Discover alternative European city breaks with kids: from hidden Roman ruins in Lyon to LEGO-filled Billund, this guide uncovers family-friendly gems beyond the usual capitals \u2013 perfect for curious little explorers.<\/p>\n
One of our favourite things about life in the UK is the ease (once you\u2019ve got through airport security checks) of being able to pop on a short flight to a different country and immersing ourselves in a totally different culture for a European city break with kids. We\u2019re so lucky to have such a variety of culture and history on our doorstep in Europe and we\u2019ve had some amazing family city breaks, including Reykjavik<\/a>, Lisbon<\/a>, Nuremberg<\/a> and Bucharest<\/a>.<\/p>\n But as a family, we\u2019re always looking for something a little different. Yes, Paris with kids<\/a>, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Rome, are some of the best European city breaks for families, but their popularity often translates to expensive accommodation and busy tourist sights (especially if travelling during school holidays), and perhaps you\u2019ve ticked them all off already. <\/p>\n If you are looking to venture somewhere different for family weekend getaways, you need to have the confidence in knowing that there will be enough to keep the kids happy. <\/p>\n Disclosure: This is a collaborative post where fellow travel bloggers have expressed their own opinion of a city in Europe with kids. Where possible, the blogger has recommended the accommodation. If they were unable to, I have suggested family-friendly accommodation recommended by Trip Advisor.\u00a0 Also, this post contains affiliate links. Should you click on a link to purchase, it is at no extra cost to you, but I receive a small commission, which goes towards the running of this blog.<\/em> <\/p>\n (Jenny, TraveLynn Family) Bucharest<\/a> isn\u2019t your typical European family city break and it\u2019s not for everyone. But for us it was gritty and fascinating, plus the blue skies and sunshine over February half term were very much appreciated. It\u2019s a good idea to choose a hotel in the centre, like the\u00a0Novotel Bucharest City Centre<\/a>, as you\u2019ll never be far from the action.<\/p>\n The mixture of architecture and history is of interest to kids and adults alike; there\u2019s an interesting building around every corner in the city centre. The Old Town is perfect for family strolls and you\u2019ll never be short of places to eat (make sure you try the papanasi) or to grab a cheap glass of beer. There are also fantastic parks with small fairgrounds, and a little way out of the city is the huge indoor waterpark, Therme. <\/p>\n we\u2019d suggest downloading the Bolt app before you arrive, it makes moving around both the city and surrounding areas so much easier, freeing up time to visit this beautiful city.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n (Jenny, TraveLynn Family) Our visit to Nuremberg really took us by surprise and after Cologne<\/a>, it\u2019s our favourite city to visit in Germany with kids<\/a>. It was a city I\u2019d always associated with a dark history, and really had no idea how much there were for families to do. There\u2019s the Transport Museum, Toy Museum, the castle, and Playmobil Park, (check out this full guide of\u00a0things to do in Nuremberg with kids<\/a>). It actually gets our vote as the best city break with kids!<\/p>\n With it\u2019s cobbled streets and medieval architecture set within the old city walls, it\u2019s a lovely compact city to wander around, perfect for little legs. If you wish to venture further afield, the public transport is excellent with a choice of tram, bus and metro criss-crossing the city efficiently to a reliable timetable. If you need to refuel at any point, try the Nuremberg Bratwurst, sold at street stalls around the Old Town.\u00a0Apparently the way to ask is \u201cDrei im Weggla\u201d (\u201cThree in a bun\u201d); a bit different to your standard one-sausage in a finger bun, and arguably tastier.<\/p>\n (Jenny, TraveLynn Family) With fairytale charm and cobbled streets, the compact medieval city of\u00a0Ghent, is often overlooked by travellers who make a beeline for Bruges. But less than a 25 minute train journey away from its dominating neighbour, travellers are discovering the quaint canal-side architecture, edgy art scene and quirky bars of\u00a0Ghent. <\/p>\n It\u2019s a very family friendly city, it\u2019s one of our favourite\u00a0European city breaks with kids, and there really is so much to do in Ghent with kids<\/a>! You can visit Gravesteen (the castle), take a boat trip around the central district, climb the Belfry on a clear day for panoramic views, or visit one of the superb museums designed with families in mind. <\/p>\n Ghent has a\u00a0small-town feel\u00a0and we found it very easy to navigate, meaning that we didn\u2019t need to jump onto the frequent trams which glide (sometimes a little too close for comfort) around the city. Alongside the trams, there are also buses and water-taxis to choose from if you don\u2019t fancy walking. <\/p>\n (Jenny, TraveLynn Family) Despite being the Spanish capital, Madrid is often overlooked as a family friendly city break in favour of Barcelona or Seville\u2019s architectural charm. But this buzzing and grand city is a fantastic place to explore, and there is more than enough to fill a couple of days Madrid with kids<\/a> thanks to fantastic parks, an excellent metro system, and churros for starters. Absolute must dos include hiring a boat on the lake at El Retiro Park, wandering the El Rastro markets on a Sunday, and al fresco dining in one of the many ornate plazas. <\/p>\n Madrid is a very walkable city, but when little legs get tired there is a fantastic metro system that is very easy to navigate and can always get you where you need to go. It\u2019s also worthwhile doing a day trip out to the medieval city of Toldeo. There\u2019s a high speed train that gets you there in just 30 minutes, and it\u2019s a wonderful town to just wander and get lost.