If your goal is to travel as much as you can with your family, then the good news is that Europe is well within your reach. With a wide variety of destinations to choose from and cheap flights regularly departing from most major UK airports, it’s the perfect continent to explore with your little ones if making lasting memories around the world is your aim. Much of Europe is extremely family-friendly and there are several must-see cities that will welcome you and your little ones with open arms. From endless fun in parks and outdoor areas to interesting museums and historical attractions that will leave you all in awe, we’ve put together some of the best European cities to visit as a family.
#1. Amsterdam:
When you think of Amsterdam the first things that come to mind are probably the coffee shops and the Red Light District. But, there’s much more to this vibrant and exciting city than these two popular tourist attractions. In fact, with a huge array of paddle boats and cycle paths, it’s the perfect destination for any family who likes to get active and have fun together in the great outdoors.

Everything is much more fun in Amsterdam when you arrive on a boat or bike, and it’s a great way to show your little ones an eco-friendlier way of life. Hands-on exhibits at the NATO Science Museum are sure to impress budding young scientists whilst the awesome history on display at the Anne Frank Museum is sure to go down well with older kids and teenagers. Kids and adults of all ages are sure to find something of interest at the Van Gogh Museum, and if you visit in the spring, don’t forget a trip to the iconic Keukenhof to see the stunning tulips in bloom. You should visit Traveller365 if you want some more information on visiting Amsterdam, as they feature a really useful article on their website about what you can do as well as travel tips for other popular destinations.
#2. Paris:
Regardless of its reputation as being the city of romance, Paris isn’t just exciting for young couples and newlyweds. Even the smallest of children will love the excitement of travelling up the iconic Eiffel Tower, and the plentiful boat trips along the River Seine are perfect for seeing as much of this beautiful city as possible at your family’s leisure.

Skip the massive tourist attractions such as the Louvre and spend your time exploring Paris’ many parks; Jardin du Luxembourg is the perfect destination for a family day out with plenty of fun activities for the entire family, including toy sailing boats, racing peddle cars, and a playground fully kitted out with zip lines and a mini Eiffel tower bungee.
#3. London:
When it comes to the best European cities for family trips, some might be closer to home than you realise. And, the great capital city of the UK is one of the best destinations for a fun-filled family adventure, with hundreds of things to see and do from the Tower of London to the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour. Enjoy popular tourist attractions such as the London Eye, or take in the sights of Parliament, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge from a River Thames cruise.

Popular family attractions include Madame Tussaud’s and Sea Life Aquarium, in addition to several amazing museums such as The British Museum, the London Transport Museum, and the Museum of London. Lastly, don’t forget to see the guards outside Buckingham Palace!
#4. Rome:
Rome invites visitors of all ages from all around the world, and there’s certainly something to do for everybody. Bask in awe at the ancient Colosseum or spend a day exploring the Vatican City. Even younger kids can appreciate visiting the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, and there’s certainly no shortage of gelato or pizza to keep little stomachs satisfied.

If your family needs a break from the hustle and bustle of the busy city, there are several day trips that you may enjoy, including a popular trip to Ostia Antica. Once the harbour city of Rome, it’s now a maze of ruins filled with ancient alleyways and passages that can provide endless fun and exploration all day long. Check out dealsdaddy before you book as they have hotel and flight vouchers that might be useful.
#5. Barcelona:
With Gaudi’s iconic works on every corner, people of all ages will be in awe of the stunning architecture that has made this popular city as famous as it is today. There’s plenty for the entire family to do; visit Barcelona’s Boqueria – a market like no other offering fruit, flowers, and local ware that will wake up all five senses. The Chocolate Museum is a must-see for families with children; chocolate monument replicas and tasty souvenirs will always go down well for anybody with a sweet tooth. The Museum of Ideas and Inventions shouldn’t be missed by imaginative little ones, whilst CosmoCaxia, an interactive science museum, boasts an unforgettable planetarium and mini rain forest that your little ones will love. For more adventurous families, don’t miss out on shark cave diving in the Oceanarium at the Marina in Port Veil aquarium.

Have you visited any of these cities with your family? Which would you recommend? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.






A great overview – we’ve added this as one of our Europe featured guides on wordoftravel!
Ah thank you very much 🙂