When it comes to travel, parents everywhere know how tough finding a place the whole family enjoys can be. This time around, skip the kids’ clubs and poolside meltdowns in favor of something everyone will enjoy. These top 7 European cities cater to kids, so learning about the past (and enjoying the present) is easy, stress-free, and — most importantly — fun!
1. Have a magical time in London
A city with something for everyone, London is the ideal destination for families with kids of all ages. If you’re on the hunt for something incredible (accio awesome!), a Harry Potter walking tour is a magical way to spend the day. Dress the kids up in their house colors and follow the footsteps of everyone’s favorite witches and wizards. And if magic isn’t your thing, dive into the past at the London Transport Museum instead. See how everything from double-decker buses to tube stations have defined the city’s unique identity through the centuries.
2. Indulge in sugary treats in Vienna
If you’re looking for a city equal parts elegant and fun-filled, Vienna is the place for you. For families in search something sweet, the Schönbrunn Palace’s Strudel Show (complete with your very own apple strudel, of course) is just the thing. And when you’re not marveling at the city’s architecture or eating your weight in schnitzel, take the kids on a 5D journey through time and get to know Viennese history up close and personal.
3. Explore every inch of Barcelona
From Flamenco dancers to Gaudi’s serpentine signature across the city, Barcelona promises a fun and food-filled time with the kids. If you’ve got soccer fans in the family, make sure to stop by the Camp Nou stadium and see where the FC Barcelona’s legendary players made their mark. And if soccer isn’t your thing, we promise there’s more than enough paella to keep you occupied.
4. Get cultured in Paris
So much more than macarons and La Vie en rose, Paris is a walkable, family-friendly destination. Get cultured on a tour of the Louvre that caters to younger children: choose 2-3 exhibits to focus on, starting with the famous Mona Lisa. If you’re bringing teens along, consider enjoying the royal treatment with an exclusive tour of Versailles. Before you head home, make sure to head to the top of the Eiffel Tower. After all, no trip to Paris would be complete without seeing the Iron Lady.
5. Go wild in Copenhagen
When it comes to catering to families, few cities come close to Copenhagen. The ultimate destination for the young and young at heart, Tivoli Gardens is a fairytale world come to life. Plan on spending the better part of a day (or days) there and enjoying roller coasters, peacocks, fireworks, and more. As for the rest of your trip — give the kids all the Danish pastry their heart’s desire while you enjoy some famous specialty coffee.
6. Eat your way through Rome
All roads lead to Rome, especially when it comes to family vacations. The Italian capital truly has it all: ancient history, incredible food, and beautiful views. Stop by the Colosseum for a tour that’s equal parts entertaining and educational. And if your little ones (or you) get hungry walking from sight to sight, consider enrolling the gang in a family-friendly pizza master class. Prego!
7. Discover the past in Dubrovnik
Chock-full of history, this coastal city is the perfect place to combine family fun with a dose of knowledge. Plus, it’s gorgeous. A walking tour through the Old Town will take you back in time to the city’s founding. At a little over an hour, this tour is the perfect amount of time for your little ones to be on their best behavior while having fun. For families with teens, a Game of Thrones tour is a surefire way to curry favor with the young rulers in your life.
