25 Best Places to Visit in Europe with Kids

Finding the best places to visit in Europe with kids isn’t as simple as picking the most popular spots, it really depends on what your family enjoys. Some families love museums and historic sights, while others would rather explore castles, hike through the mountains or spend their days at the beach.

And that’s one of the best things about travelling around Europe. There are so many different kinds of destinations within a relatively short flight or train ride that the challenge isn’t finding somewhere worth visiting, it’s deciding which one is the right fit for your family.

I’ve spent the past eight years travelling around Europe with my kids, visiting 15 countries along the way. These are the places I’d recommend most to other families. I’ve also included a few destinations still high on our family travel list, which I’ve clearly marked below.

From city breaks and smaller towns to outdoor adventures and beach holidays, these are some of the best places to consider for your next family trip to Europe.

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Best European City Breaks

If you’re looking for a mix of sightseeing, great attractions and plenty to keep the kids entertained, you can’t go wrong with a European city break. These cities are great to visit for a few days on their own, or as part of a longer Europe itinerary.

Vienna

At first glance, Vienna might seem like a city that’s all grand palaces, museums and classical music. It wasn’t the first place I’d have thought of for a family holiday, but it’s become one of my favourite European cities to visit with my kids.

It didn’t take long to realize just how family-friendly the city is. Alongside the beautiful palaces and historic sights, you’ll find children’s museums, interactive exhibits and playgrounds dotted throughout the city. We were rarely far from somewhere the kids could run around, which made sightseeing so much easier.

From exploring Schönbrunn Palace and climbing the tower at St. Stephen’s Cathedral to visiting the Children’s Museum or exploring the Haus des Meeres, there’s so much to do in Vienna with kids.

Don’t miss: Schōnbrunn Palace, Prater, Haus des Meeres and the Children’s Museum

Two children pose in front of the Upper Belvedere Palace in Vienna, surrounded by manicured baroque gardens with symmetrical hedges and gravel paths on a cloudy winter day. — While they couldn’t play in these gardens, the boys still loved exploring Belvedere Palace

Amsterdam

Amsterdam isn’t always the first city that comes to mind for a family holiday. It’s a city that’s often known for its nightlife and coffee shop culture, but we quickly discovered another side that’s incredibly family-friendly.

Between interactive museums, canal cruises, parks and playgrounds, there’s so much to do in Amsterdam with Kids. NEMO Science Museum was an instant hit with my kids, and they loved eating stroopwafels, watching the boats along the canals and exploring the city’s different neighbourhoods.

Don’t miss: NEMO Science Museum, Vondelpark, Zaanse Schans and stroopwafels

A charming brick canal bridge in Amsterdam covered with parked bikes and flower baskets under sunny skies. A red bike adorned with white flowers leans against the rail near a tree-lined street with classic brick houses. — Bikes and canals

Two kids stand on grass with arms raised in front of the glass exterior of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam with a large artwork display visible through the windows and blue sky above. — and Van Gogh

Prague

I’d visited Prague years before and loved its beautiful old streets, historic squares and castle, so I couldn’t wait to share it with my kids. I wasn’t sure they’d enjoy sightseeing as much as I had, but Prague turned out to be just as much fun for them.

Between exploring Prague Castle, climbing towers, discovering quirky art installations and stopping at playgrounds along the way, there was always something to keep everyone interested. Exploring Prague with kids was so much more fun than I’d expected, and it never felt like we were simply ticking attractions off a list.

Don’t miss: Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Petrin Hill, Old Town Square and trdelnik

Stone arches of the historic Charles Bridge span the Vltava River in Prague, with the Old Town Bridge Tower and a clock tower rising among colorful buildings under a cloudy sky. Tourists walk across the bridge while a boat passes below. — One of my favourite views in Prague

Two children stand at the base of the rotating metallic sculpture of Franz Kafka’s head in Prague, made of reflective horizontal layers that align to form a face. The towering artwork by David Černý is set in a modern urban square, surrounded by gray office buildings and pedestrians. — and be sure to see the Rotating Head

London

London is one of the easiest European cities to visit with kids. For many families, there’s the added comfort of speaking English, public transport is easy to use, and chances are your kids will already recognize many of the famous landmarks from books, TV or movies.

My kids loved finally seeing Big Ben, Tower Bridge and London’s famous red double-decker buses in person. We explored the city on a hop-on hop-off bus, which was a great way to see the main sights without wearing out little legs.

