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EUROPE4KIDSTOURS

Family friendly tours of europe.

Activities for families and children

with our dynamic and private guides!

WE MAKE HISTORY COME ALIVE

Beyond the guide books, europe with kids.

We at Europe4KidsTours are truly passionate about planting the seed of curiosity and excitement in your children’s hearts so travel will not only become a bonding experience for the entire family but it will open horizons and will make your children’s love for art, culture and history blossom. Our staff has created and selected wonderful tours and activities to make you and your children feel at home with our experts and professionals wherever you may go in Europe with Kids! We are here to assist you every step of the way to make your most precious time of the year a meaningful, memorable experience! And we know that  happy kids make happy parents. Time to schedule your next trip!

Katja Hansel, founder of Rome4KidsTours and Europe4KidsTours

Europe with Kids - The Top Picks

THE DIVINE RACE HUNT OF THE VATICAN

COLONNA PALACE MAGIC FAMILY TOUR

ANCIENT ROME AMAZING SCAVENGER HUNT

BARCELONA FAMILY QUEST

GAUDI’S GENIUS

LOUVRE TREASURE QUEST – KIDS TOUR

FAMILY FIRST TIMERS: LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT OF MUST SEE SITES

ATHENS COOKING MASTERCLASS

THE GREAT ATHENS TREASURE HUNT

DYNAMIC LONDON HIGHLIGHTS WALKING TOUR

ABSOLUTE LONDON DRIVING TOUR

Start to explore the world.

Coming to Rome with your kids? There is so much to do but where to start. We are the answer for you! The Rome Kit4Kids will make your family time much more special and fun, edutaining.

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Happy kids make happy parents, what our families say about us.

I could not recommend this company enough. They were fantastic & so accommodating to my requests & requirements. We created a custom made tour itinerary after many many emails! They never lost patience with me & managed to create an itinerary which was perfect for us. Thank you so much Europe 4 Kids for enriching our time in Rome!

We had a wonderful tour in Athens with our two children ages 9 and 5. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and charming, bringing to life these historic places with activities along the way to enhance an understanding of the sights. He kept our children engaged and interested for the whole duration. We all learned so much and had fun too. This tour will be a treasured lifelong memory for our family!

We used Europe4Kids last year and were so impressed. This year, we had 2 full days in London and wanted to see major sites and Harry Potter themes throughout the city. Our guide, Laura, was amazing!!! Friendly, knowledgeable, kept the kids (and us) engaged with stories. Another successful travel experience with Europe4Kids!!!

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Europe Family Tours & Vacation Packages

Let TourRadar take the hassle out of finding a trip for the whole family. With 6156 tours of Europe lasting from one day up to 61 days, you're sure to find a great family-friendly adventure. Looking beyond Europe? See all family holidays .

250+ Europe Family trips with 60,702 reviews

• Food & Culinary

Amalfi Coast: Pompeii & Pizza Family Holiday

I wouldn’t change a thing. This was our first overseas trip with kids (8 &11) so we were a little trepidatious. Exodus travel had everything planed out perfectly. It was the right blend of incredible activity and free time. Our guide Savy always had an amazing 6th sense for just when the kids needed an ice cream recharge. 2 Tori in Agerola was a great place to stay and beautiful. It’s just above all the craziness of the coast but still very convenient. Not having to drive in Naples and the Amalfi coast yourself is probably worth the cost lol.

• Christmas & New Year

3 Day Family Package Iceland

The two tours we had were complete and accurate to the description. The third tour was cancelled due to weather conditions outside the control of the tour company. We are to receive a refund for the third tour, as we could not use the substitute dates provided.

• Northern Lights
• Ski, Snowboard & Snow

Finnish Winter Adventure Family Holiday

• In-depth Cultural

France Family Journey: From Paris to Normandy and Beyond

The tour was interesting, fun, and just the right balance of group and independent activities. The tour guides were knowledgeable, helpful, and very organized!

Iceland Family Journey: Geysers, Glaciers, and Fjords

Family Pyrenees Multi-Activity Adventure

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Walking Adventure
• Sightseeing

Family Turkey Coastal Active Adventure

Summer Pyrenees Family Holiday with teenagers

Croatia Family Island Hopping, 11 Days

Turkey Family Holiday with Teenagers

• Coach / Bus

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

The experience was excellent, would definitely recommend to my friends and family visiting. The tour director and the driver were so thoughtful and kind throughout the tour.

Highlights of Scandinavia (12 Days)

Had a great experience using your services will use you again thanks.

7 Day - Iceland Ring Road & Snæfellsnes Peninsula Small-Group Tour

A well paced tour giving an overview of Icelands highlights

Best of Ireland and Scotland (15 Days)

Andrew was a very informative and thoughtful guide. It was a fascinating trip

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Multi Activity Family Cycling Tour Germany Aschaffenburg to Bamberg

What people love about family tours in europe.

I wouldn’t change a thing. This was our first overseas trip with kids (8 &11) so we were a little trepidatious. Exodus travel had everything planed out perfectly. It was the right blend of incredible activity and free time. Our guide Savy always had an amazing 6th sense for just when the kids needed an ice cream recharge. 2 Tori in Agerola was a great place to stay and beautiful. It’s just above all the craziness of the coast but still very convenient. Not having to drive in Naples and the Amalfi coast yourself is probably worth the cost lol.

Great experience in Xmas . Good service when I checked orders

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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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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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Where to Stay with Babies & Toddlers on Your European Holiday

Life is busy. If you have a baby or toddler, it probably seems like the weeks whizz by – even if the nights are still long! So, time spent with loved ones is precious and there’s nothing more special than a family holiday .

Short-haul toddler holidays in Europe are ideal for young families or if you’re travelling with a baby. You’ll just need to spend a few hours on the plane before taking it easy in your resort.

To help you find the perfect spot, take a look at our experts top picks of the best resorts for a holiday in Europe with your little ones, including:

• Italy 

How to choose your baby-friendly holiday in Europe

Your holiday priorities have probably changed since becoming a parent. Chances are, you’re more interested in a hotel with a kids’ club than a nightclub!

To enjoy the well-earned family break you deserve, you’ll need to find a holiday destination that offers quality childcare and activities to keep your children stimulated and entertained. Most of all, you’ll need to choose somewhere that you and your children will feel safe, relaxed and happy.

What do you remember most about your own childhood holidays? Perhaps you can recall the joy of making new friends at the beach or the scent of enticing new foods in a restaurant?

Whether you remember that feeling of stepping off the air-conditioned plane into balmy heat or splashing around in the hotel pool, you’ll want your own children to start building similar memories from an early age.

If you’re looking for relaxed baby-friendly holidays in Europe, Greece ticks all the boxes. Whether you’re into ancient history or ultimate luxury, laid-back Greece has got you covered with the best European holidays with a baby. Sparkling blue skies, sandy beaches and dramatic coastlines combine to create a postcard-perfect holiday destination that’ll delight every age group.

1. Domes Zeen Chania, Crete

• Beachfront hotel just a ten-minute transfer time from the airport
• OFSTED-standard childcare activities
• Kids’ entertainment includes bubble shows, sports and treasure hunts
• Spacious accommodation with baby cots and extra beds to suit all families

Crete is the biggest of the Greek islands. Here, you’ll find lush greenery, scenic views, clear blue seas and activities to keep the whole family entertained. If you’ve got a water baby, you can spend time splashing around at one of the island’s four exciting water parks.

The luxurious Domes Zeen Chania is a modern, family-friendly beachfront hotel offering a host of creative kids activities. Just ten minutes from Chania airport, the hotel boasts OFSTED-standard childcare inside a treehouse-inspired wonderland with its own yurts and tipis.

The baby nursery creche here cares for children aged from 4 months to 4 years. There’s an amazing entertainment programme including bubble shows, sports, art activities and treasure hunts. Your little one can also join in with gardening, art and cooking workshops, allowing you precious time to relax and recharge. Visit the outdoor Jungle Spa or take a swim in one of the two outdoor pools. If you prefer to stay active, onsite activities include yoga, watersports, horse riding, mountain biking, tennis and golf.

The hotel offers a babysitting service where you can hire qualified childcare staff to look after your baby or toddler.

The elegant accommodation includes 106 handcrafted Mediterranean style rooms and suites. Many have private pools and gardens, ensuring total comfort and privacy. Enjoy views of the dazzling ocean, breathtaking hillsides and pebbly beach, or visit the Beach House kitchen for Mediterranean cuisine with a hint of local flavours.

At the beach, sun loungers, parasols and beach towels are provided free of charge, so you can pack light when preparing for a family day on the beach.

With so many amazing facilities on offer, you probably won’t want to leave the hotel complex. But if you do decide to explore, you’ll be spoilt for choice in the ancient city of Chania. It has a beautiful mosque, lighthouse and many historic monasteries.

Flight Time

The flight time from the UK to Chania is around 3 hours and 50 minutes.

Crete is at its hottest between late May and early October, with the high season falling between July and early September. The best time to visit Crete with a young family is early May or late October. The beaches are quieter but the weather is still warm and sunny, so this time of year is a good choice for families looking for a baby-friendly Europe holiday.

2. Ikos Dassia, Corfu

• Luxury all-inclusive family hotel with excellent dining options
• Set along a private stretch of a Blue Flag-awarded beach
• Just a 20-minute transfer from the airport
• Creche for babies and kids’ club for toddlers with OFSTED-standard childcare experts

If you’re looking for a classic baby-friendly beach holiday with guaranteed sunshine, make sure Corfu is at the top of your wish list. Known as the ‘Emerald Isle’, this charming island sits off the west coast of mainland Greece. You’ll find a mix of sandy beaches and pebbly beaches, traditional fishing villages and the cosmopolitan capital, Corfu Town.

For all-inclusive, five-star family luxury, the Ikos Dassia is the place to be. Just 20 minutes from Corfu airport, this beachfront hotel is set over 25 acres and boasts a Blue Flag private beachfront with white sandy beaches and calm waters. The hotel also offers heated indoor and outdoor pools, adult-only swimming pools and a dedicated kids’ pool. There are seven on-site restaurants and a dine-out programme if you’re keen to sample the local cuisine.

There’s an on-site creche and mini club to keep the little ones entertained, allowing you time to relax. You’ll also have the opportunity to use the beachside childcare service.

The manicured gardens are perfect for a stroll, whether you need to help your toddler burn off some energy or get them to sleep in the pushchair. From relaxing at the spa to keeping active, you’ll find a great choice of activities here.

The well-appointed luxury accommodation offers fantastic views of the gardens or seafront. Guests can choose from a range of spacious accommodation types, including family suites and rooms with private beach access and pools.

This all-inclusive family resort is ideal for a luxury getaway. With ‘Infinite Lifestyle’ you’ll enjoy all meals and snacks, 24-hour room service, a well-stocked mini-bar, alcoholic drinks and children’s activities.

The flight time from the UK to Corfu is around 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Corfu is a fantastic European destination all year round, but if you’re travelling with a young baby or toddler then it’s best to avoid the hotter summer months from June to August. During the autumn months from September to November, you can enjoy a relaxed, quiet holiday with temperatures still hitting the mid-twenties during the day, although you’ll want to pack extra layers for cooler evenings.

3. Sani Club, Halkidiki

• Seafront hotel set along a private stretch of a Blue Flag-awarded beach
• Beach babysitting, private nannies, evening babysitters and an OFSTED-standard nursery are all available
• Baby swimming lessons are on offer for ages 6 months and over
• Menu created by global baby food expert, Annabel Karmel, MBE

Halkidiki is the most popular destination in northern Greece. And, with its fantastic weather and sandy beaches, it’s easy to see why this destination is considered one of the best baby-friendly holidays in Europe. The stunning Sani Club , in the bustling seaside town of Sani on the Kassandra Peninsula, is easily also one of the top family resorts for those travelling with young children.

Set in front of a beautiful 1km-long private Blue Flag beach with shallow waters and plenty of space for sun loungers, your family can enjoy water sports and PADI certified scuba diving. The soft white sandy shore is also a safe spot for young families to spend time together.

Children and toddlers can join the mini club, with kids’ sports activities, days out, music and dancing. Parents can use the Babe Watch beach babysitting service, private nannies, evening babysitters and a professionally run OFSTED-standard day nursery. If your water baby needs swimming lessons, the hotel employs qualified and experienced swimming instructors to provide an engaging programme for children aged between 6 months and 4 years.

Baby food here is a real treat – the menu has been put together by global baby food expert, Annabel Karmel MBE. And, if you’re staying here, you can pack light – this hotel provides baby equipment including sterilisers, cots and pushchairs.

Need a little help in the sleep department? At Sani Club, you’ll be offered a complimentary session with Carol Mae Consulting, a sleep and behavioural expert. You’ll receive a tailored guide and your suite will have all the extra features you need to make it a home away from home. The hotel can also offer advice and tips on travelling with your baby or toddler prior to your holiday.

Sani Club’s traditional-style accommodation is comfortable and well-appointed. For families requiring additional space, interconnecting rooms are available. To sample local cuisine, choose from one of the hotel’s 22 ‘Dine Around’ restaurants. Whether you want to be pampered in the luxurious Spa Suite or stay active with a fitness class, Sani Club has got you covered for a memorable family holiday.

The flight time from the UK to Thessaloniki airport is around 3 hours and 15 minutes. The transfer time from Thessaloniki airport to Sani Club is around one hour.

With its Mediterranean climate, Halkidiki enjoys hot, dry summers and mild winters. July is the hottest month of the year – the average daily maximum temperature is 33°C. Young families may prefer to visit during April, May and June as the temperatures are lower. April is the driest month of the year, with up to 29 perfect sunny days.

4. The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, Peloponnese

• Award-winning family-friendly luxury hotel
• Parents can unwind at the Anazoe Spa or golf course while toddlers are cared for by the babysitting service
• Sandcastle Club provides fun activities for toddlers
• Chose a villa with 24-hour butler service for a seamless stay

The southern peninsula of Peloponnese serves up everything you need for a great Greek holiday. With its rich cultural history and stunning natural beauty, there are ancient sites and medieval castles aplenty.

The Romanos is a Luxury Collection Resort set in Costa Navarino. Surrounded by magnificent olive groves and flora, this award-winning resort offers the ultimate in contemporary luxury for families.

The Romanos offers a high-quality babysitting service, as well as its specially designed Sandcastle Club for children aged between 4 months and 3 years. While the kids are being entertained, you can get involved with activities including PADI diving, mountain biking, golf, tennis climbing and yachting.

If you’re looking for something more laid back, spend a few hours indulging in a luxurious treatment at the hotel spa. For the ultimate luxury experience, you can choose a villa with 24-hour butler service and a private area on the beach.

If you want to learn more about the local area, book a place on one of the resort’s philosophy walks, cooking lessons or olive and wine harvesting. Fancy spending some time away from the resort? This hotel is an excellent base to visit UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Temple of Apollo Epicurus and Mystras.

The flight time from the UK to Kalamata Airport is around 3 hours and 35 minutes. The transfer time from Kalamata Airport to The Romanos is around an hour.

Peloponnese has a warm and mild Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. For young families looking for baby-friendly holidays in Europe, May, June and September offer warm weather in the mid-to-late 20’s and low rainfall. During July and August, temperatures can be as high as 30°C.

You can find more inspiration in our round-up of the best Greek islands for a family holiday .

Charming Italy is packed full of history, beauty and sun-kissed scenery. Whether you want to see the sights of an Italian city, discover more about ancient culture or relax with gelato on a sandy white beach, a holiday in Italy will appeal to the whole family .

If you’re looking for baby-friendly Europe holidays, make Sardinia, Puglia or Sicily your destinations of choice. Italian culture means it’s totally normal to see babies and toddlers in restaurants with their parents – even if it’s past 7 pm!

Why not take a leaf out of the local’s book and step away from your usual routine for one or two nights of the holiday. You’ll often see babies and toddlers asleep at the table here – and since this is a country that loves children, you won’t have to worry about what anybody else thinks.

1. Forte Village Hotel Bouganville, Sardinia

• Set along a beautiful sheltered beach with plenty on offer for families
• Kids can have fun with Worldwide Kids certified staff at Children’s Wonderland
• Lagoon-style paddling pool and Aquapark
• Complimentary nursery service for children aged two-years and older

With its stunning coastline and gorgeous beaches, the island of Sardinia offers holidaymakers the perfect blend of history and beauty. Little ones will love taking a ride on The Little Green Train or exploring the island’s grottoes and caves.

You’ll find Forte Village Hotel Bouganville on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. This beach is part of a protected area that’s sheltered from harsh winds, so it’s perfect for your little one’s very first seaside adventure. Best of all, the microclimate means that the sea temperature here is two degrees warmer than the rest of the island.

Back at the hotel, the kids can spend their days at Children’s Wonderland, where all staff are trained and certified by Worldwide Kids. From a lagoon-style paddling pool and Aquapark to a professional nursery and theatre, there’s plenty to discover. The nursery service is free for children aged 2 and over.

If you’re staying at a hotel in this luxury resort, you’ll have a choice of 21 fantastic restaurants, including Michelin-starred cuisine. The on-site Leisure Land facility offers go-karting, bowling and more. For ultimate relaxation, choose a treatment from the Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa menu.

The Bouganville bungalows are found close to the main facilities and resort piazza. All of the light and airy bungalows feature a private terrace, but for the ultimate family holiday experience, choose a Family Play Garden Bungalow. These bungalows have their own private garden filled with children’s toys and they are enclosed by wooden fencing, providing peace of mind for parents.

The flight time from the UK to Sardinia is around 2 hours and 20 minutes. The transfer time from the airport to Hotel Bouganville is around 50 minutes.

For young families, April to May and September to October are the best months to visit Sardinia. It’s less crowded than in the height of summer, but still warm enough to take a swim in the sea.

2. Borgo Egnazia, Puglia

• Beautiful resort with a peaceful location designed in the style of an Apulian vilage
• Hop on the hotel’s shuttle bus for stress-free beach trips
• Three kids’ clubs, an adventure playground and a shallow kids’ paddling pool
• Parents will love the spa, golf course and excellent restaurant options

Loved by locals, Puglia is a picturesque coastal holiday spot in a fantastic location. Think dramatic coastline, turquoise waters and scenery for days. If your little one loves animals, the ZooSafari Fasanolandia is one of the biggest zoos in Europe and well worth a visit.

Borgo Egnazia has a modern luxury feel coupled with old Puglian village vibes. During peak season, the main resort building, La Corte, is open to adults-only, but there’s still a fantastic range of kids’ facilities on offer. You’ll also enjoy direct access to the sparkling Adriatic Sea from the hotel’s sunbathing deck or you can hop onto the hotel’s dedicated shuttle bus for trips to the beach.

Accommodation wise, you can choose between Il Borgo for traditional suites or Le Ville for larger private villas. The hotel offers a dedicated shallow children’s swimming pool alongside three fantastic kids’ clubs and Da Pucetta, a kids’ restaurant with its own menu and no adult diners.

