recommendations for how to spend our month in Europe? An idea we had was 9 days in London, fly to Nice for 7 days, train to Zermatt for 3 days, train to St.Moritz for 3 days and then 7 days in Zurich. We are a bit worried with such young kids that his might be way too much traveling. Any recommendations of how to move around with more ease? Also out of those location is there a place you wouldn’t recommend us to see given our family situation?

Thanks Chris and Nicole

It sounds wonderful. Traveling by train through Europe is the way to go (though for longer routes obviously flights are best). My only hesitation is Switzerland in October – it’s not winter yet with snow-related fun, and not summer when you’d be swimming. Not sure what you have planned there but I would be more inclined to move south (Italy, Spain, Crete) than north.

Dave, Your site has been so helpful in planning our past overseas trips! What a great resource, thank you for this great site! We’re an active family of two adults and three kids, ages 10, 8 and 6. We’re hoping to take our kids on their first European adventure this July, flying from NYC. My husband and I traveled fairly extensively throughout Europe before kids, but are struggling with where to take the kids for their first EU trip. Just when it seems we’ve decided on an itinerary, we remember a wonderful past trip and what an impact it had on us and we’re lost in the memories. We only have a week, but would like to break up our short time between city/culture and beach. We’ve discussed Italy (Rome/Sicily or Rome/Sardinia?), Spain (Barcelona?) or Greece (Athens + an island?). Culture, great food and weather are important. Do you have a favorite European destination that checks off these boxes and and can be enjoyed in week?

Greece is my favorite family destination in Europe. Super fun, unique, great food, history, beaches, island hopping. It’s the best of the best.

This is a great resource. I was reading all the previous questions and answers, trying to triangulate to an answer. But, I thought I’d comment directly – I have a 13, 11, 9 year-old kids who have never been to Europe. We have a week (plus weekends) off in April and trying to figure out a good european destination. Based on your insights, I was thinking Barcelona, but wanted to see if you thought hitting another location there is feasible/recommended, and if so, what do you suggest? They’ve never been on a “real” train to date, so wondering if Nice or Madrid would be a good experience. Anyhow, I’m very open if you have any recommendations since we are a blank slate. Thanks in advance.

I would do Barcelona and Madrid with train ride between the two. (Stay a night or two longer in Barcelona than Madrid.) Try to fly into one city and out of the other so you don’t have to backtrack.

Hi! I enjoyed reading all your information. We loved Sorrento on a trip to Italy a couple years ago as it was walkable, had interesting shops, was close to historic sites for day trips and was on the beach. We’re looking at another trip to Europe (initially thinking Spain). Can you recommend other similar cities in Spain or elsewhere that we might like based on our love for Sorrento?

Thanks!! Amanda

I’d suggest San Sebastián in northern Spain’s Basque Country. Set on a beautiful bay near the French border, it has a fabulous beach and an atmospheric Parte Vieja (old town) that’s easily covered on foot. It’s also renowned for its amazing food. There are several Michelin-starred restaurants in and around the city and its attractive streets are lined with bars serving pintxos (delicious bar snacks like a Basque version of tapas). At the other end of the country in Andalucía, Almuñécar is a beach resort much loved by Spanish holidaymakers. It boasts a couple of long pebbly beaches and a small historic quarter capped by a hilltop castle. From the town, you can take trips to the Sierra Nevada mountains and to Granada, whose Alhambra palace complex is one of Spain’s most magnificent sights.

Hi Dave, Heaps of good info here. Could you please recommend a picturesque small coastal Italian town/village to stay in with a 10 year old. A swimming beach is a must, and being within striking distance of Rome and other kid friendly day trips would be ideal. Amalfi Coast and Capri look amazing, but they do seem extremely busy with tourist traffic. September/October time period. Any ideas? Thank you. Ben Tilley

The Amalfi Coast and Capri are both wonderful but they’re some way from Rome. For somewhere closer, Sperlonga has two glorious sandy beaches and a charming hilltop center. The only problem is it’s something of a hike to get to – you’ll need to take a train from Rome Termini to Fondi-Sperlonga (about one and a quarter hours) and then a connecting bus. Some 90km south of Rome, Sabaudia is another possibility. It’s not the most beautiful of towns but it boasts a fabulous beach and a good range of restaurants and pizzerias, and there’s great walking/cycling in the nearby Parco Nazionale del Circeo. North of Rome, Santa Marinella is a pleasant resort town with an excellent beach and good train connections. Alternatively, you could try Lago di Bracciano, a large volcanic lake popular with weekending Romans. The best base here is Anguillara Sabazia, a small lakeside village accessible by train from Roma Ostiense station. Hope that helps.

Hi David, We are heading to Barcelona in late January and early February and have two kids (1.5 and 4 years old). We are in the area for two weeks and were also contemplating a visit to Portugal. Would you recommend Lisbon or Porto for two toddlers? Are there any other cities in Spain that would be good for a winter trip? Thanks so much for all the tips. Love all the recommendations! Irene

In general Lisbon has more attractions for families with toddlers than Porto, though in Porto there are a few places that’ll keep you occupied. Zoo Santo Ignacio is fun for kids, and it’s possible to feed lemurs and penguins. Then there’s the World of Discoveries, where staff in period costume and a boat ride takes you through Portugal’s discoveries, though that’s more for your older child than the younger one. The neighbourhood of Foz, where the Douro River joins the Atlantic Ocean, is a great place to go for a walk by the sea with a stroller. Apart from that, Porto’s attractions for families with young children are limited to the Crystal Palace Gardens, where there are plenty of ducks and peacocks, plus the gardens at the Serralves contemporary museum and Gaia Biological Park, with trails suitable for strollers, replica rural houses to explore, and an otter tank.

As a bigger city, Lisbon has quite a lot in terms of kid-friendly attractions. There are some nice beaches a short train ride from the city, and though you’ll be visiting in winter, Mediterranean winters are mild and it should be warm enough for your kids to play in the sand. Lisbon Oceanarium, with its shark tank, tropical fish and more, is popular with families, though I’d avoid it on weekends when it gets rather congested with strollers. Lisbon Zoo has well-cared-for animals and a petting zoo for young kids. The zoo is at one end of the Parque das Nacoes (Expo Park), which has interactive outdoor features for your older child, plus a cable car. Riding on the classic Tram 28 through the narrow streets of the Alfama neighbourhood is a big hit with some kids, though avoid taking the tram during rush hour. The one challenging thing about Lisbon is that it’s hilly, and there are many cobbled streets, which make pushing a stroller hard work.

In Spain, Barcelona’s an excellent choice for a vacation with small children, especially since most attractions are accessible year-round because of the climate. There’s Barcelona zoo, with a farmyard section, petting zoo and pony rides, the excellent L’Aquarium with shark tunnels and the nearby marina and long stretch of the Barceloneta Beach, which is great for wandering along with a stroller. If your older child likes museum, the Museu Egipci is a good place to learn about mummies, the secrets of the pyramids and pharaohs. Museu Blau, part of the Science Museum, has a skeleton of a whale, plus the Science Nest with interactive activities for young kids up to the age of 6. For great views of the city and some gentle fairground rides, it’s worth making the trip to Parc D’Attracions Tibidabo, up in the hills above Barcelona. Apart from that, there are large parks for kids to let loose in – Montjuic, with its cable cars and gardens, plus Parc de la Citadella being just two of them.

As for other Spanish cities worth a visit in the winter, Seville immediately springs to mind. It’s not too cold during the day, and you can visit the Alcazar Palace with its extensive gardens and beautiful rooms, go for a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of the historic centre, take a stroller along the picturesque Guadalquivir river, visit the aquarium or take the kids to the large, popular Maria Louisa park with a large playground and pigeons to feed.

Madrid can be quite cold in winter, but if you don’t mind the cold, there’s plenty to do as a family. Parque de Retiro with its lake and extensive gardens is very popular, plus there’s a good zoo, aquarium, and Faunia (kind of like a zoo, with different climatic areas, penguin enclosure and interactive sections where kids can feed goats and donkeys. Then there’s a Natural Science Museum, which would be particularly fun for your older child, with its different interactive displays.

The nice thing about Spain (and Portugal) is that families with kids are generally made to feel very welcome in cafes and restaurants, and even if there’s no child menu, waiters tend to make an effort to keep kids happy, so feeding your kids is very rarely an issue.

Hello, We are traveling from this summer June 10-August 20 with our 3 boys (Ages 14,12, 8). We are at the very beginning of our planning and I have some general transportation questions. We were thinking of renting a camper van or could be get by with a small rental car and staying in AirBnbs. Or could we get around by train. We want to be efficient in our travels because we have a lot we want to see.

We are very big into hiking and the mountains but we are also wanting to see many of the historic sites. The countries we would like to visit are as follows: Spain: 2 weeks. Do you recommend Barcelona over Madrid? We also are going to see a friend in Santandar for one week France: Chamonix looks amazing or is there another area is Southern France you like. We may or may not make it to Paris. Switzerland: We want to see the cute mountain towns and do some hiking. Any base area you recommend? Number of days required. Maybe 2 different bases for a few days each. Northern Italy: I want to see the Dolomites and we want to take the kids to Venice Austria: My son wants to see Salzburg and Vienna but Innsbruck and Hohe Tauern National Park looks gorgeous Slovenia: Bled and Mt Triglav looks amazing but wondering about places with historic significance in Slovenia. Or could we skip Slovenia. Croatia: Plitvice Lakes National Park and Split Hungry: Budapest (A must) Poland: Krakow, my boys know everything about WWII and they want to see this. Southern Czech Republic and several small towns. Amsterdam for a few days at the end.

My main question is transportation. We have been saving for this trip for years and will be on a budget with 5 but we can spend the money where we need to. Do you recommend renting a camper van, trains for 5 people and staying in apartments or are there some countries where a car is necessary to get to the little towns and mountains.

Thanks so much Jenny

If I had to choose between a camper van or a car and staying in Airbnb’s, I would definitely do the latter. It’s just that in many European cities, streets tend to be too narrow to navigate in a camper van and finding a parking space can be very difficult. Narrow mountain roads can also be a problem. Plus, staying in AirBnbs gives you a much more immersive experience, since you’d be staying with and interacting with locals. It would make your trip more memorable, especially if it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Train travel is also viable, since many European destinations are well-connected by train. It’s worth figuring out exactly where you’d like to go before making a final decision about transportation, and to do that it’s worth having a look at Eurail and Interrail to get an idea of where you can easily get to by train and how much rail passes would cost for the entire family. Also, cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Budapest, Vienna and Amsterdam have excellent public transportation, so you wouldn’t need a car when in the cities themselves.

The one advantage of renting a car is being able to get to and around the more out of the way places more easily, especially since you’re keen hikers, though all places you mention are reachable by public transportation. Depending on your final plans, you can spend most of your time travelling by train (and public transportation in cities) and only rent a car from time to time, just to get out to more remote areas. Out of all the places you mention, there’s nowhere where having a car is an absolute must; it’s just that having your own wheels means getting around remote places quicker rather than having to adjust your plans in order to catch the one or two daily buses or trains heading into the mountains. Also, having a car gives you that extra flexibility in case you decide to change your plans somewhat and stay a bit longer in one place or another. Travelling around Europe by train is very doable, though on some popular routes, it means booking train tickets in advance, which makes it most difficult to change your plans. Cost is something to consider as well: renting a car for the entire time that you’re in Europe may work out cheaper for the five of you than a train passes for the whole family. It’s worth comparing the costs of the two.

Spain: if you have time to visit both Madrid and Barcelona, I would recommend both, because they’re both vibrant, interesting cities with a lot to see and do, and they’re very different in character. If I had to choose, Barcelona would probably just about win because if its stunning location by the sea and surrounding attractions. Since you’re going to Santander, you might want to consider spending a couple of days in the Picos de Europa national park – it’s about an hour’s drive from Santander and there’s some excellent hiking to be done there. During the peak season of July to September, some access roads into the park are closed to private vehicles, and served by local buses and taxis instead.

France: For hiking, Chamonix really is amazing and the hiking is excellent; if I had to choose one region in France to go hiking, it’d definitely be Chamonix. If you find that you have a couple of days for Paris, it’s well worth a visit because it’s a wonderful, interesting city.

For Switzerland, Zermatt in the south of the country makes an excellent hiking base, with numerous day hikes of varying length and difficulty amid stunning mountain scenery. Grindelwald is another good base with a good variety of hikes, from easy to challenging, plus on the Eiger Trail you can get close to the famous Eiger mountain popular with mountain climbers.

Austria: Salzburg is small and beautiful and if you’re fans of the Sound of Music, that’s where the movie was shot and you can easily do a tour of the movie locations. It’s hard to beat Vienna for culture (and good food) and Innsbruck is a superb destination for hikers; it’s in the heart of Tyrol, Austria’s scenic mountain region, and you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to trails. There’s some very good hiking around Salzburg as well, but not quite on the same scale as around Innsbruck. Hohe Tauern National Park is another beautiful location and worth visiting; it all depends on how much time you want to spend and where.

Northern Italy: Dolomites is an excellent choice for hiking and Venice is an absolutely unique city – there’s nowhere in Europe quite like it.

Slovenia: If you visit one place, make it Bled – it’s a really beautiful location with a lakeside castle and the country’s best hiking in Triglav National Park, right on the doorstep. Places of historic significance in Slovenia include old towns such as Ljubljana (the capital, with an old historic centre, castle, cathedral) and Celje (centuries-old town with medieval castle), but if you find yourself short of time, Slovenia is not Europe’s must-see.

Croatia: Can’t argue with Plitvice Lake National Park – absolutely beautiful lakes, waterfalls and some great walking trails. Split is one of Croatia’s most beautiful cities and it’s only a couple of hours away from Dubrovnik, further south, which has a gorgeous maze of medieval streets (and it’s also where parts of the Game of Thrones was shot, in case you’re fans).

Budapest: Absolutely. It’s a very scenic city, sitting on both sides of the Danube River and there’s plenty to see – it’s heavy both on medieval history and WWII history, plus there’s good hiking in the Buda Hills nearby, there are lots of great places to eat and it’s also famous for its thermal baths – both indoor and outdoor ones.

Poland: Krakow is definitely one of the two places I’d visit in Poland, the other being Warsaw. And yes, it’s a must-see for WWII history, not least because the remains of the Auschwitz concentration camp are an hour away from the city and easy to visit. For something completely different, it’s also worth visiting the Salt Cathedral , one of Poland’s biggest attractions.

Czech Republic: The Czech Republic has the densest network of hiking trails in the world so you are spoiled for choice. I’d head to the northern mountains – Krušné and Krkonoše, taking in castles and spa towns on the way. Of course you’d want to see Prague, perhaps at the start.

Netherlands: Amsterdam is a great way to finish off the trip – lots to see, culture-wise, easy to get around, either on public transportation and hiring bicycles, and lots of good places to eat.

Heading to Madrid to visit relatives for a week with our 12, 10 and 7 year old. We have a second week and exploring our options for other locations. This will be their first time to Europe. In their minds, they want to see the Eiffel Tower, but wondering if London would be more suitable? Jessica

London has more to see and do that clearly falls into the kid-friendly category. Paris feels more foreign and unique (in a good way) for an American. London is busier and more spread out. Paris is more compact and walkable. Tours (e.g. food, bike, boat) are more plentiful and appealing in Paris.

We are travelling to Europe next August for a wedding in Sicily, with two active boys aged 4 and 23 months. Any suggestions for where to visit for 6 nights after Sicily, before we end our trip with a week in Lake Como? We want to stay in one location to minimize packing, and has to be kid-friendly in terms of accommodation, the sights & activities and getting around.

Options we are considering include either Nice / Provence region, Sardinia, Athens (or one of the islands), Paris or Amsterdam? We are from Australia and this will be the first long-haul trip with the kids, and (apart from a few nights in Paris 12 years ago), we have not visited any of these places before to know what they are like. The boys love the outdoors and are not interested in sitting in restaurants watching the world go by.

All the places you mention are awesome, but I’m partial to Greece and the Greek islands. Nothing beats island hopping, beach going, and the relaxed (but still charming) vibe on a Greek island.

Love your tips! I enjoy travelling with my kids and showing them the world so much. Before every trip me and my husband always try to make an itinerary and find as many attractions for our family as possible, and some children-friendly spots, it saves us so much time when we have it ready. Last time we went to Poland and had so much fun. We got some recommendations from our Polish friends and the one place that we really loved was a restaurant called the Akademia, it was in Warsaw. We had great time with delicious food and our kids were not bored, as they have a special corner for children. I wish more restaurants follow the example. All in all, Warsaw and Poland was amazing and it is perfect for a trip with kids. Claudia

Wow! Sounds amazing. Thanks for the info.

Dave, we are looking to vacation in Europe for 2 weeks in 2nd half of May, with two small children (11 months and 5 yr old). We will fly from LA and are looking for suggestions on where to go. We are interested in culture and history and are trying to stay in two places (1 week each) as hauling luggage and small kids is very taxing. We would consider staying by a beach in a historic town, then travel somewhere else. As an alternative we are looking at going to Prague for a week, then somewhere else other than Vienna as long as it can be reached easily by train or with a budget airline. Any suggestions for itineraries?

There are so many possibilities to try to single one out is a little silly … but I’ll try: how about 1 week in Barcelona then (train or fly) to Nice, France for the second week. Both are great family-friendly places.

We will be in Vienna for 2 days, with 9 and 7 year old boys. The youngest loves music. What are your top recommendations of things to do in Vienna. Thanks, Jay

The Haus der Musik for sure. And the Schönbrunn Palace .

Hi, I like your suggestions and agree that there are some superb places in Greece that can’t be beaten (but remember there is more to Greece than the islands and the mainland (esp. Peloponnese) is equally interesting and fun).

I’d like to suggest a new blog idea for you – we are tentatively planning a 12-month road trip with two kids aged, maybe 9 and 10 by then, almost certainly in a camper-van, starting in, say, Holland and ending in Portugal where we live. We will exclude the UK & Ireland, since we have visited there a couple of times, and our focus is to visit must-see places important for children to know about i.e. predominantly historical sites and maybe some natural wonders and any other must-see-in-a-lifetime places.

If you see my first-pass without-thinking list below you will get the idea. I wonder if you’d like to make a few suggestions or a full blog?

Thanks and regards, Matthew Cullen.

• Anne Frank Museum + Kids museum • Eiffel tower, Catacombs Paris • Loire valley castles? • Oradour-Sur-Glane • Germany – where? Berlin wall • Malbork (Marienburg) Castle, near Gdansk • at least one concentration camp (Sachsenhausen / Auschwitz- Birkenau, + Warsaw ghetto • Krakow incl enamel factory • the Wolf’s Lair? • Tatras • Prague • Vienna • Budapest • north & central Romania? • Dubrovnik, Croatia • Montenegro • Winter in Greece: Prespa, Vergina, Meteora, Delphi, Olympia, Monemvasia +++ can’t wait! • Aoos gorge if weather permits (in lieu of Samaria gorge in Crete) • boat to Italy • Sicily? • Perugia?, Rome, Florence, Pisa, Venice • Nice, Arles, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Carcassonne etc southern France • canoeing Pont du Gard • San Sebastian • Barcelona? but been there often • tomato festival, Valencia? • Madrid, Toledo because I have never been there • fantastic Portugal – all over

I’m not sure what you’re asking or if there’s even a question. Looks like a fun itinerary though. Good luck.

Thank you for your information. My family of 4 would like to visit Naxos, Greece from your recommendation for best family friendly places with a beach. Which is the best way to get to Naxos? I believe we will fly into Athens or is flying into Santorini. Dee Dee

Naxos is the single best beach destination for families in Europe, so good choice. Both Santorini and Athens have direct flights from western European hubs. Naxos does not (but does have flights from Athens). Santorini is closer to Naxos than Athens and it’s quicker/easier getting from Santorini airport to the ferry port, than from Athens airport to the ferry port. If you’re interested in both Athens and Santorini I would fly into one, spend a night or two to see the sights, ferry to Naxos, ferry to the other one, see the sights, and fly home. No need to arrive and depart from the same place.

We are looking to make our first trip that involves a longer flight (Hawaii,Europe) in the Fall- likely mid October or possibly November. We have twins who will be 6 at that time. Candidly I’m overwhelmed by all of the options. I want to go somewhere where there are beaches/activites that the kids would enjoy but it seems like most of the places that I’ve researched aren’t warm enough at that time or beach towns have kind of shut down (Greece, Croatia). Am I missing something? Would love any suggestions you might have. Lisa Basch

Crete (in Greece) has the warmest weather in October/November of any European beach destination. It will be fine for swimming and beach activities in mid-October but by late October / early November it will be getting cool and it would take an unseasonable heat wave for you to be swimming in early November. The south side of Crete will be more likely to be warm late into October.

Awesome site! I would like to take my mother (69 with some mobility issues) and my son (6) to Europe in late July. My son loves the beach and nature, whereas my mother loves shopping and great restaurants. Any suggestions on where to go to please them both. Alicia

Chania (Crete), Mykonos, or Barcelona.

Hi David, your blog/website has helped me with my last two trips to Europe from Australia. This time around I am hoping for some advice. We will be in Bulgaria (for sons sport) until 21st November. We have then booked a cruise from 26th November from Genoa Italy. In the days in between I would have loved to visit Santorini but my research is telling me that it’s not the best time to enjoy it. So my question is where should we go? (We have previously been to Rome, Venice, Paris, London, Rovenimi, Denmark). We travel with our 13 and 16 year olds. Thank you in advance. Tracey McGuinness

Santorini can be chilly and have some rain in late November – so yes, less than ideal – but it can also be warm, clear skies, and very few tourists, so I wouldn’t say it’s a no-go. But there probably are better options. Barcelona would be right at the top of my list.

Hi David, Family of 6 (kids aged 15,14, & 9yo twins) would like to travel to Europe in late July/early August. Any destination suggestions that would be budget-friendly? Kids not so into museums etc., more active participation activities (biking, hiking, boating) would be better. Help! Nicole

The Greek Islands are the best value for money in Europe for families. Super fun, easy, and kid-friendly – and still unique, new, and a little “foreign”.

I have just come across your website and I love the detailed information you give. I love travelling and seize every opportunity to do it for I work for an airline. I need some suggestions…in the upcoming spring break (End March- early april), I would like to travel with my kids aged 8 and 5 to some place in Europe. Was looking at the islands in Greece or if not Barcelona, Nice, or Lisbon. Any suggestions and what you feel may be a good option? Would be grateful for any advice. Looking at just 5-6 days and this travelling will be without my husband so need someplace which is relatively safe. Thanks, Lynette

All of these places are great (and safe). You won’t be swimming or sun bathing at all in March/early April so that makes the Greek islands a little less appealing. Barcelona and Lisbon will have the most going on as they’re big lively cities. Since it’s essentially a coin-flip I’d look at flight connections and decide by what has the easiest itinerary.

Love your site, thanks for all the info. Thinking of planning a trip in late June, 2 weeks, with our 2 girls, ages 8 and 11. I am having a hard time choosing an itinerary. Our kids love beach vacations, but I’d like to show them some culture. We are an adventurous family, love hiking and exploring. Our 8 year old won’t do well visiting many museums, she has quite a bit of energy. Places I’ve considered are London, Paris, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, or spending the entire 2 weeks in Italy. Obviously I can’t do it all, any thoughts? Thanks!! Rene

Those are all great ideas but the first place that jumped into my mind was Crete: great beaches, hikes, history, and culture. I’d do 10 days there then ferry to Santorini for 3 or 4 more days. Santorini has some stunning walks/hikes and you can do a caldera boat tour with a visit to the volcano and hot springs. The destruction of the island by the volcano is interesting for both kids and adults. You can fly directly into Crete from Western Europe and fly back out from Santorini (don’t retrace your steps to Crete).

Looking for a great place with to take my 2.5 year old in September of this year? We love food, culture and the local charm but still would need kid friendly places to eat where the adults may be able to grab a pint or glass of wine as well. Any suggestions? I was looking at the UK or Netherlands? Nicole

The first place that comes to mind is Nice, France as it is a wonderful small city that ticks all your boxes. In the UK, I would do Galway. In the Netherlands, consider Utrecht.

Hi David, Never been to Europe, yet planning a 2+ week trip to Europe from US in June. Kids will be 17, 13, 13 at time of travel. Likely would fly into London, train to Paris, fly to Rome and then return home from Rome. We like to be active, take guided tours, self explore, and see the sights, yet schedule in a couple “do nothing” days to recharge and just soak in the local vibe. Considering 5 nights in London, 5 nights in Paris, and 5 nights in Rome, but would be curious of your thoughts on this itinerary and whether you would adjust the # of nights for a family with 3 teenagers.

Regards, Todd

Sounds like an awesome trip and I like that you’re not trying to do too much. London does have the most to do for teens (in terms of actual attractions) so if anything, add a day there. That said, if it were me I would do 5/5/5.

We’re taking a big family trip to Europe for 4 weeks next year with our 2 yr old. We’re thinking Spain, Italy and Portugal.

What cities would you suggest and what are the must see/do?

Thanks, Kate

Highlights: Porto, Barcelona, Seville, Florence, Siena, Rome, Perugia, Orvieto, Lucca.

Hi David, We would like to visit Italy (Rome, Naples, and then Sorrento as our base for day trips to Capri etc) the first week in October for 10 days. Our children will be 6 and 3 at the time of travel. We did Paris last year at the same time…the museum’s, churches even the Eiffel Tour was a big bore for them. They had the best time in parks with playgrounds and DisneyLand Paris.

I have read your comments on your favourite places for kids and it Barcelona is coming out tops. Should we consider doing this instead in the Italian itinerary I have in mind? Would the South of France also be a good option instead?

Looking forward to your advise.

Kind regards Zelrese

All 3 areas are wonderful. Since Italy grabbed your attention first I would stick to that.

Hi, Wow what an awesome blog! I’ve a son who’ll be 2 in July. We’re from the UK and looking for a European break in August that will suit him and us. Not sure where to go, any recommendations? We like some culture, but would like the option to have lazy days in the sun playing on beaches and water parks too. We were looking at Italy as my DH hasn’t been there, but open to suggestions! Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Nice, France is an idyllic destination with great parks, water fountains, restaurants, and beach-front walkway. Beaches here are stoney but it’s easy to hop on a train and get to great sand in less than 20 minutes.

Hi David, love your blog!

We are from Sydney, Australia and planning to visit Europe mid-Apr. We have 3 kids (9,5,3); which cities are best for kids? We’re thinking – London, Paris, any more suggestions? Will 3 weeks be enough in Europe?

Amsterdam is great for families. Weather in Amsterdam can be all over the place in April – anything from rain and clouds to warm and clear. If you’re looking for better weather then Barcelona is a wonderful choice.

Looking for the best kid-friendly destinations for mid October. Interested in Europe, but not limited to. Thank you! Misty

Beaches: Greece, Spain, Bali, Fiji. Sightseeing and activities: Italy, Japan, California Cities: London, Paris, Rome, New York, Boston, Tokyo

Please help, I am in need of suggestions for a family vacation in March for 10 days, it will be myself, my husband and our three kids (4,2 and 5 months). I have no idea where to go, all I know is that I want to visit Europe. Any suggestions? Julie

Portugal and Spain are wonderful in March – though you still won’t be swimming (water is still chilly) but sightseeing and exploring are great in spring.

Greetings David! Thank you for an awesome family travel site. We are planning a 2-3 week European trip with kids ages 6 & 5 in October. We were thinking of driving from Switzerland down to Austria & then to Italy. We’d appreciate any recommendations. Thank you! Michelle

My main recommendation would be to take the train instead of driving. Much easier, more relaxing, and feels more like a trip to Europe. Take the train and your kids will remember for years running through the station, finding your seats, and the border guards walking down the aisles of the train. Drive a car and it will blend it with the trip to your hometown mall.

Hi David, we are planning a trip from Australia to Europe in May for my brothers wedding and have a few things already planned but have another week up our sleeve and are not sure where to go. We will be in Ireland for a week for the wedding, we’ve already got 2 weeks booked near Lot region in France (plus Paris Disney etc) and 5 days London. For the extra 5-7 days we were thinking either Berlin, Switzerland or somewhere else? Our kids will be 5 and 3 years old and my husband and I have done a lot of European cities already when we were living in London (pre-kids) so trying to find somewhere we both haven’t been to! Italy, and Greece out as we’ve both done lots of that and my hubby has already done heaps of Spain. Thanks in advance. Holly Henry

Switzerland has some wonderful cities and towns. Prague is high on my list of favorites. Biking around the Netherlands (it’s easy to rent kid-carrying trailers) would also be highly recommended.

I want to travel to Europe from NYC for 8-10 days in August with my husband and almost 2 year old son. We LOVE to travel. But we have never been to Europe. Instead of birthday parties for our son we decided we will celebrate his birthday in a different place of the world each year. His first birthday was spent in Barbados. This year, we want a place in Europe where we can explore the culture, beaches, nature and food. We are looking for a family-friendly escape that will not break the bank. Can you perhaps suggest your top choices so that we can have a starting point? Do you recommend Home rentals over hotels? ANY tips would be extremely helpful.

Cheers! Sandra

Naxos is a wonderful Greek island that might be exactly what you’re looking for. Fantastic beaches, great food, interesting history and culture, and pretty cheap (for Europe). Could also do some island hopping to Paros, Mykonos, or Santorini as jumping on a ferry is always fun (for kids and adults). For Naxos accommodations, using Booking.com or Hotelscombined is best for price and convenience.

Hello David, we are planning to head to Europe in early February from warm sunny Singapore. Considering places like Paris, Rome, Barcelona or Switzerland. Will be travelling with a 3 year old and a 5 month old and the 3 year old requested to see snow for her first time. Any recommendations for which place has snow to play with but is baby friendly and child friendly? Jane

There are lots of family friendly areas along the border where France, Switzerland, and Italy meet. A beautiful, family friendly area is Lake Annecy which is popular in both summer and winter due to its great skiing as well as cultural attractions. The lake is one of the most beautiful in Europe and the region is home to an ancient chateau. The town of Annecy looks like it is out of a fairy tale and has a charming medieval quarter. Chamonix is another town to consider because not only does it have rustic charm, you’re also at the base of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps. Mont Blanc is covered in snow year round, even in summer. There are cable cars that take you up to the peaks where you can see panoramic views and glaciers. If you’re looking for more of a family friendly resort with lots of different activities, then one of the most popular is Avoriaz. They don’t allow cars (only horse drawn carriages and snow mobiles) and they have the “Village des Enfants” which hosts everything from a daycare center for infants to a beginners ski school for kids ages 3-16. Lessons are even timed so that parents start their classes 15 minutes after the kids, and there is something for all ages.

Hi there – I have a young son who will be 3 years old in March. I am looking for a place in Europe or Asia to vacation in March. I am wondering if you have any suggestions. Thanks. Dena Murphy

The weather is still cool to cold in most of Europe in March. OK for sightseeing but not great weather for beaches (not sure if that’s an interest or not). If sun and sand are a priority then the islands of Thailand have great weather in March.

Dear David We are from Australia but now live in Bucharest. We have 2 young sons and will be having visitors fro Australia for a few weeks in July. We don’t know where to take them! Somewhere not too expensive, but we almost have too much choice. What do you know about the Black Sea Coast? We have been looking at the Bulgarian coast. We need your help! We love Barcelona too. We will be travelling with a 5 and 3 year old, and more elderly parents. Thank you in advance Frances Biffin

Sorry, I don’t know anything about the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, though I’ve heard it’s beautiful. You are also close to Croatia’s wonderful coast and the Greek islands. Greece can be pretty cheap if you plan ahead and find an inexpensive family-owned hotel with a kitchenette.

Hi David, We are hoping to go to Europe this summer for 10 – 14 days (still planning). We aren’t sure whether to go to Greece, Barcelona or do a driving trip around Ireland. We are a family of four – 2 adults and 2 children (18 months and 6 years old). What would you recommend? A couple of countries are possible as well since our time is pretty flexible. Thanks for your help! Alyson Sagara

Nothing beats Greece for a family vacation. So much fun! (But we love Ireland and Barcelona too, so can’t really go wrong.)