<\/p>\n (Corina,\u00a0Packed Again<\/a>) I\u2019ve got to be honest, cities are not our most favourite travel destinations, unless they are surrounded by mountains, have a medieval feel and a size whereby we can easily walk from A to Z.<\/p>\n Sion, the Capital City of the Canton of Valais in Switzerland has all this to offer and more.\u00a0A scenic train journey from either Geneva or Zurich airport brings you right into the heart of the city.\u00a0\u00a0Sion is really family friendly with beautiful narrow streets, fashion shops, small coffee corners and amazing old architecture.<\/p>\n The Nature Museum of Valais surprises and seduces young and old with its original approach. Interactive stations and questionnaires make this a great family activity and a museum the kids will love. And last but certainly not least walk up to the medieval castle Tourbillon and pretend to be back in the time of knights and princesses. Once you have finished exploring the old town hop on the tourist train (Le P\u2019tit S\u00e9dunois). The route brings you out of the city to a beautiful park with a lake which gives you a great perspective of the city layout.<\/p>\n (Rachel, Adventure and Sunshine) The medieval town of Kotor in Montenegro is a great city break for families looking for a combination of city and outdoor activities.<\/p>\n The world heritage listed town is tucked away on the spectacular Bay of Kotor. Take time to explore the pretty cobblestone alleyways and churches. Our kids loved climbing the city walls and chasing\/patting some of the many cats that call Kotor home. Our top tip is to check the arrival times of the cruise ships that regularly dock at Kotor as the town can be very busy at times.<\/p>\n While you are in town, plan to hike to the San Giovanni Fortress overlooking Kotor. The cobblestone path winds up past a dilapidated stone church tower to the top where the views across the bay are spectacular! Allow at least 2 hours to make the climb with kids and plan to walk early or late in the day to avoid the heat. The views are worth the steep climb and any grizzles you hear from the kids!<\/p>\n Finally, hop on a boat to really appreciate the beauty of the bay and surrounding areas. Book a tour or rent a private boat and visit the small island of Our Lady of the Rocks and take a swim.<\/p>\n (Tea, Culture Tourist) Located right between Brussels and Antwerp, city of Mechelen<\/a> is one of those beautiful hidden Belgian gems and perfect if you\u2019re looking for short breaks with kids. With majority of the city centre being a pedestrian zone, many child-friendly restaurants and activities for kids, it\u2019s also a great place for a family trip.<\/p>\n Things kid will love meeting Rommy;A cute character created after the St Rumbold\u2019s Tower. His image is in front of the child-friendly restaurants, museums with some children activities and similar child-friendly places.\u00a0 There\u2019s also the Toy Museum, which holds one of the biggest toy collections in Belgium. With different tasks kids could do there and art workshops, it\u2019s a place where the whole day could be spent.<\/p>\n Also make sure you do one of the two self-guided children tours. Maps with routes and explanations can be found at the Tourist office. They could be combined with tasting booklets, so you can try some cheese (there is even a kids corner at the cheese shop), pastries or cookies on your way.<\/p>\n (Leah, Kid Bucket List) Whilst Croatia and Serbia get most of the attention when it comes to travelling to the Balkans, the landlocked country of Macedonia provides the same opportunity to explore incredible history whilst also taking in wonderful natural sights.<\/p>\n A great city break is the historic UNESCO township of Ohrid nestled on the ancient shores of Lake Ohrid, and is one of our best family city breaks.\u00a0 Here families can explore a plethora of sites and experience the wonders of both history and nature.<\/p>\n A quick walk along the cobblestone laneways of Old Ohrid will take you to an ancient theatre where the kids can jump on stage and perhaps put on a impromptu act for you whilst you watch from the stands. Or perhaps you could take a walk along the lakeside boardwalk to Kaneo Beach where you can feast on the unique trout caught from the lakes depths before exploring the archaeological site of Plaoshnik and then climbing up to Samuel\u2019s Fortress which is said to have been built by Alexander the Greats father Philip himself.<\/p>\n But to take full advantage of the location, charter one of the traditional fishing boats and sail to Sveti Naum where the kids can run around, row along a hidden river and explore a medieval monastery before heading back via the Bay of Bones, a prehistoric immersive museum which is well worth your while.