The Trullalleri Kids’ Club is geared towards children aged between 3 and 7 years. The club is staffed by qualified professionals and offers a range of recreational activities for indoor and outdoor play. The hotel offers a professional nursery, playroom, relaxation area, adventure playground and babysitting service.

For the adults, there are five excellent restaurants. For traditional Italian pizzas, try Trattoria Mia Cucina. If you’re looking to indulge in some fine dining, Due Camini is one of the hotel’s a la carte restaurants, however, it also offers tasting menus. You can even take lessons at the dedicated on-resort Italian cookery school.

While the children are being kept busy at the kids’ club, you can spend a little time in Vair Spa. This is a modern equivalent of a Roman bathhouse offering indulgent treatments. If you’re seeking more active pursuits, you can enjoy horse riding, tennis or a round of golf at the 18-hole championship golf club.

Holidaymakers can fly into either Brindisi Airport or Bari Airport. Both have a flight time from the UK of approximately 3 hours. The transfer time to the hotel is around 1 hour from either airport.

The hottest month of the year in Puglia is July, when the average daily maximum temperature is 30°C. Families with babies or toddlers may prefer to visit in May, June or September, when temperatures are lower and rainfall remains low.

3. Verdura Resort, Sicily

• Contemporary hotel with a beautiful beachfront location
• Kids can enjoy treasure hunts, pottery making and cooking activities
• Outdoor playground and a kids’ swimming pool offers more fun in the sun
• Expansive spa and wellness facilities, three golf courses and four restaurants

Enchanting Sicily is home to Mount Etna. All age groups will be delighted to go on a scenic cable car journey to see Europe’s famous volcano. And, there’s plenty more on offer, from delicious cuisine and breathtaking landscapes to rich culture and scenic coastline.

The Verdura Resort is a fantastic base for exploring its beautiful location with toddlers or babies, particularly if you want to visit the local vineyards or the Valley of Temples. With so much to see and do, this is a great choice for a two or three-week family getaway.

The on-site kids’ club is run by qualified staff. Children can enjoy a variety of activities including treasure hunts, pottery lessons, cooking classes and drama. Inside, they can watch movies and cartoons, while outside they have access to a well-equipped playground and dedicated children’s outdoor pool.

Whether you want to explore the resort on foot or by bike, this is the perfect place for a peaceful stroll. And when you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll have a choice of four restaurants and five bars offering a diverse culinary experience.

You’ll find three golf courses, each with wonderful sea and countryside views. The sports facilities include floodlit tennis courts, water sports, jogging routes and a state of the art gym. For ultimate relaxation, visit the Verdura Spa to enjoy a bespoke treatment, sauna or one of the four thalassotherapy pools.

The flight time from the UK to Palermo airport is around 3 hours. The transfer time from Palermo airport to The Verdura Resort is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Young families may prefer to visit Sicily during the late spring months or early autumn. It’s not as busy and the temperature remains warm, usually in the low to mid-20s. If you want to swim in the sea, it’s usually warm enough to do so during May, September or even October.

For a reliable family holiday, Spain is a lively, cosmopolitan destination. And whichever Spanish destination you choose, you’ll find a host of family-friendly activities and days out to enjoy.

1. Ritz-Carlton, Abama, Tenerife

• Renowned luxury family-friendly beachfront hotel
• Home to the largest ‘Ritz Kids’ club in Europe
• Kids can enjoy music, sports, art and fitness at The Zone while parents relax
• Facilities for babies such as bottle warmers, car seats, sterilisers and baby bouncy chair can be provided

If great weather is important to you, Tenerife is a fantastic holiday destination for your toddler or baby. With warm weather all year round and a time difference of only one hour, this island is perfect for a family holiday with young children.

The Ritz-Carlton, Abama has a dedicated funicular train that can take you to the resort’s private sandy cove and beach club. And if you’d rather spend time by the pool than on the beach, you can choose from one of seven heated swimming pools.

The dining scene here is excellent, with a choice of ten restaurants including Michelin-starred dining options. Younger guests can enjoy sports, music, art and fitness activities in The Zone. The Ritz Kids’ club is open to children aged between 4 and 12 years.

Whether you want a holiday that’s relaxing or action-packed, you can make your own rules here. The on-site spa has 11 treatment rooms and an exhilarating cold cabin. If you’re a keen golfer, you’ll be in paradise – there’s a driving range, golf academy and an 18-hole course.

The flight time from the UK to Tenerife South Airport is around 4 hours and 10 minutes. The transfer time between Tenerife South Airport and the Ritz-Carlton, Abama is around 25 minutes.

The weather in Tenerife is great all year round, so this is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a winter sun holiday. The climate in Tenerife makes this destination one of the best baby-friendly holidays in Europe.

2. Ikos Andalusia, Costa del Sol

• Beachside location close to Marbella and Estepona
• Separate beach zones for adults and kids

Close to popular Marbella and Estepona, the Ikos Andalusia is the perfect base to explore the beautiful Costa del Sol.

As a guest at the Ikos Andalusia , you can enjoy the Ikos Infinite Lifestyle all-inclusive resort concept. This means gourmet cuisine and luxury spa products are included as part of your holiday.

Sitting on the beachfront within 17 acres of landscaped gardens, this hotel has a selection of rooms and suites to suit your needs. The beach is split into zones including adult-only sections and family areas, so it’s always easy to find the best place for you and your toddlers or baby to enjoy. The hotel also provides a creche and mini kids’ club to entertain younger guests.

Adults can enjoy relaxing treatments in the Ikos Spa by Anne Semonin Paris. The facilities on offer include a fitness studio, beauty salon and heated pools with a Jacuzzi. You’ll also find entertainment including live music, cocktail bars and cinema parties.

For the ultimate experience, choose a Deluxe Collection holiday. This provides access to your own pool area, reserved private beach area and a dedicated children’s pool.

Visit nearby Marbella for fantastic dining, world-class golf courses and a family-friendly vibe. Whether you want to spend a lazy day on the beach or browse the shopping centres and boutiques, you’ll find plenty to do.

The flight time from the UK to Malaga airport is around 3 hours. The transfer time between Malaga airport and the Ikos Andalusia is around 45 minutes.

The Costa del Sol enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate so expect dry, hot summers and mild winters. For the best of the sunshine, visit during July or August when the average daily maximum temperature is in the high 20s.

You can find more inspiration with our top family holiday destinations in Spain.

For more ideas for your next holiday with a baby or toddler, contact us to speak to our Travel Specialists. They’ve travelled far and wide to some of the most amazing beach destinations and will help you find your perfect spot.

For more of our travel guides and to hear about our latest luxury travel offers, sign up to our newsletter.

You might also find these posts useful:

Our Top 10 Family Holiday Destinations

The Best Family Holidays Around The World

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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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27 Best Places to Travel with a Baby (Safe + Baby-Friendly)!

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Home » 27 Best Places to Travel with a Baby (Safe + Baby-Friendly)!

Are you wondering where to travel with a baby?

Our youngest daughter, Avalee, was just 2.5 months old when we embarked on our very first trip with her. Our first trip with her took us to Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands.

After Indonesia, we ventured further afield to Australia and explored Perth and Sydney.

We then set off to Asia visiting Japan and Europe for a big extended road trip that included France, Switzerland, and Italy – all before Avalee had reached her first birthday! As seasoned family travelers (we have 3 children) we’ve learned a lot about what works best when traveling with babies in tow.

With input from other parents who have traveled with their babies too, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to travel with a baby along with practical tips based on our experiences on how to choose the perfect baby-friendly holiday destinations. 

Just because you have a new baby doesn’t mean you have to be stuck at home. Now is a great time to make memories with your little one and travel the world!

It might not always be easy to travel with a baby, but in my opinion, it is always worth any challenges.

Here is a list of the best baby-friendly countries to visit to ensure your trip will run as smoothly as possible.

27 Best Places to Travel with a Baby in the World

Wondering where to travel with your baby?

We love traveling with our baby as we scout out the best places to visit with an infant.

In our opinion, the best countries to visit with a baby in USA, Australia, South Africa, Japan, Italy, and the UK, but you can find more ideas on our list down below.

But first! Sign up for our ‘Wanderlust Storytellers Family Tribe’ newsletter to get loads of helpful information about how to travel with a baby! 

1. Tuscany, Italy

For one of the best holiday destinations with a baby or even older kids, head to beautiful Italy!

Children are adored in this country, and you will find that Italians will often go out of their way to help parents. And expect them, to come to say hello to your little ones too.

Italy is one of the best places to go on holiday with a baby. It is easy to find some beautiful family-friendly accommodation options.

We chose Tuscany for our list because it has plenty of stroller-friendly destinations.

I recommend you choose either Florence or Lucca for a home base. Both cities are great for strollers, although we recommend a stroller with large cushioned wheels to handle bumpy or cobble-stone roads.

Florence has plenty of playgrounds for older babies and toddlers, and the restaurants typically can prepare a small plate for younger kids or a simple pasta dish (when Avie was a toddler, she often had simple pasta and butter).

If you decide on Florence, be sure to have a look at the best neighborhood to stay in Florence .

You can also find many beautiful small towns scattered through Tuscany that will allow you to explore this region of Italy without the masses of tourists.

Recommended attractions in Tuscany that you should see with your baby include the Leaning Tower of Pisa and The Boboli Gardens.

If time permits, you should also visit Capo Sant’Andrea on Elba Island (make sure to take baby beach shoes if you are planning to spend some time on the beach).

Personally speaking, Italy is arguably the best place to travel with baby options for us so far, as well as one of the best baby-friendly travel destinations and baby-friendly countries.

• Bring your baby carrier along, as you will often find stairs at the main attractions in Italy.
• Always have a baby change mat on hand, as change tables in public restrooms are rare.
• You can rent a stroller in Italy, and check out sites such as TravelBaby.It and BabyGuest.com.
• Pre-book your taxi online , that way, you can request a baby car seat for the transfer as well.

Where to Stay in Tuscany with a Baby:

We recommend basing yourselves in either Florence or Lucca (cheaper) and then planning your day trips from there.

Best Place to Stay in Florence with a Baby:

• Best Hotel: For a fantastic stay I would choose  MyFlorenceHoliday Gold Bridge . Their family room includes a cot and high chair and has a kitchen area where you can prepare bottles etc. The hotel is located 100 meters from Ponte Vecchio.
• Best VRBO: I love The Time Machine apartment which is located next to Palazzo Vecchio. It has 2 bedrooms and includes a travel crib, high chair, and dishes & utensils for kids- it also has a lift to the apartment which is on the second level.

Best Place to Stay in Lucca with a Baby:

• Best Hotel: The 4-Star Hotel Ilaria has a triple room that includes a cot. This popular hotel is located in the historic centre of Lucca.

Further Reading:

• Visit Tuscany with Kids (Tips and Information)
• See our full blog post with helpful information about traveling to Italy with a baby
• Watch our Video on YouTube: Italy with a Baby or Toddler .
• Florence with Kids

Wondering where to travel with a baby in Asia?  Japan is one of the best places to travel with an infant in Asia.

This destination is very baby-friendly. You can easily choose from some of these great destinations in Japan perfect for first-timers .

“ Baby Cafes ” located throughout Tokyo have childproof areas and food for mom and dad to purchase.

There are also family rooms throughout (mainly in the larger supermarkets) around, the larger cities where moms can nurse or change their babies.

Baby supplies are available from pharmacies, and let’s not forget how clean the country is (you won’t see rubbish anywhere!).

• Bring your baby carrier along and leave your stroller at home.
• You will typically find beautiful baby rooms in the larger supermarkets.
• Public restrooms should have change tables and a parent-friendly toilet with a baby highchair, so you have somewhere to pop baby while you do your business.
• Choose Airbnb over small hotel rooms.
• For toddlers, we can highly recommend some popular theme parks such as Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan.

READ MORE: See our helpful post on how to visit Japan with a baby

3. London, England

London is one of the best places to travel in Europe with a baby.

This city has parent rooms and changing facilities readily available, making it a great place to visit with a baby.

Many sights can easily be accessed by public transportation or on foot. We love how easy the city is to navigate with a stroller; simply use the   step-free Tube map to navigate the underground with your stroller.

Breastfeeding in public is accepted and considered perfectly normal. Children under five can travel for free on public transport, and there are plenty of family-friend restaurants.

If your bubs is a bit older, he/she might also really enjoy outings to a  baby disco, one of the children ‘s  theatres, the city farms, zoos, or a day out at one of the many parks.

• Top 10 Things to do in London with Kids
• Make sure you download NCT’s Babychange app, which will show you all the baby-changing facilities in your vicinity, and the Wowmum app, which lists baby change areas, as well as child-friendly activities, parks, and more.
• Book your taxi online. Book Taxi London is a reliable website that you can use to quickly and easily book your taxi (you can even select to have a car seat for your little one)!

After one of the most affordable places to visit with your baby?

With rice paddies, waterfalls, beaches, and great people, Bali certainly has it all.

This dreamy vacation is very baby-friendly, and nannies or babysitters are super affordable.  You can also very easily rent baby gear and equipment for super low prices if you need them.

Hotels and resorts will be equipped with baby cots and high chairs, and with a bit of effort, you can also pre-book transfers with baby car seats.

Avoid Kuta and head to more family-friendly areas such as Canggu, Ubud, Legian, Jimbaran, or Nusa Lembongan.

We love to combine some time in Ubud to soak up the peaceful rice paddy atmosphere with some luxury and relaxation at one of the beachside areas such as Canggu or Jimbaran.

Bali might be the best place to travel with a baby for those living in Australia.

• Bring your baby carrier along and leave your stroller behind
• Always have a baby change mat on hand
• Book a cheap nanny to tag along with you on your outings
• Pre-book your transfers if you wish to have a baby car seat
• Don’t forget to bring along your  sun tent for baby , as well as some handy and essential  beach items for baby

5. Tulum, Mexico

One of the best travel destinations with a baby if you are after some beautiful beaches and warm weather. This city can make for a very relaxing vacation.

Many family-friendly beaches and hotels accommodate those traveling with babies, as they often provide cribs and strollers.

If you are wondering if it is safe to travel to Mexico with a baby, you will be glad to know that it is.

What you will need to consider is taking enough baby formula if you are not breastfeeding your little one as the variety of formula available is limited.

If you do use baby formula, make sure to use bottled water when making your baby’s milk.

If you do take a baby stroller, take one that can fold up and will fit easily into any taxi that you may take whilst on holiday.

If you are planning on venturing out and about, a baby carrier is a great choice as you will be hands-free, and is perfect for any hikes are strolls on the beach.

Top places to visit include Sian Ka’an Biosphere and Playa Paraiso.  Mexico offers some of the best baby-friendly travel destinations for those in the USA.

6. Chicago, Illinois

One of the best places to travel to with a baby in the United States is Chicago. This city is so baby friendly making it hands down one of the best cities to travel with a baby and one of the best travel destinations with baby options.

The great thing about Chicago is that it has a ton of baby sights, attractions, and tours to enjoy.

Taking your baby out and about during the day is great for you and the baby and in Chicago, they celebrate that.

The town of Chicago has free stroller tours at some of the area’s major museums, including The Field Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, and The Museum of Contemporary Art.

Besides the museums, you can also visit the Shedd Aquarium and Navy Pier.

If you are explicitly wondering where to travel with a newborn, this would be one of our top picks.

7. Montreal, Canada

After stroller-friendly places to visit with a baby? One of the nice things about Montreal is that it’s very stroller-friendly.

Numerous kid-friendly festivals occur throughout the year. Popular attractions include Jean-Talon Farmer’s Market, Clock Tower Beach, and The Botanical Gardens.

If you visit Montreal outside of these festivals do not worry because there is still lots to do. Experience much of the cultural scene in Montreal by visiting many of the galleries and museums. Kids under 12 can go free to many of these local Montreal attractions.

In summer there are many parks and open green spaces that you can enjoy as a family. Enjoy a picnic and the many playgrounds that can be found in the parks.

Montreal boasts a large variety of baby-friendly and welcoming cafes and restaurants, so when it comes to enjoying a bite to eat, you and your baby can relax.

8. Tasmania, Australia

Definitely, one of the most baby-friendly countries to visit.

Australia is another brilliant country to visit with a baby. While there are many baby-friendly places to travel to in Australia, we love Tasmania.

This Australian state is an excellent destination for children of all ages. You can easily find high chairs in restaurants, which typically have special kids’ menus to keep toddlers happy.

You can easily find all baby supplies in small or large grocery stores. Hotels have cots available (typically free of charge), and destinations are all stroller-friendly.

One of the nice things about Tasmania is that you don’t have to haul a stroller with you on your flight if you don’t want to because plenty of stroller rentals are available.

Many activities here are nature-based, including a visit to the Bay of Fires and Russell Falls. A great activity during the summer months is to head to one of the beautiful sandy beaches for some much-needed relaxation.

9. Wales, United Kingdom

Wales is another one of the best places to travel with a baby in Europe!  People love babies in Wales and will bend backward to ensure you enjoy your time here as much as possible.

Hotels will provide everything from cribs to baby gates and can even recommend babysitting services if you need some alone time. Good places to visit with your baby include Cardiff Castle, Tenby Harbour, and Bodnant Garden.

When you are out and about enjoying the lush Welsh countryside, be sure to take a baby carrier with you.

If you plan to spend more time exploring the Welsh villages and towns, a baby stroller will definitely come in handy. If you can, a stroller that folds up compactly is best as you are guaranteed it will be able to travel in your taxi.

10. San Diego, California

This is one of the most baby-friendly destinations on the list. There are a lot of boardwalks, walking trails, and plenty of beaches.

If you take a stroller with you when you travel to San Diego with a baby, you will be able to move around with ease.

If you are looking for some great baby-friendly activities then a visit to the Birch Aquarium, Mission Beach & Boardwalk, or the San Diego Botanic Garden are all great choices.

Be sure to also make your way to the San Diego Zoo. This huge zoo has so much to see and do and is a huge amount of fun for everyone.

If you visit during warmer months, be sure to pack sunblock and a swimming costume so you can take a dip at the many beaches.

Pack some kids’ beach toys or grab a set from one of the local shops on the boardwalk as all kids love to play in water and sand and most of all build sandcastles.

For kids big and small, head to Legoland which is under an hour’s drive from San Diego. The best part about the rides at Legoland resorts is that they do not have height restrictions so even the shortest of visitors can enjoy the rides when visiting.

Is it any surprise that Hawaii happens to be one of the best places to vacation with a baby? This island is a dream vacation for many due to the many resorts that cater to families.

So it is probably no surprise that Hawaii happens to be one of the best places to vacation with a baby!

If you do not want to explore the island and just need to relax and take it easy, then staying at your beach resort is great as you can lunge around the pool or on the beach.

Head to the beach for some sand and fun and when baby is tired and ready for a nap, the room is only a short walk away. If you want to do an activity that is a bit more strenuous, many of the resorts do offer activities at the resort that you can enjoy.

The best way to get around this island is with a rental car. You will be able to see plenty of amazing sights that will allow you to take unforgettable pictures of yourself and your baby.