We leave for Spain in a few days and I was thinking of taking our in-line double stroller (its a city select by baby jogger). We will be in Barcelona for some time and Madrid for some time, spending all together 15 days traveling around. Our kids are 3yrs and 1.5yrs. Do you advise taking a double stroller or two separate umbrella strollers? Nini

Umbrella strollers don’t do very well in old European cities. I’d go with your jogger as the city select ones are still a restaurant-suitable size.

Hi! My husband and i are planning a trip next year for my 30th birthday. Our son will be 1 yr old. We are thinking of doing a road trip in Spain for a couple of weeks as we think that it will be much more laid back and we wont have to be on a “set” schedule. Besides Barcelona, are there any other cities that you recommend while having in a mind a toddler? thank you!

Lots of great little towns throughout the country (in many ways it doesn’t matter which ones you choose) but as for cities Seville is pretty close to a must.

We are planning a trip for a week overseas. We have a 13 year old and 11 year old who have never been outside the US. Where would you recommend taking them for their first trip overseas? We would be going in mid April. Was thinking maybe London/England but open to suggestions. They love to travel and we want to make it special and fun for them!

It doesn’t get much better than a trip to London and Paris. Fly into one and home from the other so you don’t have to retrace your steps (can cost a little more but worth it for the money and time you save not having to return to where you started). Take the Eurostar train (kids love it) from city to the other. So much to do in both cities and the big crowds will not have really kicked in yet. Weather could be surprisingly pleasant, though do pack for anything.

Hello, We are looking to travel for New Years (around December 28th – January 5, but flexible with dates!) with our 4 year old daughter and almost 2 year old son. We usually go to Brazil, but we just come back from there. Where would you suggest that we all could enjoy a beautiful kid friendly celebration, nice food and a weather that is not so cold? We already been to Paris and Italy. Andreza

Barcelona is wonderful at New Years. And mild/warm temperatures for Europe.

We are a family of 5 – 2 Adult+1 senior and 2 kids ( 6 yrs and 4 month old). We are planning our first trip to Europe from Austraila. We have about 25 days to spend in Europe. Can you please suggest some country/attraction that is pram friendly? We definitely want to see Paris and London. Rome is something we would like to see but not sure if its going to be challenge with a 4month old. Thanks for your time

Amsterdam and Berlin are the two most pram-friendly cities in Europe. London and Paris are both pretty easy with kids (taking the bus is often better than metro since you don’t have to descend the stairs) but the streets are hit and miss for strollers. Nice and Barcelona are two other cities that are very easy to get around with kids and have a great family-friendly vibe.

I am due to take my kids (3.5 and 1.5) to England in Feb. I will be working during the day in Crouch End and my mother will be watching the kids during the day. Any recommendations on where to stay? We are thinking of renting a apartment/condo for 7-10 days, any neighborhoods that are great for kids? It will be easier for me to travel to work than her to travel with 2 small kids each day.

Also, 10 hour flight ALONE with 2 kids… We fly often, but never more than 5 hours. Tips?

Taking your kids’ ages into consideration, I’d suggest renting an apartment in the South Kensington area, since it’s right near two museums which are excellent for small children. Crouch End is also fairly easy to get to on the tube from South Kensington tube, with a change at Leicester Square to the Northern Line.

The Science Museum has lots of hands-on sensory exhibits to play with and two areas specifically for toddlers. Right next to it, the Natural History Museum has its Dinosaur Room (great for under-5s), plus the Mini-Beast Room with lots of buttons and hands-on displays, as well as the Investigate Room for older toddlers (this one tends to be booked for school groups on weekdays, so it’s best to visit in the afternoon). South Kensington is also near Hyde Park, where your mother and the kids can go walking, feed the ducks and play on the playgrounds. South Kensington is also a short tube ride from Regent’s Park, where there are also play areas, as well as London Zoo .

Covent Garden/Leicester Square would be another good place to stay because it’s really central, your mother could take the kids to the National Portrait Gallery (www.npg.org.uk), which toddlers tend to find entertaining, plus there’s also the excellent London Transport Museum where kids can climb aboard different modes of transport, dress up in the designated play areas and play with model cars and buses. Your mother could also take the kids on a boat from Westminster Pier to Tate Modern, where there are family activities on weekends (11am-4pm) and digital sketch pads for the little ones to create their own masterpieces at the Bloomberg Connect Drawing Bar on Level 3 of the gallery. Leicester Square is even more convenient for your commute to Crouch End (straight up the Northern Line), but the drawback of staying there is that there are no green spaces/playgrounds nearby, unlike South Kensington.

As for apartments try booking.com lets you specify the neighbourhood and your accommodation preferences. Airbnb.com can also be a good option, since you can also look for apartments for a short-term stay in your preferred part of London. For flying, make it fun. Kids pick up on your energy. If you’re worried and anxious they will be too. If you say, “wow, this is going to be great,” then it’ll be fun (hopefully).

Dear David,

Thanks for your service with this blog very generous. I am moving with our 17 months daughter and husband to Dublin. We will have 6 weeks before he starts working in January so I am exploring options to travel in Europe with a baby in such cold weather. I was thinking to travel to Poland, Prague, Switzerland, Spain, and Portugal. Is that too much with a baby? We definitely could do it but never travelled to Europe with her before. Should aí include or drop any country? Would love to do Sweden, and Denmark but not too sure about weather and kids-friendly options. Also I wanted to include London but I realised that I will have many other opportunities as it’s so close to Dublin. Could you help a little to choose the right itinerary? So lost!!!! Thanks, Gabriela Romero

If it was me I would stick to the southern countries. Fly to Porto, Portugal then train through Lisbon, Madrid, Seville, Barcelona, South France, Tuscany, and fly back to Dublin from Rome or Naples. Unless there is some specific appeal to northern Europe in winter I would save those countries for warmer months.

Our family of five is moving to Spain in the new year (kids: 5, 3, 1), and we are starting to plan our first vacation. We would love to do a driving adventure in Ireland. The countryside seems like it would be laid back with our collection of little people – and our kids would love the fairies, leprechauns, castles, etc. And, it will be nice to take a break in an English speaking country. Do you think we would be setting ourselves up for failure? Would we be better off starting elsewhere? Thank you!

I think it sounds great. Driving around Ireland is wonderful – so many beautiful places to stop. And the trips between the towns is so short it’s perfect for families.

Hi! Great site! We are looking for a European destination for a short vacation, mid December. We are traveling with a 6 month old baby and a nine year old so we are mostly worried about the weather. What would you recommend? Elana

Spain and Portugal are your best bets: Porto, Lisbon, and Seville are all good choices.

Hi, I’m trying to plan a trip for the family – two kids age 6 and 7. We will have around 25 days to spend in Europe, which sounds like a lot, but I’m quickly learning it’s not! I have a list pf places I would love to see – this is the first time there for any of us (hopefully not the last). Ideally we were thinking of having three different bases in Europe and travelling to other places from there so we can get a feel of what it’s like to actually live there, rather than just do the tourist things, but I’m not sure about that because everyone keeps telling us it’s a terrible idea!! So, I’m going to have to cut some places out. What would you recommend? This is the (very long) list of places we are interested in: France: Troyes, Strasbourg, Colmar, Paris Czech Republic: Prague, Cesky Krumlov Austria: Vienna, Salzburg Italy: Venice, Siena, Cinque Terra, Florence Slovenia: Ljubljana, Lake Bled Belgium: Bruges

As you can see it’s quite a list….any advise would be very much appreciated by this inexperienced Kiwi! Marlise

You could do a loop of Europe by train that would work quite well. You would need to cut a few destinations for time but otherwise it should be great. The destinations a little out of the way (e.g. Cinque Terra, Lake Bled) are probably the most natural to skip.

I am trying to plan a trip to Europe with my family of 6 plus my mother for June. My youngest child is 6 yr old and I am having a hard time finding a packaged vacation that allows for children that young. Do you happen to know of any good ones?

I don’t know of any package vacations, sorry. But I always recommend that people book trips on their own (find flights on Kayak.com and hotels with Booking.com) – it usually comes out cheaper and you get a better choice of flights and hotels.

Hi David Any thoughts or suggestions on Iceland with a 9 yo girl? We took our first European trip last year to London and now she has the travel bug. We are an adventure loving family of three who loves exploring the less touristy sites of any destination. We thought it could be an interesting trip Thank you, Amy in Orlando

Iceland is beautiful and a great destination for those who like a little (or a lot) of adventure. Rent a car and do a 7 to 10 day loop of the Ring Road.

Hi David, I love your site and always enjoy reading your post. I’m beginning to research and plan our 4 week trip to Portugal and Spain. It will be my husband and I and are two girls (14 & 8 at the time of travel). We will be visiting end of June through end of July. We are very excited and it’s the first time doing Europe with the kids. We enjoy sightseeing, museums, architecture, food, people watching and beaches. We will be doing Airbnb and Hostel for stay and mostly public transportation but a certain part of Spain might do a rental, just because it would be easier. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated. We are simple budget travelers and love integrating with the local culture when we travel. I also speak Spanish fluently.

Thanks in advance for any advice. Ana

Do at least one walking food tour and one cooking class. They’re marvelous, easy-going, fun ways to get to know a culture. And kids (generally) love them.

Hi David Awesome site. We will be travelling with children aged 9 and 11 in September next year from Sydney. We are looking at spending a few days in Singapore then onto Europe We will have 2 and 1/2 weeks to see as much as possible,then we are travelling to Athens and islands for another two weeks for some chill out time before travelling home. Our must see list is London, Paris, Barcelona, Florence, Venice, and Rome. I have a few questions. Can you give me your suggested itinerary? Is there any other places you recommend we see ? How would you travel between these places ? Do you think two and 1/2 weeks is long enough? Which islands in Greece do we definitely need to visit? Any help would be appreciated. Lesley

Getting Around: London to Paris take the Eurostar train. Fly or train Paris to Barcelona. Fly to Italy, then train within Italy. Fly to Greece. Where To Go: Those are all great places, but it’s a lot for 2.5 weeks so might need to drop one (probably Venice or Florence). In Greece: Naxos is the most kid-friendly and has great beaches. Mykonos is busy but lots of fun. Ios has a handful of incredible beaches. Santorini is not known for it’s kid-friendliness but it’s so incredible do at least a few days there.

This is great! Such a helpful resource. I am hoping to take my two children (9,8) to Europe next summer. We are flying into London, where I believe we will spend a week and perhaps go to Ireland. I believe we will also go to Germany/Austria for a week. The final week I am undecided on though I have narrowed it down to France, Italy or Greece. We would likely do Paris, Rome, Athens as a homebase but maybe some travel from there. Do you have a recommendation for which you would choose and why? Elizabeth

Nothing beats the Greek islands with kids. So relaxed (easy-going island vibe), fun (island hopping by ferry), and just this perennial summer-vacation feel (beaches, food, late dinners).

My husband and almost 2 year old and I will be traveling to Prague (3 nights), Florence (7 nights) and Rome (4 nights) on 10/28. Although it is too late now, I am second guessing the Florence destination as it doesn’t seem there is too much there to entertain a toddler and would love some suggestions please. Also, any thoughts on day trips that a 2 year old will survive through that isn’t too much?

Lastly, is bringing a stroller on this trip a bad idea if we are unable to keep her content in the Ergo for long periods of time?

Thanks for your help!

Prague, Florence, and Rome might be the 3 worst cities in Europe for a stroller, so yeah, not going to be much use for transport. But it can still be handy as a place to nap in museums and while eating out. A highlight of Florence is eating at one of the restaurants around Piazza Santo Spirito. Great vibe and lots of fun. Great for kids. Siena, San Gimignano, and Fiesole (the closest) are great day trips from Florence.

We’re considering renting a place in Europe for 2 weeks in April with our kids (10, 7, 3) and in laws. We have been to Paris and London. Any recommendation for somewhere with a decent climate and a good home base with family friendly day trips? Southern Spain? Italy? Other?

Barcelona and Florence would be my top picks.

This is truly a very helpful forum. My husband and I want to take a 7 day trip to Europe from 29 December to 6 January with our 3 year old daughter. We were mainly considering Amsterdam or Paris and couldn’t decide which is better. We are mainly interested in child-friendly activities and seasonal Christmas / NY markets and fairs with more holiday spirit and enough activities. Can you please advise which would be a better choice or recommend any other similar destination keeping the above in mind? Prachi

Both are wonderful cities and would be great over the New Years week. I might lean slightly to Paris (since it has more indoor attractions) but can’t go wrong with either.

Just moved to Basel, Switzerland from Canada for a year…looking forward to using some of your great trip ideas while here!

Cynthia Hickey

Great central location. Have fun.

Hi David, My husband and I have decided to pack up our three children, aged 8,6 and 4 and take them on a year long adventure around western Europe and GB. We are from New Zealand, so its a big and rather scary adventure. We have booked one way tickets into London on May 2 and from there will be Motor homing for 10-12 months! We will be on a very tight budget and plan to mix between wild camping and staying in camping grounds.. This has been a dream of ours, and we are so excited to finally be embracing on our big journey. I am finding lots of information on places that are great for children etc, however – I wonder where is NOT good for children, and/or not safe. I also would love any other advice you have for us. I look forward to hearing from you Thank you for your time, Allie.

Certainly there are less desirable areas in Great Britain and Europe (busy highways and areas with no parks or sidewalks) but generally they’re pretty obvious to the eye and too numerous to name. There are no shortage of wonderful areas so with a little research and a destination in mind each time you start the engine avoiding the uglier parts shouldn’t be much of a problem.

Hi there. Your website has been so helpful to me in planning vacations with my kids, so thank you! Last year, we went to Paris, Bruges and Amsterdam, and my 8 year old twins loved it. I want to plan a spring break trip at the end of March to probably Europe again. They will be 9 at the time and really loved staying in neighborhoods (Saint Germain in Paris and on a houseboat in Amsterdam) on the last trip, so I’d be looking to do the same on this trip. The kids also loved Bruges and all of the medieval architecture, riding on boats through the canals, etc.

We will have around 8-10 days for the trip and would like to hit a couple of places either within one country or possibly 2 if we fly into one and out of the other.

Initial thoughts were Barcelona and some other area along the coast in Spain or Germany/Austria or something in Italy. Any thoughts on what might be best?

Lindsey in Denver

There are so many places to go that meet the “magical” criteria. Barcelona is wonderful – just a great vibe. Nice, along the southern French coast, is super family-friendly – it’s a stone-beach but otherwise perfect for kids and a great base for making fun day trips around South France. Italy is loaded with magical hill towns or old classical villages: Orvieto, Perugia, Lucca, Gubbio, San Gimignano, Todi, or Siena are all great (and there are many others).

And for something really different and wonderful try staying at a Agriturismo in Tuscany . It’s basically a farm out in the countryside with some rooms to rent (though some have been converted to full-blown hotels or B&Bs). Many have pools and your kids will love it.

Hi- we live in New Zealand and planning to visit Europe in late December and January for 4 weeks. We have 4 kids ages 1-8 years. We have never been to Europe! We are thinking of staying somewhere? Cheaper such as Spain or France and traveling on and out from there. Is this a feasible plan? Do you have any recommendations as to were to base ourselves? Any advice would be much appreciated!

Based on what you’ve told me, I would suggest Barcelona. In general, Spain is cheaper than France and the time of year you’re planning your trip for (late December-January) is a period when many shops in France close. It’s very common for the French to take the week off between Christmas and New Year’s Eve which would be a significant part of your holiday! Even in Paris, many of the better restaurants and mom and pop shops close up. The opposite is almost true in Barcelona and there will be lots of activity to choose from. Plus, besides nicer weather, Barcelona has both mountains and a beach (for walking and playing – you won’t be swimming in December or January). You’ll also be in a great position to explore other parts of Europe. For example a new high speed train links Barcelona and Paris in about 6 hours. You’re roughly a 5 hour drive to the Cote D’ Azur and from there just a few hours to Northern Italy. In Spain, you’re about a 6 hour drive to Bilbao or Madrid or a cheap and quick 2 hour flight away from Portugal, Germany, or the UK on Ryanair.

Hi David, Love your advice, so helpful! Planning a weeklong trip to England with my 16 month old, and I have two questions: do most hotels in London have cribs we could use in the room? And what would be a wonderful “English countryside” 2-3 day side trip we could easily take from London? I’m picturing strolls down green country lanes and rustic pubs. Thank you! Shana

Most hotels in London will provide cribs on request, but it’s best to contact them in advance to make sure; many provide cots free of charge, but some may charge a little extra. Chain hotels such as Novotel tend to be well-geared towards families. Other hotels that are child-friendly include Queen’s Gate Hotel (www.thequeensgatehotel.com; boutique town house with comfortable family rooms, near museums, 5min walk from Hyde Park), Rydges Kensington Hotel (www.rydges.com; boutique hotel 10 min walk from Hyde Park, right near Gloucester Rd Underground station, really nice beds, stylish rooms, good location for bus tours); the friendly, family-run Rhodes Hotel (www.rhodeshotel.com), also near Hyde Park – and the Nadler Kensington (www.thenadler.com; spacious family rooms, offers large discounts if you book in advance, rooms have mini-kitchens). If you’re after something top-end, The Athenaeum (www.athenaeumhotel.com) in Mayfair has a great location and they offer services such as organic baby food, nanny service, etc.

If you’re looking for good places to take your baby in London, the Dulwich Picture Gallery (www.dulwichpucturegallery.org.uk) in Southwark (South London) has a Mini Masterpieces workshop on Tuesdays where parents and babies up to 18 months old can get messy. The V&A Museum of Childhood (www.vam.ac.uk/moc) in Bethnal Green has a sensory pod with water- and bubble-filled columns and mirrors, and the visual and touchy-feely displays are very popular with toddlers.

As for the English countryside, it’s hard to top the villages in the Cotswolds (West England) when it comes to green country lanes, thatched-roofed cottages and rustic pubs. It’s worth renting a car to get around; most of the villages are 2-3 hours’ drive from London, but if you don’t fancy making your way through London traffic, you can take a train to Oxford (1 hour from London) and rent a car there instead. The prettiest villages in the Cotswolds include Bourton-on-the-Water (stone cottages, cosy pubs, traditional tea rooms), Lower Slaughter (landscaped Manor Gardens, an old mill museum), Castle Combe (cute limestone cottages, good pubs), and Kingham (stone cottages, open village green). Kingham is actually reachable by train from Oxford if you don’t want to drive and are happy to stay and relax in one village. If you’re looking for somewhere good to stay, The Dial House in Bourton-on-the-Water is a 17th century manor with comfortable rooms; it also served creative British food. In Kingham, I can recommend The Wild Rabbit (rustic pub with inventive dishes and cosy rooms). If you’re after something fancy, Lords of the Manor in Upper Slaughter (near Lower Slaughter) is a historic hotel with beautifully landscaped gardens and a Michelin-starred restaurant.s). Kingham is actually reachable by train from Oxford if you don’t want to drive and are happy to stay and relax in one village. If you’re looking for somewhere good to stay, The Dial House in Bourton-on-the-Water is a 17th century manor with comfortable rooms; it also served creative British food. In Kingham, I can recommend The Wild Rabbit (rustic pub with inventive dishes and cosy rooms). If you’re after something fancy, Lords of the Manor in Upper Slaughter (near Lower Slaughter) is a historic hotel with beautifully landscaped gardens and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Hi! We are traveling with our kids (4 and 1) to St. Tropez, Monte Carlo and Capri. Trying to decide which stroller to bring. We have a double city mini gt but I imagine it will be too big and bulky to travel with. Will a double umbrella stroller make it in and around these cities ok?? My 4 year old can walk but I do like the idea of him being able to sit back and rest if need be, or be strapped in if the streets are busy but if you believe we will be much better off with a single umbrella stroller that is the way we will go!

I would go with the single umbrella stroller. Just so much easier that I would live with any other trade offs.

Thanks for this awesome load of information on travelling with kids. I just wanted to pick your brains on selecting the right neighbourhood for our 4 nights in Paris. I was highly impressed and influenced by your recommendation for StayCity Serviced Appartment (Gare de l’Est) as the best budget hotel option in Paris. However, I then encountered some threads on different forums about the whole Gare De l’est location being too near the station and being far from real Paris experience. And of course I am confused now.

Just to add to the confusion I also read your recommendation for Marais neighbourhood and I found one budget hotel option – Hôtel Du Vieux Saule [ 6 Rue De Picardie, 3rd arr., 75003 Paris, France] .

Could you help us select between – Marais neighbourhood Vs StayCity apartment considering the cost of the two is almost the same.

Really appreciate your help. Nidzi

If the cost of both options is the same, I’d choose the Marais. However, that’s not to knock the Gare de L’est area which has a lot going for it too. It’s definitely not a tourist destination, but that’s also part of its charm. You’ll be in an area that sees few tourists but has been steadily gentrifying over the years. Its biggest advantage is that you’ll be right by the Canal Saint Martin, a fantastic area with lots of cool boutiques and restaurants. The StayCity is also right by a great park if you’re traveling with kids (Jardin Villemin) and also one of the city’s secret gems, Cafe A. The space was once an abbey and has now been converted into the Maison de l’Architecture. Within this setting you have a large, open terrace, perfect for having a coffee or drink in the summer with regular exhibits and jazz concerts. Since you mentioned that your goal was to have a “real Paris experience” though, I’d lean towards the Marais because you’ll be better positioned to enjoy the museums, the Seine, the farmer’s market at Bastille, as well as shopping and restaurants. Just in that area alone you can visit the Picasso Museum, the Centre Pompidou, the historic Place des Vosges and one of the oldest covered markets in Paris, the Marche des Enfants Rouge. And don’t miss the falafel at L’as on Rue des Rosier or the crepes at Cafe Breizh on Rue Vieille du Temple. Both will have a line but totally worth it!

Hi! I love your website. We are a family of 5, Dad,Mom, 17,15 and 7 year old boys. Our kids have never been to Europe. I have 2 questions. If we arrive in London 24 of June and leave Rome on the 19 of July. What would be your ideal itinerary? What travel guides do you think have fun, interesting facts. We can’t pay for a private tour guide but would like them to learn facts that will make it interesting and unforgettable for them. Can decide what tour guides to read or what to look for? Thanks! Susana

I would definitely hit Paris and Amsterdam. But after that, there are so many places that’s it’s hard to narrow it down. The good news is that you can’t really go wrong. South France or Tuscany or Bavaria. Are they different? Sure, very different. But you have to choose one over the others – and in the end your choice won’t matter a great deal. For the big cities the Rick Steves’ Guides are quite good and very detailed for specific sights and attractions.

Hi David, My husband and my (will be) 9 month old are wanting to visit Europe from Australia in May/June this year. We have to visit family in both London and Brest but that’s all so far. We are wanting to go for about 4 weeks. Are there any particular cities you would recommend that are stroller friendly? My husband loves the countryside and adventure things, while I love the history!

Thanks! Ash

I would single out Amsterdam as a stroller-friendly and walkable city. Tram is super handy for getting around. Nice parks in city center. Boat trips along the canal are fun.

Hi, I was just wondering what your thoughts are.. we are thinking of going to Europe in July and have two girls 3 & 5 years old. We are thinking of doing coastal Italy (for a relaxing holiday) and then would like to do either Copenhagen, Paris, or London for a week (for site seeing), before we travel to Hong Kong (Disney) on the way home to Australia. Do you have any suggestions for coastal Italy with kids? And which city would you suggest for sightseeing? Angela

Italy’s coast is very varied, boasting everything from long sandy beaches to rocky bays and heaving resort towns. Some of the most spectacular beaches are on Sardinia. The island is well set up for family holidays with a vast array of seafront accommodation and regular flight/ferry connections. On the south coast, Chia is a popular spot with two gorgeous sandy beaches.

On the Italian mainland, Tuscany has some wonderful seaside retreats. Between Livorno and Piombino, Marina di Bibbona is a relaxed family-friendly resort set near a pine grove and a lengthy stretch of sand.

Down in the heel of the country, the southern region of Puglia is where many Italians take their summer holidays. It has some stunning beaches and its laid-back atmosphere is great for families. Particularly beautiful is the Salento area near the baroque city of Lecce.

For stunning coastal scenery nowhere can top the Amalfi Coast, south of Naples, and the Cinque Terre in Liguria. But while both are fabulous to look at, the practicalities of getting to and around them can make them difficult with small kids.

For city sightseeing those are all great. London definitely has the most kid-friendly attractions but at that age they might not get as much out of them as they will in a few years. I’d say you can’t go wrong with any of those 3 so perhaps base your decision on the most convenient and best priced connections.

Thank you David much appreciated!

I am thinking of visiting London, Paris and Zurich with my wife and 2 kids. Do you have a recommendation on the best site to book a multi-city Europe vacation? I have tried Expedia, but it is not too friendly when it comes to multi city trip planning.

Thanks. Vinod

There’s no one website for booking your trip. The best for finding cheap airfares (and widest selection of flights) is Kayak.com . The best websites for finding good hotel deals are Booking.com and HotelsCombined.com. And the best website for train information is Seat61 (you can’t book tickets on the site but each page has very specific info on the best way to reserve seats).

Morning, We’re a family with 2 boys (6yrs and 2yrs) who live in Sydney and headed back to visit England this July. We currently have non stop flights on Singapore to LHR (may amend one flight to stop) and looking to include London, Paris and Lanzarote!! London for the usual reasons, plus we have family with young kids about 35 mins away from central London on the train. I also would like to visit a friend in Paris (although she’s North Paris). In terms of Lanzarote it’s not somewhere we would chose to go except for the fact my parents in law moved there from he UK. I speak Spanish and French and I’m nervous it will be Brits abroad and not at all my thing! We are committed To 5 nts in Playa Blanca but will Stay longer if you think it’ll be ok. We’re looking for a balance of culture (love the Spanish) and showing them England (London Eye, Zoo, Dinosaur Museaum, beach/pool for kids, relaxing, them getting to understand the culture, while combining with what we want as adults….we also have friends in Southampton/Bristol/Essex and no idea how we fit all in in 4wks!!! so thinking to prioritise London, Paris, maybe Barcelona and Lanzarote! Help! Cara Davis

Sounds like a great trip but don’t have the foggiest idea of what you’re asking.

Hi – great website, thanks for all the useful information! We are taking the kids (aged 4) to Paris mid-April. Can’t decide where else to go to (got a 7-8 days besides Paris) which will be interesting for us + them and not having to travel too much… having considered: Barcelona, French south coast, Rome, Amsterdam. Have left off London from the list as additional visa required plus have been there a few times recently. Any suggestions?

Amsterdam can be wet and rainy in April and the south of France (though pleasant) doesn’t offer as much to do as the large cities when it’s not beach weather. So, I would do Barcelona or Rome – both great cities but I would lean towards Rome.

Hi David, I’m planning to travel to Europe for 2 weeks with my husband and 3 years old son in November this year for our wedding anniversary. Which countries do you think we should go to? None of us have been to Europe. Thanks, Olivia

I’d either visit Paris and London (which have lots to do any time of year). Or the southern countries – Italy or Spain – which will have the nicest weather.

We just booked tickets for our family of four including two little guys (7, 3). We are flying into CDG and have two weeks. Suggestions on focus for our trip. My husband and I have been to England and Italy, but that’s it as far as Europe. This will be the kids first trip.

Paris is a great place to start so definitely spend a few days there. There is no end to the number of places I could list off but in general I’d choose between heading west and north (Atlantic coast beaches, then Amsterdam and area) or going south (French Riviera with a stop in Lyon and Provence on the way, maybe even continuing on to Barcelona).

Hi David, We are a family of 5 – 2 adults and 3 children aged 14, 11 & 4. We are planning to travel to UK & Europe in June starting June 3rd for 3weeks from Singapore. However, we are having difficulties planning our trip. We definitely need to go to London to visit relatives and thereby hope to travel to few places like Brussels, Frankfurt, Switzerland, and hopefully Italy too. But i’m not sure how feasible it is. Would you be able to guide us on this? Wani Mohan

I can certainly answer some questions for you (the more specific they are the more likely I can help, the more vague the harder it is to give advice).

David, My husband and I are planning on taking our children (ages 3 and 5) somewhere in August for 2 weeks (probably mid-end of August). I have been looking around quite a bit and am uncertain where to even start as I’d love to go every where!!! My husband would like to go visit Iceland since it is a quick and affordable flight for us from Minneapolis but it seems as if it could get quite pricey with car rental and lodging for 2 weeks. I’d love to visit Europe and possibly see a couple countries. Since the kids are quite young and we realize we wouldn’t be doing the typical tourist places but instead go hiking, playgrounds, etc, I was wondering if you have a place(s) in mind that you would choose for your family (now knowing all that you know). Also, can you recommend a good site for searching air fares? We’ve been going to google flights just to give us an idea since you can explore all destinations based on price.

Thanks and I love seeing the world through your site!

Denise in Minnesota

Iceland is a great destination if you like hiking and the outdoors. You could easily fill 2 weeks there if you set out in rental car to do in a tour of the top spots … but at the same time it seems a little long for the country. I think you’d want to seem more. Take a look at Iceland Air as they offer free stopovers in Reykjavik if you buy a ticket to Europe. They fly to a bunch of European capitals.

Otherwise, I use Kayak.com to do all my flight searches.

Hello David, wonderful site with very useful information.

Although question from Jim above echoes my queries too, I have a few more. We are a family of 4 (daughters aged 14 & 8) & planning to visit Europe in May for around 10 days. Want to visit just 2/3 cities. Shortlisted cities: London, Paris, Brussels, Switzerland, Barcelona, Rome, Budapest. Which ones would you recommend? My husband & I have stayed in London for a few months in the past, but none of us have been to any other European City. Budget is limited.

Thanks, Arch

I’d do London and Paris for sure (but they are the most expensive of all the cities you named) and then either Barcelona (great sites and good beaches) or Rome (walking tours and wonderful historical sites).

Hi David, I love this site, thankyou! I would like to ask your advice. Next July, I plan to travel to Europe for 3-4 weeks with my husband and 18 month old son. We must go to London & Amsterdam to meet family. There are so many options, we are having trouble deciding where to spend our time whilst there. We have already been to France, Turkey, Italy & The Greek Island in the past, so would like somewhere different this time and toddler friendly. What would you suggest? Beth

Barcelona, Madrid, and Porto, Portugal are great destinations. The coast of Croatia is absolutely beautiful – Greek-like beaches and coastline. Prague, Budapest, and Krakow are all magical cities.

Hi David This is a great site! We are needing some planning advice. We are traveling to Europe from Western Canada with our 3 yr old and 14 yr old in March/April. We have planned for 3.5 weeks, with key highlights including Athens, Rome, Venice, Monaco/south of France, Paris then either London and/or Copenhagen and Oslo (where we have family). We want to see historical sites but also have a chance to relax a day here or there without being over scheduled with sightseeing time. Is going south to north the best route? Plane or train? Thanks for your help!!! Dena Pedersen

You’ll need to fly to get to Athens and then best to fly from there to Rome (you could take the ferry from western Greece to Venice but it takes a fair bit of time and effort to take the bus from Athens to Igoumenitsa). But from Rome to Paris you can do all by train. Train is fun and easy (though can get a little boring on the longer journeys). It saves you from the airport/security/hassle and train stations are centrally located so that makes the train travel much more convenient. There’s a good overnight train from Venice to Paris (if you ever decided to skip south France). London is wonderful if your kids like history and train/military museums.

Thanks for the advice. One last question, we are thinking of bringing our jogging double stroller. The 3 yr old can sleep and eat and play in it, and her bag can ride beside her (we will be packing light with back packs for the rest of us). Is the double stroller going to be an issue on trains/commuter planes or sightseeing?

Yeah, unfortunately I think it will. Doesn’t mean it’s impossible but be prepared for some major hassles.

This is such a great resource. We have christmas holidays coming up this December and no plans yet. Assuming we make it to Paris – what are your suggestions for things to do and places to go over Christmas and New Years? We have a 9yo son who wants to have a white christmas. Or is there anywhere else in the world you can suggest we spend our 3 weeks during that time? I’m stumped for ideas and we would be travelling from Australia. Olive

Paris is wonderful at Christmas time but you wouldn’t be guaranteed a white Christmas – for that head east and north (Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and beyond). There is no shortage of great places to go in Europe.