\u00a0Or, if you would rather just relax, you could park yourself on the shores of the lake for the duration of your trip!<\/p>\n Wizz Air offers flights from both England and France to Ohrid airport. Some visitors prefer flying into the country\u2019s capital city of Skopje<\/a> and taking a bus to Ohrid.<\/p>\n (Nicky, Go Live Young) On a recent summer road trip through Norway, Stavanger quickly became one of our favourite city breaks with children. Stavanger on the west coast of Norway has many things going for it. It has a spectacular location on the edge of the Lysefjord, an old historic centre, several interesting museums, and also some amazing hikes all within easy reach of the city.<\/p>\n There is plenty to do in Stavanger with kids<\/a>. Take a boat ride on the Lysefjord for spectacular fjord views. Visit two of the best child-friendly and interactive museums we\u2019ve been too \u2013 the Norwegian Canning Museum to find out all about Stavanger\u2019s sardine history and the Norwegian Petroleum Museum to find out all about oil exploration. Spend some time in the great outdoors with a hike to Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), manageable for most active kids.<\/p>\n (Cath, Passports and Adventures) When you think of visiting Ireland, Dublin is probably the city that springs to mind the most. But there are so many more family-friendly cities in the country that you should forgo the expensive capital and try somewhere else. Like Cork City. Located in the southern half of the country it is less than 3 hours from Dublin along smooth motorways and has plenty on offer for kids.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve got a budding scientist on your hands, why not visit Blackrock Castle. Although it looks like a castle from the outside, it\u2019s actually an observatory with interactive displays for kids to learn about things like life and the cosmos. If your kids love animals, then Fota Wildlife Park is the place to take them. With all the major animals on-site and more, it\u2019s a great place to spend several hours with the kids. Just remember your wellies if it\u2019s been raining.<\/p>\n And finally, no trip to Cork is complete without visiting Blarney Castle. Situated just 20 minutes from the city, you might even get bestowed with the gift of the gab if you are brave enough to kiss the Blarney Stone.\u00a0<\/p>\n (Cathy, Mummy Travels) Without an iconic landmark such as Paris\u2019 Eiffel Tower and Rome\u2019s Colosseum, Helsinki<\/a> sometimes gets overlooked when it comes to Europe city breaks with kids. But where else can you swim in an outdoor pool next to the Baltic, spot Moomins and submarines on an island fortress, and visit a church hollowed out of the rock \u2013 just for starters?<\/p>\n We spent a few days in the Finnish capital in May, a perfect month to make the most of the sun \u2013 while still having some night to encourage my daughter to sleep. If you visit nothing else, make a trip to the island of Suomenlinna: once a naval base and a prison, today it\u2019s home to the city\u2019s toy museum as well as a submarine you can board, plus long clifftop paths to wander along.<\/p>\n Some of our other highlights included the interactive National Museum, which mixes VR goggles and audio exhibits with child-friendly displays, plus the Allas Sea Pools on the harbour front. The Baltic pool is as bracingly chilly as you\u2019d expect, even in early summer, but there are two heated pools including a kids pool to try.<\/p>\n (Line, NordicTravellers)<\/em> Do your kids know the fairy tale writer H.C. Andersen? And do they like his stories? If so, you should consider visiting Odense, Denmark.\u00a0 H.C. <\/p>\n Andersen was born in Odense, and the city is full of H.C. Andersen related activities. Most of them are some that can be enjoyed by adults as well as children \u2013 like\u00a0H.C. Andersen\u2019s childhood home<\/a>\u00a0where he lived with his parents from the age of 2 to 14. When you see the house, you\u2019ll realize that H.C. Andersen came from very humble beginnings. You can also visit\u00a0The Tinderbox<\/a>, a children\u2019s culture house where H.C. Andersen\u2019s fairy tales come to life through play and art.<\/p>\n If you visit Odense in October, there is a unique opportunity to let your imagination run wild and dive into a fantasy world almost as popular as H.C. Andersen\u2019s, namely Harry Potter\u2019s universe. Every year more than 10.000 people come to Odense to take part in the Harry Potter inspired festival \u201cMagical Days\u201d.<\/p>\n (Char, Taylor Hearts Travel) If you\u2019re visiting Poland and want to shun the popular tourist spots like Warsaw and Krak\u00f3w head to Zakopane. It\u2019s roughly a two-hour drive from the more well-known city of Krak\u00f3w and ticks the boxes for a cheap weekend break with little ones.<\/p>\n In Zakopane you can head to what claims to be the smallest factory of sweets in the world, Ciuciu Cukier Artist<\/a>. You can watch syrupy concoctions being mixed and rolled out to create colourful candies. If you look longingly enough you might even get a little sample.