Exploring Hawaii by car also means that your baby can take a nap when traveling and not be tired to enjoy the sights.

Baby-friendly places include Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail and Valley of the Temples.

12. Cape Town, South Africa

Not many people associate good places to travel with a baby, including South Africa. However, those who’ve been to Cape Town know it’s one of the best places to visit with a baby or even older kids.

Cape Town is also one of the best cities to visit with a baby because baby facilities are readily available everywhere.

There are plenty of picturesque views and things to do, visiting the penguins, heading out on a boat to see the seals, or having a picnic in a vineyard.

If you want to travel around Cape Town then make sure to rent a car. Many places that you will visit may be an hour or so drive out of the City center.

You do not need to take a car seat with you as many of the car rental companies will be able to offer you car seat rental.

Cape Town is known for its many wine farms. If you think that visiting is not great for kids, you will be pleased to know that many of the wine farms cater to all ages, with most offering children their own version of a “wine-tasting menu “with treats and kids’ drinks.

Nearly everywhere you visit a baby chair will be available to use. Most wine farms have play parks for kids to enjoy with swings, slides, and jungle gyms. If you are traveling with older kids.

Head to one of the many beaches, the most renowned being Camps Bay and enjoy a sunset picnic.

You can find our full guide on how to travel South Africa with a baby here. We visited South Africa with our youngest and two older kids and spent 5 weeks exploring various parts of the country and we loved it!

Further Reading

• Grab some ideas of what to do in Cape Town with kids here.

13. Taipei, Taiwan

Another popular destination for family travelers in Taiwan. This destination is very safe and the people of Taiwan are very welcoming of babies and children.

Many places in Taiwan have mothers’ rooms, similar to those found in Japan, but this city is a great place to travel with a baby because of its many attractions.

Unlike other places, you can easily strap a baby into a stroller and walk around, as the terrain isn’t tough to maneuver making it super easy to get around and explore.

This allows families to see a lot of exciting sights like Longshan Temple or Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

The city of Taipei is exciting and colorful and at night looks a lot like Times Square in New York.

Head to the 101 Building which cannot be missed when you arrive in the city. You can go up this building and it is strongly recommended to buy tickets in advance rather than queuing.

Head out of the city and you will find the Silver Stream Cave which is a temple carved into the rock face behind a stunning waterfall. The nerve-wracking walk-up is definitely worth the trek and be sure to pack a baby carrier for this to make the walk easy.

Belize is one of the most baby and kid-friendly places to visit. It has so many different attractions and activities that everyone can enjoy.

One of the other biggest perks for families visiting here is its affordability.

The country is also English-speaking, so you don’t have to worry about the need to whip out your language translator while trying to balance a baby on your hip.

There are a lot of great places to take your little one in this country, including the Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm and the Mayan Ruins.

If your trip to Belize is to have some downtime and not be out and about too much, be sure to stay at one of the many resorts that offer guests all they need from horseback riding to pools and a health spa.

You can easily find what you need in the stores in Belize however if your baby is drinking formula, it is best to take your own with you as you may not be able to find the same make in Belize.

15. Ecuador

Ecuador may not be the first place you think of when traveling a with baby however you will find that this country is very welcoming of children and is affordable for a family vacation.

Ecuador is one of the best places to visit in South America , so you can’t go wrong with this destination!

The safest way to get around Ecuador is by renting a vehicle. Although there is a lot of public transport like taxis and buses, seatbelts are not always readily available and the maneuvers that the drivers take along the winding roads are quite hair-raising!

When it comes to mealtimes and feeding, you will be pleased to know that breastfeeding is very acceptable and normal. If you need baby formula, this is readily available however you may not find your usual brand.

The terrain is challenging to get around with a stroller, so you will need to use a baby carrier instead. You can even take a backpack carrier as this will be the easiest way to get around and carry your baby.

It’s worth exploring the city as much as possible with your baby as there’s a lot to see. This includes The Otavalo Indigenous Market and the Manabi Coast.

It can get pretty noisy at night too so you may want to bring along something to create white noise. Top tip – book hotels and places to stay that is away from main roads to help reduce the noise at night.

Wondering where to travel with your baby in Greece?

Those who visit Greece can tell pretty quickly that the culture is family-oriented. Often children can eat free at restaurants, stay free at hotels and ride public transportation for free.

While we recommend you leave the cliff-top towns such as Santorini for another year, you could visit many other beautiful destinations in Greece with your baby in tow. 

There are many islands that you can visit in Greece offering you and your baby warm beaches to enjoy like the infamous Mykonos.

Another great place to visit in Greece is Crete and the great thing is that this is not the first place most people think of visiting in Greece.

This makes it a great destination as it is not crowded and Crete also has a range of activities to do with kids.

Greece is also a very safe place to visit so it is a definite for any family vacation. If you want to explore by walking, a stroller may be difficult to use so a baby carrier may be best. Or a stroller with larger wheels will be ok.

Make sure you and your baby visit the Plaka District of Athens and The Castles Of Rhodes.

How To Get Around

Of course, the best way to get around Rhodes is with the locals. Get your local Rhodes taxi here.

And if you are staying in Athens (check out our list of the best hotels with rooftop pools in Athens here ), the best way to get around town is by taxi! Book your taxi here !

• The Best Places to Visit on a Family Holiday To Crete
• Where to visit in Greece for first-timers

17. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is full of incredible sights to explore; it would be a shame not to discover the elegant harbors because you have a baby. Instead, Stockholm is one of the best places to travel with a baby.

One of the best things about Stockholm is that you can walk almost everywhere. It is an incredibly safe city and is the perfect size for a family to explore.

Sweden is one of the best places in Europe to visit with kids , because there are plenty of age-appropriate entertainment spots, such as;

• Old Town – the quaint part of town with fantastic toy stores
• Vasparken – a massive park with a lovely playground
• Skansen – a giant ocean-air museum and zoo

It is a legal requirement for all city buses to ensure space for wheelchairs for disabled people and prams for children. This makes it easy to get around if you push a stroller.

A trip to Stockholm is one of the best baby-friendly vacations you can plan.

Tip: One of the best ways to check out Stockholm is from the water. Take a look at our list of best Stockholm boat tours here.

The USA is one of the best baby-friendly vacation spots in the world. There are so many different places in the USA that it is a hard choice of where to go when visiting the USA with a baby and young children.

Washington, DC, is such a vibrant, beautiful city, and it promises to be a memorable and enjoyable experience for the whole family. It is an icon of democracy, full of history and progressive happenings.

There is so much to see and do – a lot of which is free. The best time to visit Washington, DC, with your baby is during spring (March to May), as the temperature is pleasant, with the pink cherry blossoms blooming around early April.

Avoid July and August, which can get uncomfortably hot and cause your baby to fuss.

The city has an excellent public transport system, making getting around easy. While the law doesn’t require car seats for cabs, you can pre-request one for a taxi or Uber.

Florida is another great place to visit and has so many family-friendly resorts to choose from. Florida is well known for all the amusement parks for toddlers such as Disney World, Magic Kingdom Park, etc.

Your young children and even baby will love the splash pads inside Magic Kingdom

Take a trip to Utah to see Zion National Park. There are short hikes inside the park which will be enjoyable for the whole family.

If you do decide to hike in Zion National Park, make sure to take a baby hiking carrier. Find more tips for visiting Zion National Park with kids here.

The same applies if you visit Colorado and the Rocky Mountain National Park.

North Carolina has many fun activities for the family. There is the North Carolina Zoo which is bound to make your little one smile.

Spend a night or two under the stars in the Uwharrie National Forest. There are many activities that you can do from swimming to fishing and boating. Make sure that you put safety first and use life vests for water sports and activities.

If you happen to travel to New York, make sure to take a stroll around central park. It is perfect for walking with a baby stroller or baby carrier.

19. Reykjavik, Iceland

Due to the chilly temperatures, Reykjavik and the rest of Iceland are often overlooked when deciding where to travel with a baby.

However, the city is breathtakingly beautiful, and if you bundle up your baby, you can enjoy the Northern Lights, geothermal hot springs, and fascinating history without the fuss!

Boasting surreal landscapes and fascinating natural phenomena, your little one may be lucky enough to capture a memory.

Reykjavik is fast becoming a trendy tourist destination, so there have been increased tour options. Many of these tours are family-friendly and remove all the fuss when planning your trip.

Make sure you pack in a few extra warm goodies, and you and your baby are good to go.

20. Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Jamaica is known as a paradise getaway, and no reason having a baby should change this experience. Runaway Island in Jamaica prioritizes an atmosphere of relaxation and is one of the top places to travel with a baby.

As a fabulous family vacation destination, Runaway Bay boasts many villas, resorts, and accommodation options focused on the family. Many of these resorts offer family-sized rooms that can comfortably sleep up to three children.

Many of these resorts also help arrange the services of a nanny or babysitter to help you better relax on the beach. Some resorts even have a baby club where trusted employees mind your child during nap time.

If we can give you one little piece of advice, it’s to pack a lot of sunblock (keeping in mind that babies under six months can’t use sunblock). Chances are, your little one will enjoy the sun, sand, and clear waters as much as you.

21. Cascais, Portugal

Cascais is a quaint village in Portugal full of culture, history, and, most importantly, families. The laid-back destination promises one of the best vacations with infants possible.

There is a tangible warmth in the air reflected in the locals’ cheery expressions, and it is sure to be a holiday you will never forget.

If you don’t choose to push your stroller on the wide, open streets, you can be comforted that child seats in taxis are not mandatory, making taxi cabs easily accessible.

There is a wide selection of parks, calm beaches, and historical sites to explore. One thing to remember is that the rich traditions in the seaside village mean that local restaurants don’t necessarily serve chicken nuggets and the like.

However, if your baby wants to venture from their formula, you can rest assured that the local food isn’t particularly spicy and generally quite soft.

22. Vail, Colorado

Vail, Colorado, is one of the best places to travel with a baby.

The breathtaking images of gorgeous mountains, vast open spaces, and reflecting lakes may make you think Vail is better suited to adults; however, that assumption couldn’t be further from the truth.

There is an entire baby brand named ‘Travel Vail Baby’, which serves as proof of how excellent the destination is for infant-friendly vacations.

The baby and toddler equipment rental company provides cribs, strollers, high chairs, hiking backpacks, and bouncy seats (among many other items) to help parents enjoy Vail’s jagged peaks and slopes.

When ascending to higher altitudes, your baby should be fine, as babies older than three months old adjust to altitude much better than adults.

Handy Tip: The Vail Public Library has incredibly fun baby storytime!

23. Barcelona, Spain

A trip to Barcelona with your baby is a sure way to begin stimulating their creativity from a young age.

From the eccentric design of the Gaudi buildings to the intricate stained glass windows of the cathedrals, your baby will be so busy absorbing the environment that they’ll have little time to cry.

If you want to make the most of your time in Barcelona, travel in the summer when you can enjoy the multiple parks and outdoors. Babies are often happier and more relaxed when moving about.

With so many sights and attractions, you can be sure your little one will be happy as a clam.

Top tip: Make sure to pack a sling or baby carrier. The streets in Barcelona are cobbled, and the bumps could make your baby uncomfortable.

24. Nice, France

Nice is a romantic and magical destination filled with bustling alleyways, quaint little shops, and outdoor restaurants.

One of the best parts about traveling to Nice, France, with a baby is the excellent promenade which offers surreal views while pushing a buggy.

As Nice is such a popular tourist destination, you’ll find that the hospitality industry accommodates babies.

From heating bottles to providing changing facilities, you can visit Nice quickly without any baby hassles.

The French Riviera offers sun, sea, and delectable food; it would be a shame to miss out on this. The charming city is easy to travel to with a baby, especially if you follow our tips on how to travel through France with a baby .

25. Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is one of the most accessible places to visit with a baby. The cosmopolitan city has a lot to offer the entire family and caters to its attractions.

In addition to fantastic shopping, music, and food experiences, there are a lot of free and budget attractions to enjoy.

Seoul has plenty of indoor playgrounds, known as Kids’ cafes that are great for toddlers under two years old. These are a great option during the extreme seasons when the weather can be icy or uncomfortably hot.

The city’s very efficient public transportation system and a wide variety of family-friendly accommodation options make day-to-day living in Seoul very easy.

If you prefer to walk, you’ll be pleased to know that Seoul is also fairly stroller friendly.

One piece of advice is to not breastfeed in public. The Koreans don’t make a habit of the practice, so choosing to do so will attract unwanted attention.

Although there are baby nursing stations in larger subway stations, department stores, and restaurants.

26. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin City and the rolling green hills surrounding the area are on the top of many people’s bucket lists – for a good reason.

There is a stunning culture of friendliness in the city, and the beautiful design of the city mimics the breathtaking landscapes on the outskirts.

Dublin is well-supplied with formula, food, nappies, and clothing for your little one. Most restaurants will go as far as to prepare a bowl for your child and offer high chairs and baby-changing facilities.

Getting around Dublin is very easy. In addition to speaking English, the city is also easy to navigate, and baby car seats are available for a small additional cost. There is even a child-friendly taxi service .

There are many baby-friendly activities to discover in the city, including live Irish music performances.

Be aware that Dublin has quite a vibrant pub culture, and while children are allowed in the pubs and bars during the day, they are not legally allowed entry after 9 pm.

27. Thailand

Thailand is such a great destination to travel with a baby as it is so baby friendly. We love traveling to Thailand and have done it many times with our daughter when she was a baby and a toddler.

The Thai people and culture are so welcoming it makes this country a perfect destination for families who want to travel to a beach destination with a baby.

Another perk is that there are quite a few 4+ star hotels that are more than willing to accommodate your baby’s needs.

Many of them include indoor pools and even water parks. If you are after great cultural travel destinations with a baby, you can’t look further than Thailand. Here is a list of the best resorts on Koh Samui for families .

Some of the best places and great destinations to travel with a baby in Thailand are Khao Lak, Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui .

How to Choose Infant-Friendly Holiday Destinations

Wondering how to choose the best place to travel with an infant? Find below some of our requirements when we decide where to travel next.

1. Is the Transportation Safe?

An important consideration when we choose holiday destinations with our baby is whether transportation will be safe for our little one.

For example, you might consider whether taxis and private transfers offer infant travel car seats. 

If they don’t, it might be best if you rent a car and add a child car seat onto the rental costs, or you might prefer to bring your own – find a post on the best infant travel car seats to travel with here.

(However, it is essential to check if your car seat can be adequately secured in a different country as they all have different systems to install car seats).

How safe are these to use if you plan to take public transport? Some countries are crazy when it comes to driving.

Think about what you are comfortable with and choose the best vacation that ticks your boxes.

2. Is the Climate Baby-Friendly?

Look at the average temperatures and how much rain the destination will get at the time of year you plan to visit.

We made the mistake of traveling to Asia during their hot season, and our baby developed a heat rash from the constant heat; it made life more challenging than it needed to be as she was unhappy and pretty grumpy.

We also went to Japan when it was freezing, and it was tricky to keep our little baby warm and snug in the temperature.

3. Keep Travel Time Short

Keep flight time as short as you can. It is much easier to fly with a newborn who sleeps a lot, in comparison to a baby who has just become mobile.

It might be a good idea to pick infant-friendly travel destinations closer to home.

An 8-hour flight overseas might be okay, but a 15-hour long-haul flight will be much more challenging (If you are traveling long-haul, you might appreciate our long-haul flight checking list for babies ).

So while we list baby-friendly holidays from around the world in our list below, it will be essential to consider the ones closer to your home.

Also, think about how long your transfers are once you land, and keep your travel days nice and short so that there is plenty of downtime for your baby.

4. Which Countries Are Safe?

The best countries to travel to with a baby are the ones that are safe for little kids. Have a look to see if there is any unrest in the destination you will be visiting.

Look at which vaccines you might have to get (and whether your baby can even get them).

It might be best to avoid rural and remote areas of a country until your baby is a bit older.

We visited Bali when our daughter was only six weeks old, but we stayed clear of the monkey forests and spent a lot more time on hotel grounds than we would typically have done to keep the trip safe for her.

5. Consider Health Care

Think about the amenities and healthcare facilities you would typically be comfortable with at home.

Are there good hospitals, and will the medical staff be able to understand you?

6. Baby Facilities

Another thing that will make traveling with a baby easier is choosing a destination with baby facilities readily available.

Can you find hotels that have baby cots available? You might prefer to travel with a crib; you can find our top recommendations for a lightweight travel crib here.

Are high chairs available in restaurants, and are there baby change rooms?

If not, you can always travel with your own high chair – find a post on the best high chair for travel here.

You can also find a list of all our recommendations for baby travel gear to make your life easier while on holiday here.

Consider how easy it will be to purchase baby diapers, formulae, baby food, or baby medication.

If you have to travel with baby food, you can find a post about TSA baby food and formulae rules here.

Also, think about your baby’s age; the best places to travel with a newborn will not be the same as the best places to travel with a 1-year-old, because a 1-year-old is mobile.

If your baby is at the age where they are eating and drinking water, it is also essential to consider how safe the water and food are to eat in the country you are visiting.

Hopefully, all the tips above are helpful and will guide you to choose one of the best baby-friendly holiday destinations from our guide below.

Jolene’s Pro Tips for Traveling with an Infant

• Do it your way: People seem to think that if you go somewhere and you stay in your resort you are doing it wrong! But there is nothing wrong with a holiday with your baby where you do nothing but stay on the resort grounds.
• Have plenty of time to rest: Everything needs to happen slower when you travel with a baby. Plan to have only half days of exploring and half a day to relax, plan to have relax days after big travel days.
• Stay longer in one hotel: Our baby took a few days to adjust to a new hotel/crib. Which meant we had a few rough nights before she settled back into sleeping better. So we learned to stay in one spot for at least 5+ nights.
• Beach vs City trips: We personally found it much easier to go on a beach vacation in comparison to exploring towns and cities in a country. Life moves slower on islands and so that is where we prefer to be with our baby.
• What works for someone else might not work for you: Babies are all different, just because someone else had an incredible road trip holiday with their baby, does not mean your road trip will go smoothly. Our baby hated the car and the stroller, so road trips or days exploring all day long in a stroller were not fun for anyone!

Final Thoughts On The Best Places To Vacation With A Baby

So hopefully, if you have been wondering where to travel with an infant, you have made a list of the best holiday destinations with a baby you would love to visit.

The best destination with a baby will be different for each of us as it depends on your current location, as well as what sort of current baby ‘comforts’ you might be used to.

Most parents feel most comfortable when they choose destinations that offer the same level of baby care as the country where they live.

Ultimately you can travel anywhere in the world with a baby; after all, babies are born in each country worldwide.

But the most comfortable holiday where you will be less stressed out will be the country that matches your current baby’s facilities, amenities, and healthcare standards.

And as a last resort, go with your gut instinct. If the destination doesn’t feel right, it might be best to leave it until your child is older.

• Wondering what to take along on your trip? Here is our guide to handy travel accessories for baby that you should take on your holiday.
• First time flying with your baby? Grab our top tips on how to survive your flight with an infant .
• Wondering whether you should take a car seat on your flight? Here is a handy guide to help you decide .