Hi David, What a great site. My husband and I are planning a 3 month trip to Europe next summer with our two young children (ages 4 and 2 ). We are trying to figure out where to visit. We know that we probably will just choose 3-5 places and stay at each for a few weeks.

I would love to get your opinion of some of the places on our list since we need to narrow them down! Here goes: Dublin, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, the South of France or Italian Riviera (any thoughts?), somewhere in Switzerland, somewhere in Spain.

Any thoughts or suggestions to help us narrow down our list? Also, if there is another location that you highly recommend (especially given the toddler factor), we are open to ideas!

Thanks! Alison Freedman

Those are all great places. I have to throw in London as there’s just so many awesome kid-friendly attractions there (5x what Dublin has). South of France is more expensive than the Italian Riviera but also has more to do for families. The Italian coast is cheaper and less busy – though this changes as you move east. I highly recommend the Greek Islands for families. They’re just great – laid back, great food, great beaches, and so much fun island hopping on the ferries.

Hi David My husband and I were thinking of going to Europe in the summer for 3 weeks Flying from Canada to Munich for a few days and then a train to Austria Kitzbuel ( where I had stayed for 6 months, 10yrs ago and fell in love with) but our concern is wether this would be too hard on our kids who are almost 3 and 5. Just considering the long flight and 8 hr time change on toddlers. We thought Austria, kitzbuel is low key with simple adventures and train rides to Innsbruck or Salzburg if wanted to Do you think it would be to much on a 3 and 5 yr old with flights trains and time changes?

3 weeks gives you and the kids lots of time to get settled and adjusted to the time zone. It should be great.

My wife and I are considering spending 3-4 weeks in Europe next Spring (March); the timing and spot are linked to a meeting I will attend in The Hague, Netherlands in early March. So we thought it would be a good opportunity to travel with our two kids (son will be 5 and daughter 3). We were considering home exchange or apartment/house rental, either in Amsterdam, Belgium, or Paris, close enough for a short trip from The Hague by train.

Our main concern is the climate and time of the year. We are from Canada, so used to cold and snow, but we wonder whether we would be able to take advantage of what these countries/cities have to offer in March (obviously too early for tulips, but maybe too late for real winter activities)…

What are your thoughts about travelling to Amsterdam/Paris/Belgium in early Spring?

Thanks, your input would be much appreciated, Simon

Paris will tend to have better weather in March than Amsterdam or Belgium. Amsterdam has very uncertain weather in spring so expect anything. But it won’t be anything like winter in Canada – you’ll certainly be able to get outside and enjoy the sights. Both Amsterdam and Paris have many indoor attractions that are fine in any weather.

Planning a vacation to Europe with my almost 2 year old for about 9 or 10 days! Could you recommend the best kid-friendly places to go? I visited Rome, Venice, Florence, Paris, London, and Madrid already, but was thinking that going to Paris and London again would be nice since everything is a new experience when you have kids… What do you think? Anyris

Yes, they are very different experiences with kids. In general I recommend going to big cities (lots to do) or beach towns (kids love beaches). And Paris and London are the 2 best, funnest, and most enchanting cities for kids in Europe. Both cities can easily fill a week of almost constant exploration.

Hi David, We are booked to travel from Hong Kong for our Europe trip. our daughter is just under 3 years. We arrive into London (13th July) and plan on taking a morning Eurostar to Paris on 18th July. At the moment we are thinking maybe see a bit of Paris on 18th July and then have full 2 days 19th and 20th too. is that enough or do you think we need an extra day in Paris. We are definitely not doing Disney as we have one in HK and our daughter gets too tired and with the long queues its going to be a long day for us all.

We have our flight out from Rome on 27th July in the afternoon so thought of doing 3 full days 4 nights in Rome (reach 23rd night in Rome and have 24th-26th).

Now you can see we have 21 – 23rd free, .and wondering should we spend 21st in Paris or maybe do the following:

Option 1 – flight to Nice and Monte carlo and cities around and fly straight to Rome Option 2 – fly to Nice spend a day and then next day take a train to Pisa and see Florence too (stay overnight) and 23rd eve go to Rome.

can you please help…we need to book our Paris/Rome hotels..thank you so much.

cheers Karan

Wow. Sounds like a wonderful trip. I would go with Option 1. Option 2 sounds a bit too busy and Pisa and Florence can be stifling hot in July. South France will offer more to do for a 3 year old.

Your web site is amazing with full on knowledge for everyone. I am planning to travel from 1st to 15th of August to Europe (1st time) with my wife and 3 kids aged 11, 8 & 6. We plan to get an airline ticket from Dubai to London & back from London to Dubai. It will make cheaper. We plan to spend 3-4 days in London, 3-4 days in France (inclusive of Disney land), 3-4 days in Switzerland (Zurich / Mt. Titlis) and remaining have not yet planned. Please advise and do correct of my previously mentioned plan if you think it is not appropriate. We are interested to go to Italy or Germany. Please advise accordingly. Regards, Syed

It sounds like a wonderful plan. I would focus on what you have already planned which makes for a nice loop of western Europe. Adding Italy or Germany will make for a busier trip and I think what you have planned is right at the point of doing too much (but still good). When it comes to Europe, travel, and kids, less is more.

Hello David –

What a wonderful resource for information you have put together – tremendously helpful!

I will be traveling with my 7 year old daughter in early June and she wants to go to Venice and London from Boston. Her older sister did a “mommy and me” trip at age 7 also, but was very focused on London and Paris. There were many thongs to do in both cities and the logistics were easy because we flew into London, took the train to Paris, flew back to London and then back on to Boston. My younger daughter wants to go to Venice because of the Olivia books she read as a child and her main desire is to go on a Gondola (my older daughter wanted to go to see the Eiffel Tower).

A few questions: 1. Is there enough to do in Venice for the 7 year old and is it worth the trip to go on a Gondola ride? It is proving to be difficult to get to Venice ad then back to London from Boston. 2. Are there museums there? How many days would you stay? 3. Other than going back to Paris, is there another city or region that would be fun for her and easy to get to from London? She wants to do something different from her sister. 4. Whats the easiest way to fly from Boston to Venice, back into London for 4 days and then back to Boston? 5. Do you recommend taking the train from London to Venice?

Many thanks for your help here! Berret

Venice is great but it’s more about wandering around, exploring the city, and taking a gondola ride than about seeing any particular museums (though the Gallerie dell’Accademia is a must-see). Getting there from London requires taking the Eurostar to Paris and then the overnight train to Venice. Of course, there are plenty of direct flights from London to Venice too. 3 or 4 days in Venice is plenty of time.

We would like to spend a few days in Europe this august (up to a week), with 2 kids, ages almost 3 and 1. I would like it to be an airline hub city to save money. I am trying to decide between Rome, London, Barcelona or Copenhagen. What do you think? Thank you! Chana.

London has the most flights by a large margin – but no one saves money by staying in London. I wouldn’t worry about staying in an airline hub. All those cities have plenty of flights and you only need one – not 5, 10, or 20 flights.

Hi David, We are from Canada and want to take our two sons (12&14) to Italy in October for 11 days. My husband wants to go at that time of year for the grape harvest. After reading your posts I know this is not enough time to see and do all there is. I would like to see Venice. What would be your suggestions as to where to fly into, drive to, and fly out of given the time we have. We want to experience European culture and history. Beaches are not a priority for this trip. You had mentioned to another reader to go to Greece in October. Is this because the weather is not good? Pauline

Yes, the weather in October is very nice in Greece – especially if you’re not interested in beaches as it can dip just enough to make it hard to enjoy the sea but is still wonderful for touring, hiking, sightseeing. I wouldn’t recommend both Italy and Greece for an 11 day trip, however – it’s just too much for a short amount of time. Sticking to one country or another with maybe one other city (say, Paris, Barcelona or Amsterdam) would be fine. For Italy, flying into Rome and out of Venice makes for a good trip with Florence or Siena in the middle.

Just wanted to say, wow what an amazing blog!! I appreciate all the info you’ve collected and published here.

Hi David, We’re trying to decide between Paris and Barcelona for a week long stay in August after we visit family in England. We’ll be traveling with a 2 and 6 year old — which city do you think is more kid friendly for young children? Thanks! Tessa in NYC

I think Barcelona has a more kid-friendly vibe but Paris has more for kids to do – if that makes any sense. Both are great. The train from Paris to Barcelona is only 6.5 hours so could easily do both.

HI David, I am trying to organise our family trip to London France Switzerland for this September. We are flying from Australia with a 1 night stop over in Singapore to break the long journey with our 6 year old. Then: 5 nights London 5 nights Paris 3 Nights Disneyland then I thought we might go to Strasbourg or Colmar 3/4 nights then wanted to do Switzerland and thought about going to Wengen..but now I think it might not be the right time of year and maybe should pick another place in Switzerland for the 4 nights or just stick to France? Then make our way to Lyon for 4 nights – fly home from here. Any help would be appreciated. We plan to use the trains to travel. Thanks

Both Switzerland and Strasbourg are wonderful destinations. 3 days in Disneyland seems like a lot to me but you know better than myself. London and Paris are both great but London does provide a lot more to see than Paris (for kids and families).

Am enjoying your blog so much. I always thought…children will only enrich our journey not restrict.

I am thinking of a trip to Europe in the 1st week of Sep & at the moment leading towards Italy (Rome, Tuscany or Florence) or France (Paris, Provence or ??) but anywhere would be fine. I am a single mom & my girl would be 2yrs 3mo by then. We travel by baby carrier & she’s an active girl who likes to walk/run/climb. No stroller. Places to visit will have to include the beach/pool where she get to play with water…her favourite activity.

Any suggestions would be great….it will just be a 9~12days trip. Wish it could be longer…but not when living & working in this side of the world. judy

Those both sound like great trips and very doable. I would probably lean towards France rather than Italy. More playgrounds, more open spaces. The beaches on the Atlantic coast are more family-friendly (and less expensive) than the beaches of southern France.

Hi David, thanks for the links you have shared. We have a 5 yr old daughter and planning for our Venice tour. This is going to be her first tour so far away from home. I have collected a lot of information so far and your links helped a lot. We are planning a train journey from venice to rome. I am pretty sure of the fun she is going to have at Explora museum. We have seen some good itineraries from Triphobo and added a few more attractions as suggested here. Do you think 5 days will be sufficient to tour both rome and venice?

Yes, 5 days is not a lot but it’s certainly enough to get a good look around.

hi, David. My husband and I are planning to spend 10 days in Greece, London, and Paris in March. We will depart from New York City, where shall it be our first stop? Any good ideas? Is it going to be a rush for going to 3 countries? If yes, then can you pick one between London and Paris? Because Santorini island, Greece is a must-go place for us. Thanks! Vivian

Yes, I do think that’s too much for 10 days but if you could get direct flights to and from Santorini and your flight from NYC to Europe went to Paris or London and you flew home from the other city (called an open-jaw ticket which would save a lot of time and hassle) then you could make it work. Both London and Paris are great but if I had to choose one for a first timer it would be Paris.

Hi David – Your site is really helping me out. I was wondering if you could comment on my itinerary which was haphazardly put together as a starting point. I have never been to Europe but have traveled quite a bit with our one child who will be 5. Travel from April through June:

# Nights Destination 7 London 12 Paris 3 Lyon 3 Venice 4 Florence 5 Rome 12 Provence & Cote d’Azur 10 Barcelona 6 San Sebatian 7 Madrid 3 Seville 5 Algarve beaches 7 Lisbon 1 Home!

Sounds awesome. Try to book your arrival and departure from different cities so you won’t have to backtrack. Book train tickets in advance and through the country ticketing office (e.g. Use the Italian train website to book tickets in Italy not the general Euro website).

I have stumbled across your website and am getting a lot of good ideas but am still stumped on a couple things mainly on duration and timing. I am planning a 3 month trip from Vancouver, Canada to Europe with my husband and will be 5 year old from April to June. I was considering starting in Paris. we would want to book apartments (airbnb and the likes) but I want to book in flexibility in case we love/hate a place. Is there a ballpark length per city you would recommend. We also really love the beach, so seeking out places places that might be warmer in May and June would likely be our thing.

You can easily spend 10 days in the Paris and London. Bank on 5 days in Rome, Barcelona, Madrid, Amsterdam. 3 days in Florence, Milan, Munich, and Lake Geneva. For beaches you need to go south in May and June. Barcelona is fine for swimming in June (late June even better). For May you would have to be in the southern Greek islands like Rhodes or Crete.

We need to plan a trip somewhere in Europe during Scotland’s school holiday (mid October) with a 6 and 7 year old looking for a bit of a holiday. We have a week, give or take. There’s Disney Paris (meh), but weather is obviously a factor as is the attention span of small children who likely will find a cathedral or gallery of minimal interest. Self catering the entire time would maximize adult stress. We are pretty flexible, but feel completely stuck. Any suggestions?

What about Greece? Weather is still good in October and flights and hotels are cheaper than summer.

Hi David, My wife and I are planning a trip with our 1.5 year old baby to Europe in May. We are thinking about flying into Amsterdam staying 3 days, taking a train to the Loire Valley for 2 nights or possibly Avignon, renting a car and driving to Provence for 9 nights in a cottage within walking distance to a small village. Does this make sense? Any suggestions on where to stay in Provence? Thank you! Jake

That sounds great. Ensure the car company you rent from has a car seat – or take one with you. For hotels here are a couple in Cannes and Nice to get you started. Don’t overlook Marseilles – lots to see and do.

Hello David,

Love the site!! It’s already provided us with some great ideas for our upcoming 18 day trip to Europe and the UK in July. As my wife and I have been to the UK before to visit family we wanted to experience something new as we take our children (12 -10) along for the first time. We are flying into Paris and home out of Dublin with stops planned for Belgium (Brussels and Bruges), London, Bath, Colwyn Bay (family) and then Dublin. We’re planning to use the high speed train between Paris-Brussels and Brussels-London. I guess my question would be…how long to spend in Paris/Belgium? Was thinking 4-5 nights in Paris, maybe 1 in Brussels and 2 in Bruges or visa versa on the last two. Any thoughts? Steve

That sounds like a great trip. 4 to 5 days will be easy to fill in Paris – so I would stick with that. And yes, would probably recommend more time in Brussels than Bruges. (Read 25 things to do with kids in Brussels ). Good luck.

Hi David, My husband is going to be in Monaco a few days in early April for work. We would love to take our boys (ages 3, and 7) on a 2 – 2 1/2 week trip but are having a difficult time planning an itinerary. We want to spend our final week with friends who live in Zurich. However, we are not sure what to do with the first half of our trip. We love Paris, Provence and Tuscany but this is our first time with kids so we want to do something kid friendly and are concerned about weather in early April. Where would you recommend for about a week between Monaco and Zurich? Also, should we take the boys to Monaco or set up camp somewhere else and just send Dad off to Monaco by himself? Thanks!

Monaco is great for kids (just be prepared for lots of hills). There’s a great aquarium there that is very kid-friendly. There are easy day trips by train to other cities along the coast (Cannes or Nice). And there’s an open-air trolley tour the kids should enjoy. I’d split my time between Monaco and Paris. Lots of great kid-friendly activities in the city. You could easily fill a week with your kids in Paris. I find cities to have lots to do and it’s the quieter places that you might think have a more kid-friendly vibe that leave you scratching your head to find things to do. But both Monaco and Paris should offer you plenty to keep busy. Good luck.

Ours is a bit different a question than what you normally see. We are a family of four (kids almost 4 & 19 months) & are planning on moving to either Spain or France. Our goal is at least two years & then who knows (a year in each country). Given your travels & knowledge, what cities would you recommend as wise choices? We speak Spanish & plan on learning French. The main purpose of the trip is to immerse ourselves in culture, food, culture & more food. Granada, Barcelona, Lyon, Provence…so many wonderful options!! Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Barecelona and Paris would be right at the top of my list for places to live. But what about traveling around for the first month and choosing a place after that?

I’m an intern at a kid’s travel subscription site and these tips are great! I especially love #4, and hope to use it on our next family trip… It’s great to have variety and try new experiences that you might have not tried otherwise :) Cheers & happy travels!

So just to clarify… Is that 100-250 euro per per person per day? Not 100-250 euro for the 3 of us per day! Thanks for all your help.

That would be for everyone. But there’s no upper limit. You could spend 250 euros a day per person with very little effort. Good luck.

Hey there, I am taking my family of 3 (myself, spouse, 10-year-old girl) to Northern Italy (1 week), Switzerland (1 week), and France (1 week). Then the little girl is flying back home, and the spouse and I are going to Netherlands (1 week), Gremany (1 week), and Southern Italy (1 week) (3 weeks for the daughter, and 6 weeks for 2 adults). Accommodations are all paid for, and a car is leased. So I’m wondering if you can suggest a budget per person per day (in Euros) that would be reasonable to have a good vacation. Thanks.

Oh…timeframe is last week in August till first week of October. Thanks again.

There is a huge range of possible budgets. Since your accommodations and transportation are paid for it will primarily be your food, attraction entrance fees, and incidentals. You could get by on 100 euros a day but that could easily bump up to 250 euros a day without feeling like you’re being indulgent. Hope that helps.

Somehow or other, our first Europe trip with our two daughters (8 and 6) has shaped itself into London-Paris-Venice, but without any real detail. London and Paris we can organise easily – but any tips for Venice with kids?

Hi Andrew, this is a great resource for Venice .

Hi David. Great site by the way. We are a family of 2 adults, 2 kids (13 & 15) from Australia and want to experience our first white Christmas in December. Was thinking Europe for 3 weeks. Was hoping to spend New Years Eve in Paris. As we have never been to Europe is it better to cruise or not. Wanting to see Paris, Rome, Italy, Venice, Greece. Friends have also said Austria is great for the Christmas festivities and spirit. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

Hi Fiona. That sounds great. I would not do a typical sea-cruise – getting around by train is much more interesting. Though a river or canal cruise would be cool. But they won’t be running nearly as often in winter. Good luck.

I am traveling to San Sebastián in May for work. Having lived in Seville for a while in college I thought it would be fun to take my three kids (ages 4, 6, 8) and travel around Spain for a couple weeks. My husband thinks I am crazy and is discouraging it. I am trying to put together a reasonable travel plan that would allow us to be in San Sebastián from may 2-4 with travel before and after. Would love the kids to see Barcelona, Seville, and Toledo. Madrid would be nice but scares me a bit as my brother was nearly abducted there in the mid 90s and our concierge told us it “happens all the time” related to slave trade…? (Not sure how accurate that is). Do you have suggestions for great things to see and do with young kids in Spain (I already saw your page about Barcelona which was very helpful). Thanks!!

Hi Kristen. Sounds like a great plan. (And yes, I’m confident that Spain is incredibly safe and abductions exceedingly rare.)

I do know of another family that just did a 3 month tour of Spain ( blog here .) I’ll see if she has a few minutes to offer some suggestions.

Lay your fears to rest! So many horror stories. So little reality. We just returned from living for three months in Spain with our 9 and 12 years old children and we had the opportunity to go to all the places you are hoping to visit. We had also heard may stories about pickpocketing on the Ramblas in Barcelona, and Gypsie scams in the south, but none of them came to fruition. Spaniards absolutely ADORE children! The family is the core of their culture, and you will be quite welcome when you bring your little ones along. In San Sebastian just wander around and hit the beach and eat every chance you get. The pintxos are fabulous! In Toledo be sure to buy a sword that can fit in your luggage – there will be so many options to choose from. The kids will love clambering up the stairs to the top of the Giralda Bell Tower in Sevilla. They’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that they made it, and be rewarded with great views. The Sevilla’s Alcazar has a whole group of ducks and peacocks running around, and it’s a great place to spend some time. Watch out for the duck that thinks one of the peacocks is his girl – he’ll bite your shoelaces if you get close to her! And as for Madrid – go! Madrid is fabulous. There are so many little parks and playgrounds sprinkled throughout the neighborhoods and the Parque Buen Retiro has little boats to rent. Your kids are younger than mine are, but we also traveled part of the time with my sister-in-law who had a 2 and 5 year old. We all had a great time and they were the hit at all the restaurants. Above all, just enjoy. We always stopped in pastry shops and had the local goodies, and when we had car journeys we would let the kids pick a bag of small Spanish candies from a corner store and distribute them through the ride. They loved looking at all the different wrappers and not knowing quite what they were going to get. As for lodging go with Booking.com. We booked 75% of out places through there and they all turned out outstanding. Giralda Suites in Sevilla were fabulous. In Madrid we stayed in an apartment from Homes for Travellers called the La Latina Loft. Apartments are the way to go. With that many people you are paying too much in a hotel, and they often don’t have the right size of beds to fit everyone. They don’t do two queens like we do here in the US. Also, once you are past 2 people it is sometimes the same price to taxi as to metro. We used the metro a lot, but sometimes a taxi was the better option and just as reasonable. Buen viaje!

Thank you so much! That is so helpful. We have booked our flights and I have rooms reserved for the whole time through booking.com. I was able to get the place you recommended in Seville. Now I am trying to prioritize what to see and do in Barcelona, Madrid and Seville. There is so much and we will only have 2 – 3 days in each. I guess it is a good problem to have!!

I am glad I found you site, as planning a trip without any advise is so complicated. Every package/ deal offered is different and so are the cost and believe me it does not help!

We as a family ( 2 adults & 10 yrs kid) are planning an Europe trip from Dubai this summer for 10 days..Our main aspect is to cover Disneyland for 2-3 days as my little one is very keen to see it. Appreciate if you could suggest a suitable itineray that will cover other places (Zurich, Rome, Italy, Paris, Geneva) along with Disneyland and that is cost effective too. In addition seek you valuable suggestion on budget friendly hotel/ hostel that offer family rooms.

First off, the more you travel the more you’ll spend. There’s the cost on travel itself plus the longer you’re in one place the more your costs tend to come down. You get comfortable with an area, find the grocery store, the cheaper restaurants, a place to eat a picnic. The faster you’re moving about the more compromises you make and say, “Oh, lets just eat at that place over there – I’m tired, I don’t care how much it costs.”

If it were me I’d head from Paris to South France for a few days and then onto Rome for the final 3 or 4 days and fly home from there.

Hotelscombined.com is the best website for finding discounted hotels throughout Europe. It searches every other major (and minor) site and gives you a list of available rooms and prices at each website.

Hi David What an amazing website. Thank you. We have a 9 yo boy and 7yo girl, traveling from Australia to Europe. We want to go to Legoland, and Paris, I’d welcome any suggestions regarding an itinerary: about 5 weeks. Thanks again

Lots to see of course. Paris is great. London, Rome, Amsterdam. So many great cities. If you’re there in summer the beaches in northern Europe are great too (e.g. the Atlantic coast of France) so no need to visit the Riviera if you didn’t want to. Not sure when you’re going but Legoland Windsor does close from December to March. Not sure about the Legolands in Germany and Brussels. I’d buy tickets to attractions like those in advance. Good luck.

Hi David, We are planning to go to France in July next year to stay in Pezenas with our in laws. (They are there for the entire month, we will spend a week with them) We have 3 boys aged 4,7,9. I want to spend a further 3 weeks travelling, one week will be with my husband and kids, the second week will be with my parents on their yacht and the other week me and the boys. I’d welcome any suggestions. Regards Helen

Hi Helen. There are so many different options it’s hard to narrow it down. I guess if I had one tidbit to offer it would be to fly into and out of different cities so you won’t have to retrace your route to get home.

For destinations you’ll be very central and by the sounds of it you’ll have 2 different weeks to fill. I’d choose between either Barcelona, Madrid, and Spain; Paris and central France; or Rome and Tuscany. Don’t do too much so just choose 2 of those 3 regions and enjoy yourself.

Hope that helps.

Thank you David. We are actually thinking of changing our plans to lake Geneva. We are thinking of staying in Lausanne and touring around the lake and the srounding mountains. Do you have some tips for things to do, places to stay? Thanks

Frommer’s has a great site on Switzerland: frommers.com .

We loved the time we spent in Geneva.

Hi David, We are a family of 4, our kids are 3 and 5. We would like to visit Europe for one week on our way to USA. We are thinking either London or Paris. Which one is more kids friendly? Do you have other suggestions? Thanks

For kids a little older I’d definitely give the nod to London but for ages 3 and 5 it’s less about attractions and more about parks and street life and wandering around and I think in that category Paris might be the winner. Both are great however. I think you’d have an easier time finding a hotel with a pool in London than in Paris if that means anything to you. Good luck.

Hi David, my husband and 2 kids (8 and 10) are planning a holiday to France this summer. We thought we would fly into Paris, rent an apartment for 2 weeks and then travel south for the remaining 2 weeks. Any suggestions on an itinerary of where we should go in the south, a great “home base” where we could take day trips and still enjoy the beach? Also, any tips on finding great but also budget friendly short term accommodations? Any ideas would be great! Thanks, Carmen

Renting a place in Paris for a 2 week stay is a great idea. I think you’ll love it.

For a homebase in the south of France I’d say Aix en Provence would make a great choice. Central, lots to see, good transportation, charming city.

For hotel discounts you’re best to use hotelscombined for Aix-en-Provence , Nice , or Cannes as they’ll find the best rates (rather than focusing on specific hotels).

Hi David, Your site is fantastic and I’m glad I found it.

I’m 21, and my family has put me in charge of planning our 18/19 day trip to Spain, Italy and France. We are planning on visiting Barcelona, Madrid, Alicante, Rome, Porto Recanit and Paris.

We have home bases in Madrid and Porto Recanti (family, and we’ll be lodging there for a few nights). I was curious if you would recommend, if we start in Spain or Italy? What should we consider as a form of travel between the countries on a budget, we’ll all be adults by then and don’t mind traveling in unconventional ways, its all part of the adventure.

Also, any recommendations as to what things in those cities most people tend to miss? (We’ll be there flying out of MCO on either 5/28/13 or 6/3/12 with 18 nights. What do you think?)

Hi Juan. Firstly I would recommend flying into and out of different cities so that you don’t have to backtrack. It saves time and money. Maybe fly into Paris and fly home from Rome. It might cost a little more for the air tickets but it’s easily made up for by the return trip (e.g. from Rome to Paris) and hotel/lost time.

I’d take the train between the major cities. It probably won’t be worth it buying a eurail pass. The cheapest way to buy tickets is through each individual country’s train website – so don’t book through the more general Eurail site. Italy’s website, in particular, offers good rates.

Hi I’m planning a europe trip for my family (2 adults & 3 kids 7-9-10yrs). We will be travelling from cumbria in the UK and plan to see Paris, Geneva, Marseille, Barcelona, San sebastien, La Rochelle and Normandy before going home (all in all 3 weeks!) We had planned on taking our car, use the ferry crossings at Dover and Calais and we plan to either use hostels and camp. Do you think planes and trains would be a more economical way to travel? And are there any places you would recommend which would be great for the kids instead of the above mentioned? Thank you, Gemma

That sounds like an awesome itinerary. There’s always more to see but I think those are great choices. I often recommend flying to save time and money but I think with what you have planned (especially with the camping) then taking your own car should work well and be a great way to keep costs down.

We have traveled with the kids (now ages 9 and 11) to Europe 3 times. We just returned from our most recent trip in which we spent 4 weeks going through Germany, France, and Italy. We followed your advice to fly home from a different city than we arrived in and it was wonderful. Great tip. Previously we would fly to London, then over to France only to have to return by train to London for that final night. A big expense with no benefit.

On this trip we spent time in Berlin, Munich, camping in northern France with some friends, Paris (of course), the south of France (mainly around Cannes), and then Milan briefly, Florence, and Rome. We would have liked to visit Venice but ran out of time and seeing as we were very rushed at the end I’m glad we didn’t try to squeeze it in.

The kids most enjoyed Rome (they had both shown an interest in Roman history in the few weeks before we left and there was lots to see there). The sites of Rome seemed to lend themselves to being enjoyed by kids. They’re right there in front of you so it’s very personal and hands-on, or I guess eyes-on. Paris is always nice but the kids had been twice before so there wasn’t much new there. The beaches of Southern France were wonderful. Very family friendly in their feel and amenities.

I think our next trip we’ll try to make it to Venice and then ferry (maybe!) to Greece. That’s the plan anyways.

We are wanting to take our kids out of school for a period of 1-2 years and possibly place them into a school somewhere in Europe. Public or international school we are not quite sure. Where would be the easiest place for children aged 7 & 9 from Canada best integrate into? Would probably have to take our two dogs, so can a person rent homes in the countryside that accept pets? Just looking for some ideas that would be best for the kids and from there we could use it as a base to explore the remainder of Europe. Thanks for any suggestions.

There are lots of great places and fantastic international schools all over Europe. The biggest difficulty will be securing a visa for that long (unless you have EU passports, but it doesn’t sound like it). Without a visa you can only spend 90 days in any 6 month period in all the Schengen countries (basically Western Europe and Greece). That’s 90 days total, not in each one.

Unless you’re traveling for more than 3 or 4 weeks I would suggest finding some cheap flights to Paris, Rome, Barcelona, or anywhere around Europe that you want to go. For example, if you wanted to see Barcelona, south France, and a bit of Italy, I would fly to Barcelona, train along the coast of France to Rome, and then fly home from there. If you really want to take in a lot of spots and are going on an extended trip then the car could save you some money. But a shorter trip that hits just 4 or 5 spots is probably cheaper with a combination of train and plane. I hope that helps. Good luck.

I’m traveling to Europe from Canada in August, flying into Paris (4 days) then traveling to Barcelona (3 days) and Rome for (7 days).

I have flights to Paris and from Rome also all hotels booked, but am wondering what’s the best (economical) way to travel from Paris to Barcelona and Barcelona to Rome. We are a family of 5 – 2 adults and 3 children aged 14, 12 and 7

Train is the funnest way to travel but flights often turn out to be cheaper (and obviously faster). Use airninja.com to find the budget airlines for the routes you need. But remember that many budget airlines depart from smaller airports that are often well outside the city center, so be sure to factor the time and expense of getting out there when comparing to taking the train which will leave from a terminal within the city.

Hi David! We are planning a six week trip to Europe this coming June to July. We are looking for the best options/itineraries for a large family of two adults and 6 kids ranging from 16 to 2 years old. I have looked at house/apartment rentals which seem to make more sense economically. Can you please suggest an itinerary and transportation modes that will be convenient/less costly for all of us? We want to go as many places as possible but would also want to be realistic about it. Thanks in advance!

I’d pick out 8 or 10 places that you really want to see and then try to develop a line through a majority of them that starts and ends at different major cities. Fly into the first one and fly out of the last one. You save time and money by not backtracking. If it were me going on my first trip to Europe I’d start in Paris, train to Barcelona, then train to Rome with stops in the Cote d’Azur and Florence along the way.

Train is usually always the best way to get around.

Hotelscombined is the best for finding hotel deals.

vrbo.com is good for apartments and houses.

Hi I love this website. I have been trying to figure out how to start off a 6 week long trip for myself, my partner & our 2 children (5 & 12) to Europe/UK in October/November and I keep coming back to this website for advice & tips, it’s so informative, so thank you. However, I’m still confused as to what the best route/mode of transport we should take from NZ. We want to be in Scotland around 10th November for my partner’s grandmother’s 80th and the other places we want to visit include London, Devon, Paris, South France, Barcelona & Gibraltar, Italy (probably just west coast places like Rome). We thought we could fly from New Zealand to Italy, France or Spain and move up towards England & Scotland but thought we would fly into Scotland or England, leave some gear with family in either place & travel down to Europe and go to Scotland and fly out of Scotland or England again??? It’s so confusing, we want to do it on a budget and have started the process of looking for couch surfers but I’m still unsure how to get from place to place. Any help would be so greatly appreciated. Regards, Tania, John & Kids

The best way to save money is to travel around as little as possible. So with that in mind, the best budget route would be to fly into Rome (or maybe Paris, Madrid, or Barcelona), travel north to London and then Scotland, and then fly home from there. Rectracing your steps is costly. (You could also do this trip in reverse but the weather will be much nicer in Italy and Spain at the end of October rather than the middle of November.) I hope that helps. Good luck.

Thanks for your help :-)

Which would you suggest Lyon or Brittany?

For the kids Brittany.

Wonderful site with loads of info.