<\/p>\n If you want to tire the children out or you\u2019re in need of a rainy day activity head to Aqua Park Zakopane<\/a>. There\u2019s a small toddler section with fountains and small slides, an outdoor pool (great for sunset) and bigger slides for older ones. Also, whilst in\u00a0Zakopane, it would be wrong not head up the funicular for the mountain views and a cheeky chimney cake.<\/p>\n (Kyla, Where is the World<\/a>) Larnaca (Larnaka) in Cyprus is a great place to visit with kids. The temperate climate can get a bit warm in the summer months, but it\u2019s ideal in the spring and fall when the rest of Europe can be a bit cool for outdoor fun. When I visited with my daughter, our favourite thing was to grab an ice cream (or a coffee) in the square by the Church of Saint Lazarus, then wander down to the promenade. We could people-watch, do a bit of shopping with the various vendors, or simply sit with our toes in the sand.<\/p>\n However, for a phenomenal beach experience, Ayia Napa is a quick car ride away. The sand is soft and white, and the water is a warm and calm. It\u2019s the perfect place to spend an afternoon! The beaches are very different, but many have have pedal boats and jet skis to rent so there\u2019s a little bit of something for everyone.<\/p>\n No trip with kids would be complete without a visit to a playground. The closest one to central Larnaca is beside the Cultural Center at the Monastery and Church Saint Georgios. There\u2019s plenty of room for the kids to run around, and the Monastery itself makes a beautiful backdrop.<\/p>\n (Leona, Wandermust Family)<\/em> York is the perfect city if you\u2019re looking for short family breaks in Europe! Easy to get to either by car or train from most major UK cities and close to Leeds international airport, York is very accessible wherever you are coming from! <\/p>\n There are tons of family friendly things to do<\/a> whatever the weather, such as the fabulous National Railway Museum, river cruises, ghost walks and the yummy chocolate story museum. For older children you can learn about some of York\u2019s more gruesome history on a ghost walking tour or a trip to York Dungeons!<\/p>\n It is also a great place to visit for the budget conscious family! A trip to York doesn\u2019t have to be expensive for families with plenty of free activities such as walking the historic city walls, visiting the national railway museum \u2013 where you can see the mallard, rocket and other famous trains or taking a trip to the historic shopping street the Shambles! Be warned there is s Harry Potter shop there that may prove a costly trip!<\/p>\n On top of that York is full of historical and cultural gems that no visit to the city is complete without. Firstly, be sure to visit the York Minster and marvel at the beautiful stained glass. With older children, climb the tower for unrivalled views across the city. Clifford Tower is another gem that explores some of York\u2019s more unpleasant history. And, at any time of year, children will love the Museum Gardens. My little one especially loves a visit York during Christmas to see the beautiful illuminations.<\/p>\n (Augusta,\u00a0Mini Me Explorer<\/a>) What would Switzerland be without cheese, chocolate? Not much, possibly! Well, you can experience all this without visiting the Top-Rated Tourist Swiss Attractions, which means anywhere in the Alps.<\/p>\n The city of St.Gallen is the 8th Swiss largest city and definitely off-the-beaten-path. Ride out to the Appenzell cheese factory<\/a> (Schauk\u00e4serei Appenzell) in nearby Stein, less than 20 minutes away. The Appenzeller cheese is one of our most popular ones, as well as the tastiest and smelliest. You can see the production in the making, sample 5 different types of cheese and visit an interactive exhibit. The secret of this cheese unique flavour derives from the 42 local herbs and spices used in the making. Kids can mortar and pestle some of these herbs, and take them home.<\/p>\n Make your own chocolate bar at the Maestrani Chocolate Factory<\/a> in Flawil (25 minutes away). Enjoy the interactive Chocolarium museum and eat as much Swiss chocolate as you can. During the 1-hour long workshop, wearing a chef hat and apron, you\u2019ll be creating your own unique chocolate bar to take home, using the types of chocolate and toppings of your choice.<\/p>\n (Vanessa, Wanderlust Crew)<\/em> Ireland is one of my favorite family destinations<\/a> and Waterford, located in Ireland\u2019s Ancient East along the southern shore, is one of the best cities in Ireland to visit with kids.\u00a0 It\u2019s chock full of incredible museums, fun food, old charm, water, and historic sites.<\/p>\n Kids will love wandering down the old cobblestone streets and learning all about Vikings and medieval times in Ireland at the Medieval Museum where you can see actual ruins from ancient castles and learn about life long ago in a fun and engaging way.<\/p>\n The Waterford Crystal factory<\/a>, although not a place you would normally think to bring kids, is actually amazing. You can take a factory tour and learn all about how the crystal is made and even see crystal moulds for many famous people as well as high-end projects that are in progress.<\/p>\n If you catch Waterford on a rainy day, you can head to Activate<\/a>, a huge indoor family fun centre with a soft play area, rock climbing<\/a>, and bowling. It\u2019s a fun alternative if the kids are burnt out from learning about all of Ireland\u2019s incredible history! If you visit during good weather, be sure to take advantage of all the outdoor activities and nature that Waterford offers, from horseback riding, cycling, hiking, and boating.