Leave us a Comment:

• Which of these destinations on our best countries to travel with a baby list do you want to see the most?
• Can you add other best places to holiday with a baby?

Jolene Ejmont

20 thoughts on “27 best places to travel with a baby (safe + baby-friendly)”.

Hi, totally understand where you are coming from, but we visited Bali, Lombok and Gili Islands with our 2-month-old baby and her normal vaccines that she needs to get anyways was sufficient to keep her safe. And that was on doctor’s advice. We have also just visited Vietnam (she is 2 now) and again her normal routine vaccines was enough for her to go. Always best to choose a destination that you are comfortable visiting though and make sure you pop into your travel doctor for advice as well.

I would add Reykjavik

Oh Great tip Ana! Can you tell me why you found it baby friendly? 🙂

I love this! You guys have had some pretty awesome places – all the pictures are simply beautiful. That has to be one of the most memorable, not many people get to say that they have accomplished that! Great Job! and one more question How difficult is it to travel with a 2 month old baby?

A 2-month-old is EASY 🙂 They sleep a lot, they fall asleep anywhere and when they cry you can breastfeed. The hard months arrive once a baby is mobile.

Very interesting article about traveling of the baby. The traveling helps a baby to grow their physical and mental health. Baby strollers and prams are essential things during travel. Thank you for your well-written article.

Thanks for your comment Donna. Do you have a favorite destination that you love visiting with your baby?

I love to travel with my baby. Very interesting & informative post. Just lovely. Thanks a lot for sharing.

We traveled with our 7 month old to Florence and Tuscany and had an amazing time. People are incredibly friendly and helpful. If you get an Airbnb be careful for stairs!

Hi Matt, we love Italy because Italians love our kids! 🙂 We are actually heading to Italy for a 13 week trip early in 2019 – so excited!! Great tip with the stairs, I think it is important to ask that question in all European countries.

Great article. Thanks for sharing this post about best places to travel with baby. It’s very informative and helpful.

Korea is also really great for young children. Lots of kids’ cafes, people love children, most people in the big cities speak at least some English, safe, clean and quite cheap (compared to Japan).

Autumn (September/October) is the best time to come, summer is too hot, winter is too cold and there is often dirty air in spring. The autumn leaves are beautiful and sky is usually blue. The best area to visit is Gangwondo, to the north east.

Thanks for all those wonderful tips 🙂

I would suggest Portugal as well. People there love babies. If you’re pregnant or have a baby you have priority anywhere, from the queue at the supermarket to being seated at a restaurant. The country is beautiful, especially if you don’t just stay in the hyper touristy places like Algarve. Alentejo has great beaches and skies that go on forever and the further up North you go the cheaper it is, with some great hidden gems for both culture and nature.

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing and for giving some info on why you found it to be perfect for babies! We have actually had a few recommendations of Portugal, so might have to add it to the list 🙂

Jolene thank you for your list, we waiting for our baby and looking forward to starting travel with our boy.

Glad you like the info. Hope you have a great time once you can travel again 🙂 All best.

Thank you for the comment. Much appreciated it!

Thank you for the comment

Hi! Great post! Where would you recommend to travel with a 6 month old in December (internationally)? We would like the weather to be around 70F if possible as we are traveling from Minnesota and crave warmer weather in the winter months. Thanks!

Comments are closed.

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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!

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The best family holidays in Europe to take in 2024

By Lauren Burvill

A well executed family holiday can be difficult to get right. With adults seeking a rejuvenating escape, and children craving a dynamic adventure; trying to strike the balance can leave either party feeling short-changed and frustrated. Thankfully, there are a number of mesmerising hotels peppered throughout Europe that have mastered the art of family-holidaying. From providing all the practical equipment needed to keep tiny tots happy to creating moments of actual relaxation for exhausted parents, Condé Nast Traveller have selected the most idyllic stays that will satiate the travel-bug in all members of the family.

For more family-friendly stays in Europe, see our related guides:

• The best family friendly hotels in Greece
• The best family friendly hotels in Portugal
• The best family friendly hotels in Mallorca
• The best family friendly hotels in Ibiza
• The best family friendly hotels in Turkey
• The best family friendly hotels in Paris
• The best family ski resorts in Europe

La Pandilla

Ibiza, Spain

Something about the pool  and  beach combo ticks all the right boxes, so when chic French hotelier Sophie Berdah, of  Paris ’s hip Le Citizen, stumbled across a rough Salinas diamond – formerly Fred’s Finca – she pounced. La Pandilla (‘the gang’, in Spanish) is a clutch of 10 whitewashed casitas clustered around an oval pool just ten minutes from the ice-white slick of Salinas. The creamy, curvaceous casitas sleep from two to 10 (or rent the whole lot and bring 65 mates) and have been designed with extended families in mind and can be as private or as communal as you like. Terraces open onto lush tropical gardens stashed with mango, fig and lemon trees and the pool bar, with its all-day, local-produce menu and roster of visiting DJs, is the heart of the whole affair. The standout at La Pandilla, however, is the cult of creativity – regular workshops range from the artistic to avant-garde, with local experts shipped in to teach theatre, flamenco, knitting, painting, photography, cooking and ceramics in the two stylish studios. If games are more your thing, there are giant quoits and board games by the pool, or else hotfoot it down to Las Salinas itself for sailing, paddleboarding and kayaking for the kids, followed by cocktails and DJs for the grown-ups at newly revived ‘90s beachside icon, Hostal Mar y Sal. Maya Boyd

Price: Doubles from about £170

Porto Zante

Zakynthos, Greece

The promise of a villa that has all the bells and whistles of a hotel is pretty irresistible. The space, yes, the privacy too, but also the bed-making in your wake, the sweeping up of toys and trails of crumbs. So it’s surprising that this tucked-away spot on Zakynthos ’s green east coast, with its nine houses on a hillside above an immaculate bay, remains so under the radar. This is not driftwood, sun-faded, rustic Greece. Rooms are decked out in Armani Casa and Bang & Olufsen, with Bulgari soaps and lotions (and special kids’ versions) in the bathrooms, while outside teak sunbeds shaded by zingy, canary-yellow umbrellas surround each pool (stocked with a menagerie of inflatables plus baby pool seats and armbands). It’s the kind of supremely well-thought-out place that means for once there isn’t more luggage than people travelling. Cots, stairgates, pushchairs, highchairs are already there. Down on the beach are buckets, spades, diggers and wheelbarrows, with pedalos, paddle boards and sea canoes on standby for the energetic. The kids’ club is filled with craft materials and table-football games, and offers treasure hunts, mini zumba classes and smoothie-and-dance parties. In the evening, the lovely Vasiliki Bekioti can babysit while you slip down paths lined with bougainvillaea and giant geranium to Maya, the Asian restaurant with a terrace that juts out over the Ionian. But a restaurant that comes to you is much easier. Course after course can be set up at a white-linen-covered table under the pergola, the baby monitor still in range as you sip buttery Greek Chardonnay. Everything is seamless, in part because the owner is a perfectionist. Are the tempura oysters at Maya just-so crisp? Is the Roots Rakomelo, a honeyed digestif that tastes of Christmas, served at the ideal temperature? Is the sand on the beach swept in perpendicular lines? The answer here appears always to be yes.

Insider Tip: Being a parent is often backbreaking work, so book and have it tended to by masseuse Artemis Karavata in the open-sided spa room.

Price: Villas from about £2000 per night.

Puente Romano Beach Resort

Marbella, Spain

Wander out to the balcony around sunrise and beyond the bougainvillaea and ceiba flowers rustling in the breeze you’ll hear the Mediterranean rolling in. Built like a traditional Andalucian village with whitewashed walls, sky-blue ceramic tiles and winding terracotta pathways, Puente Romano opened in the late 1970s just down the Golden Mile from its older sister The Marbella Club. And after a series of refurbishments and embellishments – including a Six Senses spa, Nobu outpost and turbo-charged tennis club where Marko Djokovic (Novak's brother) is available for children’s coaching – it may even have the edge now. That's not to mention La Casita Club, a villa renovated and relaunched in 2022 to cater for five to 12-year-olds, offering events run by experts Sharky and George, an immersive escape room, cinema, Spanish lessons, pool and rooftop yoga classes. It joins the mini club for under fives and teen lounge, where adolescents can learn to DJ at the nightclub, take a sushi masterclass with Nobu’s Executive Chef Eleni Manousou or choreograph their own TikTok. While most of the best hotels in Marbella shout about their seclusion, this hotel is firmly rooted as a local hub – there will be a gang of cocktail-sipping marbellís and weekending madrileño couples strolling on the silver-sand beach. It is a busy machine of a place veiled as a laidback hangout.

Dawn beach yoga gives way to lazy breakfasts of mushroom omelettes, just-cut jamón and freshly squeezed orange juice at Bali -feel Sea Grill before a dip in one of the pools. The spa gets crazy booked up for its new CBD-based treatments (due to its new partnership with leading CBD brand Kloris), as do martial-arts sessions in the gym (the wellness and fitness programme is ever-changing). In the evening, as the sky swirls dusty pink, everyone gathers by the first-century Roman bridge at buzzy La Plaza. Punchy chilli-coconut Mojitos do the rounds; superstar Dani García’s team delivers wood-fired tapas, succulent steaks and now French dishes from his latest restaurant addition, Babette; and Nobu chef Eleni Manousou works magic with market-fresh produce in spinach and miso salads or spicy salmon maki. The sun-baked Costa del Sol sometimes gets short shrift, but for an all-singing, all-dancing, everything-at-your- fingertips break, this is about as reliable as it gets.

Insider tip: The surrounding landscape is spectacular: hike into the wild Sierra Blanca mountains, or escape to the deliciously quiet Sierra de las Nieves, set to become Spain’s 16th national park. It’s also perfectly placed for adventures around Andalucía – head to olive-growing Ronda, beachy barefoot Tarifa or arty Málaga.

Price: Junior Suites at Puente Romano Beach Resort start from about £351 per night for a family of three (two adults and one child aged four to 12-years-old), with breakfast included

Hillside Beach Club

Fethiye, Turkey

On a private cove of white sand, lapped by turquoise water and bookended by pine-forested cliffs, Hillside Beach Club is a completely dreamy beach hideaway designed with families in mind. Suites have adjoining rooms with shared terraces; there are six restaurants and bars, three beaches (one adults-only), and two spas, and the whole spot is utterly sublime… but the stand-out is the innovative roster of workshops and events for children and adults, among them BFI screenings, drumming workshops, silk painting, jazz yoga, live music on the beach and on a floating stage, while three kids clubs offer ents as diverse as DJing sessions for tweens, piano lessons for primary schoolers, plus sailing, diving, ebiking and tennis. A great option for only children who can meet new friends easily. Fethiye and all its outdoorsy diversions (hiking, paragliding, diving, ruins) are nearby. Laura Fowler

Price: Family rooms from £998 for three nights

Cretan Malia Park

Crete, Greece

A considered boho revamp has given this classic Crete hotel on the north-east shore of the island a second wind. Opened by the Sbokou family in the 1980s, with low-rise buildings set in tropical gardens of banana trees, palms and cacti, it is now drawing in a curious Euro crowd. On the private beach, Italian couples kick back and sunbathe, a bookish Parisian flicks through the latest Prix Goncourt-winning novel and a group of Germans order a round of Negronis. Little ones come out of the kids’ club giggling before splashing into the river-like swimming pool, racing for the pink-flamingo and crocodile inflatables. Teens hang out at The Place, with its hammock-strung outdoor cinema where parents are kindly invited not to come. The modernist spaces were cleverly designed more than three decades ago – despite having 204 rooms the property never feels overcrowded. Nature envelops it all: the many trees provide shade throughout the grounds and the grassy lawn makes everything smell cool and fresh even in the searing summer heat.

When Agapi and Costantza Sbokou undertook the complete renovation in 2019, they focused on sustainability and the Cretan soul of the place. Designer Vana Pernari opted for knocked-back tonal textures for the interiors with lots of ceramics, wood and stone, plus nature-inspired jungle green and Aegean blue alongside works by urban artists Thanassis and Dimitris Kretsis. Make a beeline for the deluxe family bungalows – with their built-in bunks and separate bedrooms for the grown-ups, they get snapped up early. At Mouries restaurant, the large open kitchen with a huge fireplace hosts cooking lessons using vegetables from the garden during the day and becomes a farm-to-table taverna after sunset. It’s lovely to feast on local flavours under the starry sky listening to the sound of the lyre. This is definitely an elegant new look for Malia.

Insider tip: Take your little Robinson Crusoes out to discover the secret gorges of Sarakina or trace the path of Victoria Hislop’s bestseller The Island , set on Spinalonga.

Price: Junior suites (sleeping 4) from about £245 per night.

Paphos, Cyprus

Paphos city and its melee may be moments from Almyra, but you’ll be hard-pressed to drag yourself from the hotel’s family comforts. Every age group is catered for, from the five freshwater pools – including one for kids, heated and partially shaded by a beautiful olive tree, and one sleek adults’-only option, some distance away – to tennis and swimming lessons for the easily bored, and the mighty, multi-spaced kids’ club. Split into groups from four months to teens, it guarantees the most attention-grabbing activities – from rather impressive art projects to exploring the nearby harbour and castle. It comes armed with every piece of kit a young human could possibly need, including the space-saving Baby Go Lightly service (also on offer at Anassa, which is owned by the same family), enabling you to pre-order most paraphernalia ahead, from car seats to swim nappies.

Parents can therefore shoot off stress-free to the adults’-only wellness spa for a spot of sage-smudging, meditation and massage. You actually want to spend time all together? Book an experience: maybe picking and pressing olive oil, or trekking to where Aphrodite met Adonis. The ultimate highlight here, however, is the food. From heavenly sushi and miso cod at cool Japanese-Mediterranean fusion spot Notios, to super-fresh fish and salads served with a serenade at beachside Cypriot restaurant Ouzeri, all dishes are wonderfully distant from nuggets. Somehow this reasonably priced family-owned hotel manages to be laidback enough for rambunctious crews, yet smart enough for grown-ups after a real escape.

Insider tip: Book a recently renovated, slick but simple sea-facing Kyma (or ‘wave’) room, and bring the monitor so you can disappear to its iconic white rooftop with a bottle of the local red during naptime. Becky Lucas

Price: Rooms from about £142

The Peligoni Club

You’d have heard the whispers from well-heeled SW families, the fact that a holiday with children can actually be fun and relaxing at The Peligoni Club. It’s because this place has everything you’d ever want for a multi-generational family trip - sprawling, souped-up villas where everyone can have their own rooms, with space to waft and throng around the pool, no set times for breakfast and dinner (you’ll want Villa Kyanos , a five-bedroomed linen-draped, driftwood-bedecked vision of muted, soothing tones with a view so mesmerising, it feels as if it floats above the water). Then there’s the actual club, wrapped in cypress and ancient olives with a laidback, easy-come-easy-go vibe that will see you and your gang realising this is the best break you’ve had in a long time, the little ones doing Nasa obstacle courses at the crèche and teens busily competing on the water and flirting on the pontoon, while you flop on a supersized sunlounger, toes tickling the turquoise Ionian as you peer over your paperback with a glass of the crispest Rosé de Léoube. It’s all so deliciously chilled, with sun-kissed staff catering to your every whim - but do head out to explore the famous shipwreck and eat in local tavernas such as La Storia in the port overlooking the sea, and the club’s sister restaurant, Mikro Nisi, a 15-minute salty-sea-in-the-hair boat ride away, which serves some of the freshest grilled octopus and prawns you’ll ever eat. Annabelle Spranklen

Price: Membership from £185 per person in low season to £525 in high season. Accommodation rates vary, from £620 per week ( Mimi’s B&B ) to £14,500 per week at villa Figari .

Bolzano, Italy

You sense a unique vibe at Sonnwies, an exclusively family-only wellness, ski and farm hotel when you first arrive. Perhaps it’s down to the mutual understanding shared by all the adults-with-hangers-on here. It’s a place for parents who want to enjoy the finer things in life no matter how many boundary-pushing blow-ups their toddlers or teens may have in store, such as the slopes of UNESCO World Heritage Site the Dolomites, organic fine dining and drinking, and luxurious but eco-friendly design. Fortunately, the many creative activities on offer in the phenomenal Kids’ and Babies’ clubs are likely to stop oncoming tantrums in their tracks, from pony rides and alpaca-patting to finding breakfast eggs at the little farm and taking part in productions in the huge theatre. Access to a 900m-long slope and lift comes included, with private ski lessons easily arranged for those aged two-and-a-half and up. Besides the farm fare, wine, fruit and cheese rooms, the daily afternoon tea, cakes and soft-scoop ice cream on tap, Sonnwies’ very highest highlight is its five pools, including a shallow option with cinema screen, speedy, screamy slides and an indoor-outdoor heated pool from which steam dreamily wafts, ideally situated for swimmers to marvel at the snow-capped mountains nearby, or fire-pit come nightfall. Becky Lucas

Price: Family rooms from about £530 per night based on two adults and two children sharing a Double Room on a half-board basis

Caitlin Morton

Connor Sturges

María Casbas

Olivia Morelli

Halkidiki, Greece

While Sani Resort as a whole, with its stellar reputation, is a failsafe option for exhausted parents any time between May and October (and even better for those with under-fours who can avoid school holidays), picking which part of the sprawling set-up to stay in is trickier. Look to Porto Sani, tucked away in the lush manicured grounds like a secret hangout. What it lacks in beach frontage it more than makes up for with bobbing-boat views and finger-clicking-quick access to the shops and restaurants of the marina. Following a recent refurb of the hotel – rooms now channel a stripped-back, sun-bleached palette with pale duck-egg blues, abstract seascapes on the walls, and hessian and rattan making an appearance in the sitting rooms. And while that all sounds nerve-rackingly easy for children to trash, this is actually one of the most family-friendly parts of the complex.

Kids go wild for the looping, lagoon-like swimming pools; there is a mass of choice when it comes to rooms (suites, extra bedrooms, interconnecting, with a garden, with a pool); and Annabel Karmel makes a starry appearance on all the menus. The gelateria is a 30-second scoot away, as is a brilliant supermarket for picking up any forgotten essentials – although you’ll find practically everything you need in your room. There is a kind of village vibe here, with children forming little tribes, ordering their own juices from the bar, plotting and planning to go into the kids’ club at the same time. It’s hard to ask for more than that.

Insider Tip: Do pre-book dinner reservations before you even get on the plane. It sounds nuts, but if you want that sunset slot at gorgeous sushi restaurant Katsu or at the pretty taverna Ouzerie in Sani Club, you need to be on the ball.

Price: Doubles from about £295

One&Only Portonovi

Portonovi, Montenegro

Mountains, pine forests and preserved medieval villages ring the sumptuous, fjord-like Bay of Kotor. More recently, slick superyacht marinas have been popping up along the shore. The latest is Portonovi Village, home to the first European outpost of the glossy One&Only marque that is more often seen on the beaches of Mauritius and the Maldives . It has pulled out all the stops here. Children start the day devouring doughnuts at breakfast before joining the melée at KidsOnly, a club for treasure hunts and telescope making, science labs, and stick-raft building.