We are family of 4 with 7 and 1 year old boys planning to visit Europe from Malaysia for 2 weeks. We would like to visit Amsterdam, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy and London. I am interested to show my elder son places of historic interests plus some science centers and kids specific activities.

Can you suggest how to go about? Is train travel cheaper?

We are visiting Europe for the first time and would like to stay in apartments than hotels and keep the trip enjoyable and pleasant yet on a budget too.

Tq in advance.

With regards, Preethi

The easiest way to keep expenses down is to visit in the off or shoulder season, somewhere between late September and late May. That said, London is always expensive and the cities of Western Europe are never cheap. hotelscombined.com is an awesome site for finding good deals on hotels.

Also, the more you move around the more you’ll spend. Train tickets are expensive and you tend to spend more in a place on your 1st day then on your 4th (when you have a better feel of where to shop, eat, and how much things should cost). You’ll often get better hotel deals for a longer stay too.

To save money on trains book early. There are a limited number of cheap tickets and once they’re sold they’re gone. You’ll have to do the math to see if a train pass is worth it. Don’t assume that the train pass will be cheaper. The greater the number of stops you plan to make the more a train pass pays off. Also, check the websites of the individual countries when buying train tickets. So if you’re buying tickets for Italy visit the Italian train website instead of buying through the general Eurail site.

Plane tickets can be cheaper than the train but they require more planning and the airports for the budget airlines often lie far out of town making even a short flight a half-day ordeal. The train is much funner, easier, and feels more European. Airports have a more generic, “I could be anywhere” feel.

I hope that helps.

THANK YOU for such a great site. I just came back from two months in Europe with my two boys (6 and 11). My husband only joined us for two weeks because of work. I wish I had seen your site earlier. Now that I am planning a return trip for (9 weeks this time), I will be relying heavily on your site. I love your section on Greece. Thank you again for such great ideas.

Travelling to Europe with kids aged 4 and 2. Landing in London. Planning to spend a few days there. Following that, fly to Florence and take day trains to Pisa, Milan, Rome. How does that sound? Any other ideas?

That sounds great. Check out the new Kids Zone at the Army Museum which is perfect for those ages (though you need to book in advance).

They’d probably like taking a look at the huge Hamley’s toy store on Regent street .

We stayed a week at the Marylebone Hotel which was great and has a pool (though it’s only open for kids from 3:30 to 5:00 which you need to plan around). But the staff are great with kids and make every effort to keep them happy. The neighborhood around the hotel is fantastic and very central. Good luck.

Hi. My husband and I have decided to take our 4 kids (13,12,11 and 9) to the UK and Italy, Spain and Belgium (family connections) for 9 weeks beginning in March this year. We are still undecided on the best mode of transport – trains/public transport seem too expensive, car ok but then we need to find accommodation; motorhome seems good option but so large and very expensive …. ahh! Does anyone have any suggestions? We are happy to see less and experience more, and would love flexibility to change plans as we go… We have no experience of youth hostels or their cost/availablity, or of actually driving around in a motorhome – indeed of anything much! Ideally we would camp but feel the weather may be far too cold and maybe wet? Some may say we are travelling blind! thanks in advance for any comments.

When you factor in the costs and hassle of getting your own vehicle, I think the train would win out. The good thing is that you should be able to find great deals on hotels that time of year. Look for longer term options on vrbo.com or even airbnb.com. Good luck.

GO TO DEVON IT IS AWESOME! (I may be slightly biased since I live here but when I first moved here I was amazed at how beautiful it was – now I kind of take it for granted.)

Hi David, Love the blog! My family of 5 (kids 15, 13 & 11) are planning a 3-4 week trip with another family of same age kids. We originally were going to do a London/Europe trip as you suggested with flying into London and out of Barcelona, however now the other family is leaning toward trip to Bali. You’ve been to both- your thoughts would be so appreciated! Jackie Moes

Hi Jackie. Both are great, but very different. Since you’re planning to travel with another family then I think Bali wins out as it’s much more easy going and chill-out friendly. Big cities are great for kids, but I think trying to negotiate all the challenges, planning, arranging that Western Europe requires would be too much for 2 families and probably result in some unneeded headaches. Go simple, go Bali.

We’re planning a trip to Paris and Rome in June with the kids. Right now, I see a fare for non-stop legs LAX-Paris-Rome-LAX for about $1450 on Air France and Alitalia. In your experience, is that fare in a reasonable range given that it’s June or should I wait a few more months hoping that price will drop?

Thanks, Rachel

Hi Rachel. It does sound reasonable and if you’re certain you’ll take the trip then I’d book it. Could there be cheaper fares? Yes. But, at best, probably not less than $1300 or so. Whereas it could move in the upwards direction several hundred dollars. My only suggestion for getting a cheaper ticket would be to leave the Paris to Rome leg off your ticket and do this by train or a cheap budget airline. It likely wouldn’t save you a lot of money but you would gain some flexibility (maybe stopping in South France, Milan, or Florence on your way to Rome) and the kids would get to do an overnight train ride which they’d love. Good luck.

We’ll be flying from Chicago to Europe in the fall and are wondering what you’d recommend for a family trip itinerary. We’ll have almost 2 weeks (probably 12 or 13 nights) and are open to anything. We’re a family of 4 with an 8 year old and 13 year old. My wife went on a school trip to France in high school but other than that this will be our first trip to Europe. Thanks for your time.

Hi Jim. That sounds awesome. Europe is a fantastic destination for kids – especially slightly older ones that will enjoy the history, castles, hikes, and urban attractions. There are so many places to visit it’s hard to pick one perfect itinerary. You’ll always be left feeling like you didn’t see enough.

My first recommendation would be to fly into one city and out of another. This saves time, effort, and money. Though “open-jaw” tickets, as they’re called, usually cost a bit more it’s more than made up by the savings in a return train ticket, one night in a hotel, and the wasted time spent retracing your steps.

So with that in mind, I’d look for flights into London and a return flight from either Barcelona, Madrid, or Rome. Spend 4 nights in London, then take the train under the Channel to Paris. 3 or 4 days there – perhaps with a day trip to Versailles – should keep you busy and happy.

Both Paris and London have some wonderful museums for kids and the subway systems in both are an easy and exciting way to get around the city.

I’d spend the end of the trip in either Rome, Madrid, or Barcelona – probably favoring Barcelona if you wanted some beach time, Rome and Madrid if the kids were really enjoying the historical sites. Train connections from Paris to all 3 of these cities are great – though you should book in advance, especially if you plan to get a family sleeper.

If you had a few more days or shortened your time in some of the cities, then a few days at the beaches of Provence and the Cote d’Azur would be a great option.

Also, IcelandAir has some great prices on trips to Europe with free stopovers in Reykjavik. It breaks up the trip and allows for a day or 2 to explore the city and maybe visit the Blue Lagoon.

Great. Thanks David!

Hi…I love travelling and so do my Family..We’ve done entire India and have done few South East countries. I have two great daughters aged 10 and 8 Years and would want to take them out for the first time outside India..although they have been to our neighbouring countries. It would be in October for 10 days max and I would want to budget my travel..so that I can show them a new country every year..where in Europe would you suggest..that appeases to all and make memories ..and how much would be the budget and how can we make use of Eurorail ???

Hi Jaya. Train travel can be expensive in Europe so my first piece of advice – especially if you’re planning to return multiple times – is to focus on just one area, one country, or a couple of cities and keep the travel (and train ticket purchases) to a minimum. Generally the north and west of Europe are the most expensive countries. As you move south and east things are cheaper – often much cheaper. Greece is a great family destination for a first trip to Europe. The islands are great to visit and kids love the ferry trips. Greece is much cheaper than, say, France or Spain, (though not nearly as cheap as it was 10 or 20 years ago), and you can often find great deals on flights between Athens and Mumbai or Delhi. I hope that helps a little. Good luck.

Great list and links, thanks. Taught in Spain near Barcelona for a while and several years, a marriage and 2 kids later am planning to return with family – looking forward to exploring the city from a child’s perspective

This summer my Australian husband and I are moving from New Jersey to his native Australia with our two year old daughter. We have time, so we’re saving money and buying around-the-world tickets, planning on visiting Iceland, England, Spain, Italy, the Greek Islands, and South Africa before heading to Australia. This trip will probably take us about 8-10 weeks. We’re all pretty seasoned travelers and our daughter has flown many times, so we’re pretty cluey, but have never done anything of this magnitude with a kid involved. We’re interested in doing a blog about our preparations, the move, and of course, the trip itself, but we’ve never done one before and are looking for advice. Any tips on that?

Hi Ashley. I’m going to be doing a blog post on this soon — as I get lots of questions on it — but here are a few quick ideas:

– If you’re serious about your blog and about (maybe) putting some serious time and effort into it, then go with a WordPress self hosted blog. That means you’ll have to buy a domain, host it on a site (like Godaddy for example) and then use WordPress to run it.

– On the other hand, if you just want a site for friends, family, and people you meet along the road, then blogger.com is perfectly fine.

– Plan before you start blogging. There are lots of little decisions you’ll make along the way, and doing a little prep work (or a lot of prep work) before you start will save you having to tear things down and start again.

I hope that helps, let me know if you have a specific question.

Dear Friends, We are a family of 4 , 2 adults and 2 kids ( 16 & 8 ) from India.We plan to visit Europe in May for 10-12 days. My budget is around Euro 1250 per head. Total Euro 5000 . Can somebody please suggest some itineraries? This will be my first trip to Europe and any suggestions/advice are welcome. Best wishes.

Hi JV. If I had to suggest some spots it would probably be a route between 2 cities, say Paris and Rome (or Paris and Barcelona). Fly into one, take the train between them, and then fly out of the other if you’re able to – thus saving the time and expense of backtracking. My perfect trip would probably include a few days in Paris, followed by 2 or 3 days in the south of France. Then on to Florence or Siena. And finishing in Rome. If anything take a stop out before adding any more. Keep it simple and don’t rush and you should have a great time.

Dear David, Thanks a lot for your comments. I really appreciate it. Any other suggestions/comments anybody. Best wishes to all

What keeps our travel dreams on hold is flight cost? How do you cut that down?

Hi Loraine. I agree that’s a huge part of being able to travel – the initial cost of plane tickets. My biggest suggestion is to be flexible – as flexible as you can. The more you’re able to pick and choose from the different seat sales – whether it be the dates, the days of the week, the destination, or all 3 – the better the deal you’ll get.

The good thing is that many places that require a bigger expense on the tickets side: Thailand, Vietnam, Greece, Turkey, Venezuela, offer great value to travelers. So once you’re there, if you really watch what you spend you can make that big expense up front pay off.

Mexico is one place where you get both great deals on airfare and – if you stay away from the big tourist resorts like Cancun or Puerta Vallarta – you can still get great deals and very affordable accommodations.

I’m currently writing a piece on finding great deals on air travel. I’ll be sure to send it to you once I’ve finished it.

These are wonderful tips for families traveling to Europe! We have been on an open ended, non-stop world tour as a family since 2006 & many of our 32 countries & 175,000 miles (most overland) so far have been in Europe.

We travel & live large on just 23 dollars a day per person. We’ve done everything from 5 star hotels to hostels, cargo ships to camels, but our main lodging AND transportation mode is by small motorhome.

It is a fantastic way to see Europe with most campsites being 5 star resorts near all the sites with easy access via mass transit, biking or walking. Great for families as there is no packing & unpacking and almost all have kid’s clubs and great pools, restaurants, stores and beaches for after touring days.

It’s a wonderful educational opportunity that will last you a lifetime!

What a wonderful adventure for your family!! May I ask who/where did you rent your motorhome in Europe? This idea really appeals to us. Thanks

soultravler3: I am very, very interested in your travels, planning, tips, ideas, anything! how do you do it on so little money? how did you decide to “leave it all behind” and travel the world? what a classroom for your kids. I am so interested in your travels, any information would be very appreciated.

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Europe With Kids: 35 Best European Cities For Family Travel

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 29, 2024

Categories Europe , Family Travel

Are you planning a trip to Europe with family and wondering which are the best European cities to visit with kids? This post is for you!

Since becoming parents in 2018, we've taken our kids on several Europe family-friendly vacations, city trips, and road trips by campervan.

Traveling as a family is different than traveling as a couple , but we love it just as much! Sure, you need to plan more, slow down your travel pace, and pack properly for your (first) trip with kids .

But traveling with your children and sharing adventures together is a wonderful and enriching experience!

Best European cities to visit with kids

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

The best cities in Europe for kids

To provide you with plenty of travel inspiration, I've asked family bloggers for their personal recommendations for the best European cities for families.

The result is this list which includes 35 of the best places to visit in Europe with kids, but it's by no means exhaustive.

Nevertheless, I hope it will give you lots of ideas when planning your (next) family trip to Europe!

Plan your trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Get the best car rental deal for your road trip on Rentalcars.com . ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours via Get Your Guide , Viator or Klook . ? Plan your journey with the  Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Cities in Europe with kids: map

You can find all the European cities for families included in this post in the map and list below.

Click here for the interactive map

35 amazing family city trips in Europe

• Amsterdam, the Netherlands
• Athens, Greece
• Barcelona, Spain
• Belgrade, Serbia
• Bern, Switzerland
• Bruges, Belgium
• Budapest, Hungary
• Cagliari, Italy
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Cordoba, Spain
• Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Edinburgh, Scotland
• Florence, Italy
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Kotor, Montenegro
• Lisbon, Portugal
• London, United Kingdom
• Madrid, Spain
• Munich, Germany
• Nantes, France
• Nice, France
• Paris, France
• Porto, Portugal
• Prague, Czech Republic
• Rome, Italy
• Salzburg, Austria
• Seville, Spain
• Sibiu, Romania
• Tallinn, Estonia
• Tbilisi, Georgia
• Valencia, Spain
• Venice, Italy
• Vienna, Austria
• Warsaw, Poland
• Wroclaw, Poland

Also read about the most kid-friendly cities in Scandinavia  and  the U.K.

The most stunning European cities with kids

1. amsterdam, the netherlands.

Tracy from Amsterdam Wonderland : if you're looking for the best city in Europe for kids it's hard to top Amsterdam. This small family-friendly capital is packed with treats to delight the little ones.

With hands-on museums, transport wonders to amaze (think bikes, trams, and child-friendly canal boat tours), and over 400 playgrounds, yes you read that right, you'll be spoiled for choice.

Amsterdam's best hidden hot spots

• The extraordinary  Mouse Mansion (a little workshop with floor-to-ceiling mice frolicking in tiny dioramas).
• Tony's Chocolonely shop with its amazing chocolate vending machine.
• NEMO, the city's world-famous science museum with its “touch everything” philosophy ( click here to buy a skip-the-line ticket online ). 

Sample some typical Dutch cuisine

What's more, Amsterdam food is perfect for little ones too. Why not taste kibbeling from a street-side food truck (crispy fried pieces of fish served with mayonnaise).

Or try ‘ een wit broodje met hagelslag ‘ (chocolate sprinkles on white bread), a very Dutch breakfast. And of course, you can't miss the ultimate Dutch specialty: pancakes or poffertjes !

=> Join this food tour and pamper your taste buds with some of the best treats Amsterdam has to offer.

Keukenhof Garden

If you want to venture a bit further afield and visit the world's largest spring garden, check out this excellent Keukenhof Garden tour that includes transport from Amsterdam city center and a skip-the-line ticket.

So whatever the age of your youngsters, Amsterdam is sure to become their very favorite Euro destination!

Best hotels for families in Amsterdam : • Mercure Hotel : spacious rooms and great value for money. Click to book . • GH Amsterdam : a lovely apartment with an excellent location. Click to book . • Monet Garden : canal views in the city center. Click to book .

2. Athens, Greece

Dawn from 5 Lost Together: I loved our family trip to Athens! I had heard mixed reviews about Athens before we visited, so I wasn’t sure what to expect.

It ended up being a city we loved visiting with kids, full of rich history and culture!

You don’t have to work hard to experience the history of Athens; ruins thousands of years old rise up against modern city streets.

For most visitors, the Acropolis is the main attraction of Athens. Book a skip the line (small-group) tour to the Acropolis online or visit independently.

For our Percy Jackson obsessed daughter, she was in heaven checking out the ancient ruins and hearing about the different buildings and the connection to Greek mythology. 

Another highlight of our Athens family trip was this food tour , where we tasted our way through the city. Greek food is world-renowned, but it was amazing to visit hidden gems with the expertise of a local.

We loved wandering the compact neighborhoods of central Athens, eating al fresco in the streets on the warm summer nights and enjoying the views from the top of Lycabettus Hill.

Athens has a distinct feel from other European cities and is, in my opinion, one of the best places to travel in Europe with kids.

If you've got more time to spend in Greece, Athens is also a great jump-off point for a visit to one of the many beautiful Greek Islands.

Click here for the best family hotels in Athens

3. Barcelona, Spain

Keri from Little City Trips: one of the best places to visit with kids in Europe is beautiful Barcelona.

Located on the Spanish coast and full of cultural attractions,  Barcelona is a great city for families since it offers both opportunities for outside play as well as traditional sightseeing.

Families are spoilt for choice when it comes to child-friendly activities in Barcelona! In terms of green areas, the famous Parc Guell is a beautiful park where kids can play while parents admire the whimsical creations of architect Gaudi.

Parc de la Ciutadella is lovely to visit and hosts the Barcelona Zoo ( click here to purchase Zoo tickets ). 

The beach is always a hit with kids and Barceloneta is surprisingly family-friendly, with many cafes equipped with high chairs, juices, and often even kids' menus.

If you are looking for attractions that are just for kids but adults can enjoy too, head over to Montjuic. Here you can visit the Poble Espanyol , a village built to replicate the different parts of Spain.

Kids can also play at the Magical Fountain, which has a light show on summer nights that your kids will adore (and so will you!).

Last but not least, don’t forget to plan a trip to the Barcelona Aquarium where you can walk in an underwater, see-through tunnel! Book your tickets online and skip the queue .

Click here for the best family hotels in Barcelona

4. Belgrade, Serbia

Stephanie from Sofia Adventures : Belgrade is one of my favorite cities in Europe and it has great options for families traveling with kids.

Some of my favorite things to do in Belgrade include having cake at Hotel Moskva , exploring the city’s unique communist architecture, and enjoying the city’s great food culture.

Families traveling to East Europe with kids should make sure to visit the Nichola Tesla Museum, which offers tours that include electricity experiments.

The children on our tour were absolutely delighted when the Tesla coils lit up the light bulbs they were holding like light-sabers.

The city also offers opportunities to explore World War II history by visiting the monument dedicated to the Concentration Camp that was located in Novi Beograd during the war.

There is also a Nazi ship that’s been restored and turned into a restaurant and cultural center.

Belgrade is also a great family destination because it’s easy on your budget. With services and amenities comparable to Western Europe cities, but at Eastern European prices, families can stretch their travel budgets much further here!

The city also has tons of free things to do. As it sits at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, there are plenty of beaches, river islands, and other fantastic green spaces to explore.

A lovely evening activity is taking a sunset sightseeing cruise to admire the beautiful monuments of the magical capital of Serbia lit up. Check availability here .

A perfect way for your kids to blow off some steam after a morning spent in museums and other cultural sites.

Altogether, Belgrade is one of the best family holiday destinations in Europe!

Click here for the best family hotels in Belgrade

5. Bern, Switzerland

Claudia from The Travelling Mom : the stately capital city of Bern, Switzerland, is a surprisingly kid-friendly destination that offers lots and lots for visiting families.

Bern has a highly walkable, pedestrian-friendly downtown core with a UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Check out this 90-minute walking tour to learn about the city’s 800 years of history from a local guide.

Some of the best family-friendly attractions are easily accessed by wandering through Bern’s historic limestone arcades.

These include the 16th-century Zytglogge astronomical clock that chimes every 15 minutes, the waterpark in front of the Federal Parliament Buildings, and the famous Bear Park, home to the brown bears that are the city’s namesake.

The Park is situated next to the Aare River and offers landscaped green space for the bears to roam.

Upriver is the popular MarziliBad swimming pool area, where swimmers can also access the fast-flowing Aare for an exhilarating swim in the glacial meltwater. 

A short tram ride from the Old Town leads to Gurten Park, a mountain-top playground for children, with cafes, restaurants, and a 360-degree view of the city and Alpine countryside. It’s a wonderful place for kids to run off energy and have fun! 

Bern is also home to various museums, including the Alpine Museum ,  Bern Historical Museum , and Einstein House .

For budding fine art lovers, Museum Paul Klee has a wonderful children’s program called Creaviva, which offers hands-on creative fun inspired by one of Switzerland’s most famous modern artists.

Altogether, Bern is also definitely one of the best places in Europe to visit with kids!

Click here for the best family hotels in Bern

6. Bruges, Belgium

Sierra from Free to Travel Mama : Bruges is a picturesque little canal city and is another one of the best cities in Europe to visit with kids.

Upon arrival for your weekend getaway, you can’t help but sigh at its fairy-tale appearance. Bruges is very walkable for families, be sure to visit Markt Square and meander its quaint streets. 

The most popular activity is to take a canal cruise to get an overview of the city’s history and see areas that would go unseen when exploring on foot.

A canal tour is a perfect activity for families with small children as it's inexpensive and not too lengthy.

The Belfry tower is located in Markt square, climbing tours are available for those willing to brave the steps. You can also rent a bike from several shops near Markt Square.

Explore Bruges like a local on a guided bike tour or go for a bike ride along the canal to the nearby town of Damme (less than an hour's ride) for windmills views and a place for children to run freely in the countryside. 

Once you have worked up an appetite, Bruges’ famous chocolate shops, waffles with toppings, French fries, moules e frites, and breweries are sure to provide you with options that everyone in the family will love!

Chocolate is very popular in Bruges and there is even the Choco-Story Chocolate Museum , a place your kids are bound to love.

The entrance ticket ( get your online tickets here ) includes free chocolate tastings and you get to watch a chocolate-making demonstration

Click here for the best family hotels in Bruges

7. Budapest, Hungary

Gabor from Surfing the Planet: Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in East Europe and a perfect destination for all kinds of public.

Many of the best things to do in Budapest are perfect to visit with kids. There are amazing views you can enjoy from either Gellért Hill or Buda Castle ( book a Buda Castle walking tour here ).

Furthermore, Budapest is famous for its thermal baths which you can enjoy both in summer and winter (when the outdoor pools are often surrounded by snow!).

There are also many other great places your kids will enjoy, such as:

• The Budapest Zoo
• The Theme Park (near the City Park)
• The Budapest Eye (a large Ferris wheel that also offers fascinating views of the city center)

Budapest is a great culinary destination with lots of local dishes your kids will enjoy. Be sure to try some goulash or stuffed cabbage in the (cheap) local restaurants.

? When visiting Budapest with kids, a smart thing to do is purchasing a Budapest Card , the official city pass.

With this card, you can benefit from a range of discounts, free entries to attractions, and unlimited public transportation. Click here to get your Budapest Card.

Alternatively, you can get a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus ticket (24, 48, or 72 hours) to discover the many sights of Budapest.

Click here for the best family hotels in Budapest

8. Cagliari, Italy

Claudia from My Adventures Across the World: often overlooked for other more famous destinations in Italy is Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia.

However, Cagliari is actually a fantastic destination for a city break, as well as a great starting point to explore the island.

Cagliari is one of the best cities for kids in Europe and an ideal place to travel to for families . The city is packed with history and culture, plus the old city center is easy to explore.

The four main areas are all connected to each other and each of them has its own style and interesting spots.

• Castello is where the Cathedral is located and, as it's on a hill, it's the perfect place to get incredible views of the city.
• La Marina is right by the harbor.
• Stampace is home to several beautiful churches.
• Villanova is a maze of small alleys with beautiful colorful buildings and lovely squares where children play in the summer months. 

To learn more about Cagliari's Old Town, book this guided walking tour with a local guide .

One of the  best things to do in Sardinia  is hiking and Cagliari has several trails that, although located at a mere 10 minutes' drive from the city center, will transport you to a completely different world!

The trail that takes to La Sella del Diavolo (one of the city's landmarks) starts at the lovely Calamosca beach. In just 30 minutes you can hike to a viewpoint from where you can see the entire gulf. 

Poetto, Cagliari's main beach, is a fabulous place to run, bike, or skate and a favorite of local families. From Poetto beach you can easily access Molentargius, a natural park perfect to admire wildlife. 

With its city charm and its easy access to nature and beaches, Cagliari is one of the best places to visit in West Europe with kids!

Click here for the best family hotels in Cagliari

9. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is one of the European destinations that often gets overlooked, but it's a city with lots to offer for traveling families.

With a beautiful setting on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager, panoramic views, lovely canals, and colorful houses, Copenhagen definitely has a lot going for it.

A must-visit is Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest theme parks in the world and a good choice for families with kids of all ages.

Important: please note that you'll need an entrance ticket as well as a ride pass because the park admission fee doesn't include tickets for the rides.

Den Blå Planet is Northern Europe's largest aquarium where kids can learn about the fascinating underwater world and walk through an underwater tunnel with hammerhead sharks swimming above their heads.

Copenhagen also offers lots of outdoor activities. You can join a bike tour or take a canal cruise , or simply let your kids run around at one of the many playgrounds (The Tower Playground is great).

No matter if you're visiting Copenhagen on a short break or as part of your family vacation in Denmark, you and your kids will quickly come to love this colorful city.

? Save money with the Copenhagen Card See the sights of Copenhagen at your own pace and enjoy free entrance to 89 attractions. Choose a card to suit your needs (24 to 120 hours) and save time and money while exploring the Danish capital. Get your Copenhagen Card here .

What is a good time of the year to visit Copenhagen?

While there is no best time to visit Copenhagen, its northern location means it can get (really) cold. Especially for families with younger children, the winter months are best avoided.

If you don't mind the cold, however, visiting Copenhagen during winter gives you the best chance of seeing the magical Northern Lights.

While northern lights aren't as common in Denmark as in other Scandinavian countries, you can see them if you're very lucky. January and February as the best months to see the Northern Lights in Denmark.

That being said, I'd recommend visiting Copenhagen in June. This is quite possibly the best month to visit Copenhagen, with comfortable temperatures and long daylight hours.

Click here for the best family hotels in Copenhagen

10. Cordoba, Spain

Lori from Fitz 5 on the go : of all the cities we visited during our gap year, the city of Cordoba in the Andalusia area of Spain was my son's favorite. 

We had watched videos of the area before our trip and the kids were really looking forward to seeing the “candy cane” mosque.

They were so excited that I was afraid it would not live up to the hype, luckily it did and more! 

The main tourist area of town is very walkable and a great representation of an old Spanish city. Our first stop was the famous Mezquita de Cordoba . 

This mosque/church has changed hands several times during its 1000-year history. The majority of the building is a fabulous mosque with unique red and white striped columns.

Right in the middle sits an ornate Catholic Cathedral. This was by far my kid's favorite building of our year-long trip.  Click here to purchase skip-the-line tickets .

After touring the mosque, we explored the town and took a lovely stroll across the Roman Bridge, and guess what's on the other side? A playground!

Cordoba is a perfect place to visit with kids , it's full of surprises and a city where music hangs in the air.

Click here for the best family hotels in Cordoba

11. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Rachel from Adventure and Sunshine : when I first set eyes on Dubrovnik, it was as spectacular as I had imagined. A medieval walled city, sitting on the edge of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, it has to be seen to be believed.

We were staying in the nearby town of Mlini and caught a small water taxi to Dubrovnik, it was the perfect way to arrive in this imposing city!

What to do in Dubrovnik with kids?

Surrounded by solid stone walls and two drawbridges leading into the city, it is like stepping into a history book.

You can imagine the city as it might have been hundreds of years ago, with knights on horses entering the city and soldiers watching on the wall.

Our best tip, and great family activity, is to walk the city walls . It is about 2km to do a full loop, although you can exit at a number of locations along the way.

This walk gives you the best view of the city from every angle. Click here to book a guided City Walls tour .

When you reach the seaward edge of the wall, look for the divers leaping off the rocks into the sea below. There are also a number of small bars on this side of the wall to grab a drink or an ice cream for your kids (and yourself;-).

Once you come down off the wall, take a walk through the tiny alleyways within the city.

We wound our way through the cobbled streets, and discovered gorgeous doorways, a good number of animals, and pretty outlooks into the plazas below.

To make the most of the outdoors, we recommend you make time to head to one of the beaches nearby. If you have older kids, rent a kayak or book a day sailing out on the water.

What is the best time to visit Dubrovnik with kids?

Dubrovnik is a great family destination to visit on a Europe trip with kids. However, note that it is hugely popular, both with tourists and cruise boats. It also gets incredibly hot in the summer.

We recommend planning your family visit out of peak season , June through early October, so you can escape both the crowds and the heat.

Click here for the best family hotels in Dubrovnik

12. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is among the best destinations in Europe for families. Its compact city center means most highlights are only a short walk apart.

And if you do want to venture a bit further afield you can easily use Edinburg's excellent public transport.

The imposing Edinburgh Castle is one of the major highlights of the city and a must-visit. Check out this skip-the-line walking tour of the Castle or pick up the kid's quiz from the audio guide desk and head off on a treasure hunt in the castle.

While you may not expect it, Edinburg has one of the best Christmas Markets in the UK. Pick up a Harry Potter-themed gift, enjoy some good food from one of the many street stalls or buy local arts and crafts.

Walk the Royal Mile and check out some of the historic landmarks in Edinburgh, such as St. Giles Cathedral and the Scottish Parliament.

If you've got more time to spend in Edinburg, consider taking a day trip to Loch Lomond National Park. Follow a (short) nature trail, visit Doune Castle and admire the amazing views.

Edinburgh and its surroundings have plenty to keep families occupied for several days!

Click here for the best family hotels in Edinburg

13. Florence, Italy

Raluca from  Whisper Wanderlust : Florence, the city in the heart of Tuscany, is one of the wonderful places to visit with kids in Europe.

The Italian city has so much to offer, that it's often called an open-air museum. Buildings with spectacular architecture, historic bridges, vibrant streets, delicious food, and a pleasant atmosphere make up the landscape of the settlement divided by River Arno.

Florence is a perfect city for couples and families with children. The little ones will have much to learn here about the world's greatest artists, Florence also known as the heart of the Renaissance.

The streets are filled with monuments and imposing statues, and the balconies are decorated with flowers. Your kids will also enjoy eating pizza and gelato.

Fun fact: did you know Florence is the birthplace of gelato?

Florence or Firenze is also a very safe place and most of the areas of interest are pedestrian, so parents can spend an unforgettable vacation here with their little ones.

Click here for the best family hotels in Florence

14. Istanbul, Turkey

Lindsay from  Carpe Diem Our Way : Istanbul’s position as the gateway between Asia and Europe has made it strategically important for thousands of years.

Straddling two continents, it has a rich history ranging from Roman to Byzantine to Ottoman.

This has led to ancient and very diverse architecture as seen in the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and underground wonders such as the Basilica Cistern.

? Save money and time with a Combo Ticket : skip the ticket lines at the Basilica and Topkapi, and visit Hagia Sophia with a guide. Stay inside as long as you want, and benefit from an audio app. Check availability.

There is no shortage of fun things to do with kids in Istanbul! Families can marvel at the architecture, eat their way around the food markets, enjoy a ride on a boat on the Bosphorous or enjoy views of the city from rooftops.

Your kids will also enjoy strolling around the Grand Bazaar or trying a cup of Turkish tea.

While perhaps not one of the first places families think of when planning a trip, Istanbul could very well be the best place in Europe for kids.

They will surely be impressed by the melting pot of cultures, as people from all over the world come to marvel at the history of Istanbul.

Click here for the best family hotels in Istanbul

15. Kotor, Montenegro

Jeanne from Learning to Breathe Abroad : Montenegro is the gem of the Adriatic and Kotor is its crowning glory.

The city of Kotor has the most stunning scenery, sitting nestled in a valley on the edge of the magnificent Bay of Kotor.

The Old Town is surrounded by immense fortified walls that continue up into the mountains above, forming a 4.5km circle of protection around the city.

These walls are lots of fun for kids to clamber upon, even better is to hike up to St. Johns Fortress. It's called the “huff and puff” trail due to the 1350 steps you need to climb, but kids of all ages can easily manage it.