<\/p>\n (Lisa, Travel Loving Family) We absolutely loved our city break in Nantes located in the Upper\u00a0\u00a0Brittany region of western France. It\u2019s a very green city with over 100\u00a0parks and gardens, lots of attractions, museums and over 30 theatres so\u00a0great for active and culture loving families.<\/p>\n Our favourite attraction was 40 foot mechanical elephant at The Machine\u00a0de l\u2019\u00eele (Machines on the Island).\u00a0 He strolls around the former ship\u00a0yard spraying water at bystanders.\u00a0 My boys loved it!<\/p>\n The Ch\u00e2teau de Ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany) is\u00a0also worth checking out.\u00a0 You can walk around the ramparts whilst taking\u00a0in the impressive views of Nantes city centre.<\/p>\n Directly opposite the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany there\u2019s a free\u00a0water sprinkler area which is great fun for young kids to cool off on a\u00a0hot day.<\/p>\n We stayed just at a five star campsite, Nantes Camping, which was just a\u00a0short ten minute drive from Nantes City Centre (although on the bus and\u00a0tram route too so we found it easier to pop in on public\u00a0transportation).<\/p>\n (Katja, globetotting.com) Durbuy<\/a> is \u201cla plus petit ville du monde\u201d (the smallest city in the world) but few people outside of Belgium have even heard of it. This medieval city in the country\u2019s Wallonia province is incredibly picturesque with ancient cobbled streets, timber-frame houses and a pretty chateau \u2013 all dating back to the 14th\u00a0century.<\/p>\n Today Durbuy includes 41 villages and hamlets under its umbrella making it a great destination for families with plenty to do. Start your visit with a ride on\u00a0Le petit train touristique, a fun tourist train that winds its way through the city streets and up to a viewing tower where you can see how small the city really is. Once you\u2019re back in the centre, head to Durbuy\u2019s topiary park; it\u2019s the largest of its kind in Europe home to over 250 figures crafted from Boxwood plants. Kids are given an activity booklet as they enter and have a great time trying to work out what all the sculptures are. From here, visit the neighbouring town of Borlon and the Goat Farm run by the extremely friendly G\u00e9radine. Visits to the farm have to be arranged in advance and run from a two-hour experience to a full-day outing milking the goats and taking them to the field. We spent a couple of hours here and the kids\u00a0loved\u00a0it!<\/p>\n (Karen, Mini Travellers) We spent a February half term exploring Porto with kids<\/a>. As a family of 5 we flew from the UK to Porto for only \u00a3220 (yes that price was for all of us) so it was a fabulously cheap thing to do for Half Term.<\/p>\n The three things we loved in Porto were our family friendly tour with Sara from Portoalities<\/a>. She was warm and engaging and made the history of Porto accessible to the kids as well as to us.\u00a0We took a trip to Guimaraes (another recommendation from Sara) which everyone enjoyed and the train trip was fun. Thirdly we loved the Teleferico de Gaia<\/a> \u2013 the cable car which runs from the Jardim de Morro park by the Dom Luis I bridge down to the port warehouses and the boat tours.<\/p>\n (Katy, Untold Morsels) A city with buckets of charm and green spaces for exploring, Lucca<\/a> is a great alternative to Florence for a family trip to Tuscany. In the 19th century, Lucca\u2019s historic city walls were converted into a public park circling the old town. This is the perfect place to take a stroll or hire bikes to cruise around the 4 kilometre track. There are a couple of playgrounds along the way too.<\/p>\n From the walls you can see the city\u2019s iconic medieval towers rising up over terracotta rooftops. Visit the most famous Torre Guinigi for sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside under the shade of the trees of its unique rooftop garden. On the ground, Lucca is a delightful city to wander and stop at fountains, admire Renaissance churches and play in its piazzas. Of course there are plenty of opportunities to stop for gelato.<\/p>\n (Leo, Safari Nomad) Bled is not only one of the most iconic places in Slovenia but also a favourite spot for families with children.\u00a0One of the things you can do is taking a walk around Lake Bled. This is a beautiful 6 km long walk, also suitable for cycling with your little ones. Along the path, there are several areas suitable for having a picnic, also numerous cafes and restaurants. <\/p>\n And what is visiting the lake without water activities?! Of course, swimming will make for kids the best part of the day. There is a great area for swimming with several pools, two waterslides, playgrounds, but also various table games and kayak rentals. And if this is not enough, you can also enjoy a boat ride and paddle to the island. \u00a0<\/p>\n Another activity is visiting Bled Castle, a mountaintop fortress with a stunning view \u2013 of the lake and surrounding areas. This is a must place for taking a good family picture with a panoramic background. A popular hiking trip from here, not difficult at all, is going to Vintgar Gorge.