Parents lurk by the pool in Chanel beachwear, ordering Veuve Clicquot by 11am. The most health-conscious focus on recalibration in the heavyweight Chenot Espace, which offers medical-grade diagnostics and transformative treatments from wellness pioneer Henri Chenot. While the Chenot diet is legendary, and effective, it would be a shame to miss out on all the other sensational food (and perhaps foolish to attempt a detox on a family holiday). Sabia turns out the best Italian dishes this side of the Adriatic – don’t skip pizza-making in the kitchen. In summer, the kids’ club is open for movie nights on request, meaning parents can slip off to sushi suppers at the Tapasake Club. It’s not often that indulgence can be this family-friendly.

Price Doubles from about £315

Sicily, Italy

An evergreen beachside hangout, this hotel in Sicily was a labour of love for Rocco Forte and his sister Olga Polizzi when it opened more than a decade ago on the south-west coast. The huge estate between the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and the fishing village of Sciacca remains as slick as ever. Its architecture, a pared-back, modernist affair, has stood the test of time, the whitewashed buildings sitting strong in the rugged landscape dotted with olive groves and fragrant citrus trees. New this summer are 20 Hollywood Hills-style villas with private pools, and while they might look terribly grown-up, with earthy tones of terracotta and ochre and handcrafted ceramics, they come kitted out with night lights, safety plugs, baby baths and other crucial paraphernalia. The whole place is subtly but deftly geared towards the smaller members of the family.

Fussy eaters won’t have anything to complain about, feasting on spaghetti al pomodoro on colourful, unsmashable plates at Liolà trattoria. Food miles are minimal – the fish at all four restaurants is fresh from the sea. Extra energy is burnt off in the sports clubs where professionals train in everything from football to windsurfing, on the tennis courts, dive-bombing into the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and cycling around the 230-hectare grounds, which are flat enough to navigate with a buggy. The kids’ club is full of singing-and-dancing Sicilian Mary Poppins organising fun and games. Toddlers can take naps in a cool sleep room while parents have theirs under the parasols on the sandy beach or on a treatment bed in the state-of-the-art spa. Smart, easy to get to and high-octane, this may be where Diane von Furstenberg, Leonardo DiCaprio and Bradley Cooper come to attend Google Camp, but it’s also a laidback refuge for those looking for some vitamin D-fuelled downtime and to feel the sea breeze on the whole family’s skin.

Insider Tip: Carve out at least a few wellness-focused hours – the spa is quietly up there with the very best in Italy . Alongside serious results-driven programmes Rocco’s daughter Irene Forte has created a menu of facials using her own natural skincare line made with olive oil, nuts and herbs grown on Verdura’s farm.

Price: Doubles from about £385

Andronis Arcadia

Santorini, Greece

Much of the whitewashed hotels on Santorini are confined to honeymoon-worthy adult-only stays, which is why Andronis Arcadia – one of five Andronis properties on the island – is a real find for families. There's no scrimping regarding swoon-worthy good looks – suites here retain the island's authenticity, with bright-white-meets-earthy-neutral interiors composed as if they've been carved out of the rock itself. With only suites and villas, there's room for the whole crew – the largest villa sleeps up to 12. All open out onto private infinity pools. There are three more sweeping pools on the property (including one for kids) to choose from, each cascading down the caldera and offering a unique perspective. Activities for tinies are in keeping with the hotel's nature-loving ethos – yoga, family cooking classes and a kid's club with a considered focus on holistic learning. Dining options include the Pacman Sunset Restaurant, where the sushi menu is a standout, and the Beef Bar, which, as the name suggests, specialises in carnivorous street food, plus a decent selection of vegetarian options. The staff here are what really brings the magic to life, though. Ever accommodating, especially to our son, knowledgeable and passionate about making your stay peaceful and personal. Tanya Fernandes

Saint-Tropez, France

The hedonistic charms in this part of France are particularly famous, and this glorious Saint Tropez hotel offers the perfect invitation to flop beneath olive trees amid the soothing peace of a 30-acre estate away from the main event. The fairy-tale château, the latest Mediterranean opening from the group behind Le Grand Contrôle in Versailles, is all turrets and cupolas with a sun-blazed ochre façade.

The suites spoil with sea or pool views, Ralph Lauren homewares and citrus products from Parisian perfumer Blaise Mautin. Creative dining panders to every tantrum and tiredness level: Italian in the Carrara bistro, real McCoy Provençal at the Thirties L’Auberge des Maures (which moved here from downtown St Tropez last year) or pan-Asian at Nobu-partnered Matsuhisa (kudos for the DJ and itinerant magician). Seafood and cocktails with lavender, thyme and other local herbs seduce guests in the superlative beach club on A-lister Plage de Pampelonne. But where are all les enfants? Having a ball at the kids’ club extraordinaire, a palatial villa with activity rooms (Lego kingdom, arcade games, art studio, pottery workshop, cinema, you name it), trampolines, tennis courts, a treehouse, pirate-ship playground and smart outdoor pool.

Price: Doubles from about £361

Tuscany, Italy

“There will be wolves,” was all the incentive needed to stir enthusiasm in my perma-wired boys, aged 10 and 13, for a few nights at Oasyhotel, a new collection of sixteen Scandinavian-inspired wooden lodges perched 3,600 feet up a mountain in the Tuscan Apennines. As we sat around a campfire on our first evening, mesmerised by the crystal-clear sky, the wolves felt tantalisingly close, even if seeing these elusive animals in daylight is rare. Wolves spotted: zero, but the deep nature immersion had a magnetic pull regardless. The entire site is a World Wide Fund for Nature reserve, with regenerative principles at its core, so wildlife, including deer, wild boar and foxes, roams free. But the real magic was the thrill of whizzing up and down mountain trails at speed: we were kitted out with electric bikes on arrival.

This former hunting estate is set in more than 2,470 acres of wild-flower meadows and beech and pine forests. We visited in deepest autumn, but in the summer a lake offers swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking. For grateful parents, there is yoga and an on-site spa offering transportative massages. And for kids, the young and utterly charming staff brought a relaxed and fun energy, even during the swanky dinners in Le Felci, one of two restaurants. The ecological ethos extends to the food: 70 per cent of the produce used at the hotel comes from the mountain, so breakfast included the estate’s own organic yoghurts, cheeses, jams and juices, while dinners were mostly rich, hearty and meaty Tuscan dishes of pork, rabbit and beef. The younger and pickier guests among us were plied with fantastic burgers, cotoletta cutlets and fries on repeat. Less popular with my snowflakes was a morning spent making caciotta cheese in the dairy (my idea of heaven), but feeding the farm’s Limousin cattle next door distracted them. It’s hard to imagine cows having this transfixing effect at home, but on the mountain, nature wove its magic. Clare Coulson

Price: Doubles from £370

Praia do Canal

Aljezur, Portugal

You’ll find Praia do Canal where the drama of the Atlantic pounds limestone cliffs and surfers dot the waves. This is Portugal’s wild west coast , and the resort sits just inland on its own 500 acres, in a protected spot with scope for exploring. Praia do Canal’s particular beauty lies in its privileged sense of space. There are paths to follow through the forest; bicycles to ride down bumpy tracks to a pebbled beach; and expanses of verdant lawns beyond the seemingly never-ending infinity pool.

The subtle kasbah aesthetic that pervades the airy, modern and somewhat minimalist rooms is a nod to the Algarve’s Moorish heritage. Two-bedroom family suites lead to lawns inset with private pools so parents can keep a close eye on splashing children. Regional dishes such as codfish and chickpea purée and veal with sweet-potato chips blend vague familiarity with new tastes for young palates (or there’s always wood-fired pizzas), while local products are to the fore for parents: cheeses from Odemira, Serpa and Evora; the black pork of Barrancos and Estremoz; fish from the sea at the end of the gardens.

Cocktails made with fruit from a strawberry tree at the Medronho Bar and an Elemis-stocked spa with glass walls that appear to melt into the leafy landscape complete the parent-pleasing picture. All together, this is one of the best family hotels in Portugal .

Price: Doubles from about £155

Kimpton Aysla Mallorca

Mallorca, Spain

One of Aysla’s key attractions isn’t mentioned on the website or by the concierge. Each morning, on the golf driving range adjoining the Mallorca hotel , a teenager trundles a buggy up and down, arms outstretched to scoop up golf balls. The Pac-Man-esque diligence becomes a daily fixture for me and my son, watching from the balcony sunbeds. “Yes,” we agree, “that would be an excellent job to have.” We’re on the southern side of Mallorca here, but not directly on the coast; instead tucked away on a residential hillside enclave beloved of local families, with the busy sands of Santa Ponsa just five minutes’ drive away. Aysla is American group Kimpton’s debut opening in Spain , and the branding is subtle: designed by Mallorcan architect Guillermo Reynés, both the main hub (in the former hacienda-style golf club) and the clean-cut, modernist bedroom wing act as showcases for the island’s artisans.

Hammock chairs and bulbous ceramics here, geometric tiles and woven lampshades there, and a curiously feminine installation with layers of silk like an oyster shell sitting above the check-in desk. Outside, little paths wind past pomegranate and olive trees, punctuated by wicker seats and benches so that, at night, the garden resembles a fairy grotto. You can venture out on the hotel’s e-bikes to experience the cheap thrills of Santa Ponsa and the smart marina at Puerto Portals, where there’s a quieter beach, but mainly this is a place to lie back and let the island do its thing. Aysla opened last autumn, and this season will bring T-shirt-painting and ceramics sessions, along with a Mediterranean grill, though the Asian restaurant is great for sushi-curious teens (there are seats at the counter where we watch chefs slice tuna and stir-fry bibimbap). We’ve never been to a small hotel with so many pools – two outside and one inside – which we hop between like Burt Lancaster in The Swimmer, playing skimball and reading books in our cabana. Surprisingly for Mallorca , the island where modern tourism was invented, there are few other resorts open year-round, making this a no-brainer for quick-fix, out-of-season holidays. Rick Jordan

Price: Doubles from £250

Elix, part of Mar-Bella Collection

Igoumenitsa, Greece

You should choose to arrive at Elix by private boat transfer from Corfu . Even the surliest adolescent will be exhilarated by the Mediterranean breeze, the coves and caves and secluded beaches. Like a hidden Bond villain’s lair, the hotel, opened in 2021, emerges from the pine-covered hillside, with a funicular running down to the cream-coloured sands of Karavostasi beach. In another life, this was a favourite hangout of German campervanners. Today it’s one of the best beach hotels in Europe , home to inviting sunbeds and a slick beach restaurant and bar, Azure.

Helping to cut down the list of what to pack when travelling with a baby , the hotel provides strollers and baby monitors, plus has a well-stocked shop and heated and shaded children’s pool. The hotel draws on its surroundings, with complimentary sailing tasters and snorkelling around underwater meadows, hiking, yoga and mountain biking on land. A London creative events company organises everything from star gazing to Greek mythology games for children come summer. Choose from nine family-room options, some with panoramic private pools or two storeys – all of them, like the rest of the hotel, comfortable but super smart; beachy but beautifully pared back. Becky Lucas

Ikos Andalusia

Málaga, Spain

As you cycle along the boardwalk that leads to Estepona, it’s fun to peek over walls at the other hotels and villas – a Malibu-like jumble of architectural styles that track Marbella ’s evolution. Ikos arrived in 2021 with a fresh approach and an aquatic symmetry – buildings are set either side of four main swimming pools, leading down to the beach – that would have the designers of the Alhambra tipping their hat. Dolphin inflatables and pool-side rosé appear throughout the day, the day’s newsletter perused – aqua aerobics at 9am, perhaps, with football for teens before lunch.

This is the brand’s first hotel outside Greece, but it’s the smartest, an Ibizan-style chiringuito writ large in white walls, rattan and straw lampshades. Ikos’s great idea was to redefine the all-inclusive concept for those who’d never normally consider it. Room service and bottles of Taittinger are covered, as is a round of golf if desired, and there’s an urban buzz to the many restaurants, mostly devised by Michelin-grade chefs (try the Spanish and Greek first), and bars (cocktails by Shoreditch-based Marian Beke). What’s more, guests are encouraged to connect with the region. A day’s Mini Cooper rental is thrown in and the all-inclusive perks are extended to local restaurants, meaning you never feel hemmed in. The only downside is the Melissa Odabash kaftans in the pool shop are not included.

Price: Garden view room (sleeps 4), from £1,082 per night all inclusive. Minimum 5 night stay.

Anassa is supremely beautiful. A glossy supermodel of an estate and one of the best hotels in Cyprus , it cascades down the Paphos hillside like flowing golden Champagne, a mirage of effortlessly chic, traditional white buildings with blue shutters and terracotta roofs, manicured gardens and gently swaying trees, infinity pools, lush lawns and cappuccino-shade sands. But your kid doesn’t care about any of that. What they do care about is the daily breakfast and supper banquets, where tribes of children dart excitedly between buffet tables, wondering how long they have to wait before they can hit the spectacular spread of kids’ puddings (so good the adults go in for its ice cream with all the toppings too). They care about the toys magicked up on the beach, the zoo trips, pottery lessons and baking at the excellent kids’ club open to babies from just four months, or the self-captained boat trips they can paddle off on (along with their adults), out into the serene, memory-forming Mediterranean blue.

Parents, meanwhile, are passionate about the hotel’s suitcase-saving Baby Go Lightly service, which ensures all holiday-changing essentials, from baby wipes to buggies, are on-hand upon arrival, the early restaurant sittings, evening kids’ activities and babysitting options. It’s no wonder so many families return year after year to this now decades’-old dream of a destination, until one generation slides into another. By Becky Lucas

Price: Rooms from about £450

Corfu, Greece

If you tremble at the thought of battling families at a heaving resort of buffets and evening cabaret, this private Greek Island villa experience has all the perks of a hotel with none of the crowds. Nestled in the quiet hillside of North East Corfu ’s undiscovered San Stefano region, the Villa Ines boasts a stunning infinity pool overlooking the Ionian Sea. A short and windy drive down the mountain lands you in a charming fishing village, where cafes serve up plates of fresh seafood and homemade delicacies while the waves lap at your feet.

The villa itself features five modern bedrooms, seven bathrooms and an outhouse – perfect for grandparents – and is ideal for families with older children who don’t need to be watched around the pool, or teenagers looking for the perfect Instagram shot. A chef is on hand to provide breakfast and a main meal from an impressive menu designed for you each day, leaving you and the crew to truly unwind and spend quality time together.

Insider tip: The villa is remote, so for anyone with itchy feet – a rental car to take you to nearby villages and hiking trails is essential.

Prices: From £8,750 per week including a private chef and a cleaning service

Limassol, Cyprus

If you’re the sort of parent who likes to be reminded that you’re still cool, you’ve probably had one beady eye on this hotel opening. Nobu Matsuhisa chose its designers – New York’s Rockwell Group, along with SB Architects and WA Interiors – as one of his conditions before agreeing to open his restaurant, Matsuhisa Limassol, here.

Everything is contemporary and subtly masculine. However, the stylish aesthetic doesn’t render the place child-repellent. The hotel is shrewdly divided into two wings. One is adults-only with a spa. The other, open to families, has a cosy crèche and shiny, well-stocked kids’ club. There are separate infinity-pool areas for grown-ups and children, while baby bathtubs and bottle warmers can be borrowed free of charge. Excellent babysitters can also be arranged should you wish to reclaim your evenings. Amara has two big-gun restaurants: Michelin- grade Ristorante Locatelli, with possibly the best beach views in all of Cyprus, and Nobu’s ultra-cool Japanese-Peruvian outpost. Believe it or not, children are made to feel extremely welcome at both, no matter how much food they may be splattering, with the friendly team happy to cater to any whims. By Becky Lucas

Price: Doubles from about £251

Six Senses Ibiza

The understated, haute-bohemian Six Senses was the most significant Ibiza hotel opening of last year, and it raises the game for the entire Balearics with its legions of staff, immaculate interiors and impossibly cerulean views. Set in the far north, it is not just physically removed from the action, but feels a world away from the posadas that pump out poolside techno. Merging with lush gardens bursting with pomegranate, pomelo and quince trees, the family-friendly junior suites (which can fit up to two children) are prepped with bespoke mid-century-modern furniture to please the adults and a fenced terrace that will contain crawling babies.

While grown-ups are enjoying the contemporary Middle Eastern cooking at the open-air HaSalon or sushi at BondSt, the kids’ club offers the earthy activities one might expect from Six Senses, such as yoga and art made from recycled food, while older children can join apothecary classes where fragrant lotions are mixed from their home-grown herbs, or have a junior reflexology treatment in the spa. Hotel cars are available for safe passage to that first trip to Pacha. No, you are not invited. Just cross your fingers and hold on till dawn.

Price: Doubles from about £300

Ostergotland, Sweden

Ulrika Krynitz and Håkan Strotz have been running a farm here at Odeshög since 1993 and their extraordinary hideaway, three hours east of Gothenburg , is bound up in their love of the environment. Meaning ‘inspired by nature’, the eco -lodge takes you right to the heart of it, with 10 fairy-tale treehouses and turf-roofed wooden huts buried deep in the forest. The handbuilt cabins are cosy and – most importantly – have no electricity. The idea is to embrace a stripped-back existence in all its simplicity: if it’s dark, light a candle; if it’s cold, start the fire. That simplicity is a guiding factor, with composting loos, resident chickens and a complete lack of screens, but that’s not to say this spot isn’t special or delightful. It has all the best elements of nature right here: clear water to swim in, a marked trail lined with wild strawberries, the sound of birds to wake you up. For city dwellers needing a biophilic lift, this is it.

The main clubhouse, where breakfast is served, is a two-minute walk past horse paddocks and sheep pastures. Beyond, Lake Visjö glitters in the early-morning light, waiting to be explored with canoes and paddleboards. The sauna is ready, piping hot, on your return. Vegetarian food is included on a cook-it-yourself basis, much of it grown in the nearby vegetable patch by Krynitz and her gang; local meat, beers and wine are also available. In the evening, a medley of adults stir pots over crackling fires and share cooking tips in the semi-open kitchen barn while children tumble in hammocks and make new friends. Occasional activities might involve Strotz gathering the kids to pick wild cherries or collect eggs, but overall everyone’s free to roam and enjoy the Scandinavian landscape in a relaxed and thoughtful way. It’s a true rewilding experience.

Insider Tip: Swedish midges can be fierce and ticks are prevalent in this part of the country, so pack insect repellent and long-sleeved T-shirts.