Kotor is also known as the “City of Cats” and you'll find lots of furry bundles to cuddle everywhere you go.

A visit to the unique cat museum is fun and your €1 entrance fee goes towards feeding the strays. You can even signup your own cats as members for the small fee of €2.

The small beach just outside of the old town is a great place to relax and let the kids have a swim. We also found some of the best gelatos in the Balkans here.

Another fun family activity in Kotor is hopping on a boat tour to the most popular sights of Montenegro . See the impressive Our Lady of the Rocks, swim in the Blue Cave, and visit the caves where submarines were hidden.

Click here for the best family hotels in Kotor

16. Lisbon, Portugal

Katja from Globetotting:  Lisbon has everything that you look for in a city; it's colorful, charming, and walkable and there is lots of incredible food to be found!

But there’s more to Portugal’s capital than endless sunshine and grilled sardines. Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, predating London, Paris, and even Rome by hundreds of years.

This makes  Lisbon a fascinating city to visit for kids and parents alike.

Tip: it's worth looking into getting a Lisbon card as it will give you unlimited free rides on Lisbon's public transport and free entry to lots of the premier attractions in Lisbon. Click here to purchase the Lisbon Card online.

Start your adventure with a tram ride onboard Eléctrico 28. This trolley operates like a hop-on-hop-off bus and takes you through some of Lisbon’s most popular neighborhoods.

Make sure to jump off at Praça do Comércio, the city’s biggest public square down by the waterfront.

This is a great place for the kids to run around and it’s also where you’ll find Livraria Bertrand, the oldest bookstore in the world.

Other highlights are the Lisbon Aquarium, the  Lisbon Story Center , and the Jeronimos Monastery. Although the kids might be more interested in the Pastéis de Belém pastry shop nearby, which sells the most famous custard tarts in town!

But sights aside, my absolute favorite thing to do in Lisbon is to just wander around…

Its vibrant neighborhoods are a joy to discover on foot and you can always hail a tuk-tuk if the kids decide that they’ve had enough! 

Click here for the best family hotels in Lisbon

17. London, United Kingdom

London is one of my favorite places in the world and you're bound to have a great time with young children. 

Check out the dinosaur skeletons and animated T-Rex in the Natural History Museum and take a boat ride over the Thames.

Watch the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace and marvel at the view from the Sky Garden situated in the Fenchurch Building (one of the famous landmarks in the city center).

Shop at Hamley's, the largest toy shop in the world, ride the London Eye and have a picnic in Greenwich Park. These are just some examples of all the fun stuff there is to do for families in London!

The best way to get around London is by public transportation. So get yourself an Oyster card and hop on the tube to explore this big city full of exciting adventures.

The best part? Kids under 11 travel free! Read more about getting an Oyster card here.

While most historical sites may seem boring to kids, a visit to the Tower of London is guaranteed to make an impression. Check out the Crown Jewels and meet the ravens known as the guardians of the Tower.

Purchase a skip-the-line ticket to the Tower of London & Crown Jewel Exhibition here.

What is the best time to visit London with kids?

While London is a good place to visit regardless of the time of year, I recommend visiting in Spring or Fall.

May and September are my favorite months for a family trip to London. Regardless of the season, it's always a good idea to bring an umbrella for the (occasional) shower.

London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and with good reason: with its wonderful parks, lots of free museums and countless family-friendly places to eat it's a city that will keep you and your family occupied for days (if not for weeks).

Click here for the best family hotels in London

18. Madrid, Spain

Sinjana from Backpack & Explore : the Spanish capital  Madrid is one of the most interesting cities to visit in Europe with family.

It will bring to life some of the things which your kids would have only read about in their GK (General Knowledge) books.

Be it the grandeur of the world's largest palace, or the first of the victory arches in Europe (the Alcala gate), there is no dearth of attractive monuments in Madrid.

You can visit the archaeological museum, which is a gem and the most fun way to learn about human history. And if your kids love art there are ample art museums to take them to.

Furthermore, you can enjoy some great family time in the beautiful parks of Madrid. West Park and Retiro Park are among my favorite European parks.

At night you can dine out while watching a flamenco dance show. If time permits you can even add a day trip to the historical city of Toledo.

Click here for the best family hotels in Madrid

19. Munich, Germany

Soumya from Stories by Soumya:  Munich is the capital city of Germany’s largest state Bavaria.

While Bavaria itself is an extremely picturesque destination  as well, its capital is one of the best places in Europe for kids.

Families usually start at the Marienplatz which is home to a number of exciting activities. For example, you can watch a free show of the Rathaus-Glockenspiel, a huge clock that comes to life with a wedding dance and a jousting match every day.

Alternatively, you can climb up the Peters Tower for an amazing view of the city.

? For families with younger kids the hop-on-hop-off bus is comfortable and easy way to see many of the iconic landmarks in Munich without having to walk all day. There are 3 different routes and 16 stops. Check availability here.

If you are looking for your kids to run free, head straight to the Englischer Garden or the opulent grounds of the Nymphenburg Palace. Let your kids run wild while you settle down with a comfortable, German picnic.

Munich also houses the Deutsches Museum , which will keep your child engaged for hours and hours. The museum has a Kid’s kingdom, special guided tours for children, and a huge interactive collection.

Altogether, Munich is definitely one of the best family-friendly cities I've ever been to!

Click here for the best family hotels in Munich

20. Nantes, France

Elisa from World in Paris: if you are wondering where to go in Europe with kids, consider visiting Nantes, a beautiful city in France.

The former capital city of Brittany is located by the Loire River and at only two hours from Paris by TGV train.

Nantes is Jules Verne’s hometown and the city inherited his adventurous character and creativity.

You can start your Nantes exploration by visiting his museum, with several short videos and activities designed especially for kids.

The city is best known for its industrial past, it's also home to the biggest shipyards in the country.

Today the former shipyards host  Les Machines de l’Ile de Nantes , a group of unusual and quirky machines loved by kids and adults alike.

Families can wander around the island on a giant elephant or take a ride on the carousel of Sea World, populated by fantastic creatures. Or they can check the newest machines created to populate the future giant the Heron Tree.

Finally, don’t miss Nantes’ delicious crêpes and galettes, after all, you are in Brittany! Also, there are many yummy cakes like “le Gateau Nantais” or “the Kouign Amann”.

Click here for the best family hotels in Nantes

21. Nice, France

Alex from  Laska Baby Travel : Nice la Bella undoubtedly is the shining star of the Azure coast. A vibrant cosmopolitan city with a stunning coastline, parks, and cafes.

Nice makes a great base for exploring with children!

From Nice, you can easily go day-tripping across the Rivera because it's well connected to the rest of the Coast and the Alps Hinterlands.

Nice was one of our favorite places in France. We enjoyed a day on a beach, while our children played in the gentle waves of the Mediterranean sea.

Strolling along the Promenade des Anglais (you can also rent bikes, roller-skates, or skateboards here) towards the Port of Nice is also highly recommended.

Don't forget to pay a visit to the Old Town, nestled on the top of the hill, with amazing views overlooking the coast.

Nice is easy to explore on foot, even with small children. Kids will love Parc Phoenix, a large green area with playgrounds, greenhouses, and animals.

For older children, there are Adventure Parks (with obstacle courses and zip lines) located around the Riviera.

In addition, French cuisine is great for the whole family, so why not take a cooking class? Children as young as 3 years old can participate!

For those planning a family tour to France , definitely add Nice to your itinerary as it's one of the most child-friendly cities in Europe!

Click here for the best family hotels in Nice

22. Paris, France

Rim from Curious and Geeks : The French capital is one of the most visited cities in the world and has an incredible amount of activities to offer.

Surprisingly, it's also one of the most child-friendly European cities! Be it cultural visits, playful activities, excursions, or macaroon testing, your kids will love Paris.

If you only have a couple of days to visit, be sure to ride the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower , the kids will be amazed by its height.

Then head to the Luxembourg Gardens and let your kids test out their skills with model sailing boats, enjoy a carousel ride, or admire the statues. 

A trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without a museum visit. Choose the Louvre if your kids are into art and history or the National History Museum if they prefer animals!

Take a subway to la Villette and let them explore the fascinating Science Universe. 

For a relaxed way to see some of the most beautiful sights in Paris, hop aboard this family friendly cruise on the Seine. Children and adults alike will discover all the secrets of Paris during this one-hour cruise.

Finally, if you've got more time to spend in this beautiful city, day trips to Versailles and Disneyland Paris  are an amazing addition to every Paris trip with kids.

Click here for the best family hotels in Paris

23. Porto, Portugal

James from the Portugalist : Porto may be a great destination for boutique hotels and boozy Port-tasting sessions, but it’s a surprisingly good destination for families as well.

It’s within easy reach of the beach, which is perfect for families visiting Porto during the summer. Plus, there are lots of things in Porto City Center that are worth seeing and doing as well!

There is no shortage of great accommodation options, including some  hotels that really are family-friendly . 

And did you know that J. K. Rowling lived in Porto, and was undeniably inspired by a lot of the city’s architecture and culture?

If your kids are Harry Potter fans, then taking them on a tour around all those Harry Potter landmarks (like Livraria Lello and the Majestic Cafe) is an absolute must.

While you’re out and about, be sure to check out the city’s fabulous street art as well, this is always a winner with kids. 

Or hop on a “Six Bridges” river cruise down the Douro River and enjoy fantastic views of the Foz do Douro.

As well as Harry Potter landmarks and street art, Porto also has several museums that are great for families.

Two family-friendly museums in Porto are the Museu do Carro Electrico (tram museum) and the World of Discoveries museum , which showcases the adventurous Portuguese age of discoveries. 

Whatever you decide to do, Porto is an incredibly beautiful city and one that you and your family will remember for many years to come.  

Click here for the best family hotels in Porto

24. Prague, Czech Republic

Melissa from Parenthood and Passports : Prague in the Czech Republic is a Central European gem and one of our favorite family-friendly cities in Europe.

Many restaurants, businesses, and other establishments in Prague welcome families traveling with kids. Some even offer special play areas to keep children entertained while parents dine or shop.

Throughout the city, you’ll find lovely parks and unique outdoor spaces that provide little ones enough space to roam, run and burn energy.

Adults will want to visit popular places like Old Town Prague, Astronomical Clock , and the Charles Bridge for their picturesque qualities and historic charm.

Children will also enjoy these areas for the lively atmosphere created, in part, by funny street performers and entertainers.

If you’re traveling to Prague with older children or teens the famous John Lennon Wall is a must-visit attraction. The iconic wall has become a colorful international symbol of hope, love, and world peace.

Purchase an inexpensive can of spray paint and let your child leave an inspiring message for future visitors to read. It is a great way to encourage conversation about both past and current world events.

Finally, people of all ages will enjoy wandering the cobblestone streets while savoring a Trdlnik. This heavenly cylinder-shaped dessert is cooked over a warm oven and covered in sugar.

Rest assured, the delicious, doughy treat will bring out the kid in everyone!

Click here for the best family hotels in Prague

25. Rome, Italy

Marta from Learning Escapes : we love family city breaks in Europe but there is no city we love exploring more with our kids than Rome.

The Eternal City is special for visitors and particularly impressive for little ones and their parents: here they find endless opportunities for sightseeing and copious amounts of Pizza and gelato, likely to be a hit with very young travelers!

In terms of sights, these famous attractions in Rome are suitable for all ages:

• The Colosseum: with its immense size and gladiator stories it never fails to impress children. Click here to purchase a priority access ticket to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
• St. Peter’s Square: this is often mentioned by our kids as a highlight, crossing an international border on foot is not something they do every day! Check this skip-the-line Vatican and Sistine Chapel tour .

As well as important historical landmarks, Rome offers its visitors large green spaces and cool play areas.

On a sunny day, large inner-city parks such as Villa Borghese offer refuge from the traffic with playgrounds, a large pond, and the Rome Zoo.

If rain hits, kids and adults can stay dry in Explora , Rome’s children's museum with attractions suitable for babies (they have a soft play area for under 3 years) to teenagers. 

Rome truly is great for families, in all seasons!

Click here for the best family hotels in Rome

26. Salzburg, Austria

Vrushali from Couple of Journeys : one destination that is ideal for your trip to West Europe with kids is Salzburg. Places that kids particularly enjoy in this culturally rich city are: 

Hohensalzburg Fortress

One needs to take a funicular to travel to the top of this Hohensalzburg Fortress .

Kids find the short journey particularly amusing and because the frequency of the funicular is fantastic, parents don’t have to wait with impatient kids in long queues.

The fort offers breathtaking views of Salzburg. The museums on the Fortress also provide educational value to the inquisitive minds of young kids.

? Save money with the Salzburg Card Get free access to all of the top sights and attractions in and around Salzburg, as well as unlimited use of public transportatio, and lots of additional discounts and perks at locations across the city. Get your Salzburg Card here.

Hellbrunn Palace 

The unique trick fountains of this palace were designed by its owner to have some fun with his guests. The fountains are operational all through the summer and will surely amuse your kids.

The open lawn area next to the palace is ideal for an open-air picnic lunch. Next to the palace area, is the famous Salzburg Zoo where kids get to see a great variety of animals from various regions of the world.

Mozart Residence

Kids, even though uninitiated to western classical music, can’t help but admire the many different musical instruments kept here.

That Mozart was a child prodigy himself proves to be an added source of inspiration for kids. 

The Sound of Music

Salzburg is the city of the timeless classic ‘The Sound of Music’. Kids who have watched the movie are always elated when they get to visi t the locations where the movie was shot .

Altogether Salzburg is a great city for kids  and definitely worth a family visit!

Click here for the best family hotels in Salzburg

27. Seville, Spain

Katy from Untold Morsels : Seville in the Andalusia region of southern Spain is a fun European city for a family escape.

Lonely Planet nominated the city as the best place to visit in 2018 for good reason.

This is a city with culture, delicious tapas, modern and ancient architecture, parks, and much more. Seville has a pedestrianized old town and wide squares that are perfect for wandering with kids.

The most famous of these, the Plaza de España, is a riot of colorful tiles and fountains sure to capture your children’s imaginations.

Walk through the adjacent park and along the Guadalquivir river from where Christopher Columbus set sail for the new world. You can also visit his tomb in the city’s famous cathedral. 

Eating is fun in Seville. The best thing to do is snack your way around the tapas bars of the city that welcome children of all ages.

Don’t forget to try the churros dipped in hot chocolate. Then soak up the culture and enjoy the city’s flamenco heritage.

You will find street performances on street corners and in plazas. Or, for a real treat, take the family to the short and fiery shows at the Flamenco Museum .

Click here for the best family hotels in Seville

28. Sibiu, Romania

Anda from  Travel Notes & Beyond : Romania is one of the most overlooked countries in Europe. However, those who venture here are surprised to discover how beautiful this country really is.

The more famous part of Romania is Transylvania, a region blessed with amazing natural beauty and charming medieval towns. 

One of these is the city of Sibiu, which dates back to the Middle Ages. Sibiu has one of the most authentic and well-preserved historic centers in all of Europe. 

Sibiu is a pedestrian-friendly city, therefore it's very easy to explore with kids.

The upper town is home to most of the city's historic sites, like the Brukenthal Palace, the Catholic Church, the Generals’ House, and the Bridge of Lies.

Also, three of Sibiu's beautiful squares are in this part of town (Huet, Kleiner Ring, Grosser Ring). Meanwhile, the lower town has a succession of smaller squares surrounded by very colorful houses. 

There is a labyrinth of narrow streets, steps, and covered passages that connect the upper and the lower town. Going up and down these stairs is always fun for the children.

Another fun attraction for kids in Old Town Sibiu is climbing up the Council Tower for a birds-eye view of the area around.

Click here for the best family hotels in Sibiu

29. Tallinn, Estonia

Amy from Family Globetrotters : Tallinn is not usually the number one choice for family travel, which therefore makes it a little gem for an East European getaway.

Most people make the mistake of making their visit to Tallinn too short and feel that a day trip across the Baltic Sea from Helsinki is enough.

However, if you've got time available, spend at least 2-3 days here with your family and explore this beautifully interwoven culture of the medieval and the contemporary.

Known as the most beautiful Old Town in all of Europe, this historic town center is a UNESCO Heritage Site. The kids will feel as if they have stepped back in time or into a movie set as they trample across the cobblestone streets.

They will discover a realm of castles dating back to the 13th century, old Gothic buildings, and traditionally clad folk in restaurants and open stalls.

The lookout from Toompea Hill is a must-visit and ice skating in the open-air Harju ice rink in the winter is an awesome activity for the whole family.

You can also check out the Kalev Spa Waterpark, Nõmme Adventure Park, the puppet museum with the “Cellar of Horrors” and the Estonian Open-Air Museum.

For the little kids, hop on the City Train that meanders through the street of the Old Town.

So, if you’re ever near the northern back of Europe, do add the eclectic city of Tallinn to your itinerary. It remains one of our favorite holiday destinations for families!

Click here for the best family hotels in Tallinn

30. Tbilisi, Georgia

Rahma from The Sane Adventurer :  Tbilisi is the capital city of Georgia and is located in Eastern Europe. It's an old cobbled-street city giving the perfect vibe of vintage European architecture.

Surrounded by hills, Tbilisi is home to the famous Sulphur baths and one of the largest churches in Eastern Europe: the Holy Trinity Church.

Infused with a long history of war and a successful Kingdom rule, which made Tbilisi what it is today, the city is also an ideal place to visit with your family.

There is a lot of history to be learned. From the Soviet war-torn museums on the outskirts of the city to the history of the emergence of Christianity and the Soviet war, Tbilisi has a lot to offer to the curious traveler.

It also holds a unique intercultural diversity due to its link with the Arabs and the Ottoman Empire.

With tourism and infrastructure currently booming in the city, Tbilisi holds a huge potential to become an ideal tourist destination in the near future. Be sure to plan a family trip here before that happens;-).

Click here for the best family hotels in T bilisi

31. Valencia, Spain

Jason from An Epic Education : when people plan a trip to Spain, places like Barcelona and Madrid come to mind first.

That’s okay with Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city. It doesn’t mind being out of the spotlight. After all, it has plenty of sunshine as it is.

Sitting on the Mediterranean, Valencia is sunny year-round, with loads of fun things to do with kids.

Let's start at Turia Gardens, a nine-kilometer strip of green built into a diverted riverbed. Here you’ll find playgrounds, bike rentals, museums, and sports fields.

On the western end of the gardens is Bioparc, one of Europe’s best zoos. On the eastern side is the City of Arts and Sciences .

This futuristic squadron of white buildings houses a science museum, a planetarium, and an opera house. Next door is the largest aquarium in Europe.

A few minutes drive south of the aquarium and you arrive at the Al Bufera nature reserve and the home of paella.

It's here where the rice for Valencia’s most famous export is grown. Yet it's also a resting point for thousands of migratory birds each year: from ducks to flamingos.

This is just a primer for all Valencia has in store. Throw in the amazing traditional festivals and countless excellent restaurants, and you have everything you need for one of the best family vacations you'll ever experience!

Click here for the best family hotels in Valencia

32. Venice, Italy

Catherine from We Go With Kids : our family loved our two-day visit to Venice . We arrived via Thello night train from Paris, which was our kids' favorite sleepover party, ever.

We took the Vaporetto (Venice water bus) to St. Mark’s Square and walked to our Airbnb. After dropping off our bags we explored Venice on foot for two days.

We visited St. Mark's and were wowed by Byzantine architecture, particularly the gold mosaics. My daughter loved chasing pigeons in St. Mark's Square. 

Doge’s Palace gave us a glimpse into the lives of Venice’s government leaders and felons and also some stunning Renaissance art and Venetian Gothic architecture. 

✨ Book this tour with an expert guide to skip the long lines at Doge’s Palace and get stunning views of Venice from the terrace of St. Mark’s Basilica. Check availability .

We also enjoyed wandering through the narrow pedestrian streets and then following the signs back to St. Mark’s.

But, the highlight of our time in Venice was the gondola ride that took us through Venice's beautiful canals. Venice was a magical city like no other we’ve visited!

Click here for the best family hotels in Venice

33. Vienna, Austria 

Linda from Travel Tyrol : there are many reasons why Vienna, the capital of Austria, is one of the best cities to visit in Europe with kids.

After all, how can the place that was named the best city to live in nine years in a row not be kid-friendly?

? Spending a couple of days in Vienna? Get a Vienna PASS , an all-inclusive sightseeing card that gives you free admission to many attractions and unlimited hop-on hop-off bus rides.

Did you know that Vienna is home to the world's oldest zoo (Schönbrunn Zoo) as well as the world's oldest amusement park (Prater Park)? Both destinations are great hits with kids!

The Children's Museum at Schönbrunn Palace is highly worth visiting, especially with this private skip-the-line tour with roundtrip transportation .

At the Children's Museum, kids can learn about the everyday life of the imperial family and even play with toys from the past.

But they’re only three of the seemingly endless variety of things to do in Vienna with kids . Viennese museums all cater to younger visitors.

Some, like the Vienna Museum of Technology , focus mainly on keeping future engineers and inventors happy. The best part is that entry to this museum, and many others in the city, is entirely free for kids.

Even learning about Viennese history is fun for kids with an underground Vienna Time Travel experience. And it’s one of the safest cities to let kids run wild in one of the many beautiful and clean public parks.

Click here for the best family hotels in Vienna

34. Warsaw, Poland

Maria and Rui from Two Find a Way : Warsaw is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets as well as one of the best places in Europe with kids.

We fell in love with the city during our Erasmus exchange period in Warsaw, but it is also one of the best cities to visit in East Europe with kids.

To add to its stunning Old Town, there are beautiful parks wherever you go. Each one has a special charm and specific areas your kids will love to explore.

The most famous one is the Royal Lazienki, complete with palaces, a beautiful lake, and even a Chinese garden.

Right next to it, you can find the University of Warsaw Botanical Garden, a place where you can learn more about the nature around you.

If you are looking to get out of the center, there are even national parks located on the outskirts of Warsaw.

The capital of Poland is also filled with museums, many of which are new and interactive. We’re sure your whole family will love the Copernicus Science Center, with a stunning rooftop garden. Plus, it's located next to the Vistula river, a perfect area for a (long) walk.

As a bustling European capital, it’s no surprise that Warsaw’s food scene is on the rise. Due to the city’s affordability, it is the perfect place to enjoy food from all over the world.

And of course, don’t forget to indulge in delicious Polish food as well!

Click here for the best family hotels in Warsaw

35. Wroclaw, Poland

Corinne from Reflections Enroute : Wroclaw is a city in western Poland and very easy to get to from many places in Europe, especially cities like Dresden, Berlin, or Prague.

I think it’s the absolute best city for kids anywhere in the world.

Why, you may wonder?  Wroclaw has mini-statues, gnome-sized statues to be exact, set up all over the city. Kids of all ages will enjoy searching for over 300 statues.

We’ve been a couple of times and it’s such a unique place that we continually bring more families to experience it. No longer are there any complaints or whining as you trudge to all the city sights.

Instead, the kids lead the way!

The statues show the gnomes doing everything normal humans would do and since they are often paid for by a business, they will highlight that business, like a pierogi restaurant or ice cream store.

We found gnomes going to the ATM, being a tourist, playing in the symphony, riding motorcycles, and really doing all kinds of things.

The statues aren’t really hidden, but since they are small, some are harder to find than others.

You can buy a map that shows where some of the gnomes are located at the tourist information center, but honestly, it’s more fun to find them on your own.

All children love going on a city gnome hunt; I know I did. If you are going to take your kids to East Europe, Wroclaw is a must-see city. You will want to go back again and again.

Click here for the best family hotels in Wroclaw

Family-friendly European cities: in conclusion

I hope this list has inspired you to visit (some) of the best places for kids in Europe on your next Europe family-friendly vacation, happy travels!

This post was updated in November 2022.

Thursday 15th of December 2022

I have pinned it for future reference! I've wanted to travel to Europe, especially to Paris. But I'm hesitant because I'll be traveling with my 2 children ages 5 and 3. I know how handful it could be but after reading this article, it makes my mind at ease. I am thinking of getting a local guide for museum trips so it's easier and I don't have to think about the tickets getting sold out then we will be wandering the city. Of course, Disneyland will not be missed from our itinerary.

Thanks for reading and I'm happy to hear the post has inspired you to visit Paris with your kids:-) Getting a local guide is a great idea, especially to gain a more in-depth insight into the city as well as the ability to customize your itinerary to meet your family's needs.

Have a great trip and let me know if there's anything I can help with! Lotte

Joanne Gavin

Friday 20th of March 2020

This is a really great article and tons of helpful information!

Saturday 21st of March 2020

Thank you Joanne:-)

Tuesday 4th of February 2020

Splendid post! Thanks for sharing the information and keep up the great work.

Thank you Sarah!

Thursday 16th of January 2020

I also enjoyed myself while I was visiting this kind of places.

Friday 24th of January 2020

That's great!

Friday 13th of December 2019

I must say that Europe is the safest continent on the planet to visit with your family. The crime rate is almost lower in Scandinavian nations and in case of issues, there are local authorities everywhere to help out foreigners.

Yes I agree Europe is a great and generally very safe place to visit as a family!

Tips for Traveling in Europe with a Baby

Both of our kids have caught a travel bug early and love being surrounded by new environments. As they were born in other countries, by choice, they’ve been traveling pretty much instantly – since they were 2 weeks old and long-haul at 4 weeks for Dylan and 6 weeks for Holden.

While traveling with a baby requires more preparation it doesn’t mean that it’s going to be tough and make your travels suck. Quite the opposite actually.

Traveling with babies is definitely easier than with toddlers. When the baby doesn’t walk yet, things are surely easier as you don’t need to chase him around.

A few things to keep in mind before we start:

Each baby behaves slightly differently, so you need to be flexible and adjust to his or her needs and prepare your baby travel products wisely .

While it may sound tempting to take your first holidays with another family with a baby, I’ll say don’t and various friends who tried it said the same thing.

Babies have different schedules, parents have a different level of comfort and the little ones can anger themselves up with crying… plus you might actually see your friends rarely and just get frustrated trying to coordinate schedules (been there, done that, sadly).

Baby Health Insurance

Babies get sick a lot, so you need to start thinking of travel insurance, even if you previously haven’t. While you should always have health insurance when you travel even without your family, with babies it’s a must.

The good news is that quite often you can just add your baby to your own policy without an extra charge. We did it numerous times with Safety Wing and actually had to use it for unexpected doctor’s visits when he suddenly got eczema ( for which bamboo clothing helps actually ).

Booking Flights for Your Baby

Unlike in the US, where babies under 2 fly for free and don’t need a passport, in Europe you have to pay for their flights and have their passport .

Without a valid ID, your infant will not be able to fly and you’ll be stranded at the airport. A birth certificate does NOT count as an ID.

You also need to pre-book your baby’s ticket online at the same time you’re booking yours, unlike in the US when you need to call the airline to add an infant in arms to your own ticket.

Don’t worry though, it’s not a fully-priced ticket. You usually need to pay 10% of the regular fare, or a special baby fare on cheap airlines like Ryanair or Wizzair.

You can book an extra seat for an infant, but then the child has to be restrained keep in mind that many European carriers don’t allow infant car seats (or those rear-facing) because they limit the recline. I’ve been on over 500 flights all over Europe and only once I’ve seen someone flying with a car seat so it’s just not a common practice.

Does Traveling with a Baby Give You Priority? Not always.

One of the most common things I read on other blogs is that traveling with a baby gives you priority. Jumping the queue at the car rental office, priority boarding, and so on.

Let me tell you honestly that’s only partially true and NEVER don’t count on it. I’ve never had anyone let me skip the line at the rental car place. Never, and we must have rented about 15 cars already. Quite often when traveling in Italy when Dylan was just a month old we had to sit on the sidewalk in the sun waiting for the attendant to finally give us a car.

Even when the sign says there’s a priority for pregnant women and babies it doesn’t mean that you’ll always get it automatically. You can ask, but it’s not guaranteed. When re-entering the US we always had to wait in line for a long time, regardless of the airport.

There were many other families with kids around us and everyone was in the same situation. It just doesn’t work that way, even if your baby is screaming his lungs out.

Europeans also travel with their babies and kids more often than Americans. That means that when they call for priority boarding for families it means at least 40 people are boarding with you. I remember one time on a flight from Rome to Boston pretty much every single family had a baby or toddler with them.

Also, if you need to reach your plane from the gate by bus, which is super common in Europe, forget about any priority. You’ll be able to get into the bus first, but then everyone will push out to the plane – unless you have your stroller folded and ready to move forward with determination you’re probably going to be the last on the plane (this is why you need a lightweight travel stroller to take on board, not to leave at the gate).

Most airports in Europe have a special family lane for security, but it doesn’t do much. You often end up in the same line as everyone else after skipping like 5 people in front of you. In my experience families naturally move slower through security, so I tend to rather stand behind single travelers so the line moves quickly.

I’ve had good or bad experiences when going through security, but let me tell you one thing –  even at the same airport the rules could be different depending on the day.

One day you’ll be able to roll your baby through the x-ray in the stroller, the other time you need to take your baby out. One day you have to fold the stroller and put it on a screening belt, another time they want you to give it to them to swab it. There’s no one set of rules anywhere.

One thing is always clear though: even if your baby is fast asleep in your baby carrier you cannot walk through the x-ray machine with him in a carrier. You’ll be forced to take the baby out, hence why I think baby carriers for airports are pretty useless.

Seatbelts for Babies on Planes

The biggest difference between American flights and European flights is seatbelts. In the US when your baby flies on your lap you just need to hold him.

In Europe, you’ll be given a baby seatbelt that’s an extension of your own seatbelt. Naturally, both continents think that what the other one is doing is unsafe and wrong.

Same with car seat regulations as car seats are different in Europe than they’re in the USA (more on this further down AKA why don’t bring your car seat to Europe ).

More Tips on Flying with a Baby

Why do you need a special travel stroller for europe what makes a great travel stroller for europe.

YES, you do need a smaller stroller for traveling around Europe. There’s no question about it.

If anyone reading this has ever traveled to Europe with a big American stroller like my Uppababy Vista ( which works in the US for one child, I used to have it ), you know it’s a pain in the butt. Save yourself some nerves and leave this giant monster at home.

Oh, and stroller wagons are NOT a thing in Europe. 20+ years I spent in Europe I’ve never seen anyone with it anywhere and when I show all my European friends that these are popular they laugh that it looks like a farm truck. Unless you want to get the looks, don’t (I know, I’ve taken mine to Vienna once, LOL!)

While I love strolling with our stroller wagon in the US, when I’m in Europe it’s simply sitting in our rental apartments untouched while I roll around with a travel stroller. Why?

a) Doorways are Small

First of all: doors. In places like Italy or France doors are smaller, and you won’t be able to enter many places with a giant monster truck, as we named our Uppababy stroller.

In fact, I couldn’t even leave my own apartment in Italy ( where we lived ) without having to open an extra set of heavy doors. The next time we moved to Europe and traveled around France and Switzerland we just took small Babyzen Yoyo and Cybex Libelle .

When I visited some friends or hotels there was no way it could fit. In Rome, we had to fold the stroller every time when entered and leaving the elevator at the hotel, which was super annoying.

Not to mention that I couldn’t even enter some aisles in the supermarket with a big stroller either. Seriously, don’t bring a giant stroller to Europe and a double stroller is absolutely out of the question.

Almost all families either use two single strollers. When it’s not possible because only one parent is present, then for two kids a single stroller with a buggy board works best.

b) You Can’t Take Your Stroller Inside Many Restaurants

Many charming restaurants and cafes are short on space and you may be unable to wheel the stroller in, or even keep it beside you. In Italy, you frequently see all the strollers folded outside while people are having their meals. In Scandinavia, you might even leave a stroller with a baby outside while you eat inside – it’s totally normal.

When Dylan was below 3 months enough we used to unclip the car seat to bring him in while leaving the stroller outside. Later he was just sitting in a high chair – if they had one and many places in France for example don’t offer any (so I recommend bringing a foldable booster).

Here’s my guide to eating out with kids when traveling

c) You Often Need to Lift Your Stroller to Get Into Public Transportation

Catching public transport can be challenging with a heavy stroller in many cities, such as Rome , Paris , Valetta , Warsaw – just to name a few.