<\/p>\n To make the family day perfect, there is a typical symbol of Bled \u2013 cream cake, called \u201ckrem\u0161nita\u201d<\/em> that kids will surely love it. \u00a0<\/p>\n (Nicola,\u00a0FunkyEllas Travel)<\/em> The city of Dundee on Scotland\u2019s east coast hasn\u2019t always had the best reputation but in recent years that has changed. It\u2019s now a city that is thriving and exciting and is the perfect destination for a city break with the family. A city, which is best know for its jam, jute and journalism is the birthplace of Beano, Dandy and Oor Wullie, cartoon characters which can be found as sculptures dotted across the city centre.<\/p>\n The V+A Museum<\/a> (the only one in the world outside London) has exhibitions popular with kids including comics and a dress from Star Wars and next to this amazing building is the RSS Discovery which Captain Scott sailed in to the Antarctica. Kids absolutely love the Science Centre<\/a> where they can shoot out nose like a bogey, move a ping pong ball with their mind and turn themselves into a gorilla.<\/p>\n (Katalin, Our Life, Our Travel) Gdansk is a budget destination for families on the northern shore of Poland. We rented a whole floor in an old villa and spent 10 days to rest, emerge to culture, explore nature, and fill up our bellies with delicious Polish meals.<\/p>\n The Old Town is filled with historic buildings, famous war locations and our favourite a museum ship, the So\u0142dek, is anchored on the shore of Vistula too. The variety of sights can occupy teenagers as well.<\/p>\n The city beach and its wooden pier are must-visit places with kids. Although the sea is rather cold compared to the popular beach destinations, the sandy beach and the cheap prices make it up for. The beach spreads along the shore for several kilometres.<\/p>\n If you want to avoid crowds, head to Westerplatte peninsula. The WW2 started there and it\u2019s a spacious green area with remains of bunkers and monuments to learn about the war or just let the kids run around. Ideal location for a half-day-trip from the city.<\/p>\n (Kirsten\u00a0, Kids Are A Trip<\/a>) Conwy, Wales is one of the most beautiful areas of Wales, and often overlooked by travelling families. Located on the northern coast, just outside Snowdonia National Park, the area is perfect for exploring with kids. Conwy is a walled town with a historic castle built by King Edward I in the 13th century. Kids will love exploring Conwy Castle with all its nooks and crannies and views of the town and harbour.<\/p>\n Families can also walk along the town walls for free for a different perspective, but know that the stairs are steep and it is not stroller friendly. Once you\u2019re done exploring the castle, head into town for a bite at one of the local restaurants or pubs on High Street.<\/p>\n Kids will also enjoy the Conwy Valley Railway Museum where they can ride on a miniature train or taking a visit to Bodafon Farm Park where they can interact with the animals and see a working farm.<\/p>\n (Margherita, The Crowded Planet) Luxembourg City<\/a>\u00a0is fairly compact and has a great public transport system, which is free for everyone. On top of that, the tourism board has devised a really cool way for families to visit Luxembourg City \u2013 the \u2018City Promenade for Kids\u2019, a walking tour and treasure hunt for families including tales about the city, like that of Melusina, the wife of the city founder, who also happened to be a mermaid!<\/p>\n Older kids and teenagers will love to explore the Bock Casemates, a network of tunnels into the rock atop which the city was built, also housing cannons, kitchens, shelters, and even stables.<\/p>\n If the little ones (and the big ones) get hungry, the Chocolate House is a great place for a break. Located right in front of the Grand Ducal Palace, you\u2019ll find lots of chocolate-based delicacies including \u2018hot chocolate spoons\u2019, lumps of chocolate with various flavours on a spoon that can be stirred into hot milk.<\/p>\n READ: Visiting Granada with kids<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n (Bec, Wyld Family Travel) When you see a picture of Granada<\/a> the one thing you will not be able to go past is the Alhambra. Sitting high on a hill it overlooks everything, it looks stunning from a distance but it is nothing like the beauty on the inside. It is a must visit, as well as the Generalife Gardens which can be done on the one day or over two if you have little ones.<\/p>\n But there are plenty of other things to do in Granada as well. You can go on a Segway Tour through the streets of Granada for people with older kids. You can see a Flamenco show and share some tapas together.\u00a0\u00a0You can wander the alleyway markets and pick out a gorgeous souvenir of your time in the city.\u00a0Find a free walking tour and learn about how a local feels about their city.\u00a0Visit the Hammam Al Andalus Arabian baths for a relaxing soak.<\/p>\n You can also just wander the streets and find so many gorgeous buildings. There is an old Bull fighting ring in the city. While it is no longer in use we found it a great conversation started with our girls about the practice. There are plenty of play grounds for the younger children as well.