Price: Cabins for a family of four from about £232 per night, full board (minimum two nights)

Stari Grad, Croatia

One of last year’s most interesting but under-the-radar openings in the Med is this hideout on the rocky coastline of Hvar . Not one of Dubrovnik ’s grandes dames, or the more barefoot lo-fi hotels that dot the islands, but something in between. The positioning is high end, high level, high expectations, but with a 21st-century spin and sustainability at the forefront. From a distance, the low-rise wood-clad buildings are barely distinguishable from the earthy green of the Aleppo pine and olive trees – natural building materials were integral to architect Tomislav Alujević’s design. Inside, everything is open and minimal: sheer linen curtains divide the lobby and library, and a huge slab of Brać stone makes up the reception desk. Interiors don’t distract from the sea outside; the hypnotically blue swipe of Adriatic is glimpsed through every window. It’s this water you will be drawn to for snorkelling, kayaking and exploring the many swimming spots.

For those happier on dry land, the kids’ club hosts cooking classes and climbing-wall sessions, plus farm tours and tree planting. During the day, everyone pads around in their swimsuits, wandering up from sunbathing decks or the saltwater pool for a long lunch. Local ingredients are given an Asian edge; if the menu begins to feel a little limited after a few days, stroll to town for a hearty supper. There are cycling and trekking routes through lavender fields, as well as wine and olive-oil tastings at nearby producers, but if you’d rather stay horizontal the spa treatments incorporating sound healing and reiki are very good. Come nightfall, the vibe turns sultry; cocktails served in golden glasses, dinner by candlelight. If you’re staying in one of the villas, definitely book the babysitter and room service for the children.

Insider tip: Try guided meditation for the whole family in the organic garden to the soothing soundtrack of cicadas and rolling waves.

Price: Doubles from about £365

The Unbound

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

This is where the cool Dutch crew pop to for a countryside blast, but amazingly it’s only a 30-minute cycle ride from the capital’s central Grachtengordel neighbourhood. Another world appears at the outskirts of Amsterdam -West as the landscape changes from canals, bikes and medieval architecture to green polders, ever-changing widescreen skies and fresh breezes blowing in off the North Sea. At The Unbound young families rent a cabin for the weekend to unwind. Children quickly clamber straight to the natural playground and forget that thing called the iPad ever existed while their parents sink glasses of wine on the sunny deck or nip between the barrel sauna and the dip bath overlooking the pond. Don’t come expecting the pizzazz of Soho Farmhouse – things are pretty relaxed but incredibly comfortable.

The forward-thinking, architect-designed free-standing cabins, made from sustainable European wood, sit on stilts and are linked by boardwalks. Interiors are stylishly pulled together by Studio Pistache, with a vintage Ligne Roset Togo sofa, exclusively designed fabrics and merino-wool blankets. The family-friendly lodges include The Lighthouse, which has its own hot tub, The Barn, modelled on traditional farm buildings, and The Wikkel, partially constructed from cardboard. There is cabin service, which means it’s possible to order in for breakfast, lunch and supper, or pootle to The Daily shop, fully stocked with wine and food, for supplies to bake your own margheritas in the outdoor pizza ovens. But the hub of the place is The Unbound restaurant. Devised by Swiss chef Ralph Schelling, who has worked for big names such as Ferran Adrià and Heston Blumenthal, dishes are inspired by the produce from the organic vegetable fields. Yet there’s no need to dress for dinner. Kick back, relax and no one will bat an eyelid at muddy wellies under the table.

Insider tip: Visit the neighbouring farm, Fruittuin van West, where the bounty of fruit takes pick-your-own to the next level.

Price: Cabins for a family of four from about £225 per night

Les Hortensias Du Lac

Landes, France

Life is sweet on the shores of Lake Hossegor, a few hundred yards from the rollers that draw surfers from around the world to this south-west corner. Both rugged and cool, the Landes region is usurping the nearby Basque Country in the hearts of Parisians. They come here with their children for August holidays to sidestep the chi-chi hotspots of Ile de Ré and Juan-les-Pins, to roam the countryside and have space to plant their parasols on the beach. This classic hotel, tucked into the pines, was taken over and transformed by the Domaines de Fontenille group: after a top-to-toe renovation it now looks like a kind of mid-century-modern Hamptons surf lodge. The restaurant with its bulb-string-lit terrace serves up a sunny menu of pan-fried squid, mussels and hay-roasted chicken.

Bedrooms are light and bright, and downstairs whisky decanters and loose-covered sofas have made way for jute rugs on polished-concrete floors, decorative surfboards stacked in a corner, cane benches and velvet footstools. It feels smart, but also somewhere for wet footprints coming in from the pool or sandy toes from the beach. And the real focus is the sea. The surf clubs that run along La Côte d’Argent offer lessons to everyone from first-timers to near-pros, and there are all sorts of surf competitions and festivals to watch, as well as paddle-boarding on the lake and yoga back at the hotel. A fresh way to tap into the salty-haired vibe of the area, but without the villa hassle of having to cook supper or make the beds.

Insider tip: The hotel rents out electric bikes that are great fun to take on the 25-mile cycle track that runs up to Seignosse, and back round via Capbreton – a top spot to grab a café au lait or fresh juice.

Price: Doubles from about £234

Les Maisons de Campagne

Ile-de-France, France The fairy-tale Château de Villiers-le-Mahieu looks on first appearance like any other obscenely romantic, 17th-century French country house: clipped yew trees, a glassy moat and a portico with pretty turrets peeking out. But inside, the atmosphere is more hip house party with pops of kitsch; industrial-look lighting and wild wallpapers lend style. Here, paying upfront and not sweating the small stuff is done the slick way, designed to appeal to Parisian families for whom it’s just an hour’s journey. Previous creator Guillaume Multrier has form with this variety of fun-luxe, opening the first Folie Douce après-ski hotel in 2019 in Chamonix, where acrobats twirl on rings in the lobby. Though it’s not quite so ‘extra’ here, trampolines on the lawn demonstrate that a similar sense of merry-making pervades. But the focus is on unfussy pleasures: rowing on the moat and borrowing bicycles to explore nearby towns. At the pool, baskets of armbands are one of many thoughtful touches that act as analgesics on stressed parents. Food is of course a self-serve affair, but very nicely done with colourful salads, rich dauphinoise, and dorada sizzled on the barbecue out back. Then, as the shadows lengthen, grown-ups retreat to the pétanque pitch. Everything is chilled, and life is sweet. Insider tip: Babysitting services are available

Price: Doubles from about £277

Bonnelles, France

French country hotels have traditionally tended to be stand-on-ceremony château-grand or heavily upholstered floral-chintz classics. Not places, really, for those prone to tantrums. Which is why this laid-back spot – a cluster of reimagined old barns, like a stripped-back Soho Farmhouse or countrified Hoxton, on the 200-hectare Le Haras de La Cense equestrian estate 40 minutes outside Paris – was such an exciting opening. It seems the boho Marais folk agree: on weekends it’s packed out with couples in matching Ray-Bans soaking in the Nordic baths and Carven-clad parents with artful tattoos chasing toddlers around the lobby. Franco-American owner William Kriegel teamed up with two clever collaborators to make Le Barn’s studied ease so on point: Edouard Daehn of the Marugal hotel group (Cap Rocat, Mallorca ; Gecko, Formentera) and Paris design agency Be-Pôles, which had a hand in The NoMad hotels in New York and LA , and the French Riviera hotel Les Roches Rouges. Rooms have a Shakerist, functional minimalist design: Barbour-fabric curtains, enamel mugs and plates, retro camping chairs. Activities are an all-get-stuck-in affair: bikes with child seats already installed are propped outside the front door, guarded by hotel dog Clark. There’s a rowing boat on the little lake, mini orange life jackets flung over the bench next to it, plus a pirate-and-princess-filled dressing-up box and plenty of paths for rambles through the surrounding forest. Saturdays see more planned events, from mural workshops to archery trials. Naturally, horses are a big part of the action: the smallest riders (from age three) bob along on mini Shetland ponies, and graceful shire horses take the whole gang out for a carriage ride before supper at La Serre greenhouse restaurant. This is the rural good life, with a hefty dose of nonchalant Parisian cool.

Insider Tip: Babysitting can be arranged, but no one bats an eyelid at kids doing sticker books under the table past 10pm.

Price Doubles from about £175

Santa Marina

Mykonos, Greece

Remember announcing pre-parenthood that having children wouldn’t change your holidays? This could be as close as you’ll ever get to realising that statement, without actually leaving the little ones at home. Looking out from the deck of the bar across the water, the DJ’s house music playing discreetly in the background, it feels like you might just have beaten the system. The hotel sums up Greek chic. A family-run classic hideout, it was treated to a full refurbishment a few years ago by the owner, Christiana Papageorgiou. Out went the traditional taupe and in came coral artwork, bamboo furniture, basket lamps and vintage-style travelling trunks. Unlike the town’s party beaches and narrow streets, it is not short on space. Tiny tantrums are easily hidden; there is room to run around. Vast rattan day beds with hoods are great for lunchtime snoozes under super-size beach towels. Lunch is served as early as you want, and there’s a constant stream of fruit smoothies and ice cream by the pool. Forget bringing the buggy: there is a lift to all levels of the estate, which is cut rather impressively into the rocks. There is also a sleek boat that zips around the island to the beach clubs, so no time is wasted on winding roads in Greek taxis. Not that there is any reason to leave. This is the only private stretch of sand on Mykonos , and it’s all yours. Beach attendants are incredibly friendly and attentive, despite the obligatory dark glasses and swagger, and there is no shortage of sunbeds, front row or otherwise. The sceney Buddha-Bar attracts plenty of private yachters coming ashore, so parents more accustomed to spooning lobster spaghetti into kids’ mouths can still get a small hit of the party vibe.

Insider Tip: If you have pre-school children go in September just after the new term has started. The island itself will still be in full flow but it will be much easier to make reservations at beach-club restaurants.

Price Doubles from about £445

Cabu by the Lakes

Co Cavan, Ireland

It is fair to say that this is one of Ireland ’s undiscovered counties. The lake-strewn swathe of countryside always seemed to be on the way to somewhere else. Not so any more – the recent arrival of Cabü by the Lakes has put its tranquil charms firmly on the map. Surrounded by the bosky beauty of the Killykeen Forest Park and overlooking Lough Oughter, this cluster of hipster hideaways embraces the great outdoors with its riff on the rustic retreat. A two-hour drive from both Dublin and Belfast , this is where you will find clued-up Irish families eager to immerse themselves in nature. Its wooden huts, loft and lake houses are dotted among trees and a wildflower meadow, and interiors tap into the cabin-in-the-woods trope with kilims, woollen blankets and vintage botanical prints. There are fully stocked kitchens, wood-burning stoves and barbecues, but also Netflix- enabled TVs and Wi-Fi for rainy days. Children can run wild in the 100-acre, car-free grounds and there is direct access to the hiking and biking trails of the forest park. The jetty by the lake has boats and fishing rods for hire to explore the waterlogged landscape of islands, lakes and channels that teem with swans, ducks and fish. Given the unpredictability of the weather, The Sitooterie is a clever call – an inside-outside space with twinkling fairy lights, cosy blankets, comfy chairs and a blazing fire to keep chills at bay. The snappily curated Cabü Corner sells coffee and groceries, as well as homeware, gifts and books. Drop into the Cabin Club for an Aperol Spritz or eat every meal there, taking advantage of the all-day menu and Argentine-style night-time grills. There are also hot tubs and saunas, or steal into the woods for Japanese -style forest bathing surrounded by the swaying trees. This is a Swallows and Amazons fantasy but with all the frills.

Insider tip: Rent kayaks and paddle out to the romantic Clough Oughter, a ruined 13th-century castle on a tiny artificial island known as a crannóg in the middle of the lake.

Price: Cabins from about £370 for two nights

Casa la Siesta

Cádiz , Spain

Arriving here with children feels akin to smuggling a toddler into a nightclub: very much not the done thing. The hotel is a grown-up hideaway of stepped lawns and terraces, winding paths and olive and citrus trees sunk into a cleft between dusty hills. Tables for two sit beneath draped vines, and garden nooks are set with day beds for afternoon snoozing. In other words, a retreat where wheeling swifts are the only thing dive-bombing the saltwater pool. For a few weeks a year, however, they elbow out the couples to let families in, with activities that stretch from circus skills and mobile-making to trampolining and pool games, all overseen by a tomboyish childcare whizz and her team. There’s an imaginative children’s menu plus all the pool inflatables, bubbles and glitter they could ever want (and someone else to clear it up). Complimentary babysitters will relieve you of your charges for an hour or two so you can drink wine and read a sentence of your book before dozing off in the shade. These weeks are the brainchild of the hotel’s owners, Lee and Amelia Thornley, who run the design studio Bert & May and, being parents themselves, are well-versed in the challenges of family holidays. The nine-room finca has been deliciously restored in a restrained, rustic style, with tactile plaster walls, antique dressers, stone arches, iron balustrades, and airy rooms with balconies and bathtubs. For larger families there’s the new two-bedroom villa, The Stables, set away from the hotel but with a direct phone line to reception, so room service can be ordered. Or there’s a three-bedroom casita with its own pool and terrace, and – better yet – a yurt for grumpy teens. This is a supremely clever choice for anyone with a phobia of big, all-singing-all-dancing resorts.

Insider tip: Baby monitors reach the courtyard, so you can eat under the stars without having to troop back to the room to check on little ones.

Price: Doubles from about £156

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The most beautiful hotels in Europe for baby friendly holidays

Sunny days are here and they bring with them the desire to escape to other horizons. The gentle warm summer wind blows the scent of the holidays on you… and a new member has joined the family! There are so many good reasons to plan your holiday with baby. Whether you come from France, Belgium or Switzerland, discover with us the most beautiful destinations in Italy, Greece or Spain, where you can stay with your newborn.

W hy Europe? Quite simply because we recommend that you give preference to the sea or the countryside with your baby, and opt for destinations located a few hours away from your home. We’ve set our sights on the Old Continent, a vast region with rich and varied landscapes, where you can discover top-of-the-range baby-friendly hotels.

1. Frequently asked questions

How to prepare a trip with baby?

The first smile, the first words, the first steps… all these little moments will remain forever engraved in your memory, just like his or her first holidays ! To ensure that they are nothing but happiness and fulfilment, we advise you to prepare your baby’s trip well. To make sure you don’t forget anything in your suitcase , you can always consult this checklist we’ve put together, which includes all the essentials you’ll need throughout your stay for toddlers from 0 to 3 years old. Don’t forget, of course, to go to the paediatrician or doctor for a small health check- up before heading off on holiday.

Where and how to go on holiday with a baby?

Because every parent has asked themselves this question at least once in their life, we have tried to answer it in this ultra-exhaustive article , lovingly written by an experienced travelling mother. At what age can a baby travel? Which destinations should be preferred and which ones should be avoided? What papers do I need to travel with my new-born child? You will find all the necessary information you are looking for! Of course, the choice of the drop-off point remains the most decisive element, hence the importance of choosing a hotel with all the services that can make the stay easier for families travelling with a baby . And that’s what The Little Guest Hotels Collection is all about. We promise to find you the best possible establishment so that your baby can grow as much as you do on holiday.

What is the promise of The Little Guest Hotels Collection?

Every hotel in the prestigious Little Guest catalogue meets high standards of hospitality , making it easy for children aged 0-12 to stay. Toddlers have a place in these luxury establishments, which offer, among other things, safe baby clubs , baby equipment, early learning and development activities led by early childhood professionals and/or a babysitting service to enable you to make the most of your stay by striking the right balance between family and duo moments.

2. The most beautiful hotels in Europe for baby friendly holidays

For babies up to 10 months old.

Hôtel Ermitage **** – Évian-les-Bains, France

A few steps from the shores of Lake Geneva , the sumptuous Hôtel Ermitage **** is nestled in Evian-les-Bains . This ultra-family-friendly establishment is set in a huge 19-hectare park and offers stunning views of the French and Swiss Alps . This is where young parents love to recharge their batteries and soak up the warm and friendly atmosphere! Thanks to their generous size and practical interior design, the hotel’s suites and rooms have been designed to accommodate happy families.

What’s there for your baby:

• A baby resort which offers not only an early learning programme and various fun activities (painting, reading of stories and nursery rhymes, water games, musical awakening…), but also a baby nursery , a changing room and a siesta room ;
• A « Bébé Maman » (Baby Mum) programme , designed for young mothers and their infants from 4 to 10 months , which promises gentle moments of mother-child exchange in the morning and intense relaxation in the afternoon;
• A special offer: the stay is free for babies (and for children up to 13 years old staying in the same room as their parents);
• All the equipment necessary to welcome and comfort babies is provided (adapted menus, bottle warmers, baby monitors, organic cosmetics, bathtubs, beds, strollers, high chairs and pots).

What parents love:

• The long walks on the shores of Lake Geneva , which can be easily reached from the Hôtel Ermitage;
• The Quatre Terres Spa where you’ll find 9 treatment cabins, one of which is for two people, a rest area and its herbal tea room, a fitness room, a sauna, a hammam and two heated swimming pools, one of which is indoor;
• The golf lessons and courses offered by the Evian Golf Academy of this « Best Luxury Golf Resort in Europe » (World Luxury Hotel Awards, 2015).

Verdura Golf & Spa Resort ***** – Sicily, Italy

Welcome to the Verdura Golf & Spa Resort ***** , a top-of-the-range establishment where you can breathe the fresh air of the Sicilian countryside and the Mediterranean sea ! You will find it among fields of olive and lemon trees , a dream setting that inspires families looking for sweetness and relaxation. The resort’s rooms, suites and villas, designed by the British hotel owner and interior designer Olga Polizzi in collaboration with Italian designer Flavio Albanese, are perfect for couples travelling with a baby .

• A superb baby-club, the RBabies de Verduland , which welcomes every day (from mid-April to October) toddlers from 1 day to 3 years old and which consists of three areas supervised by experienced nannies: an entertainment room, an outdoor playground with a paddling pool and a room entirely dedicated to napping;
• A baby-sitting service of very high quality to let Mum and Dad enjoy moments of their own;
• A range of equipment essential to the smooth running of their stay (adapted menus, bottle warmer, baby phone, organic cosmetics, bath, bed, stroller, high chair and potty).
• The incredible spa spread over an area of 4.000 sqm and its 3 infinity pools that open onto the valley;
• The organized water activities and sports classes (yoga, Pilates, Zumba, aquagym, trekking, stretching, cardio pop dance, aquatic Zumba and many others);
• The regional wines and Sicilian specialities tastings ;
• The two golf courses 9 and 18 holes , designed by the famous golf company Kyle Philips.

For babies from 11 to 18 months old

The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino *****  – Peloponnese, Greece

Heading southern Europe, alongside the Mediterranean Sea to discover Greece , at Costa Navarino, and stay at The Westin ! This exceptional hotel puts at the disposal of their hosts all the amenities needed for a flawless stay with baby and makes children and parents happy. Don’t lumber with a stroller, as the warm personnel of the Westin will lend you one upon request. You forgot the baby bottles? No worries ! They will also help you with this.