Not all buses, metro, or trams have a flat entry, so you need to lift your travel stroller to pass the gap or a step. Not something you want to do with anything but a lightweight stroller. Some public buses in Verona were actually those old school buses with just an aisle where the stroller doesn’t fit at all so you need to quickly fold the stroller, take the baby out, and bring all their things up the stairs of the bus.

The entrances and exits to get in and out of the subway system are also often not wheelchair accessible or stroller accessible, so there are times when you will have to take the stroller entirely apart, lift it over the top of the gates and then walk through while putting your child in your arms.

It’s not difficult with a small stroller, but if you’re coming with a giant stroller fully packed with stuff underneath, it’s going to turn into a nightmare, especially in crowded places in the summer.

d) Strollers Aren’t Allowed Everywhere

Many historical sites and sightseeing places do not allow strollers in and may require you to leave them at the entrance, unattended. Unless you invest in a bike locker, a smaller lightweight stroller you can easily carry with a shoulder strap or stored at the ticket booth.

This happened on every occasion in Matera in Italy. We (barely) managed with giant wheels, but to be perfectly honest it was mostly I carry the baby and my husband carries the stroller.

Looking back, we should have had a baby carrier instead, but when it’s hot outside it’s not always the best solution as it doesn’t store anything. These days we bring both and use them depending on the occasion.

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Things to Consider About a Travel Stroller for Europe

Sturdy frame.

Lightweight travel strollers, also known as umbrella strollers, with cheap frames, tend to fall apart on cobblestones within 5 minutes. This is why most Europeans gave up on traditional old-style umbrella-type strollers, especially in places with beautiful old towns like Italy, Czech Republic, or Malta.

Suspended Wheels

While everyone will tell you that big wheels are a must, I found that it’s not the case with the size, but the quality of the wheels and the suspension.

Small wheels of Babyzen Yoyo stroller or Cybex stroller work just fine on cobblestones and curbs, but GB Pockit+ with the same size of wheels struggled everywhere. More on my stroller comparisons here .

Don’t even think about cobblestones without suspension on your wheels, unless you’re up for a backache on your first day.

If you want to enjoy the European lifestyle, where kids are out in restaurants passed 10 PM, you need to think about reclining.

Unlike in the US where most babies ride in a cat seat on top of the stroller, in Europe bassinets are a big thing. You will be yelled at for dragging your child around in things like Doona or car seats, because it’s simply unhealthy for a baby’s spine to use car seats as strollers for infants.

Fun fact: due to laws many strollers in Europe can fully recline while in the US they can’t lie completely flat. If you don’t have a stroller yet and the completely flat recline matters, you might look into purchasing a stroller in Europe after you arrive.

One-Hand Fold

One-hand fold is a must, especially for airports and quick folding when needed on public transportation.

Large Canopy

Most travel strollers have a tiny canopy, which leaves the kids exposed to the sun and screaming. As the sun is horrible to babies, make sure that the canopy is large enough or/and you bring an extra shawl to cover your baby.

Did You Know That American Car Seats Are Illegal in Europe, and Vice Versa?

The car seat issue is tricky. Technically, American car seats are illegal in Europe and Canada too .

We used our American car seat for months in Europe without realizing it, but if we were stopped we could have paid a fine. If we got into an accident, insurance companies could refuse coverage if the car seat was not EU-approved.

Europeans require that the child be removed from the car seat in a single motion, which means a chest clip is a big NO.

Another difference is ISOfix and LATCH attachment. The third difference is that all US-certified forward-facing car seats must have a top-tether strap. European forward-facing car seats are not required to have a top-tether strap although some of the heavier ones will.

Staying in a Hotel in Europe with a Baby: What to Know

The first and most important thing is to check whether the hotel you’re planning on booking actually accepts kids. Many hotels, especially in more popular spots like Positano or Santorini , aren’t kid-friendly at all. In fact, you cannot even go to their restaurants with kids.

If you’re booking a fancy hotel always call them and check with them about their kid regulations. I actually gave up on staying at one hotel in Italy because Booking.com said “hotel not suitable for children” but when I called it turned out it was just a mistake in the system.

While it’s understandable that some people prefer kids-free stays, make sure you check the rules. I also noticed that some hotels accept kids, but only over 8 years old. Always check the small print and kids’ rules.

Personally, with one child we never traveled with a pack-and-play travel crib , simply because it’s too much to carry and you can just ask for one wherever you go – hotel or Airbnb.

If a crib isn’t available we used to co-sleep with a baby using a portable baby bed, and transitioned him to Montessori floor bed once he was mobile, so he slept on the floor mattress in hotels up until he was 1. Later, we got inflatable and travel-friendly bed bumpers and he sleeps on a bed these days.

Occupancy Issues When Booking Rooms

One thing that’s not often talked about is the issue of booking hotels with a baby and kids. Many European hotels might not offer bigger rooms and have occupancy limits due to local laws.

This means that even if your baby is a couple of months old and sleeps with you or in a crib (whether provided or your own) it might count as a person. As a result, you often cannot book a double room for 3 occupants and things get even more complicated once your baby is over 12 months old.

With 2 kids finding a hotel that doesn’t require us to book 2 separate rooms or a giant suite is often a nightmare and obviously, babies or toddlers won’t stay in a room alone.

Most online reservation systems won’t take 2 kids (regardless of how small), so always email the hotel and ask if it’s possible to create a custom booking for you with the correct amount of people.

Many people will tell you just not to include children on your booking and show up, but I must advise against it.

I’ve managed to do it before without an issue, but I also know instances where people were turned away (for example, don’t try it in Paris or anywhere in Switzerland because most won’t let you get away with it), or asked to pay for another room on the spot or pay a ridiculous fee. You don’t want to be stranded with kids in town looking for alternative hotel options last second!

Cultural Differences & Baby Treatment in Europe:

It’s impossible to generalize and say ‘this is how Europeans treat babies’, because Europe – while small compared to the US, has different cultures and hence people act differently.

Traveling with a Baby to Italy

Italy is considered a very baby-loving place – they love children and will make every effort to make you and your kids feel welcome. However, baby products are expensive compared to the US (apart from clothes) and I can honestly say that baby facilities in public places are lacking.

Most restaurants don’t have to change tables, so I often have to change my baby on a bathroom floor or in a sink (this is why changing mat is a must !), as you can’t even roll the stroller inside (doors are too small and bathrooms are usually up or down the stairs).

The staff makes up for the lack of facilities and always wants to play with the baby, show you photos of their babies, and even sing the songs.

Crying baby at the restaurant? People will ask if they can help or tell you that it gets better.

The love for babies comes with people always wanting to stop and stare inside your stroller, or make faces at them in the supermarket for a long time. It’s slightly annoying if you ask me, but my now-toddler totally brought this habit back to the US from Italy and always bugs strangers at the supermarket these days.

More on Traveling with a Baby to Italy

Traveling with a Baby to France

From my observations kids in France were super well-behaved, babies included as they’re taught to behave from day 1 of their lives. People were friendly to babies, but without the obsessiveness which was quite refreshing to me after Italy.

Facilities were always slightly limited, similar to Italy, but I’d still say it’s one of the best places in Europe to travel with a baby. Even in the middle of Paris we had no problem navigating with kids and there were plenty of playgrounds everywhere, all over the country – even at roadside rest stops.

There aren’t really kids menu at restaurants, unsurprisingly because French kids eat whatever adults eat. If you see a kids’ menu the restaurant is a big tourist trap basically.

French like to dress their babies in heavy jackets, hats, and gloves even if it’s not very cold outside. We got some strange looks when my kids were in jumpers when it was about 65 F outside.

I swear everyone has a Yoyo stroller in France. It’s a French company, so it’s not surprising but French people are practical with strollers it seems.

More on Traveling with a Baby to France

Traveling with a Baby to Poland

I didn’t think that anyone really ever cared for my baby in Poland (my first son was born in Poland) and when we brought Holden it was the same thing. No special treatment, no extra accommodation at restaurants.

Unless he was outside without a baby hat haha. Polish grandparents have an obsession with babies having to have a hat on , so when we were rolling outside without it people would loudly ask “where is his hat?”.

While I had friendly people helping me get on and off public transportation, no one really stared inside my stroller to see what the baby looks like.

Surprisingly, I found Poland a great place for baby travel. There are plenty of new playgrounds everywhere, and many malls even have feeding and changing rooms with microwaves, milk heaters and calming music.

In Warsaw, I was also able to bring Dylan to a spa during certain hours, which was wonderful.

Traveling with an Infant to Malta

Malta was definitely not a baby-friendly place. I traveled there on my own when my LO was just a few months old and encountered a nightmare.

Getting into public transportation was a mission impossible, most taxis didn’t even have seatbelts, streets were narrow if there was even a sidewalk in some parts of the island like St Julians, non-existent facilities and everywhere was way overcrowded.

When I was traveling with my Babyzen Yoyo stroller many local women stopped me asking whether I got it in Malta, as they’d love to have one. Overall, it was a weird experience, and would not recommend it.

More on baby in Malta travels

Traveling with a Baby to Greece

Greece is a fantastic place to visit with kids. Greeks love babies and every single place we visited in Greece was very kid-oriented. Friendly street cats help with entertainment as well.

Children are welcome at restaurants, and sunset bars, and will get accommodated accordingly. Most places outside of Athens are full of cobblestones and stairs but there are also areas that will have flat strolls with only a few steps, which gives you two options: either bring a baby carrier or bring a small lightweight stroller you can carry if needed.

Your baby or toddler won’t go hungry in Greece for sure, as there’s always some fries, pasta, or bread. Or olives, both my kids love olives.

More on Traveling with a Baby to Greece

Traveling with a Baby to Spain

Spain wasn’t particularly baby friendly to us, but we only visited Andalusia. There were no ramps anywhere for a stroller and elevators and doors were even smaller than in Italy.

We didn’t stumble upon ‘no kids allowed’ anywhere, in fact, it’s totally normal to bring babies to a bar and bartenders were giving them fruits as a free treat. But, at restaurants the wait for any food was long and kids were getting antsy. Getting a waiter’s attention was a challenge itself so forget about milk being heated – we didn’t even bother to try.

We always felt pushed around even with a stroller at train stations, waiting in lines, it seemed like people just didn’t care that they can fall on a baby which wasn’t the nicest experience (I actually had to push one old lady away when she tried to climb over our stroller because she wanted to skip the line which turned into a giant fight).

More on Traveling to Spain with a Baby

Traveling with a Baby to Slovenia

Slovenia was a fantastic place to go with a baby. Everyone was always friendly and accommodating, even if their facilities didn’t necessarily allow that. Most touristy spots were flat, didn’t stumble upon ‘no kids allowed’ at any hotels – in fact, everywhere we went there were plenty of kids including glamping spots.

We were able to rent a boat, eat out and enjoy ourselves without a feeling that we’d bother anyone.

Traveling with a Baby to Austria

Austria can be a good place to take your kids, as it’s very rule-oriented. We found Austria very accommodating, even when we were very confused tourists 😉

Nobody will be hopping around your baby or give you priority for anything (looking at your Vienna with long lines to enter many restaurants), but people are nice to kids in their ways.

Bigger cities like Vienna or Innsbruck will have perfect facilities like elevators to enter every metro station or ramps at tourists attractions to accommodate strollers.

Your child won’t be hungry, because there’s always something that kids like. Whether it’s a traditional wurst, bread, or pasta, there’s stuff to eat even if a place doesn’t cater to kids specifically.

Traveling with a Baby to Switzerland

Switzerland, while obviously expensive to visit as a family, has everything ready for babies, toddlers and kids. It’s a fantastic place to go with a baby and the facilities are always spotless and perfect. Everyone is always friendly and accommodating, even if their facilities aren’t adjusted they will find you a crib or high chair.

The only issue when traveling with small kids is that they won’t be allowed up to some mountains due to elevation – usually, the minimum age is 1 year, but some say 3+ years.

More about Visiting Switzerland with Kids

Traveling with a Baby to Sweden

Sweden, similar to any other spot in Scandinavia is immensely baby and kid-friendly. But, without sacrificing the comfort of adults as well. Your baby and toddler will be welcome everywhere and things will be accessible.

Want to go to a museum? Absolutely, and while you’re reading a “boring to a toddler” exhibit, there’s always something for them to mess around with.

Facilities were always accessible and available for babies, whether it was a park or a restaurant.

See more on Sweden with a Baby or Toddler

Any questions about traveling to Europe with a baby?

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Monday 20th of February 2023

Hello, my question is about visas. Does my newborn with an American passport require a visa to enter Europe/ Finland?

Monday 18th of September 2023

@Anna Karsten, Hello Anna, we are currently living in Poland and planning to visit Spain with a 6 month old baby, born in Poland with a Philippine passport. Without a TRC yet,can my baby travel with us or we should get a visa for her?

Anna Karsten

At the moment Americans don't need visas to Europe, so you can just go. The launch of the ETIAS travel authorization is currently slated for November 2023, so once this is launched all Americans will need to register and pay a small fee to receive travel authorization but it's going to be a very easy and straightforward process.

Sunday 22nd of January 2023

Great information! I will be taking my 3 year old and 1 1/2 year old to Norway and Sweden this summer and I’m debating not bringing a stroller at all, but possibly just a carrier. Would you advise against this?

Monday 23rd of January 2023

Depends on your kids... my younger son refuses a stroller and wants to walk, but naturally since he's not even 2 it takes him forever and ever to get anywhere. But, I cannot imagine having him in the carrier at this age either (unless it's a hiking backpack for actual hiking), because he's big. My 3 year old was fine walking on short distances (we also had his balance bike), but if you're out and about all day (eg. when I went to Spain we were out of the hotel 9am to 9pm, so stroller was much needed for the 3-year-old as well.

Toronto mama

Tuesday 26th of July 2022

I am travelling to Spain this summer with a 2 year old and a six month old, a travel stroller doesn’t seem feasible as both children would be using the stroller. Is it really a big issue taking something equivalent to a Nuna?

Having just returned from Spain with kids only a few months older than yours I will advise against something like Nuna. I was especially looking around at other people's families and all of them had the same setup like us: one kid one travel stroller or a buggy board. Especially in places like Spain have a LOT of stairs or you'll be carrying the stroller, narrow corners (not even in and out of buildings, but to pass by because many eat outside), not to mention your stroller won't even fit into various elevators in the fanciest hotels that actually have elevators (we had to bring strollers one by one and they barely fit) and if we had anything bigger than Babyzen Yoyo or Cybex Libelle we wouldn't be able to fit on the bus or insert it in the trunk of a taxi. Get two travel strollers or a buggy board for the 2 years old - we have both but if we explore all day then bring the stroller. If we take breaks at the hotel then the older siblings has a buggy board.

Thursday 2nd of June 2022

Really enjoyed reading this. Now that your baby is older, what car seat do you use in Europe? My son is going to be 3 in Nov and we are going to Europe in July for 3 for 3 weeks. Can I buy a European car seat here in the US? If not, our European relative can buy it for us and install it so that when we arrive it is ready. What is a European car seat that is lightweight and inexpensive?

Monday 6th of June 2022

Most European car seats are cheaper, lighter, and more portable than American ones actually so that's good news. We were just living back in Europe for a few months again and bought Nachfolger for the 1 year old and most 3-year-olds would fit (you can order it to the US as well) and it's great in terms of portability and comfort, but that's rear-facing so both of my sons refused it. But it's a nice one ;-)

My 3 year old is also 100 cm tall, so he fits into the 3+ year category or seatbelts car seats or even in mifold. Rules vary per country, but in most places 15kg/33lbs ride in a booster with seatbelts and that's what most taxis and private transports had and we just got one of this for our car: https://www.bebe9.com/siege-auto-gr-2-3-viaggio-shuttle-crystal-black.html (we had a different brand that was about 50 EUR but can't find a link, but it's the same concept basically). Alternatively, you can get something like this: https://www.bebe9.com/siege-auto-gr-2-3-solution-b2-fix-steel-grey.html Another portable car seat is Maxi Cosi Nomad (also folds), but unless you're planning on traveling with your kid soon or have another I'd just get some of those above.

Wesley Hammond

Thursday 31st of March 2022

What secrets do you have regarding the time zone switch with a baby? I am going to Italy in June with my 11 month old and looking for any tricks

Every time we traveled internationally we just allowed one more nap during the first two days and kept the kids up until at least 7pm to get them used to the new day time schedule. Never had an issue to be honest.

Best European Cities to Visit with Babies

By: Author Wandermust Mummy

Want to know the best European cities to visit with babies? Looking for the most stroller friendly cities in Europe? In this guide we will round up the best baby friendly European cities to visit alongside out tips for visiting them from real parents who have traveled there with babies themselves. 

Important Note : This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you

Table of Contents

There are so many great places to baby friendly city breaks in Europe that we have organised this section alphabetically to make it easier to navigate. 

For each city we will look at how stroller friendly each place is, the best way to get around as well as the best things to do in each city with a baby. 

Amsterdam City Break with Baby

What to pack for Amsterdam in July – what to wear in Amsterdam in July

Amsterdam is one of the best city breaks in Europe to take with a baby. And I should now as we lived in the city with a baby for several years. 

If you are traveling around the city with a new baby then walking, trams and metro are the easiest way to get around the city. However if you are traveling with a slight older baby, rent a bike and cycle on one of the cities many cycle paths to take a tour. 

But if bikes aren’t your thing then a canal boat tour is a great way to see the main sites with a baby. There are also lots of baby friendly museums in the cities such as the Maritime Museum, the Rijksmuseum or the NEMO science musem. 

My little one also loved the Artis, the Amsterdam Zoo which is a great place for both toddlers and babies. There are also lots of baby friendly parks nearby too. But a favorite has to be the Amsterdam Bos where there is an amazing free farm where little ones can get up close with goats. Really the city is full of baby friendly things to do. 

And there is no bad time to visit Amsterdam however my favorite time in Amsterdam is April as you get to take some perfect family photos in front of tulips. 

Athens City Break with a baby! 

Athens is one of the best city breaks with a baby you can take. Although not the most stroller friendly in some of the ancient places such as the Acropolis, it is easily accessible with a carrier. And other famous places in the cities such as the Olympic Stadium, Lykabettos (the hill opposite the Acropolis) the Acropolis Museum, and the gardens behind Parliament are all very baby friendly.

All of these places are easy to get to by public transportation, which despite Athens’ street network, is super easy to use. The Metro especially is incredibly easy to ride and can take you pretty much anywhere. If you leave the city center, things can get a little more challenging using a stroller but a well planned excursion can save you the hassle. 

The nightlife is also very family friendly in Athens. In fact, I recommend staying out late with your child. People watching is a past time in Greece and kids love it. You’ll see plenty of Greeks and their children out and about as late as 12 am and beyond, enjoying breezy warm evenings and nights in the company of friends in local squares and dining outdoors at taverns. 

All in all, Athens is really one of the best city breaks with a baby that you can take.

Barcelona City Break with Baby 

We took a Barcelona with baby at 6 months old and we went for a long weekend. We travelled in October as we felt that Barcelona in the summer months might be too hot for the baby to fully enjoy. But I have to say visiting Barcelona in the shoulder season was absolutely perfect with a baby.

BARCELONA CITY BREAK WITH BABY

Barcelona is a perfect destination for a city break with a baby with plenty of attractions for parents and child. We loved how green the city was – our favourite places include Parc Guell and Montjuic. The cable car ride to the top of Montjuic would delight most. 

The pretty much guaranteed nice weather and variety of outdoor activities mean it is a great city for families of any age! We enjoyed walking the parks, visiting art museums, the aquarium, Barcelona zoo and botanic garden. The only place we struggled with was the bocqueria which was difficult with both stroller and carrier. We however found great respite in the Catalan Cultural Centre which offered great peace from the hustle and bustle of Las Ramblas.

Overall Barcelona is one of the best European cities to visit with babies.

Berlin With Baby 

Berlin one of the best baby friendly cities in europe

Berlin is a great destination to visit no matter the time of year you decide to travel

We chose Berlin because we were looking for somewhere to travel in early December, and what could be more festive than wandering around Christmas markets in Germany?  The wonderful Chistmassy atmosphere in December – my daughter was totally entranced by all the lights, Christmas trees and market rides. There was a lot of enthusiastic pointing.

The fantastic public transport system in Berlin makes it really easy to get around with a small person, even one who refuses to use a stroller and insists on being carried everywhere or walking VERY SLOWLY.

We recommend purchasing a Berlin WelcomeCard, which you can get to cover anything from 48 hours to 6 days and gives you free travel on all public transport, plus discounts in museums.

One of the great things we did in the city was the Computerspielemuseum, which covers the history of computer and video games and includes lots of old games you can actually play. If you are traveling with older children or your baby has nearly reached the toddler age then they will even enjoy all the hands on activities here.

Overall we found that this one of the best European cities with a baby that you can visit and you can read more about our time in Berlin here.

Bern City Breaks with Babies 

By  Rashmi and Chalukya who took there 18month old to Bern

BERN CITY BREAKS WITH BABIES

Although most visitors to Switzerland choose to have Geneva as their home base Bern is a great city break with a baby.

The historical city can easily be explored on foot which makes it one of the most baby friendly cities in Europe even with a stroller. On top of that the city has a good frequency of transportation.

There are numerous gardens in Bern. Then there is the bear park along the river. It should definitely be fun for the kids to watch the bears frolicking in the water and around the shores especially if you are visiting the city with small children and babies. 

We visited in January and it had been snowing. The city was beautifully painted in white color. We explored the historical center of Bern and then had fun at the ice rink set up near the parliament.

Our little one had fun playing with the snow in the park behind the gorgeous Bern Cathedral especially the clock. For a few minutes before the hour the clock struck and the figurines in the clock tower, Zytgloggem twirled and turned which makes for a great show that even babies will like to watch.

You can read more about the go beyond bounds trip to the city  on their website

Brussels City Break with baby

Brussels is a great city break with a baby to take. We went because we really wanted to see the Carpet of Flowers but there is so much more to love about the city.

It’s so open, multicultural, they speak French and English so communication was easy and there was never a language barrier issue, and everything was close enough that we could walk to it if we didn’t want to bother with Public transit. The trains were a little rough to access with a stroller but we didn’t have a problem on the buses or walking around the city with a stroller. 

All the activities we wanted to do had stroller access such as Mini Europe, Natural History Museum, Comic strip museum and Grand Place which in our opinion makes it one of the most stroller friendly cities in Europe. 

Eating out was also relatively easy in Brussels with a baby. Most restaurants had a child’s menu but they didn’t have much place for the stroller inside the building so they asked that we fold it up and store it in the main office.

All the attractions were very family friendly, with easy access with a stroller, free for under 3s and most importantly, there was so much to do within walking distance that we didn’t even use public transit the first time we visited. It really is one of the most baby friendly European cities.

Next read :

• Best Double Stroller for Europe

To read more about the Tapped Out Travellers in Belgium check out her website here. 

Copenhagen Weekend Breaks With a Baby

Copenhagen one of the best european cities to visit with a baby

Copenhagen is filled with opportunities and beautiful architecture and so much history – so much to see and do and all in walking distance making it one of the best European cities to visit with a baby. 

It is also a city that really has no best time to visit as there is something appealing about this city in both summer and winter. 

Lifts at every public transport hub, plenty of room for buggies on train and buses and generally just an atmosphere that welcomes families with a lot of baby friendly areas, plus lots of playgrounds in and around the city.

We went to the Tivoli Gardens a magical park that takes amusement park to the next level. It has an amazing atmosphere and also plenty for young kids to enjoy, but even babies will love Copenhagen.  Elliot was absolutely mesmerised by the lights in the park.

 There is so much to see and do, but sometimes with a little one it’s good to know where you can go and catch a breather – free of charge if your child isn’t playing ball. In our opinion this is one of the best places to visit in Europe with a baby!

For a complete Copenhagen itinerary check out this post!

Dublin City Break with baby and toddler

Dublin city break with toddler and baby

If you are looking for the best city breaks with a baby to take then look no further than Dublin.

We did a Dublin city break with toddler and baby in June which was a great time to visit. This was our first trip to Ireland and we were planning on spending several weeks in the country. However as we were traveling to Ireland from the United States it made sense to start our family vacation in Dublin which has a direct flight from New York and many major US cities. 

Dublin is a wonderful city to visit with babies and kids! We walked the entire city – no taxi or public transit needed. Strolling is my favorite way to explore the nooks and crannies of a city and the city streets of Dublin are no exception. Walking is the best way to see this city and comes with the added bonus that you don’t have to fight the kids to get in their car seats.

Some of our favorite attractions in Dublin were Trinity College and its famous library, the Guinness Storehouse (go upstairs to see the great section of cheeky ads from the company’s history) and St. Stephen’s Green.

But our absolute favorite experience was spending a Sunday evening at Legends Bar at The Parliament Hotel listening to traditional music – sessions start early on Sundays, so it’s perfect for the entire family.

They were even so kind as to bring bowls of ice cream for the kids to enjoy while we had a few drinks.

In our opinion this is one of the most baby friendly European city breaks you can take!

Florence Weekend Breaks with Baby 

Why Florence is one of the best city breaks with a baby

When I booked my trip to Italy, I knew that I couldn’t miss stopping in the Renaissance city of Florence, Italy as part of our Italian road trip.

The atmosphere in Florence still felt serene even with the hustle and bustle of the city. Italy as a whole is a very easy place to travel with toddlers and babies, and Florence is one of the most baby friendly city breaks in Italy. It isn’t too large which makes it easy to navigate even with a stroller though a carrier is needed inside some of the buildings. 

Make sure you visit the Florence Cathedral and Duomo and take a walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for some great views of the city.  And let the little ones have some fun on the famous antique carousel in Piazza della Repubblica.

Haarlem with a baby

most baby friendly European cities.

If you are travelling to Europe with a baby then you really should consider stopping in Haarlem, in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is a great place for a family vacation. And although most people tend to stick to Amsterdam, Haarlem is also a great place to visit. Haarlem is a great place to visit with children of all ages and really is of the most baby friendly European cities.

There are a lot of kid-friendly restaurants, nice petting farms and there are numerous museums that offer kids programs. Haarlem is easy to reach by train from Amsterdam, it has a good public transport network and the city center is compact enough to cover by foot.

Combine a visit to the impressive Grote or St. Bavo Church on the Grote Markt, the city’s main square, with lunch at Meneer Paprika (Koningstraat 19-21) or Pippa’s (Stationsplein 64) and then take your kids to playground Het Paradijsje (Witte Herenstraat 36, open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-17:00, entrance fee €1).

Haarlem has won awards for Netherland’s best shopping destination a number of times. Fun shops for kids stuff are Meneer Paprika(Koningstraat 19-21), Minimarkt (Kruisstraat 11), Krokodil (GedempteOude Gracht 84) and Tante Steef (Zijlstraat 66). It really is one of the best European Cities to visit with baby in tow.

You can read more about Haarlem here. 

Luxembourg City Break with baby  

Luxembourg is a popular European city break destination. Right in the heart of Europe with easy transport connections to other European capitals, visitors come here to soak up the culture and take in the views over the spectacular gorges and ancient fortifications.

It is also easy to navigate around the city itself with an amazing public transit network that is free for all. 

Fortunately for young families, Luxembourg is also home to the most colourful, imaginative and well-equipped public playgrounds in the local parks that we have ever seen.

Between visits to museums and forts, why not let the children play in a cartoon farmyard or a full-size pirate ship? Let them act as knights and princesses in a whimsical castle, or roar into the sky at their very own airport.

And if you want something quieter, take a guided nature trail into the nearby woods. There is surely something in Luxembourg for every family. 

This really is one of the most baby friendly destinations Europe has to offer!

Munich with a Baby 

How to take baby friendly city breaks in Munich

Munich is one of the best places to travel in Europe with a baby because of the unique mix between intriguing glimpses of Bavarian culture and compelling modern attractions.

Munich in addition to these, also has exceptional green spaces, playgrounds and child friendly attractions. Amongst the attractions we particularly enjoyed the Deutsches Museum. The best thing you can do in Munich is just get out, walk around and explore. A Munich weekend break with baby is a sure fire hit with all the family!

You can read more about the Imps and Ramblers adventures in Munich  here

Lisbon with a baby 

Lisbon – one of the best European cities to visit with babies

Who doesn’t love a Portuguese custard tart

If you looking for baby friendly Europe destinations then look no further than Lisbon! Aside from being delightfully pretty in a slightly dishevelled way, Lisbon offers great value, delicious food (Portugal’s custard desserts are one of my weaknesses) and a location within day trip distance of some beautiful sandy beaches.

Known as the “City of Seven Hills”, families shouldn’t be put off by Lisbon’s undulating terrain; pushing a buggy up to trendy Bairro Alto justifies indulging in a custard tart (pasteis de nata) in one of the many enticing cafes.

For our stay with our 18 month old son, we opted for an apartment in Lapa, one of the less hilly districts. If you have a tiny baby, Lisbon lends itself well to idle wandering along its famous crazy-paving avenues and picturesque lanes, and lazy lunches with a bottle of refreshing Vinho Verde.

For infants on the move, head to the brilliant, spacious and relatively crowd-free aquarium, located next to a pedestrianised waterfront, ideal for little people to explore. Despite not being one of the most stroller friendly places in Europe we think it really is one of the best places in Europe to travel with a baby or toddler. 

Just remember that Lisbon is an exceptionally hilly location, it is called the City of Seven Hills after all, so it is worth packing a baby carrier as well as a stroller with you no matter the time of year you visit this amazing city. 

It is also worth noting that a visit to Lisbon could also be combined with a visit to the Algarve region of Portugal. This area is full of beautiful beaches, and luxury family-friendly resorts many of which also have amazing kids clubs. 

Fo more suggestions on what to do in Lisbon check out this guide

London City  Breaks with Baby

Traveling to London with a baby

If you are looking for one of the best European cities with baby to visit then you really should be considering London. There are lots of bucket list sights that you are going to want to see such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and Big Ben and are great places for family trip photos. 

There are also lots of activities aimed specially at toddlers and babies which means they will find plenty to amuse themselves. In our opinion one of the best things to do in the city with babies is visit one of the many free museums.  

Lots of the museums  in London are really toddler and baby friendly and have activities specifically designed for this age bracket. This is an especially great option if you are visiting London on a particularly rainy week ! There also are loads of other k id friendly activities in the city.  On top of that London is actually one of the more stroller friendly European cities and is very easy to navigate.

It is also a city that has plenty to do if you are traveling with older kids too as well as in proximity to amazing day trip locations such as Brighton with its beautiful beaches, the Cotswolds and theme parks such as Legoland Windsor . 

You can read more about t hings to do with toddlers and babies in London here as well as out kid friendly London itinerary!

Paris with a Baby

Using a Stroller in Paris

Paris does not immediately spring to mind as a family travel destination but we have found Paris great with toddlers or babies. 

It is a city that is full of amazing museums that parents will love but be sure to buy your tickets in advance so your aren’t stuck in the long lines that form especially at peak times.

Paris is a relatively easy city to navigate even with a stroller and it is a great walkable city. On top of that kids of all ages will enjoy the beautiful Paris parks and the carousels that are dotted all across the city. 

You can also get some amazing family photos in front of the Eiffel Tower and visit some other beautiful historical sites. On top of that Disneyland Paris with a baby is a great day trip to take and is a great place to make some family travel memories. 

Reykjavik with a baby

Iceland Church – one of the best things to do in reykjavik with kids

Iceland is a great country to visit with toddlers and babies and Reykjavik in particular is a great travel destinations for families. 

The city is very walkable with a stroller and has lots of family friendly attractions. However the real joy in Iceland is taking a day trip out to the Golden Circle and seeing the natural beauty such as waterfalls, beaches, the northern lights and more. 

Rome with a baby

FAmily in Rome with baby – Best European Cities to Visit with Babies

As a couple Rome was our favourite city in the world so knew we wanted to take our baby as soon as possible. She was six months on our first trip and we loved every second of our time there, despite the earthquakes and biblical rain. 

I know it’s a cliche but it is so true that Italians love children which makes it so much easier to visit as you are welcomed literally everywhere.