<\/p>\n Granada is included in our Andaluc\u00eda with kids itinerary<\/a> if you wanted to combine your visit with other cities in southern Spain. <\/p>\n (Sinead, Map and Memories<\/a>) The beautiful city of Mostar is not the obvious choice for a European break but any visitor will fall in the love with this city \u2013 just like we did! Located in the Herzegovina region of Bosnia Herzegovina the city has easy links to Sarajevo and the neighbouring countries of Montenegro and Croatia. Mostar is still recovering from the devastating conflicts of the early 1990s and whilst there is still evidence of this, the people of Mostar have made incredible progress in rebuilding their historic city.<\/p>\n There are many attractions in Mostar but our children particularly enjoyed learning about the variety of traditional dress of this region at the BosnaSeum museum. They liked exploring the 17th Century Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque and climbing the impossibly narrow minaret for a stomach-churning but beautiful view of Mostar. This was our children\u2019s\u2019 first visit to a mosque and it was a wonderful experience. After exploring the cobbled streets of the Old Bazaar, the kids favourite activity was to sit beneath the iconic Stari Most \u2013 Mostar famous bridge \u2013 and watch the daring divers leap into the Neretva river below.<\/p>\n We stayed in the new Appartments Old Bridge, a sparkling clean, one bedroom self-catering apartment metres from the Old Town for just \u00a340 a night for five people. Accommodation, food and attractions are much cheaper than most other European destinations making this fascinating city a perfect destination for an affordable family break.<\/p>\n (Emily,\u00a0Kids and Compass) Cordoba is one of Spain\u2019s most historical cities in Andaluc\u00eda<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Throughout its history it\u2019s been home to large populations of Christians, Jews and Muslims and all three religions have left their mark on the city.\u00a0\u00a0There is plenty of interest here for adults, but there\u2019s a surprising amount of things for kids to do in Cordoba too.<\/p>\n The main attraction in Cordoba is its incredible Mezquita-Cathedral, a combination of mosque and cathedral.\u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s most famous for its candy cane arched hall; a photographer\u2019s dream, but children will also be enchanted by the space.<\/p>\n After you\u2019ve explored the Mezquita, head to the Alcazar.\u00a0\u00a0Yes, it\u2019s another historical building, but don\u2019t worry about looking around the Alcazar itself; the gardens are what the kids will love.\u00a0\u00a0Beautiful pools with delicate arched fountains, borders full of hibiscus and some hedge lined paths perfect for hide and seek make this garden a great place to visit with kids.<\/p>\n Elsewhere in the town centre, kids will enjoy splashing in the many fountains, exploring the Roman bridge and looking in all the souvenir shops.\u00a0\u00a0A little way out of the centre of town there\u2019s a little zoo and botanical garden just opposite, and the nearby Children\u2019s City, a brilliant playground for small kids.<\/p>\n (Holly,\u00a0Fouraroundtheworld.com)1. Bucharest, Romania<\/h2>\n
Recommended stay for families: Novotel Bucharest City Centre<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n![\"Bucharest](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Bucharest-with-kids-1024x731.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n2. Nuremberg, Germany<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families: Holiday Inn N\u00fcrnberg<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Nuremberg](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/DSC01560-1024x680.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n3. Ghent, Belgium<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families: Ghent Marriott Hotel<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Ghent](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Ghent-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n4. Madrid, Spain<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families: Petit Palace Plaza Mayor<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Arthur](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Madrid_together-1024x768.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n5. Sion, Switzerland<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families:\u00a0Apartment Sweet Home Sion<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sion-1024x768.jpg\")
6. Kotor, Montenegro<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families:\u00a0Apartments Residence Portofino<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Kotor.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n7. Mechelen, Belgium<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families:\u00a0Novotel Mechelen Centrum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Mechelen-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n8. Ohrid, Macedonia<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families: Hotel Aleksandrija<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Ohrid.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n9. Stavanger, Norway<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families:\u00a0Scandic Stavanger City<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Stavenger-1024x707.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n10. Cork, Ireland<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families:\u00a0Gabriel House Guesthouse <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Cork-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n11. Helsinki, Finland<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families:\u00a0 Clarion Hotel Mestari<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Helsinki-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n12. Odense, Denmark<\/h2>\n