• A creche available for children from 4 months and up, with psychomotricity and stimulating games
• Shuttles with a baby seat , to travel safely
• A range of baby equipment for a comfortable stay (stroller, baby cot, baby bottles, …)
• A  babysitting service for your dinners just the two of you
• The  4000 sqm spa and its large care programme
• The  olive oil and wine tasting sessions
• The  2 golf courts
• Taking part to the  grape harvests and wine making process

Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort ***** – Sagres, Portugal

Its name says it all: the Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort  **** * has been especially designed for families, and especially for children of all ages! Nestled in a splendid green estate on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean , this establishment has everything you need for an unforgettable stay. Sheltered from the hustle and bustle, the private houses and villas will make you happy for a holiday in complete privacy.

• A complete baby kit which includes, among other things, gates for beds and stairs, beds and toilet seats adapted to their small size, bottle warmers and sterilizers;
• An in-room babysitting service ;
• A baby-club for toddlers from 6 to 23 months
• The Finisterra Spa where all types of massages are given (reflexology, relaxing hot stone or energizing);
• Golf with over 30 courses : the Algarve is THE region of golf  par excellence

For babies from 19 to 24 months old

Domes of Elounda ***** – Crete, Greece

Live a waking dream on one of the most beautiful Greek islands: Crete . Perfect service, elegant design and harmony with nature make the Domes of Elounda ***** a prestigious address that families will be glad to discover. Being the perfect pied-à-terre for those who love to relax, this is where the magic happens to make your holiday a surreal escape. Idyllic setting, inimitable gastronomy, visits to historical sites, sports or discovery activities, modern rooms, everything is there, and more…

• A range of childcare equipment with games, emergency bottles, bottle warmer, baby phone, cosmetics, bathtub, beds, stroller, high chair, pacifier, potty, and even car seats adapted to the age of your children during your transfers to and from the airport;
• A special offer : the stay is free for toddlers up to 12 years old;
• Gifts throughout the stay;
• An upscale babysitting service ;
• A fully equipped and supervised crèche for maximum fun and safety;
• The Bakaliko Mini Market where it is possible to buy absolutely everything necessary for baby’s well-being (wipes, small pots…);
• Special baby menus , specially concocted by the Chefs of the different restaurants of the hotel.
• The countless sailing excursions in the Gulf of Elounda, the culinary festivals , film screenings or barbecue evenings ;
• The opportunity to take part in a digital detoxification program that has many surprises in store for you;
• The spa for deserved moments of relaxation;
• Duo cooking classes ;
• The exploration of paradisiacal coves aboard a romantic cruise;
• Fitness, diving or aquatic yoga lessons .

Have a nice first trip with your baby!

Pernell , 24 years old, travel lover, from Angers, France

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Enjoy afternoon tea in London

Sample over 300-years of history in the simplicity of homemade scones with whipped cream and jam. This deliciously British treat is best enjoyed in the afternoon, complete with a hot cup of Earl Grey, cucumber sandwiches and a tower of sugary delights.

Explore ancient Athens

You don't need to be a historian to appreciate the significance of Athens. Your love affair with the city might begin with goddess Athena’s Parthenon temple and the ruins of Acropolis, but it’s likely to end in a quaint alleyway getting a glimpse at daily life in this ancient capital. The story of Athens continues to unfold.

Catch a flamenco show in Spain

Discover the soul-stirring emotion of a Flamenco show in Spain. This expressive art-form has an intangible cultural heritage recognised by UNESCO, merging song, dance and musical instruments into a performance that has to be experienced at least once. Finish with dinner of paella or tapas to round off your perfect evening.

View the Northern Lights in Iceland

Mother Nature’s wonders come to life with the Aurora Borealis or ‘Northern Lights’. In the frosty landscapes of Iceland, this light display offers viewers a genuine pinch-me moment as vivid colours dance across the night sky.

Spend a night at the opera in Vienna

Hear the talents of traditional opera with the ghosts of Mozart and Strauss in your presence. Though there are more than few places to catch the opera in Vienna, none can compare to the State Opera House (Staatsoper).

Our top 5 things to do in Europe & Britain

There are endless pinch-me moments to be found across the many countries that make up our Europe travel packages. But where to even begin? Perhaps a Flamenco show in Spain, afternoon tea in London or a Northern Lights viewing in frosty Iceland? Here are some of the highlights of our Europe and Britain trips that you're sure to love. 

Paris, France

The world’s largest gallery and the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Louvre is without rival in the art world and is a must see when in Paris. Allow an entire day to explore its eight departments, not missing the Egyptian antiquities, Islamic art and various halls of sculptures. End your day with sunset by the Louvre Pyramid.

London, England

The British Museum

With some eight million works within its permanent collection, The British Museum is an illustrious European landmark. Admire objects brought back from the voyages of Captain James Cook and walk in the controversial presence of the Parthenon Marbles.

Florence, Italy

Uffizi Gallery

The Tuscan capital is home to Uffizi Gallery, where the brushworks of art’s true masters can be found. Names like Raffaello, Leonardo, and Michelangelo fill Uffizi’s grand pink walls, whilst internal courtyards leading to the Arno River reveal the building’s architectural brilliance.

Best museums in Europe & Britain

When traveling Europe with Trafalgar, museum hopping is one of the best ways to understand the culture and history of the places you visit. You’ll find yourself critiquing ancient art and staring in awe at some of the world’s most prominent works. Here are some of our favorites.

Paella Valenciana

Saffron, snails, butterbeans and bomba rice are just some of the ingredients you might find in traditional Spanish paella. Despite originating from the coastal town of Valencia, Paella Valenciana is a variety without seafood. You'll love sitting back to enjoy a steaming plate over the sounds of Spanish jazz in a lively alfresco restaurant.

Beef Stroganoff

Now a staple dish in many parts of the world, beef stroganoff is best enjoyed in its birthplace in Russia with a vodka in hand. This simple dish of beef strips sauteed in a sour cream sauce offers a heart-warming taste of this country’s culinary heritage.

Bouillabaisse

The Mediterranean city of Marseille is where a French culinary icon can be found and devoured. The fragrant stew of bouillabaisse, commonly served with crusty white bread, boils up the finest local seafood and seasonal vegetables with the flavors of fennel, saffron and cayenne pepper.

Best food in Europe & Britain

Our trips to Europe gravitate around indulgent local mealtimes. With new cuisines and cooking methodologies found at every turn, this continent is simply delicious. 

What to pack for a tour in Europe

With such a large expanse of space to explore on a European travel tour, on some days, long journeys are unavoidable. The scenery will provide plenty of visual entertainment, while headphones can be used to listen to some local music or enjoy podcasts about European history, culture and politics when you're not enjoying the storytelling from your Travel Director.

A good book

Exploring Europe is best done at a relaxed pace with ample opportunity to absorb your surroundings. Dedicate a few days to sitting in a park or a cafe, alternating between reading and watching the world go by.

Versatile shoes

Within the space of one outing you may experience all kinds of terrain when in Europe. Pack shoes that can see you walking from an elegant restaurant to a cobbled footpath, with a stroll along the soft grass of a park in between.

A blank journal

With the wealth of inspiration tucked into every corner of Europe, you may find yourself compelled to write down notes or memories. At the very least to share recommendations with friends when you return home.

All climate clothing

No matter the time of year you travel, Europe can deliver a myriad of temperatures. From frosty cities of Scandinavia to the temperate hills of Portugal, layered clothing best suits the varying micro-climates across this continent.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

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Exciting Ideas to Explore Moscow with Kids

Explore My City Guest Blogger Sol Solntze from Kidding Herself

The red square & the kremlin.

If you are coming to Moscow for the first time, with or without children, then Red Square and the Kremlin are a bit of a must. That said, I am here to tell you that if you have young children it might not be a good idea to go inside the Kremlin proper.

There are long queues for tickets, minimal refreshments once inside, and the main attraction is a square surrounded by architecturally and historically interesting cathedrals, with a minimal acknowledgement that a visitor might not know why they are architecturally and historically interesting.

Especially a young visitor. It’s not the most thrilling place for young minds, even if they have added a changing of the guard ceremony recently and you can look at a giant cracked bell. Close up! Instead, I recommend touring St Basil’s on Red Square itself.

OK, it is another church, but this time you get to clamber up and round a very brightly coloured selection of intriguingly twisty staircases and go from one mysterious, brightly coloured, intimate chamber to another. Castles, eat your heart out. Medieval Orthodox churches are where it’s at.

Plus, everyone always confuses St Basil’s with Kremlin anyway, so who would know you hadn’t been around the centre of Russian presidential power for real?

Red Square also still plays host that most ghoulish of tourist attractions, the actual mummified body of Lenin. I have not taken my under tens to see it, but if your kids are older, or have a particularly strong constitution, they might find it… [insert your own adjective here].

Looking for places to stay in Moscow? Check out this accommodation guide

Shopping with kids in moscow.

You should definitely take them into the luxury department store GUM , which borders the Red Square. Look up, admire the roof – it’s a work of pre-revolutionary engineering genius – and have ice cream, a Muscovite tradition. Yes, even in the winter.

Perfect for après ice skating, which is another very family-friendly Moscow activity on Red Square during the snow-covered months from December to March.

And around Christmas and New Year there will also be a fair, with rides, street food and handicraft stalls in this, the very centre of Russia’s capital.

Stepping a few hundred metres up a pedestrianised side street, studiously ignoring the headquarters of the KGB opposite, you will find the recently renovated Central Children’s Store at Lubyanka .  

The name really does not do justice to how very fabulous it is – a giant multi-floor department store dedicated to toys, toys, toys, yet more toys, children’s clothes, children’s entertainment experiences, a cinema, toys, play areas, toys, toys, junk food outlets, a museum of toys, toys, toys, and, you guessed it, toys.

It has the biggest Hamley’s in the world, and this is only a small part of what you can find there.  It also has a really cool viewing platform that even people without kids should go and look down on Moscow from.

Stay in touch while you’re in Moscow – a guide to the best pre-pay Russian Sim Cards

Moscow river.

Something you’ll be able to see from up there is the Moscow river, which has boat tours in the warmer months. One of the river trip companies even has special family boats , with a dedicated children’s play area and staff to watch your kids while you kick back and enjoy the sights.

The other has a commentary to help you understand them. You’ll have to take your pick, unfortunately, but either way, it will be enjoyable, and a very pleasant relief from what could well be the scorching summer sun. Moscow summers are short but usually very sharp.

The sights you will drift past include Red Square , St Basil’s and the Kremlin (again), but also a former chocolate factory turned trendy arts centre, a giant statue of Peter the Great , the tallest skyscrapers in Europe, more cathedrals and monasteries, and Gorky Park.

You can get off the boat at Gorky Park, and you probably should as it is a fun place to hang out for families in Moscow with formal flower-filled gardens, but also boating lakes, playgrounds, places to hire bikes and other pedalled transportation, a small funfair, a beach volleyball court and an urban beach (both with actual sand), a fountain which dances to classical music, lots of cafes, restaurants and ice cream kiosks, and a modern art gallery.

In winter Gorky Park also has an ice rink, and it’s huge. None of your rectangular sheets of ice – they turn the paths into a giant skating labyrinth. You can hire skates and someone to show you how to do it, and when you are tired, you can rest up with refreshments bought from the cafe kiosks which line the route.

Nevertheless, it’s not as big as the skating rink at VDNH , the ex-Soviet exhibition space, where, as well as gliding around the biggest outdoor skating complex in the world, you can also admire the amazing buildings you are passing between.

But do not neglect this venue in summer either there are all sorts of indoor and outdoor attractions calculated to appeal to the family traveller, from urban farms and aquariums to a robot show and a space museum. It’s not really in the centre of Moscow, but it is easy enough to get to.

This is just scratching the surface of how child-friendly Moscow can be. Add to this that Russians really like (well-behaved) kids and the fact that you will get actual smiles out of them as you show your small people about and you are surely onto a winner.

If you can stomach the legendarily time and cash consuming visa process, Moscow is well worth a visit with children.

Sol is a Brit living in Moscow with her Russian husband and two children.  You can learn more about their Moscow life and follow their adventures here:

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This is a very wonderful story about Moscow, thank you! Yes, in Moscow there is a huge amount of entertainment for children. And for adults too)

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More From Forbes

4 senior-friendly destinations in europe.

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Europe can provide a fulfilling and benefit-loaded life for older folks

American retirees looking to move overseas often wonder how they’ll be regarded in their new home abroad.

I’ve recently earned senior status myself in many countries, and from my vast anecdotal understanding to my own newly acquired experience, I can assure you that you have nothing to worry about as a senior moving overseas.

In fact, just the opposite.

You’ll find that as a senior in many places around the world, you’ll be welcomed with favorable laws, discounts, priority lines, and special visa incentives, as well as being treated with more respect on a day-to-day basis.

The United States has a unique perspective on age. Youth is equated with more societal value and is often seen as the most significant thing a person can bring to the table.

There’s a reason it’s been made illegal to discriminate against those over 40 in the hiring process in the States—because those under that mark are often given a societal edge.

Still, employers may have internal policies that prevent those over a certain age from being hired.

The American Psychological Association goes so far as to claim that “ Ageism is one of the last socially acceptable prejudices. ”

But that doesn’t have to be the case. Look across the U.S. border to Europe, and you might be pleasantly surprised at the differences in the ways seniors are perceived.

Here are my top recommendations for a fulfilling and benefit-loaded retiree life in Europe.

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With long-established social systems that consider care for its citizens to be an inherent right, Europe has lots of security nets in place for the elderly.

Plus, kids are generally taught to respect older people. Manners and formality are valued quite highly, especially in Northern Europe, and family inclusivity across generations reigns in the south.

You’ll notice more seniors out and about in Europe, living active and social lives, particularly around the Mediterranean, where the culture is similar to that of Latin America in respect to family values.

In Greece, you might even be referred to as geronda or gerontissa —literally, old man or woman. Far from being an insult, this is a term of endearment and respect.

While there aren’t any senior-specific residency programs here, there are some good discounts to be had in addition to the cultural benefits. These discounts are available to all EU residents, regardless of which country they call home.

Even if you’re just a tourist in Europe, many discounts apply, including 10% off the Eurail pass for those 60 and over.

Here are four senior-friendly destinations I recommend on the Continent.

Portugal offers a great climate, a wealth of history, vast entertainment options, cosmopolitan cities, a stunning coastline, and superb beaches.

Home to over 700,000 foreigners, a reported 7,000 of them Americans , this country is one of the most popular choices for expat life in Europe.

Throughout Europe, there are priority seats for seniors and those with physical handicaps on public transport and usually in government buildings, and Portugal is no exception.

In 2016, Portugal’s parliament passed a law that makes priority service for people 65 and older (as well as people with disabilities or incapacities) mandatory among all public and private entities that provide in-person service to the public.

At banks, supermarkets, hospitals, and other venues, people (including visitors to Portugal) must give up their first-come, first-served priority to comply with this law. Non-compliance is punishable by fines of up to 1,000 euros.

Social support that helps older people meet their basic needs as well as maintain a good standard of living is organized by the government. At community centers , for instance, older people can take part in social, recreational, and cultural activities.

On top of this, discounts of 25% to 50% are available to those 65 and older on entertainment and transport costs, and these may be available even if you aren’t a resident. It never hurts to ask.

Home to more expats than any other country in Europe, Brits have been coming to Spain by the hundreds for years, and American expats number nearly 36,000 .

As in Portugal, you’ll find priority seating in public transport for seniors, and as of 65, you’re eligible for discounts on transport and entertainment.

There’s a card for retirees ( carnet de pensionista o jubilado ) that gets you the senior discount easily and that you may be able to claim under the age of 65 if you can prove you’re retired. Otherwise, just showing your ID to prove your age is enough.

Some institutions give discounts as early as age 60, so be sure to check the restrictions on an individual basis. Renfe, for example, the national train system, offers 25% to 40% off ticket prices to those 60 and older (with the purchase of a 6-euro Tarjeta Dorada card, which, by all accounts, pays for itself within a trip or two).

Supermarkets and food vendors of all types will deduct IVA (sales tax) from seniors’ purchases. Gyms offer senior rates, as do some phone and internet companies.

When it comes to hotels and other businesses, be sure to ask if any discount is offered, as some companies give special rates of their own accord. I’ve seen hotels and travel companies offer 30% off as of age 55.

Anecdotally, Spain is one of the most generous countries when it comes to giving senior discounts, so even if there’s no special price listed, be sure to ask if one is offered.

Occasionally, these may be limited to EU residents, but Spain has the best track record for extending senior rates to those of all nationalities, although you may find that if you’re not an EU citizen, the discount is given at the discretion of the ticket office.

No one takes retirement and its benefits more seriously than the French, and they protest regularly to defend their retiree rights here.

Culturally, children are trained to respect their elders in France, and la politesse (manners) are paramount to society.

Throughout the country, retirees enjoy their leisure from the age of 60 or 61 and avail of discounts of 30% to 50% on transportation, cheaper tickets to cinemas, theaters, museums, and monuments,

For a subscription fee of 44 euros (or 54 for a couple), the Reduc-Seniors card gives access to dozens of discounts from 5% to 52% off on everything from entertainment and spas to shopping, hotels, and travel for those 55 and over.

Little-known Slovenia is an underrated gem that shares the Adriatic Sea with Italy at a fraction of the cost.

Those 65 and over, or those who can show they are retired, are offered free bus and train rides nationally, with deep discounts given when crossing the border.

Many hotels, travel companies, and tour operators also offer senior discounts to EU residents over 65.

Entertainment also comes with discounts, up to 50% off for many tourist sites and museums.

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Passing Thru Travel

Budget-Friendly Europe: Discover 21 MOST Affordable Destinations

Posted: May 15, 2024 | Last updated: May 15, 2024

Europe is a dream destination for many, offering a rich tapestry of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. However, traveling to Europe doesn’t always have to break the bank. In 2024, these 21 destinations stand out for their affordability, ensuring travelers can soak up European charm without draining their wallets.

1. Sofia, Bulgaria

Image Credit: Shutterstock / trabantos

Sofia is a hidden gem with a low cost of living, free walking tours, and affordable, delicious cuisine, making it a top budget-friendly choice.

2. Kraków, Poland

Image Credit: Shutterstock / RomanSlavik.com

Kraków offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and affordability, with its inexpensive accommodations, food, and attractions like the Wawel Castle.

3. Porto, Portugal

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Aliaksandr Antanovich

Known for its port wine and stunning riverside views, Porto provides a cost-effective alternative to Lisbon, with plenty of budget-friendly dining and lodging options.

4. Budapest, Hungary

Image Credit: Shutterstock / ZGPhotography

Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife, all available at prices kind to your wallet.

5. ?eský Krumlov, Czech Republic

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nataliia Budianska

This fairy-tale town offers a captivating experience with its well-preserved medieval architecture and reasonable prices for food and accommodations.

6. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Aleksandr Medvedkov

Sarajevo is an affordable, off-the-beaten-path destination with a rich history, welcoming locals, and hearty Bosnian cuisine at low prices.

7. Valletta, Malta

Image Credit: Shutterstock / aappp

Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage city, surprises travelers with its affordability, compact size, and rich history, making it a great value destination.