Before we went we heard that Rome was difficult as you couldn’t use a stroller and there were few places to change baby so when we saw the rain and knew we had to use the stroller we were worried. We shouldn’t have been! We walked all over there city seeing all the main landmarks without problem.

People were right about lack of baby change facilities though so we have compiled this guide to make life easier for parents wanting to visit Rome!

 Another great thing about Rome is that the food is amazing – I mean who doesn’t love pizza, pasta and gelato! Probably the most family friendly foodie destination I have been too. 

My top tip visiting Rome would be to walk as much as possible – and who wouldn’t want to walk a city such as Rome. We managed to take in all the sites from the Colosseum and Forum to the Vatican and Pantheon in one day.

Also, we used the stroller and found it really easy but if you are going to go inside the forum or the museums be aware that you will need a carrier!

One of the best places to visit for families of any age are  Borghese Gardens ! I think great cities have great parks and this is definitely Rome’s. It offers peace and tranquility away from all the hustle and bustle of the city!

Stockholm with a baby

We went to Stockholm before Christmas to get in the festive spirit and it was magical. We have also visited during the summer and had an equally albeit busier time. It is great to visit in winter as you are away from the crowds but you just have to prepare for the cold and deal with a baby who refuses to keep her mittens on!

We loved walking around Gamla Stan and eating meatballs at Tradition – our favourite restaurant in Stockholm! You won’t be able to eat Ikea meatballs again after tasting their yummy version! It is also one of the few restaurants we found that had highchairs available so this should be on any families radar for Stockholm!

Our favourite thing about Stockholm is all the green spaces. We loved the botanic gardens but our top thing to do in Stockholm is visit Skansen the living history museum! It is fab and a great day our for families of any age. We also really enjoyed the Vasa Museum. 

Our top tip for Stockholm would be to prepare for the weather and know where you want to eat as finding baby friendly restaurants was the most difficult thing we found there.

If you are looking for the baby travel essentials you will need to do this weekend breaks with baby check out our guide! 

Have you done any European City Breaks with baby? What do you think are the most baby friendly European cities? 

 If you think we missed a city out and would like to share your baby travel experiences send me an email or comment below to take part.

Looking for more inspiration for city breaks with toddlers or baby inspiration? Then check out

European City Breaks (N-Z) with baby

Middle East and North Africa city break with baby inspiration

Thursday 21st of June 2018

Hi..Pls advise if luxembourg stroller friendly or not. I will be travelling alone with my 3 year old. Thanks.

Wednesday 20th of September 2017

This was really enjoyable to read. Having read this there seem to be some wonderful places to visit.Had a quick look at your blog and love it already. Have subscribed. Looks like you’ve spent time in many of the places listed in this post.

Happy Mummy

Friday 17th of March 2017

Love this round up post. Just proves that people do not need to stop or take a break from travel when they have kids :)

Thank you so much for linking up to #HMCapturingMoments x

Wandermust Mummy

Exactly so many inspiring families out there

Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute

Sunday 12th of March 2017

Such a great compilation post. I love that there are so many people traveling with their babies. We took off on a three week camping and driving trip around southern France and Spain with our (then) 3 month old daughter. It was one of the best trips of our lives! Thanks for linking in this week at #wkendtravelinspiration!

Thanks - there are some great travelling families out there. Wow camping with a three month old must have been intense

Sally's Tips 4 Trips

Wednesday 8th of March 2017

So many great places to take baby on a holiday. All it takes is a little research to ensure it is easy enough to get about with a stroller and there are baby facilities about. We have found Singapore to be one of the best destinations that meet these criteria along with hotel options that accommodate babies and toddlers.

I'm so glad to hear this - we are off to Singapore I june

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5 Tips for Traveling with a Baby in Europe

We have been to Europe more times than we can remember. From Paris to Budapest and countless places in between, we have learned a lot through our travels around Europe over the years. Before our first trip to Italy with our son, we felt like we knew everything there was to know about traveling to Europe.

When you have a child, though, your entire perspective changes! We quickly realized we had a lot to learn about traveling with a baby in Europe.

Bringing our baby with us to Italy was eye-opening in a lot of ways. We quickly saw each place that we visited in a new light, as we had a whole new set of things to consider.

From stroller accessibility to temperature control, our first trip to Europe with our son was filled with eye-opening experiences that we were able to learn from. This post is going to lay out some of the biggest lessons we’ve learned about traveling to Europe with a baby and traveling with a baby in Europe.

5. Later Dinners Often Conflict with Bed Time

When we arrived in Italy, our son was freshly six months old. We had just started getting him into a rhythm with nap times and bed times, and it finally looked like we were going to be getting some more sleep. We were putting him down for bed around 7:00pm every night, and he was finally starting not to fight it.

The only problem? Dinner in Italy (and many other European countries) tends to be much later than 7:00pm.

If it is just your family traveling, you can simply go for an early dinner, regardless of the cultural norm. Nobody is going to stop you from eating dinner at 5:00pm, and many restaurants (not all) will be open at that time. However, if you have local friends, colleagues, or other people that happen to be in the area, odds are you will be going out for much later dinners.

You Can’t Dine with the Locals and also Adhere to Bedtime

The social aspect of dining in many parts of Europe doesn’t really begin until well after your child goes to bed, meaning that you can either bring your baby along past their bedtime or you can miss out on the cultural experience. When traveling, though, don’t you want to have those cultural experiences? Isn’t that the point?

We opted to let our little man stay up later and sleep later in the morning. Simple fix.

As long as you are flexible with them, they can adapt very easily! On a similar note, when we are traveling we never try to keep our baby to a nap schedule.

We simply let him doze off when he is tired and wake up when he’s ready. He loves his stroller and gets to recharge while mom and dad keep exploring!

4. Don’t Expect to Find Changing Tables Everywhere

There are pros and cons to everywhere in the world. One pro of the United States is that it feels like there is a changing table in almost every public women’s bathroom.

While there is a movement to start adding more changing tables into the men’s bathrooms, too, the United States is undoubtedly already one of the world’s leaders in baby changing table availability.

Most of Europe, unfortunately, tends to fall behind in this aspect. At least in our experiences traveling around Europe with a child, changing tables are a lot less common.

Changing Tables Are Rare Outside of Major Museums and Attractions

While large museums and other big complexes will likely have a bathroom with a changing table in it, most restaurants and smaller businesses will not. If you go out to eat at a local mom and pop restaurant, for example, get ready to change your little one’s diaper on the floor.

To be fair, changing tables are kind of overrated anyway. You can change a diaper anywhere. Whether it is on a park bench, a restaurant floor, or a true changing table, changing diapers is quick and easy anyway.

While changing tables are nice, they really don’t enable you to do anything that you couldn’t do before. Just make sure to always have a changing pad in your diaper bag and you will be good to go.

3. Car Seats Are Not Mandatory in Some Countries

Our experiences with car seat laws while traveling internationally have been crazy. Some countries don’t require a car seat at all, some countries let small infants sit in frontward facing booster seats, and some countries have car seat laws that are very similar to the United States.

It really is a crapshoot, and your best bet is just to look up the laws before you leave for your trip.

We don’t take a carseat with us at all, because we know that we would not spend much time in a car. To us, hauling a car seat through the airport, on the flight, around public transportation, and into our accommodations sounds like way too much work for little reward.

We usually stick to public transportation when possible, and you don’t need a carseat on a metro or a bus.

Different Car Seat Laws Apply to Taxis, Vans, and Ubers

However, when we arrived in Europe, we started asking ourselves some questions about taxis, Ubers, and other forms of private transportation. We were going to be taking a large van at one point, and we were curious about what laws would apply in the van. What we found was that each place really just has its own laws, and they are all over the place.

In Italy, for example, you need a car seat in a private car, but you do not need one in a taxi, Uber , or any other hired driver service. While taking your infant along in a car ride without a car seat is inherently risky, the decision is left up to the parent in many places.

– R E A D –

2. Air Conditioning Is a Lot Less Common in Europe

In the United States, air conditioning in hotels and Airbnbs almost feels like a basic amenity. It is found pretty much everywhere, and you usually don’t need to go out of your way to make sure that your accommodation has it.

Part of this is because the United States is so much newer of a country and doesn’t have many buildings from five centuries ago. Other parts of this are just cultural, as many other cultures just prefer to open the windows rather than pump the air conditioning.

Learn from our mistake and always triple check that your accommodation has A/C during summer months

No Air Conditioning Can Be Dangerous for Babies

Regardless of the reasoning, the fact stays the same: air conditioning is much less common in Europe than it is in the United States. While this can be uncomfortable for adults, it can be dangerous for babies. We accidentally booked a night in an Airbnb in Genoa, Italy in July that didn’t have air conditioning, and we learned our lesson really quickly.

Our normally calm and happy baby turned into a grouch because of the heat, and there was no way he was going to make it a second night in that place. We wound up having to pay a cancellation penalty and book in a hotel down the street instead.

My error? Assuming that the Airbnb would have air conditioning, because what Airbnb doesn’t have air conditioning? The price? A $50 cancellation fee plus the cost of the more expensive hotel.

1. Most European Countries Are Less Stroller Friendly

We live in a city, and we understand the challenges that city life can present when trying to get around with a baby. We have also lived in the suburbs, and we understand that there are inherently different challenges there. In Europe, though, both inside and outside of cities, we were appalled by how challenging it is to get around with a stroller!

Let me set some context. We know Europe, and we knew what to expect before our first trip to Europe with our infant son. We had a large, sturdy stroller at home already, but got our hands on a compact Babyzen Yoyo2 before our trip because we know how tight European streets can be.

This was a Godsend.

Our stroller at home weighs over 20 pounds without a baby in it. Our newer, smaller stroller weighs half of that. Importantly, it is still sturdy despite the portability.

European Cities Have Less Elevators and More Cobblestone Streets

It is often very hard to find elevators in Europe, and there are many places that simply aren’t handicap (or stroller) accessible. Further, many streets in Europe are made of cobblestones or other similar compositions that little stroller wheels can easily get stuck in.

Either using a baby carrier or having a strong, sturdy, stroller that is also light enough to easily carry up and down stairs is an absolute must when traveling around Europe with a baby, as you simply cannot rely on having elevators and ramps at every place that you stop to visit.

While the metro is Milan is one of the nicest systems in Italy, it is not fun carrying your baby in their stroller up and down flights of stairs every time you want to go somewhere!

Thanks for reading my post with 5 tips for traveling with a baby in Europe. Hopefully this post helps you to prepare for a few of the more challenging aspects about traveling to Europe with a baby.

While we had a couple of challenges, we would like to reiterate that there is nothing more rewarding than traveling with your children at any age, and these small hiccups were practically insignificant compared to the memories that we were able to make with our son on his first trip to Europe.

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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Italy Family Vacations

Spain family vacations, japan family vacations, australia family vacations, tips from a new mom: traveling through europe with a baby.

• By Tanvi Chheda
• June 19, 2018

CB! Family Vacation Advisor and new mom Mandy Cecchetto has wasted no time turning her baby girl into a seasoned traveler! She and her husband have already taken their daughter on several overseas trips, most recently for a monthlong stay in Italy and Germany. We caught up with her to get her road-tested tips for a successful visit to Europe with a tiny one in tow. Thanks for sharing, Mandy — this kind of firsthand insight is priceless!

Best Advice for Vacationing in Europe with a Baby

You recently traveled internationally with your little one for the third time. Tell us where you were headed and what the travel entailed.

We traveled internationally with our baby daughter, Alaria, at 3 months, 6 months and most recently at 9 months. Our recent trip was overseas to Italy and Germany . During our monthlong European adventure, we started with the Italian Lakes Region , the Tuscan countryside and coast and the Eternal City of Rome . During our stay in Italy, we rented a vehicle for Tuscany and used transfers in the busy cities like Rome. Afterward, we flew from Italy to Germany and moved around by trains and transfers.

Want help planning an amazing baby-friendly vacation?

We've traveled the world with infants of every age! Our expert Family Vacation Advisors can help you choose the right destination, book vetted accommodations, create a custom itinerary and more. Click to get started! >

How did your baby do? What were some of the successes and some of the challenges?

Our baby was a great traveler — she absolutely loved being in a new environment! She was fascinated by the sounds, sights and new faces, and she was constantly stimulated from all the beautiful wonders that Italy has to offer. She was easily amused by the birds in the main piazzas, the street performers and the charming waiters who would make her giggle while we enjoyed our delicious meals.

I was, of course, a bit nervous to take her for a monthlong vacation in Europe, but in all honesty, it was amazing, and also easier with a baby since she doesn’t walk yet. While she took cat naps in the stroller, my husband and I relaxed with a glass of wine and some amazing Italian food overlooking Lake Como and the stunning views of the Alps in the background. One of the best parts of traveling with a baby is the royal treatment: priority lines at the airport, jumping the queue at the car rental office and people’s willingness to help you.

One of the challenges we encountered with her was jet lag and her schedule being off. But don’t stress about routine, as babies are very resilient! Moving around with a little one also has its challenges because you have so much stuff for the baby. One way to help with this is to have a single home base so you can truly unpack and unwind. In addition, we adjusted the pace of the trip to accommodate having our little one in tow. Changing the pace of our trip actually made for a more relaxing vacation as we truly enjoyed la dolce vita! Our pace was much slower than what we usually do; at most, we would have one activity or sight scheduled per day. We certainly didn’t try to tackle sights like the Vatican and did not commit ourselves to jam-packed touring days. Instead, we soaked up the atmosphere, sat in the piazzas and visited local markets.

What, if anything, surprised you?

All the attention our baby received from the locals was a pleasant surprise. Italians absolutely love children and even strangers were very eager to help us!

The hospitality at the hotels was amazing; the Ciao Bambino properties we stayed at were so accommodating with kids. The waiters would literally entertain Alaria so that we could enjoy our meal. The baby crib was always set up upon arrival; the high chair was ready for us during breakfast; pureed baby food options were available; and our rooms were always conveniently located near the main building (and oftentimes on the ground floor). The staff really went above and beyond to help us and make our stay as enjoyable as possible.

We were also surprised at how kid-friendly and inclusive the environment was at our accommodations, for children of all ages. It was great to see and meet so many other families while at our hotels and traveling around.

What are your top tips for parents traveling with a little one?

• A good stroller that is easily collapsible is key. You can toss all your baby stuff and diaper bag under the stroller and take it with you everywhere! Make sure to keep it with you at the airport right until you get to the gate; this will come in handy as you walk through the airport.

• Book the right accommodations and a room suitable for a baby. A suite with a terrace is ideal for the extra space and to have a spot to hang out while the baby sleeps. Having a baby-friendly hotel will make your life so much easier. Contact the properties in advance to ask for a crib and high chair. If you aren’t bringing your own car seat, make sure you rent one.

• Pack wisely! When you have a little one, it’s necessary to plan in advance for what you’ll need on the flight, day trips, etc. Bring a small medical kit, and always have extra sleepers, food, diapers/wipes and a charged cell phone.

• You need to be well-prepared and have a plan, but don’t have too much structure. I recommend planning a domestic mini vacation before going on a long-haul overseas trip. Use the first few days of any trip with a baby to relax, and have the same home base for at least four nights. Don’t worry about a strict schedule — roll with the punches.

What was the best day/moment of the trip and why?

This is a tough one because every day was so unique and special. The one day that stands out the most for me was in the Tuscan countryside. It was a relaxing day with our baby in the beautiful rolling hills, where our views looked like they were from a postcard. There were so many other children and babies around.

Even though our baby won’t remember these trips, we certainly will remember and will share all of these incredible stories with her. It’s been said that travel changes you. It has changed us in a good way, making us better people, better global citizens and definitely better parents. Our baby is more resilient and able to adapt to changes due to our travels, and we have created a lifetime of memories with her that we will cherish forever. I’m so happy that we traveled with Alaria and we will continue to travel the world with her, as it is so rewarding.

Relevant Links:

Get all tips and ideas for traveling with a baby on Ciao Bambino

In-flight entertainment, baby and toddler style

Essential tips for traveling long distances with a baby

Essential tips for traveling in Europe with a toddler

The secret to a toddler-friendly Tuscan holiday? Ciao Bambino!

Case in point: Why we love traveling in Italy with children

Editor’s Note: Photos courtesy of Mandy Cecchetto.

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26 Lifesaving Tips for Traveling with a Baby in Europe

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I write about travel, books, and beauty (and everything else, kind of). I live in San Diego with my husband Tyler and our two little girls, Charlotte and Emmie. 

Prepare yourself for a long, detailed post about our experience traveling with a baby.

Tyler and I knew that we wanted to take Charlotte to Europe before she turned two. We had enough United points to cover both of our flights and wanted to avoid paying for her ticket while she is still considered a “lap infant.” (that term became all too real lol). The trip ended up being one of the best trips we’ve ever been on (maybe even our favorite after our honeymoon). Charlotte was such a trooper, and it was so special. 

We hadn’t traveled with her outside of visiting family, so this was our first “vacation” with her. Being able to get away for an extended period of time and just bond as a family of three is something I’ll treasure forever. It was so good for mine and Tyler’s relationship too. 

Throughout the whole trip, I kept a note on my phone to keep track of things we discovered along the way about traveling with an infant. I was shocked at how much we’d learned after just a couple of days. I have done my best to sum everything up here in this blog post. 

How To Travel Internationally With A Baby

Managing expectations + a little encouragement about traveling with a baby

When we were pregnant with Charlotte, we weren’t that surprised when people would ask if we were done traveling now. It seems like a common theme in our culture is that kids and babies can ruin travel and that you should get your bucket list squared away before “settling down.” 

I mean, of course, traveling with a baby is different and more complicated. BUT. You CAN do it. 

And you can do it without a nanny or an unlimited budget, and it’s still really, really fun. 

In the months leading up to the trip, I oscillated between feeling SO excited and then really nervous about how Charlotte would do. I kept hearing horror stories of catastrophic plane flights, embarrassing dinners, and stubborn jet lag.

I think the best thing we did for ourselves was keep our expectations realistic while maintaining a positive mindset. We knew that there was a good chance of the aforementioned horror stories happening to us (they did). But we also knew that even if those things happened that we would still have fun (we did). 

So, yes, traveling with a baby is hard. But it’s so worth it. 

She won’t remember it, but I think the trip did so much for her brain and social development. I heard someone say once that traveling with a baby is similar to reading with a baby–they don’t really know what’s going on and they won’t remember it, but it’s all a part of their development and setting the stage. 

I could go on and on, but this trip was one of my favorite parts of the year and hopefully this will help inspire someone to take the leap. 

How to plan a Europe trip with a baby:

Age of Baby

When it comes to traveling with a baby, there are a few factors to consider while deciding exactly when to go. The biggest one, in my opinion, is the “lap infant” rule: children under two years old can fly for free. We definitely wanted to take advantage of that. 

We went when Charlotte was almost 11 months old. In my opinion, anywhere between 6 months and a year old is ideal, if you have that flexibility. 

Charlotte was sleep trained, eating almost everything, and in the happiest stage. 

It was also right before she started walking. (I had dreams of her taking her first steps in Europe but of course she decided to wait until the day after we got home to do that, lol). 

I’m not saying we won’t ever do this, but I can already tell that it would be much harder to travel with a toddler. Now that she’s walking, she isn’t quite as content in the stroller. I also would hate to deal with terrible two-induced tantrums on the go. 

One note: Charlotte is really tall, so she was a bit long for the bassinet (more on this later). She would have slept much better in it a few months earlier when she was smaller. 

 Choosing your itinerary

This is probably the thing you’ll have to be most strategic about. Everyone is different, but Tyler and I really wanted this trip to be as relaxing as possible. 

We knew that having Charlotte with us would make things more complicated, so we decided to avoid any busy cities or really touristy areas. The last thing we wanted was to spend our days dealing with metro schedules, crowded streets, and a mile-long to-do list. 

I definitely did have moments on the trip where I was wishing that we could’ve shown Charlotte Paris, Rome, or even London, but I know that it just would’ve been so much more hectic. For our first trip traveling with her, it worked out perfectly to keep it low key. 

We decided on five nights in the South of France, using Antibes as our base, and four nights in Lake Como , using Torno as our base. 

**If you’re interested in this trip’s specific itinerary (South of France and Lake Como), you can click here to check out all of the guides I wrote.***

We purposefully chose only two destinations for this trip. Also, we only had about ten days to work with, and we really didn’t want to have to pack up and move more than once. 

Limiting travel days

One of our new things is doing our best to limit “travel days.”

Over the years we’ve learned that no matter how “easy” that short flight, drive, or train ride might seem, between packing up, checking out, getting to your next spot, checking in, unpacking, freshening up… it kills the whole day. And obviously we’d have to multiply this tenfold when we factored in having a baby with us. So we chose two spots, requiring just one “travel day” in the middle of the trip. 

If we had closer to two full weeks, we might have considered tacking on another spot. If that were the case, however, I’d still want to make sure we stayed for at least four nights in each location. This would limit the demands of constant packing and unpacking that would undoubtedly squash any feelings of rest and rejuvenation gleaned from the vacation in the first place. 

In terms of the exact locations we chose: Antibes and the South of France couldn’t have been more baby friendly. It was easy to bring the stroller everywhere we went, and we found the area relaxing, charming and so, so much fun. More on this in blog posts to come. 

Lake Como was hands down one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever been. However, the towns are full of stairs and aren’t very stroller friendly, so it’s not exactly the very best place to bring a baby. We rocked the Ergo carrier a ton, though, and Charlotte did great in that. I’m so glad we went there, but just a note for those trying to choose their own destinations. 

My own two cents on where else I think it would be fun to bring a baby in Europe: the Bernese Overland in Switzerland , the Black Forest in Germany , Salzburg or anywhere in Austria , the English countryside , or even Amsterdam and the surrounding area. 

 Consider renting a car

Again, this is a matter of personal preference, but we love renting cars in Europe. While taking the train is very fun and something everyone should do at least once, and flying horrible budget airlines is sometimes unavoidable and certainly a rite of passage every study abroad student should experience, renting a car allows the most freedom and flexibility when you are on a longer trip. 

This holds true for traveling with a baby, too. Not only did having the car give us wiggle room in our itinerary and the ability to manage our days and day trips how we wanted to, we also didn’t feel like we had to stay airtight packed up all day every day, if that makes sense. We could use the car as our “home base” for all of Charlotte’s stuff, and it made the days more relaxed. 

We were also able to make the 5 hour drive to Lake Como very early in the morning. Also, we just shoved all our stuff in the car, and Charlotte slept almost the entire drive. This was much easier, we thought, than dealing with what would have been 3 different trains and transport to and from the train stations, etc.

On this trip, we decided to bring our own car seat, but I would rent it next time to make the trip over easier.

Rent baby gear and equipment with Babonbo

One of the hardest parts of traveling with a baby is schlepping all of the gear through airports and cities as you go. When planning an international trip with a baby or a toddler, you might consider renting equipment through  Babonbo , a baby rental marketplace that connects travelers with a network of trusted local families and businesses. Babonbo carries strollers, car seats, high chairs, baby bathtubs for travelers to rent during their stay. Babonbo even offers perishable items for purchase such as baby food, and, best of all, flexible and convenient delivery and pickup options to make your rental experience as seamless as possible. This is an easy way to take some of the stress out of travel days  because you can simply arrange to have all of your gear dropped off at your hotel or Airbnb through Babonbo.

 Book an extra day or two at the beginning of the trip

You know when you land in a new place and you just feel horrible? And even the adrenaline of arriving somewhere you’ve been dreaming of for months isn’t enough to overcome your puffy face, greasy hair, and overall sense of dehydrated and jet-lagged disorientation? 

Add to that a violently delirious baby, and you have a low-grade hurricane of a day in store. 

Fortunately, Tyler and I were somehow smart enough to predict this and factored it into our booking five nights in Antibes. We knew that the first couple of days would be a wash. 

Because we had the extra days at the front end of the trip to get Charlotte acclimated to the timezone and area, we didn’t feel pressured to do anything too ambitious. 

We spent our first two days simply walking around in the fresh air, taking in our little city (as well as plenty of espresso and croissants). Once we got settled, we had three full days to really explore the surrounding towns and tackle our to-do list. 

 Choosing flight times

Our flight to Europe went as smooth as possible, but our flight home was a disaster. I think a lot of this had to do with the flight times. 

On the way there, our flight left at 3pm. She’s still doing two naps a day, so we napped her in the carrier at the airport after we got through security to avoid her being cranky going into the flight. 

We then had to just keep her awake and get her nice and tired for a few hours. She went to sleep for the “night” at 7pm our time and then slept (on me) for most of the flight after that (around 6-7 hours). We had to change plans in Frankfurt (always a migraine of an airport) and then finally landed in Nice the following afternoon. She catnapped on that second flight and then briefly again in the car, but we kept her awake after that until 7pm that night (Europe time). 

On the way home, the flight left at 7am. We had to drive from Lake Como to the airport in Milan, so we had to get her out of bed at 4am. She napped here and there on the flight, but it was her “daytime,” so she wasn’t tired enough to sleep for more than an hour at a time. She was SO cranky because she hadn’t had a full night’s sleep the night before and basically had to have the longest travel day of all time. 

The big takeaway was that we need to try to book both flights during her “night time.”

A 12 hour flight just isn’t possible without a good long stretch of sleep in there. She literally went nuts being trapped on the plane for so long. 

However, since a lot of the flights coming back our direction across the Atlantic leave in the morning (Europe time), that can be hard to manage. I think next time if we aren’t able to find an overnight flight, I would honestly have preferred to break up the long flight and switch planes on the east coast, rather than having one short flight to Frankfurt and then one long one to San Diego. 

Request a bassinet on the plane

If your baby is still relatively small, you may want to plan ahead and book the seat at the very front of economy. On a lot of airlines, this seat is reserved for families with babies who might need to sleep in the bassinet. The bassinet attaches on to the wall in front of the seats. 

As I mentioned before, Charlotte was just a bit too long to get really comfortable in the bassinet. She only lasted about an hour before she stirred and woke up from the strap being too tight (her toes were kind of jammed against the end of it too). 

BUT–just our luck–both babies we sat next to slept for several hours in their bassinets. So I can vouch that it seems like a great option. 

Call your airline way ahead of time to make sure you get the bassinet! We had to call a couple of times to confirm ours. 

If you do request the bassinet, you might consider bringing this little tent from Cozigo which helps block out the light and noise from the plane.

 Book a two-bedroom or bring a SlumberPod

We booked two bedroom apartments for both of our stays on this trip. 

Charlotte has always been a light sleeper. As much as this trip was about Charlotte and bonding as a family, Tyler and I wanted to enjoy our time to ourselves too. Mom and Dad gotta party, right? 

We weren’t able to do many dinners out, but having a two bedrooms made it so we could put Charlotte down for the night in her own room around 7pm and then still have the whole night to eat take out pizza, drink wine, and watch Netflix. And then we could still get good sleep without worrying about her waking up. 

In Lake Como , we were fortunate enough to work with a beautiful property that put us in a two bedroom apartment. But in Antibes, we paid for our own Airbnb and just went with a cheaper option that had two bedrooms, rather than a nicer one bedroom. I’m not even going to link it here because it was not a great situation, but it was worth it to have our own space and area to hang out after Charlotte went to bed.  

If you don’t want to splurge for a two-bedroom apartment, consider bringing a Slumberpod along! This product accomplishes the same thing–it’s a little tent that you put over a crib/packnplay. This gives your baby a little dark cocoon. Honestly such a game changer for us!

We have a full review of it here , but if you’re looking to buy one, use our code ruthznuss for 5% off your purchase at this link . (These always sell out, so if you see them in stock go ahead and jump on it!). This is WELL worth the investment–and it fits inside of a carry-on suitcase!

One other nice thing about staying in apartments as opposed to a hotel room was having the kitchen. This allowed us to be able to make and store our own food when we needed to. Tyler made eggs every morning, and we’d have that with fruit before we set off for the day. 

(This is a lesson we’ve learned the hard way too many times: never leave the house starving because then the entire morning–or worse, day–becomes about finding food. No one likes a hangry traveler. Or a hangry baby for that matter). 

It gave us peace of mind that Charlotte had a full tummy before we started our big day of exploring, so having the kitchen at our disposal was vital. 

International Travel Packing Checklist:

Packing cubes

I’ve discussed my love of packing cubes before and know they can be polarizing, but they really came in handy on this trip. 

I packed both mine and Charlotte’s stuff in a large, hard-shelled suitcase and organized all of it into packing cubes. This made everything so much easier. I could just pull her cubes out and put them in her room and then put my own cubes in the drawers in our room. It also made packing up both times a breeze.

(Lately I have been LOVING this packing cube set from CALPAK. So cute and functional. Use my code RUTH10 for a discount at checkout!).

Manual breast pump

I’m embarrassed to say that I actually read this advice on a blog and just blatantly chose to ignore it. So please listen. (skip this if you’re not breastfeeding, of course). 

My pump blew a fuse two seconds after I plugged it in right after we got there, and I immediately burst into tears. I was engorged and Charlotte was asleep and on the weirdest nursing schedule anyway. I was in so much pain, and there wasn’t anything I could do about it (well, ok, I tried to hand express but does that even actually work for anyone??). It was horrible. 

The next day we drove 30 minutes out of our way to the French equivalent of BuyBuyBaby and purchased a manual hand pump. I have NEVER been so happy to pump than the second we got in the car that day after buying it, lol. 

I strongly recommend bringing a manual pump if you’re breastfeeding or pumping. Mine blew a fuse even with the converter plugged into it. Also, because your body (and baby, for that matter) still thinks it’s in a different time zone, you can’t really count on your normal nursing schedule. 

Even if you’re savvy enough to bring a more competent converter to handle an electric pump, I would still bring the manual pump to bring out with you on long days just in case. 

Maybe this is obvious. But I didn’t think I needed one and I really, really did, so I just wanted to make sure I mention it here too. 

Baby Hydroflask

This might not work for every nursing baby, but it worked really well for Charlotte. Normally, Charlotte doesn’t nurse when we are out and about. We’ve had a long and sometimes trying journey with breastfeeding, and to this day she can really only focus on it when we are in a quiet place and she’s just waking up. 

Up until this last month, I was pumping quite a bit still. And when we were out and about, I’d give her breast milk in a tiny Hydroflask . I know, it’s probably not pediatrician approved or very conventional, but it worked for us. 

On the trip, I’d pump in the morning before we’d head out for the day and then give her the Hydroflask throughout the day. This way, I wouldn’t be engorged OR stressed about her getting her nutrients. 

Even if your baby isn’t nursing, you’ll want to bring a reusable water bottle to fill with water to make sure your baby stays hydrated throughout the day.

Portable sound machine

We love our mini sound machine and always keep it in the diaper bag in case Charlotte naps anywhere besides her nursery.

This little guy was especially helpful in Europe, as both of our apartments had thin walls. 

FYI: This one is battery operated, but it won’t last an entire night. Bring a converter specifically for the sound machine so you can keep it plugged in where your baby is sleeping all night. 

Extra converters/adapters

This brings me to my next point. We almost always wish we had brought an extra converter or two. And between our two phones, sound machine, blow dryer, camera battery charger, and our computer, we needed even more than usual on this trip. 

These are very inexpensive, so make sure to bring a bunch. 

Travel stroller

Everyone said to bring a lightweight umbrella stroller, so we bought this fairly affordable and highly reviewed one on Amazon. 

Before the trip, however, I kept thinking that we could probably just bring our normal, bigger stroller. I remember wondering, “how bad could it be to bring the big one??” 

It only took a day of easily maneuvering this one through the cobblestone streets of Antibes to know we made the right choice. Tyler kept rolling his eyes at me, usually when we were squeezing through the farmers market or a tiny restaurant, and saying “Aren’t you glad we didn’t bring the Uppa stroller??” 

And yes, okay, I was. 

Also, a lot of times we’d use the stroller as Charlotte’s seat in cafes or while we were eating. Very handy. 

Ergo carrier

I loved both the Solly wrap and Wild One sling when Char was smaller, but now that she’s bigger and so much more wiggly, we pretty much exclusively use the Ergo carrier . 

Charlotte refuses to nap in the stroller, but she will fall asleep in less than 3 minutes if we put her in the Ergo facing toward us with the sun shade up. It’s SO nice. We were able to nap her every day in the carrier throughout the day. 