Recommended stay for families:\u00a0City Hotel Nattergalen<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Odense-2-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n13. Zakopane, Poland<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families: Villa Nova<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Zakopane.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n14. Larnaca, Cyprus<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families:\u00a0Hotel Opera<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Larnaca-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n15. York, England<\/h2>\n
Recommended stay for families:\u00a0The Grand Hotel & Spa<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"York](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/York-Europe-city-with-kids-1024x731.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n16. St. Gallen, Switzerland<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families:\u00a0Sorell Hotel City Weissenstein<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/St.Gallen-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Visit the Naturmuseum<\/a>, one of the best Swiss museums dedicated to natural history. Learn all about bears (the symbol of St. Gallen) and get to know all the other inhabitants of our mountains, rivers, lakes and forests: beavers, lynxes, stags, ibexes, and so on. Even cat fish. The museum is highly interactive, with plenty of touch and smell positions.<\/p>\n17. Waterford, Ireland<\/h2>\n
Recommended stay for families: Treacy\u2019s Hotel Spa & Leisure Club Waterford<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"European](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Waterford.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n18. Nantes, France<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families:<\/strong> Novotel Nantes Centre Bord de Loire<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Nantes-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n19. Durbuy, Belgium<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families:\u00a0Chez Tante Alice<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(a lovely family-friendly B&B about 14km from Durbuy itself)<\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Durbury-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n20. Porto, Portugal<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families:\u00a0<\/strong>ALIBI by YoursPorto<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Porto-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n21. Lucca, Italy<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families: <\/strong>Lucca in Villa Lucrezia<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Lucca-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n22. Bled, Slovenia<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families: Garden Village<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Bled.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n23. Dundee, Scotland<\/h2>\n
Recommended stay for families: Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Dundee-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n24. Gdansk, Poland<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families:\u00a0Hotel Sadova<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Gdansk-1024x681.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n25. Conwy, Wales<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families:\u00a0Pant Yr Iwrch<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Conwy-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n26. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families:\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>Park Inn by Radisson<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Luxembourg_City-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n27. Granada, Spain<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families:\u00a0Porcel Alixares<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Granada-1-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n28. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families:\u00a0Apartments Old Bridge\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Alternative](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Mostar-1024x661.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n29. Cordoba, Spain<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families:\u00a0Hostal Palacio del Corregidor<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Cordoba,](\"https:\/\/travelynnfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Cordoba-Spain-1024x731.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n30. Bialystok, Poland<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Recommended stay for families:\u00a0Apartamenty Centrum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n