8. Belgrade, Serbia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Vladimir Nenezic

Belgrade is known for its vibrant nightlife, cultural diversity, and affordability, especially in food and entertainment.

9. Riga, Latvia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / George Trumpeter

Riga, with its Art Nouveau architecture and historic Old Town, offers an inexpensive yet rich travel experience.

10. Ohrid, North Macedonia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Matyas Rehak

Ohrid is a lakeside paradise that boasts affordable accommodations and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for budget-conscious nature lovers.

11. Palermo, Italy

Image Credit: Shutterstock / logaen

Palermo is a budget-friendly Italian gem, offering cheaper accommodations and food compared to Italy’s more northern cities, without skimping on the cultural experience.

12. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Georgios Tsichlis

Ljubljana is an affordable, green capital with free city tours, a lively street art scene, and inexpensive Slovenian cuisine.

13. Tirana, Albania

Image Credit: Shutterstock / RussieseO

Tirana offers an unbeatable combination of affordable luxury, vibrant street life, and low-cost, delicious dining options.

14. Seville, Spain

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Seville provides a budget-friendly taste of Andalusian culture, with free entry to many attractions on certain days and cheap, delicious tapas.

15. Zagreb, Croatia

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Zagreb is an affordable alternative to Croatia’s coastal destinations, offering rich cultural experiences, museums, and inexpensive dining.

16. Thessaloniki, Greece

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Thessaloniki is perfect for foodies on a budget, with its waterfront promenade, historic sites, and affordable marketplaces.

17. Vilnius, Lithuania

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Roman Babakin

Vilnius offers a charming Old Town experience, free walking tours, and a variety of affordable accommodations and eateries.

18. Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Catalin Balau

Cluj-Napoca, a youthful and vibrant city, is an affordable destination with a lively cafe culture, historical attractions, and budget-friendly nightlife.

19. Lviv, Ukraine

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Phant

Lviv is known for its picturesque Old Town and extremely affordable prices for Ukrainian cuisine, drinks, and accommodations.

20. Bratislava, Slovakia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / TTstudio

Bratislava combines affordability with charm, offering cheap public transport, free city tours, and reasonably priced Slovak cuisine.

21. Kotor, Montenegro

Image Credit: Shutterstock / ecstk22

Kotor features stunning Adriatic Sea views, a charming Old Town, and budget-friendly lodging, making it a great destination for travelers watching their expenses.

Discover Europe’s Affordable Gems

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sun Shock

These 21 destinations prove that exploring Europe can be both memorable and affordable. With careful planning and a sense of adventure, you can enjoy the rich cultures, delicious cuisines, and breathtaking landscapes of Europe without overspending.

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The post Budget-Friendly Europe: Discover 21 Affordable Destinations republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Opat Suvi.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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Cheap Train: Travel in Europe Tips and Tricks for Saving Money

Cheap Train: Travel in Europe Tips and Tricks for Saving Money

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Majority of EU nations want more partnerships to stem migration from countries of origin

A majority of European Union countries are calling for more agreements with countries where migrants depart from or travel through to get to Europe, saying the bloc needs to think outside the box to tackle irregular migration into the 27-member bloc

COPENHAGEN, Denmark -- A majority of European Union members are calling for more agreements with countries where migrants depart from or travel through to get to Europe, saying the bloc needs to think outside the box to tackle irregular migration into the 27-member bloc.

The call by the 15 member countries came in a letter released Thursday, a day after the EU passed a measure to update to its aging asylum laws but which won't enter force for two years and which only will work if all member nations put all of its provisions into action.

The letter, addressed to the high-ranking officials in the EU’s executive Commission, indicated that officials in signatory countries believe further solutions are needed, saying that the migration situation “will require all of us to think outside the box and jointly find new ways to address this issue at EU level."

It was signed by the immigration ministers of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Denmark — which took the lead in the group — plus Estonia, Greece, Italy , Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Romania and Finland.

On Wednesday, the EU endorsed sweeping reforms to the bloc’s failed asylum system as campaigning for Europe-wide election s next month gathers pace, with migration expected to be an important issue. The New Pact on Migration and Asylum lays out rules for EU members to handle people trying to enter without authorization, from how to screen them to establish whether they qualify for protection to deporting them if they’re not allowed to stay.

The letter by the 15 member countries said that the bloc should boost “partnerships with key countries, especially along the migratory routes, by changing our focus from managing irregular migration in Europe to supporting refugees as well as host communities in regions of origin.”

The countries call on the Commission “to identify, elaborate and propose new ways and solutions to prevent irregular migration to Europe” and “comprehensive, mutually beneficial and durable partnerships” with nations located along the migratory routes, saying “different ideas for optimizing such partnerships should be explored.”

The signatories cited, among other examples, deals that the EU has make with Turkey and Tunisia and that Italy made with the Albanian government in which Albania will host thousands of migrants picked up at sea and transferred there by the Italian authorities.

The letter said it was important for member states to have the ability to transfer asylum seekers to “a safe third country alternative" if such an alternative exists, while also saying any new measures would be in full compliance with “international legal obligations.”

The reform passed in Brussels was aimed at resolving issues that have divided the EU since well over 1 million migrants swept into Europe in 2015, most fleeing war in Syria and Iraq.

However, the vast reform package will only enter force in 2026, bringing no immediate fix to an issue that has fueled one of the EU’s biggest political crises, dividing nations over who should take responsibility for migrants when they arrive and whether other countries should be obligated to help.

Critics who say the pact goes to far say that it will let nations detain migrants at borders and fingerprint children. They say it’s aimed at keeping people out and infringes on their right to claim asylum. Many fear it will result in more unscrupulous deals with poorer countries that people leave or cross to get to Europe.

Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed to this report.

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Texas Kids Adventures

Texas Road Trip Through Europe Towns A= Paris, TX; B= Athens, TX; C= Moscow, TX; D= Berlin, TX; E= Vienna, TX; F= London, TX; G= Florence, TX; H= Holland, TX; I= Dublin, TX, J= Italy, TX

Texas has some uniquely-named towns, such as Cut-and-Shoot, Loco, Trout, Oatmeal, Ding Dong, Bacon, Noodle, Tarzan, Salty, Telephone, Energy, Coffee City, Quicksand, Gun Barrell City, and has its own Utopia as well as Uncertain.  

As settlers emigrated to Texas, they brought some European names to pay homage to their mother countries, including Paris, Athens, Moscow, Berlin, Vienna, London, Florence, Holland, Dublin and Italy.   Fortunately for Texans, this makes a fun road trip to explore Texas towns with European names.  Even better, you won’t need a passport.  If you haven’t heard of these town before, it’s probably because most are very small and lost population and industries as larger cities grew. 

The Eiffel Tower of Texas.  Photo credit.

Let’s begin our tour in Paris, Texas , complete with its own 65 foot Eiffel Tower with a red cowboy hat perched on top.  It’s the second largest Eiffel Tower in the world, and is around one-tenth the height of the original at 1,063 feet.  Stop by the Paris Bakery for French pastries as you explore downtown Paris and the Lamar County courthouse.  The Lamar County Historical Museum  has artifacts from the local area, including a blacksmith shop, pioneer kitchen and pioneer cabin.  Kids can stretch their legs at the Paris Downtown Community Park splash park and outdoor musical instruments.  Check out the Paris events including Tour de Paris Bicycle Rally and the Paris Balloon & Music Festival .  

Zipliner above the trees at New York, Texas Zipline Adventures.

Enjoy the rolling hills and piney woods on your road trip journey to Athens, Texas.  It was named by the stepdaughter of a founding father who had a vision that Athens would become the cultural center in Henderson county like the one in Greece.   Athens holds the title of the official “Original Home of the Hamburger”, created in the late 1880s at a downtown Athens café and introduced at the 1904 World’s State Fair in St Louis.  Athens is also known as the Black-eyed Pea Capital of the World. 

The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is a production hatchery for stocking fish into Texas waterways and an educational center to learn about native species and ecosystems.  Visit over 300,000 gallons of indoor and outdoor aquariums to see many native fish, waterfowl, amphibians and alligators.  Learn about ecosystems and fishing at the museum and wetlands trail. 

The East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society is 100 acres of trees, flowers and wildlife.  The two mile rugged nature trail along spring-fed streams reveal untouched animal habitats and ecosystems.  The handicap-accessible trail is 1/3 of a mile.  Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring binoculars.  

Just 15 minutes away, New York, Texas Zipline Adventures offers zipline tours for ages 5 and up.  Zip through the treetops at over 100 feet above the ground.  

Lake Livingston State Park kayaking   Photo credit

Moscow, Texas There’s not much in this small town of less than 200 residents.  Stop by Johnson’s Rock Shop to find gemstones, minerals, petrified wood, and jewelry.  Polk County Memorial Museum is a small museum with history of Polk County with old maps.  Lake Livingston State Park located just 15 minutes away, on Hwy 59 on the way to Berlin.

Berlin, Texas A German settlement from the late 1840s with a cotton gin and gristmill, this town only 3 miles from Brenham and is included in their population numbers.  Berlin was founded in 1860 by German settlers.  There is also a Texas town called New Berlin in Guadalupe county.

Vienna, Texas With a population under 50, this is a tiny town once had a gin and sawmill as immigrants settled along the Navidad River.  When the Navidad flooded in 1940, structures were washed away.

Florence, Texas main street.  Photo credit.

London, Texas London is also known as London Town in the 1880s, and is home to the historic London Dance Hall with live music and dances.    Enjoy the beauty of rolling hills, oak trees and wildflowers as you enjoy the best of the Texas Hill Country in Boerne, Comfort, Fredericksburg and Kerrville area.   Nearby attractions include the Ft. McKavett State Historical Site and South Llano River State Park. 

Florence, Texas This small town established in the early 1850s had a railroad with wheat, cotton and cattle industries which led to a corn mill, blacksmith leather goods production, and eventually a hotel, saloon, flour mill.  Area attractions include lakes and rivers for water recreation and fishing.

Hill country, Fredericksburg, Texas.  Photo credit.

Holland, Texas

Holland is home to the one and only Corn Fest , an annual festival of music, 5K run, parade, and themed contests such as corn eating, corn shucking, corn bobbing, corn seed spitting, corn cob relay, corn hole and the world championship corn cob throw.  While it was cancelled in 2020, this sounds like a shucking good time you won’t want to miss for 2021.   You could leave there as a world champion!  

Dublin, Texas The Official Irish Capital of Texas, Dublin bottled Dr. Pepper for over 100 years.   This small town has plenty to explore including museums, shopping, market days, and homemade cheese and wines.  The Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Celebration includes pageants, parades, craft and food vendors, dog contests and shopping.   Dublin has a monthly Farmers Markets for fresh produce.

Italy Known as the “Biggest Little Town in Texas,” this town was named by the postmaster who thought the climate was similar to Italy.   This settlement from the 1860s had a railroad, five cotton gins, and a cottonseed oil mill.  This old cotton town now has some vintage and antique shopping and dining.

Downtown Italy, Texas

On your Texas Road Trip Through Europe Towns, you can brag to your friends about seeing towns that they probably never knew were in Texas.  You can imagine the hustle and bustle of these towns during the cotton and farming boom, and see the grand buildings that remain.  You will see backroads, woodlands, lakes and rivers, rolling hills, and beautiful scenery along the way.    When given the choice between the interstate and the backroads, always choose the backroads.  

Join our Texas Kids Adventures newsletter of curated travel to reveal kid-friendly places to visit, the best things to do, exciting events, family resorts and trip guides to create family memories.

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On European Tour, Xi Jinping Heads to Friendly Territory in the East

After leaving France later Tuesday, the Chinese leader landed in Serbia and will visit Hungary, two countries whose authoritarian leaders offer a haven for China as tensions grow over the war in Ukraine.

By Andrew Higgins

Andrew Higgins, who has visited Chinese projects in Hungary and Serbia reported this article from Warsaw.

When China’s leader, Xi Jinping, last visited Europe’s formerly Communist east in 2016, the president of the Czech Republic hosted him for a flag-bedecked, three-day state visit and offered his country as an “unsinkable aircraft carrier” for Chinese investment.

That vessel has since sunk, scuppered by China’s support for Russia in the war in Ukraine and bitter disappointment over projects that never materialized. Also capsized are many of the high hopes that took hold across Eastern and Central Europe for a bonanza of Chinese money.

So when Mr. Xi returned to the region this week, after a visit to France, he headed for Serbia, arriving there late Tuesday before moving on later in the week to Hungary — two countries whose long-serving authoritarian leaders still offer a haven for China in increasingly turbulent political and economic waters.

“The Czechs, the Poles and nearly everyone else are really pissed at China because of the war,” said Tamas Matura, a foreign relations scholar at Corvinus University of Budapest. “But in Hungary that is not a problem, at least not for the government” of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Mr. Matura said.

Nor is China’s Kremlin-friendly stand on the war in Ukraine a problem for President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia, who, like Mr. Orban, has maintained warm relations with Russia and China while securing billions of dollars in Chinese investment.

In an interview this week with Chinese state television, Mr. Vucic gave a foretaste of the flattery that will dominate Mr. Xi’s visit: “There are thousands of things that we can and should learn from our Chinese friends,” the Serbian president said.

“Taiwan is China — full stop,” he added.

Milos Zeman, the Czech president who welcomed Mr. Xi in 2016, was replaced last year by a former senior NATO general, Petr Pave l. Mr. Pavel has angered the Chinese government by talking with the president of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory, and saying in an interview that China “is not a friendly country.” Chinese investment in the Czech Republic has slowed to a trickle.

Meantime, Chinese money has poured into Hungary and Serbia, cementing close ties underpinned by a shared wariness of the United States.

China’s showcase infrastructure project in the region, a high-speed railway between Belgrade and Budapest, has been slowed by regulatory and other issues. Of the about 200 miles of track planned, only about 60 miles are operating after five years of work — a sluggish pace for a project that Beijing sees as a key part of the Belt and Road infrastructure program, Mr. Xi’s pet foreign policy initiative.

But promised Chinese investment in other projects has raced ahead, totaling nearly $20 billion in Serbia , according to its minister of construction, transport and infrastructure, and totaling nearly as much in Hungary, including loans, the terms of which are secret.

Ivana Karaskova, a Czech researcher at the Association for International Affairs, an independent research group in Prague, said Hungary and Serbia look to China “not only for economic gains but also to demonstrate to their domestic electorate that they pursue an independent policy.” That demonstrates to the European Union and the United States that “they are not the only game in town,” Ms. Karaskova said.

China, she added, “understands this dynamic” and Mr. Xi will use it to try to reverse a steady souring of opinion on China in Europe, both among ordinary citizens and in institutions like the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union.

A s urvey last year of Eastern and Central European countries by Globsec, a research group in Slovakia, found that “negative perceptions of Beijing have soared,” particularly in the Baltic States and the Czech Republic. Even in Hungary, only 26 percent of those surveyed had a positive view of Mr. Xi, compared with 39 percent with a negative view. The rest said they were undecided.

But Hungary under Mr. Orban, no matter what the public thinks, has become a “safe political space” for Beijing, Mr. Matura said, and can be counted on to try to soften European Union policy on China and protect it from the fallout from the war in Ukraine.

The merging of economic and geopolitical interests is particularly pronounced in Serbia, which aspires to join the European Union but has balked at joining the bloc in imposing sanctions on Russia and frustrated E.U. efforts to broker a settlement over Kosovo. A former Serbian territory, Kosovo declared itself an independent state after a NATO bombing campaign, a status that Serbia, supported by Russia and China, has refused to accept.

Mr. Xi’s arrival in Serbia on Tuesday coincided with the 25th anniversary of a mistaken strike by NATO warplanes on the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade during the 1999 bombing campaign. Three Chinese journalists were killed.

That incident, which many in China believe was not an accident, created a “strong emotional bond between Serbs and Chinese,” said Aleksandar Mitic of the Institute of International Politics and Economics in Belgrade.

As part of a series of government-sanctioned events in Belgrade ahead of Mr. Xi’s visit, Serbian Communists on Monday unfurled banners reading “Welcome President” and “Kosovo is Serbia — Taiwan is China” outside the Chinese Cultural Center in Belgrade, built on the site of the bombed embassy. They demanded that the street outside the center be renamed “Chinese Victims of NATO Aggression Street.”

Hungary, too, has bristled at what it sees as bullying by Washington and Brussels, despite its membership in NATO and the European Union, from which it has received billions of euros in aid.

Mr. Orban’s main interest in China, however, is money and he hopes to turn Hungary, with help from Chinese investors, into a manufacturing hub for E.V.s, batteries and other new technologies.

In just the past two years, China has committed to invest more than $10 billion in Hungary, most of it in ventures related to E.V.s — at a time when the European Union, worried about China’s growing dominance of the sector, is investigating whether Chinese E.V. manufacturers are unfairly subsidized and should be penalized with high tariffs.

BYD, China’s electric-vehicle juggernaut, announced in December that it would build an assembly plant in Hungary, its first production facility in Europe. Plans for a second, even bigger Chinese electric car factory in the country with investment from Great Wall Motor are expected to be announced during Mr. Xi’s visit on Wednesday and Thursday.

Those assembly lines will take years to build but, in the long run, will help protect Chinese E.V. manufacturers from any future efforts by the European Union to prevent China from dominating the market through tariffs.

Tariffs imposed on imported Chinese electric cars would not apply to those assembled in Hungary, which can ship goods duty-free across the E.U., though they could hit parts imported from China to Hungarian plants.

Unlike in most of Europe where governments regularly change — a democratic churn that can upset Chinese investment plans based on close ties to a particular leader — Mr. Orban and Mr. Vucic have both been in power for more than a decade and show no sign of going anywhere.

“The Chinese feel comfortable in Hungary,” Mr. Matura said. “The public might not be very fond of China but the government is.”

The start of construction last year on an enormous $7.8 billion Chinese battery factory in eastern Hungary stirred protests from local residents but applause from Mr. Orban’s government.

President Vucic’s government has also brushed aside public anger about a huge Chinese-owned mining venture in southern Serbia that environmental activists and residents say is poisoning the water supply.

By visiting Hungary and Serbia, Mr. Xi, according to analysts, wants to show that while China may be down as an influential player in East and Central Europe, it is not yet out. And, they say, it indicates he has not given up on a Chinese diplomatic initiative known as 16+1, a grouping of China and formerly Communist European countries built around Mr. Xi’s flagship Belt and Road program.

Furious about the war in Ukraine, three Baltic States have formally quit the grouping, which dates to 2012 and has been a cornerstone of Chinese diplomacy in Europe throughout Mr. Xi’s rule. Others, like the Czech Republic, Poland and Romania, technically remain as members but have largely disengaged.

“The big debate now among experts around the region is whether 16+1 is dead or just a zombie,” Mr. Matura said.

Andrew Higgins is the East and Central Europe bureau chief for The Times based in Warsaw. He covers a region that stretches from the Baltic republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to Kosovo, Serbia and other parts of former Yugoslavia. More about Andrew Higgins