Even if your baby does nap in the stroller like a champ (please tell me your ways), definitely bring a carrier. You’ll want the flexibility to use it if you’re in an area that’s not stroller friendly or if you do a hike, etc. We’d also put her in it getting on and off planes and ferries to make things easier. 

We’d also use it if Char was too fussy to sit happily in the stroller, towards the end of the day or if she was hungry. 

Baby food and snacks

I brought tons of little snacks for her, but I wish I had brought even more! 

There would be so many times when Charlotte would get hungry before we had a chance to find a bite to eat. And Char is kind of like me but in a more extreme way: when she’s hungry, she’s starving and needs to eat right that second. 

She mostly eats “real” foods at home–and still did eat whatever we ate at restaurants, but we brought a few of those squeeze pouches with different meals in them. She tore through them within the first couple of days, and I was wishing so badly we had brought way more. Our little market in Torno didn’t carry them, and we had barely any food for her on the flight home. 

My advice would be to bring way more than you think you need. Furthermore, make sure to have a stockpile of snacks and pouches reserved exclusively for the flight back. I had to humiliatingly ask the flight attendants to spare any baby friendly food they had a couple of different times. The mom sitting next to me even felt bad for us and graciously donated a jar of German baby food to the cause. Not my best moment. 

Here’s the link to our favorite pouches and puffs .

Jammies and sleep sack on the flight

I don’t know when I will learn, but those huge planes are always absolutely frigid. 

We remembered at the last minute to pack Charlotte’s pajamas and her sleep sack in our carryon bag, and I’m so glad we did! Tyler and I were still freezing, but she was warm and toasty. I also think this helped get her in the “zone” to go to sleep.

Infant Tylonel/Motrin

Everyone has a different opinion about this. IF, however, you are comfortable giving your baby a little infant Motrin when the going gets tough, make sure to pack it in your carryon to give to them if the air pressure changes bother them. 

I’d love to pretend I’m one of those trendy minimalist moms whose babies have exactly three toys, all wooden, no color, and full of promise that their kids will turn out as calm and collected as their household. 

Sure, no one likes a spoiled kid, but at the same time you have to provide some stimulation, am I right? 

So, yes, I did purchase this $30 baby airplane kit from Etsy and have no regrets. 

Upon receiving it in the mail, I realized that I likely could have made a few trips to The Dollar Store myself and slapped something similar together. But DIY in any form has never been a strength of mine. 

The point is Charlotte was obsessed. And even if you don’t get this kit, I still suggest having a stash of brand new small toys and activities saved up for the trip and the plane ride in particular. 

Hand sanitizer and extra wipes for the plane

I like to wipe down the seats and trays whenever we travel, so I made sure to pack enough wipes for diaper changes, messes on flights, and mealtimes in my carry on. I also put a hand sanitizer in both of our bags.

Diapers + wipes

I packed enough diapers to get us through the first few days and then bought them at a market after that. If it’s a shorter trip, I find it’s easier to just pack enough for the whole trip to avoid a trip to the store. But for a longer, international trip, I recommend saving the packing space and buying them once you get settled.

Clothing/shoes/jackets

I felt like I needed to add this one only because Tyler and I had to buy not one but two new pairs of shoes for Charlotte on this trip.

If you’re going to a less popular city where you might not have access to an HM on every corner, you might want to pack a few of those items that you know you would definitely miss should you need them for your baby. What I mean is…sun hats, extra shoes, a good jacket, a swimsuit. These baby things are harder to find in more remote locations. 

Tips for traveling in Europe with a baby: While you’re there

How to help baby with jet lag.

In both my research and personal experience, there isn’t an exact formula to beating jet lag. There are just way too many factors at play. 

For this trip, we basically followed the same rough guidelines with Charlotte as we do with ourselves: stay awake until 7pm the first night, stay hydrated, and make sure to get a healthy, nutrient-rich meal ASAP. 

It took Charlotte three nights to get her body clock to adjust to the new time zone, both in Europe AND back home in California. I do think returning home was just a tiny bit harder, looking back.

We did sort of a modified “cry it out” in the middle of the night to get her used to the new schedule. I think I nursed her 4 times the first night, then 3, then 1, and then she was back to sleeping 12 hours. Obviously it was not pleasant those first couple of nights, but I was pretty proud of her for getting her act together in such a short amount of time. 

One tip I do have is to stick to your normal bedtime routine. For us, that meant: bath, story, nurse, then down in her pack-n-play. Babies are creatures of habit, and I think the routine helped remind her that it was time to go to sleep.

Planning your days

When it comes to planning out your itinerary, less is more.

Obviously, you want to see and do as much as possible when you have spent the money and time to go on a big trip. But, as all parents know, babies like to call the shots. When a baby is done for the day, the day is done. 

How we managed this was we would over plan each day. We did extensive research for each place we went and had everything starred on our Google maps that we might want to see and do. 

Then when it came to that day, we would go in with a very flexible “we’ll see what we see” attitude. And if Charlotte was doing well, we’d keep going and do a little more, etc. 

Again I’ll say: low expectations, positive mindset. (Is this the key to life?). 

Bench seating

Maybe every other parent knows about this already, but bench seating can really save your life at a coffee shop or restaurant. We realized that a lot of places in Europe don’t have high chairs available, so your best bet is to lobby for a table with some kind of bench. (Also, as mentioned, your compact travel stroller can be a life saver too). 

Char was at the age where she was totally happy with a tiny bit of space to crawl around and a couple of toys. One of us would sit on the bench with her and sort of put one leg up as a guard rail. This was a great way to let her get some wiggles out in a contained area. 

Eating in restaurants

We mostly stuck to smaller cafes and takeout on this trip, but we did eat a handful of meals in nicer restaurants. We recommend always getting a reservation–at a time a bit earlier than you think your baby will be hungry AND a bit earlier than a normal busy time for a meal. For example, we made dinner reservations usually for right when the restaurant would open for the evening. This way, it wasn’t as crowded, and we’d arrive not hangry. 

Our secret weapon during meals: we’d usually start Charlotte off with a couple of toys, but a lot of times we would give her a baguette to gnaw on. It sounds weird, but she was obsessed with teething on them! She would sit happily for thirty minutes just chomping on her baguette and looking at us. It was so cute. 

Nap at home once in a while

While we did most of her naps out, Tyler and I made sure to give her a nice long nap back at “home” every other day. She slept really good at night once she beat the jet lag, but we knew she’d burn out from just taking a couple of cat naps in the carrier every day. 

Having a couple of hours to rest and read at home was exactly what Tyler and I needed too. 

Thanks for making it to the end, and I hope someone finds this helpful!! 

More family travel posts:

Tips for flying with babies and toddlers 

Tips for roadtrips with kids

International travel checklist

30 tips for traveling internationally with small kids

You can find more family travel posts here , or head to my travel hub for city guides and itinerary inspiration.

Baby travel essentials:

 baby girl packing list:, baby boy packing list:, pin this post:.

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The 17 Best Countries to Visit in Europe

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It’s no secret Europe is an appealing continent for country-hopping. Once you’re there, cycle-friendly streets, extensive train systems, and relatively cheap inter-country flights make it highly accessible. Scenery wise, Europe has everything from snowy mountains, lush forests, and glittering beaches to ultra-modern cities, medieval villages, and Neolithic structures. Wherever you go, you can just as easily spend your time immersed in local history, art, and architecture as you can lingering over a four-hour meal, wandering cobblestone streets, or dancing the night (or day) away.

Perhaps the biggest challenge in planning a trip to Europe is deciding where to go. To make it a little easier, we’ve put together a guide to our favorite places. The first nine are the obvious contenders; there’s a reason why these countries are frequently talked about—they’re easily reachable, they’re well-adjusted to tourists, and they feature a wide range of activities, experiences, and landscapes. The remaining eight countries represent equally great options for something similar but slightly more off the beaten path (for non-European tourists, at least). Whichever you choose, you'll find something for every type of traveler.

United Kingdom

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With four separate countries—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland— the U.K . offers a taste of European diversity. From mountains, lakes, and valleys (like the Mourne Mountains , Snowdonia National Park , and the Scottish Highlands ) to rocky coastlines, rolling hills, and pebble-strewn beaches (like Seven Sisters , the Lake District , and the Pembrokeshire Coast ), it’s a hiker’s paradise. Beyond its natural wonders, the U.K. also boasts lots of lively, inclusive cities packed with bustling literary and expat scenes, LGBTQIA+ history, some of Europe’s best comedy, music, and drag festivals, and a culture centered around food and drink.

Whether you’re exploring some of the world’s best cocktail bars or restaurants in Barcelona and Madrid , lounging in the turquoise waters of the Costa Brava or Tenerife , browsing the art of Bilbao , or marveling at the medieval architecture of Seville or Toledo, one thing unites all of Spain —its warm, welcoming people. Known for closing shops to eat lunch with loved ones and later chatting for hours over pintxos and wine at dinner, Spaniards make time to appreciate life and its simple pleasures, and that energy is delightfully contagious. Solo travelers especially will never feel alone here.

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Contrary to Hollywood portrayals, France is more than high-end fashion, delicious pastries, and top-quality wine—though of course those are prevalent. While you can easily live out your ritzy cinematic montage via shopping on the Champs-Élysées , sunbathing on wind-swept piers in the French Riviera , or touring chateaux in wine country, the affordable ways of experiencing French culture are what make it special. Most museums offer free or discounted hours, cabarets often have cheaper performance nights, some of the best meals come from Paris street vendors or Aix-en-Provence markets, and five euro grocery store wine is better than most table wines.

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Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, with a partner, or with family, Italy has something for everyone. You can have a city break filled with art and shopping in Milan or Florence or immerse yourself in harrowing history in Pompeii . You can relax on white sand beaches in Sardinia or the Amalfi Coast . You can have an action-packed skiing trip or hiking trip. Whatever you choose to do, there is one thing you can and should explore everywhere, at every opportunity: the country's food and wine scene. Local cooking classes from the village nonna are especially fun.

Although Iceland is slightly harder to reach and could get overcrowded at popular spots like The Blue Lagoon , once you’re here, any hassle is forgotten. There are so many jaw-dropping waterfalls , glaciers , mountains , caves , and hot springs everywhere you look that you’ll forget you’re still on Earth. If you road trip (or travel by horse ) around the Ring Road that circles Iceland’s perimeter, you can also branch off to lesser travelled lava rock fields, fjords, and potential Northern Lights viewing spots. For an extra dose of Icelandic magic scenery, keep an eye out for elf walks .

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An excellent choice for nature lovers, history buffs, and partiers alike is Greece . Islands like Santorini , Crete , and Mykonos attract the most visitors and press, but there are literally hundreds of inhabited islands made for hiking, snorkeling, and dancing in the sun. If you prefer city life on the mainland, Athens is the heart of Ancient Greek history with modern levels of fine-dining and nightlife, and Thessaloniki is rich in Byzantine art and international festivals. To combine history and art all in one experience, visit during the brief public opening times of Ancient Greek theaters to catch a play. 

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With long, dark winter nights and long, bright summer days, Sweden is prime territory for Northern Lights viewing and Midsummer celebrations, but its friendly locals, buzzy student population, and inviting bakeries make it entertaining year-round. Stockholm is a great gateway city, as it has everything you’d want from an urban hub—museums, restaurants, nightclubs, and a distinct mix of architectural styles—plus easy access to day trips , farther afield Swedish cities, and the equally appealing neighboring countries of Norway and Finland. Always make time to enjoy fika , a daily social hour with friends over coffee and pastries like kanelbullar (Swedish cinnamon buns).

Known for its breweries , meat-heavy meals, exclusive nightclubs and festivals , and eclectic art scene, Germany is often seen as a hipster’s paradise or the perfect backdrop to a rowdy night out. While it is both of those things—especially Cologne with its university life and Berlin with its extensive street food, street art, and prevalence of eerie abandoned spaces—it’s also a country with impressive architecture, meandering scenic drives , an appreciation for literature , kid-friendly attractions, some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, and a strong commitment to remembering its darker history . 

The Netherlands

Most people associate the Netherlands with three Ws: windmills, waterways, and weed. While it’s difficult to go anywhere without encountering at least one of those—and you should wander canals and frolic in tulip-covered fields—it’s home to more than just natural and “herbal” beauty. The first country to legalize same-sex marriage and adoption, the Netherlands is a welcoming place for LGBTQIA+ visitors and hosts queer-celebratory festivals, performances, and events throughout the year. It’s also edam gouda destination for cheese aficionados, with dedicated cheese museums in Amsterdam and traditional medieval cheese markets easily accessible from the capital city.

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If dramatic scenery and its culturally-ingrained love of alcohol attract you to the U.K., Ireland has both—plus even greener landscapes and even kinder locals. You’ll pay steeply in Dublin, especially for attractions like the Guinness Storehouse , but its unique architecture , literary heritage, and theater scene are worth the coin. The best way to see the country, though, is to drive along the western coastline via the Wild Atlantic Way . Accommodation ranges from homestays to full-on castles , and you can traipse woodland waterfalls , befriend Connemara horses, hike the Cliffs of Moher , and hear live music in Galway along the way.

Take everything great about Spain while subtracting the heftier crowds and costs, and you'll get Portugal . In addition to wine and sangria, you can sip on local drinks like port, ginjinha (sour cherry liquor), and vinho verde (green wine) for a few euros a glass, plus intercity train travel and rideshare apps are often cheaper than the bus. Approachability is a big plus, but the highlights are river tours around Porto and the Douro Valley , sampling pastel de nata (egg custard tarts) and pão de deus (coconut bread) in Lisbon , exploring fairytale castles of Sintra , and hopping beaches and coves along the Algarve .

Switzerland

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As with France, people often associate Switzerland with elaborate indulgences, like fancy ski resorts , the wealthy city of Geneva , and internationally acclaimed dining . While no trip to Switzerland would be complete without a surplus of fondue and chocolate, some of the best experiences in the country are found outside its cities. Hiking and skiing around its lakes , mountains, and parks will give you the chance to get up close and personal with its natural charm, but you don’t even have to be an active traveler to partake: there are also many ways to catch the views by train .

This central European country shares more than just a border with Italy: it also shares a passion for local wines, truffle-laden pastas, mountaintop skiing, and lakeside castles and hiking—and all at a fraction of the price. Capital city, vegetarian-friendly Ljubljana, is completely walkable, with lots of meandering canals and small farmers’ and flea markets even on the coldest of days. If you head to Slovenia’s most popular lake—Lake Bled—during the off season, you can avoid touristy beach parties and instead enjoy a virtually uninterrupted view of crisp, turquoise water shimmering beneath the mountains.

Faroe Islands

It’s hard to find unspoiled nature, but the Faroe Islands get pretty close. Located between Iceland and Norway, this remote sovereign nation offers the same rugged, otherworldly landscapes as its neighbors, but with significantly less foot, car, and boat traffic. If you’re more of an indoor cat, you may want to give this trip a skip, but otherwise suit up with layers and waterproof gear and get ready to fall in love with puffins. Stay with a local if you can—it’s more traditional, more affordable, and you’ll learn more about respecting the ecosystems around you.

Much like Greece, Croatia can impress steadfast city-breakers as much as die-hard nature-chasers. From summer festivals in Split and Dubrovnik to dedicated booze-cruise boats that take you to islands like Hvar and Brač, it has plenty of opportunities to indulge hedonistic tendencies. Equally prominent, though, are chances to rejuvenate on more remote islands , plan a leisurely food crawl , or hike through forest, mountains, and waterfalls at national parks like Krka or Plitvice Lakes .

Czech Republic

If Germany’s castles, scenic road trips, and literary appreciation are as appealing as its vast quantities of alcohol, the Czech Republic offers all of the above but with smaller crowds and, especially outside its capital, significantly lower costs. With its Franz Kafka museum, striking Jewish quarter, and black light theater performances as well as its thriving restaurant , nightlife , and absinthe scenes, Prague is definitely worth a visit, but make sure to take advantage of the extensive domestic train system to take day trips or spend time elsewhere to see some of its best architecture, World War II history, and wine and beer producers.

If you can’t decide whether to go to France, Germany, or the Netherlands, Belgium has elements of all three. It has the excellent chocolate of France, the impressive range of architecture like Germany, and the walkable, canal-filled cities like the Netherlands. Plus, the Belgians are the inventor of frites . The bilingual capital of Brussels is an ideal gateway to other cities and neighboring countries, and with its diplomatic ties, it also offers a great cultural melting pot. Eat at least one meal in Matongé, its African quarter, before traveling out to other cities like Antwerp or Bruges .

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21 Best Places to Travel with a Baby in Europe & The US

December 26, 2018

Professional travelling parents share their experiences in this handy, practical guide on the best places to travel with a baby in Europe and the US.

 Where are the best places to travel with a baby in Europe and the US?

On some days, let’s be honest, it feels as though the answer is “nowhere.” The tiredness, the packing lists, the changes of clothes and the thought of negotiating a packed airport in the middle of a mind-frazzling meltdown can feel overwhelming.

And that’s before you get to thinking about what you’ll need to bring for the baby ;-)

Looking back at our life pre-lockdown, I’m so, so glad we decided to pack our bags and travel with baby Lab whenever we could when she was a baby.

Travel brings sanity and a sense of adventure to parents and, from my reckoning, it does the same for children as well, if handled right.

One of the first, and most important, things to do is to pick the right destination. With enough grit and determination, you can make anything work, right?

But why go for grit and determination when you could simply enjoy smiles and tension-free shoulders?

Disclosure: if you book or buy through any of the links on this page, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As ever, though, the recommendations are those we would follow ourselves! Otherwise, there’s no point…

Why travel with your baby to Europe is a great idea

Some places in the world are just crying out for visits with babies and young children. Far from them being a place where you can “manage” your extra requirements, these destinations come alive as people greet you differently and embrace the joyful fact that you are nurturing the next generation.

Yes, seriously.

I had more authentic interactions with people in New Orleans and on the sun-soaked coast of the Peloponnese when walking around with a baby than ever before or since.

Even the New York subway showed its friendly face as passengers cooed over our baby in a throng of different languages.

However. I’m obviously new to such mini-explorer led travel.

So I teamed up with some seriously travel-savvy parents and inspiring creatives to boot.

And asked them the question: where are the best places to go with a baby?

The best places to go with a baby in Europe and the US

Hawaiian islands.

Nancy Besharah of Luxe Travel Family knows how to find the right facilities in the right places.

Her top pick is the  Four Seasons Resort Maui and Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on Hawaii’s Big Island. Why? “For its pack ‘n plays (play pens) delivered pool-side, complimentary cabanas, family-focused areas throughout the resort, and buckets and shovels to take to the beach.”

Scandinavia

Photographer and writer Lola Akinmade Åkerström combines countries together in her top pick.

“No other place on earth is set up for travelling with small children as perfectly as the Nordics,” she says, in between snapping photos for National Geographic Traveller.

“From child-friendly restaurants, museums, and sights to extras for families like special toilets, changing rooms, accessibility features, and even riding for free on buses in Sweden if you’re pushing a stroller.”

“Iceland is one big playground for kids, filled with waterfalls, rolling fields, and hiking trails,” says Nellie Huang, author of the award-winning Wild Junket on adventurous travel. “It’s easy to get around by car, and many of the hikes can be done with a baby hiking carrier.”

The Mediterranean – in particular Greece, Spain and Portugal

Akinmade Åkerström also doesn’t want to splinter down when it comes to sunnier spots.

“Because they are popular travel destinations, they also have facilities set up for smaller kids in tow. While not everywhere is stroller-accessible, if you have your baby in a carrier, you’ll be fine. Plus, based on the weather, you don’t have to pack as much clothes and layers with you.”

Huang backs up the choice, with a special shout-out for the island of Cyprus, and Besharah drills down further still with a recommendation for Provence.

“Take your youngest to the sun-drenched south of France, where the Terre Blanche Resort offers a dedicated restaurant for children, world-class kids club (ages 2 -12), and a children’s pool overlooking the Provençal countryside. For the adults, there is 600 sq. meter infinity pool, soothing spa, two 18-hole golf courses, and multiple restaurants on the property.”

Given the welcome we had in Greece earlier in the year, even in the heart of Athens, that’s a full house for travel with a baby to anywhere on the Med.

Palm Springs, California

Besharah completes her recommendations with the practical pleasures of the US. “Travelling families appreciate the easy-to-navigate international airport in sunny Palm Springs, California – and the fact that fleets of rental cars are parked steps from the terminal.

“Hang out poolside, visit the stroller-friendly hiking trails at Joshua Tree National Park, or explore The Living Desert. Here, you can feed giraffes and watch model trains chug along more than 3,300 feet of track.”

Louisiana, USA

Well, I’m going to add America’s Deep South to this list, since the Mediterranean has already been well and truly taken.

Our road trip from New Orleans made the perfect itinerary for travel with a baby, combining culture, music, landscape and creole food with a very relaxed pace of life and welcoming atmosphere.

The Netherlands

For UK based families, a trip to Holland is the answer, says family travel blogger Char Taylor of Taylor Hearts Travel. Used to venturing around with two mini-explorers under here’s why she recommends flying to Amsterdam:

“A flight from London to Amsterdam takes less than an hour, so it’s an ideal way to ease in to family travel. Add a great public transport system into the mix and you’ve got exciting spots like The Hague, Den Bosch and lots of other pretty Dutch towns and cities right in the palm of your hand.”

And the other hidden secret? “There are plenty of buggy-friendly hipster cafes where you can get your much needed caffeine fix!”

Florida, USA

Famous for its theme parks and retirement aspects, Florida’s Gulf Coast makes a beautiful, relaxing place to travel with a child too young for Disney.

We spent two weeks on a Florida Fly Drive from Orlando, travelling between Crystal River and Sarasota with baby Lab in tow and managed to combine beaches, art, culture, history and enough marine life to rival Finding Nemo. 

More on Travel with a Baby

Lola Akinmade Åkerström’s   things not  to do when travelling with baby.

Nancy Besharah rounds up years of experience with this invaluable guide:  to p tips for flying with kids.  I particularly like the reminder that everyone was a baby once upon a time…

 And Nellie Huang has a wonderful section on her site that talks about all kinds of aspects of travelling with children. Start with her article on  travelling with a baby   and take it from there…

If you fly with a baby, chances are they will need their own passport. Read this handy article on how to take the perfect baby passport photo at home.

And here? We have a whole section on family travel, which includes baby travel essentials and how to breastfeed on a plane.

We’ve then moved on to toddlers, so check out the Perfect Toys for Flying with a  Toddler.  

Recommended

I love sharing the best travel resources I can find. 

• I never book a flight without looking on Skyscanner first
• My favourite one stop shop for airport transfers, food tours & excursions is Get Your Guide
• Out of the big accommodation machines, I use Expedia and Booking.com the most
• I’ve hand-picked useful travel gear and tools for you in my Amazon shop . Never leave home without a travel adapter or collapsible water bottle . I’d also recommend these soft ear plugs and a sleep mask .
• Access all our planners and budget spreadsheets in the Travel Toolbox ©
• Plan the perfect road trip with our Road Trip Planner & Toolkit ©
• Use these packing cubes to make life so much easier on the road.
• Save on mobile phone roaming charges with an eSIM from Airalo .

2 thoughts on “21 Best Places to Travel with a Baby in Europe & The US”

Hey, Thanks for sharing these places. But almost all the places you mentioned are from Europe. I am from India, and would like you to suggest some places nearby India if possible.

Ach, you are right, of course, and for years I’ve prided myself on running a (hopefully) truly global blog. As more and more sites have appeared, though, I made the difficult decision to try to focus a little more this year – narrowing down to focus on those who live in the UK.

Now, the tricky thing about travel with babies from a European perspective is that much of the medical advice suggests that vaccinations are required for travel beyond Europe/US/Canada and many of those are not suitable for those under-two. So, it becomes more of an individual approach to risk – and one that people should discuss with their doctor rather than read from a blog!

But with all that said, I certainly know of people who have travelled further afield with babies (I’d actually recommend looking at Nellie’s blog – she’s from Singapore originally and covers far more adventurous travel than most.)

Within India, I’ve heard great things about Goa. Thailand, too, has a great reputation for being baby friendly in terms of people’s attitudes (although, less so things like car seats and seatbelts.)

We met several people with young babies in Oman – again an unhurried place with great facilities, just watch out for the heat. Babies can’t cope with it as much as adults so plan to stay indoors during midday and avoid the hottest months. But the country is beautiful and welcoming with a wide range of beach lounging and cultural activities to boot. https://www.insidethetravellab.com/dune-bashing-travel-oman/

Singapore has every facility you could need plus some quieter spots to get away from city life if you feel like it : https://www.insidethetravellab.com/7-of-the-best-things-to-do-in-singapore/

Hope you have some great adventures with your little one – and do drop back and let us know of any places you would recommend!

Comments are closed.

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10 of the best beach towns in Europe, with places to stay

From the Turkish Riviera to the Île de Ré, we select quiet and unspoilt places to stay for sun, sand, snorkelling – or just snoozing

Assos , Cephalonia, Greece

There’s something quite particular about small but perfectly formed Assos – butterscotch and rose-pink houses line a horseshoe bay, with Venetian ruins scattered between the narrow alleys. There are two small beaches, but the real joy is to rent a motor boat and discover the small bays and coves that fringe this part of the Cephalonian coast. Walkers can follow the path out on to the headland to the ruins of Assos’s 16th-century castle; there’s not a huge amount to see, but the views make the walk worth it. Roi Suites is a bougainvillaea-clad cluster of well-equipped studio flats in a waterfront neoclassical building, with gorgeous sea views from the pool terrace. Doubles from £117 (minimum seven nights), roisuites.com

Akyaka , Turkey

One of Turkey’s “ cittaslows” – slow towns, with an emphasis on nature and sustainability – Akyaka sits at the mouth of the Azmak River on the shimmering Bay of Gökova. Behind the beach, a lattice of bougainvillaea-clad streets is home to traditional lokantas (simple bistros) and cafes; at night the seafront restaurants set tables on the sand. Boats potter up the Azmak from the small harbour, where fish restaurants line the leafy riverbank and a shady walking trail leads into the countryside. Akyaka is also Turkey’s kite-surfing hub, with several surfing schools on the long stretch of beach just out of town. The Iskelem , set in a tranquil bay over the headland, is a gloriously peaceful retreat with simple rooms and an excellent restaurant. Doubles from £ 83 B&B, iskelemotel.com.tr

Göltürkbükü, Turkey

If Turkey has a Saint-Tropez, this glitzy coming-together of two villages, Gölköy and Türkbükü, is it, with a newly created public beach and decked beach clubs that ooze a chilled, Côte d’Azur vibe. There’s plenty going on but it’s still far quieter than nearby Bodrum, and has a particularly strong restaurant scene – book a table at Arnavutköy for a sumptuous, fish-themed splurge. Behind the beach, souvenir shops stand cheek-by-jowl with designer boutiques, small pensions beside five-star hotels, and the regular dolmu ş (public bus) offers the chance to explore other villages on the peninsula, including unspoilt Gümüşlük, with ramshackle fish restaurants along the beach. The Matiz is a friendly B&B with five simple rooms, a tranquil leafy garden and roof terrace. Doubles from £86 B&B, matizturkbuku.com

Šibenik, Croatia

To say Šibenik is a mini-Dubrovnik may be slightly overstating the case, but it has the same elegant Venetian architecture and terracotta-roofed houses – and considerably less in the way of crowds. This is a town built for wandering: from the Riva, the seaside promenade, up to the elegant cathedral and through the tangle of passageways and alleys that lead up to the 11th-century St Michael’s Fortress. Blue-flagged Banj beach is a 200-metre walk from the centre, and has a restaurant and play area, while boat trips run out into the unspoilt waters of the Kornati archipelago. Hotel Life Palace is a lovingly renovated 15th-century mansion, with 17 rooms that channel the historic feel, with frescoes, exposed brickwork and Renaissance-inspired furniture. Doubles from £ 118 B&B, hotel-lifepalace.hr

Cavtat, Croatia

One of Dalmatia’s most charming small seaside towns, Cavtat has terracotta-roofed houses that ripple out around a small horseshoe bay, with two wooded peninsulas stretching out towards Dubrovnik, 13 miles away across the water. Low-key cafes and restaurants – several run by the same families for decades – run parallel to the waterfront promenade, with swimming platforms and small pebble coves giving way to crystal-clear water. Boat taxis run regularly to Dubrovnik and nearby Elaphiti islands, and there’s a lovely circular walking route through the woods, with a couple of simple beach bars that are perfect sundowner spots. Villa Pattiera , once the home of opera singer Tino Pattiera, stands at the top of the promenade, with lovely views from its 12 apricot-hued bedrooms. Doubles from £156 B&B, villa-pattiera.hr

Santa Maria di Castellabate , Campania, Italy

A world away from the hustle of the nearby Amalfi coast, the Cilento coast is studded with small seaside towns where faded palazzos and fishers’ houses overlook unspoilt beaches. Santa Maria is just such a place: fishing boats return early in the morning to supply the town’s restaurants, with fishers mending their nets on the blue flag beaches. Days can be spent lazing on the sands or following hiking trails into the Cilento national park, with the nearby archaeological sites of Paestum and Velia a big draw for history buffs. Stay at the Hotel Garden Riviera , on a hillside 500 metres from the centre, with gorgeous sea views and a shuttle to the beach. Doubles from £ 72 B&B, hotelgardenriviera.it

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La Flotte en Ré, Île de Ré, France

Once an important sea-fishing port, La Flotte is one of the Île de Ré’s most beautiful villages, with a tangle of lanes and alleyways running between classic Breton-style houses, a waterfront lined with restaurants and a sizable marina. Nearby Arnérault beach is the best choice for a lazy afternoon; the trees behind the beach offer shady spots for a snooze, with changing and toilet facilities – although it is very tidal, so check times before setting off. There are bikes to hire for the ride to atmospheric Abbaye des Châteliers, and a daily morning market for picnic goodies – excellent cheeses, breads and cured meats. The H ôtel Hippocampe is in the old village, with chic, airy rooms. Doubles from £ 74 room-only, hotel-hippocampe.com

Concarneau , Brittany, France

Steeped in history, with a belter of a beach and a working fishing fleet that fills the town’s restaurants with the freshest seafood, Concarneau is Brittany at its breezy, beautiful best. A town of two parts, it has 14th-century ramparts around the old town, set on a small island, and cobbled streets that wind between the houses to the bustling fishing port. Plage des Sables Blancs – a long stretch of unspoilt sand – is a short stroll from the centre of town, with good facilities including lifeguards. The Fishing Museum and the Marinarium – the oldest marine station in the world – are good wet-weather options for families. The Hotel Ker Mor is a quirky 19th-century hotel by the water’s edge. Doubles from £ 117 B&B, hotel- logishotels.com

Fornells, Menorca, Spain

Not to be confused with Playa de Fornells – a newer development a few miles away – Fornells is one of Menorca’s most charming fishing villages, with a low-key waterfront dotted with palm trees that has become a fish restaurant hub (the dish to order is caldereta de llagosta – lobster stew). In recent years it has also become known for watersports, with reliable winds making ideal conditions for windsurfing and wing-foiling; there are paddleboards for calmer days. The town beach is small, but Cala Tirant, on the other side of the headland, offers clear waters and a wide stretch of sand. Can Digus has light, airy apartments in the heart of town. Doubles from £ 57 room-only (two nights minimum), candigus.com

Llafranc , Girona, Spain

The jumble of whitewashed houses, blue doors and small fishing boats bobbing in the water give Llafranc a pleasingly old-school feel. Once the Costa Brava’s most glamorous spot – attracting everyone from Ernest Hemingway and Salvador Dalí to Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren – it has mellowed into a quiet, family-friendly resort that only really gets busy in July and August. The sheltered harbour is ideal for watersports, including kayaking, sailing, scuba-diving and paddleboarding, and there are good walks – particularly the mile-long stroll around the pine-clad headland to Calella de Palafrugell – and enough bars to create a bit of night-time buzz. Hostal Sa Teula sits 100 metres from the sea, with 18 unfussy bedrooms and a restaurant serving locally caught fish and classic Catalan dishes. Doubles from £ 109 B&B, hostalsateula.com

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