Don’t miss: Tower of London, Natural History Museum, Tower Bridge, and the double decker buses

Two children in colorful winter hats stand beside a traditional red British telephone box on a London street. The top of the telephone box reads "TELEPHONE". — Checking out the iconic phone booths

Elizabeth Tower and the Houses of Parliament in London on an overcast day. The ornate clock face of Big Ben stands high above bare winter trees. — and seeing Big Ben

Paris, France

Paris is one of those cities that feels like an obvious choice for a family trip to Europe, even though we haven’t made it there with my kids yet. There are so many landmarks they’ll already recognize, from the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre and the Seine.

And while Paris is packed with museums and historic sights, there’s plenty to break up the sightseeing too. You can climb the Eiffel Tower, take a boat ride along the Seine, stop for crêpes and pastries, or spend some time in one of the city’s parks and gardens.

There’s also Disneyland Paris, which I wouldn’t necessarily plan an entire European trip around, but it’s a pretty fun addition when you’re already visiting Paris. It’s high on our list for a future trip, and I can easily see us combining a few days exploring the city with a day at Disney.

Don’t miss: Eiffel Tower, Seine river cruise, Luxembourg Gardens, the Louvre and Disneyland Paris

Eiffel Tower in Paris framed by leafy green trees in warm sunlight beside the Seine River. Sightseeing boats line the riverbank and a stone bridge crosses the water nearby.

Lisbon

Lisbon felt completely different from the other European cities we’d visited. Between the colourful tiled buildings, steep hills, historic trams and castle overlooking the city, it quickly became one of my favourite city breaks.

Lisbon is a city that’s made for exploring. We enjoyed wandering through the different neighbourhoods, exploring São Jorge Castle and keeping an eye out for the famous yellow trams as they rattled through the streets. We also found ourselves stopping for gelato and taking in the views from the city’s many viewpoints.

There’s so much to do in Lisbon with kids, but one of the biggest highlights for my boys was visiting the Oceanário de Lisboa, one of the largest aquariums in Europe.

Don’t miss: São Jorge Castle, Oceanário de Lisboa, Commercio Square and pastel de nada

Two children sit inside a deep stone arched window and look out over Lisbon. Colourful buildings with red tiled roofs spread across the city below. — the view from the castle

Two children wearing matching red Ronaldo 7 soccer jerseys walk down a steep cobblestone staircase in Lisbon Portugal between old buildings. Colourful hillside neighbourhoods fill the view ahead. — and SO many stairs in Lisbon….

Smaller Family-Friendly Cities

Reykjavík, Iceland

Reykjavík doesn’t feel like a typical European capital. The city centre is fairly small, and it has a much more relaxed feel than many of the larger European cities we’ve visited.

I was actually surprised by how much there was to do in Reykjavík with Kids. From the Lava Show and climbing the tower at Hallgrímskirkja to spending hours exploring Perlan, there was plenty to keep us busy.

We also made time for Icelandic hot dogs and an evening at one of the city’s public pools, where my boys loved racing down the waterslides and warming up in the hot tubs alongside the locals.

Don’t miss: Perlan, Lava Show, Hallgrimskirkja, hot dogs and a local pool

Reykjavik viewed from above with Hallgrímskirkja rising prominently among the low city buildings. Water and distant mountains stretch across the horizon beneath layered clouds. — View of Reykjavik from the Perlan

Two children walk along a rainbow painted street toward Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik. Cafes shops and pedestrians line the colourful street leading directly toward the tall church. — and walking up Rainbow Street

Ljubljana

I’ll admit it, Ljubljana is easily one of my favourite European cities. The city centre is almost entirely pedestrianized, which meant my boys could walk, run and explore without worrying about traffic, and the riverside cafés give it a relaxed feel that’s hard to beat.

Add in dragon statues, a hilltop castle, and a river to wander along, and it’s easy to explore Ljubljana with kids.

Maybe that’s why it’s become one of my favourite cities. We never felt like we had to rush from one attraction to the next or tick off a long sightseeing list. Ljubljana is just a lovely city to wander through, and that’s exactly what made it so enjoyable with kids.

Don’t miss: Ljubljana Castle, Dragon Bridge, Triple Bridge, Bled Cream Cake

A scenic view of the Triple Bridge in Ljubljana, Slovenia, crossing over the Ljubljanica River, with the vibrant pink Franciscan Church of the Annunciation in the background and a row of elegant historic buildings lining the square. The bridge is bustling with people, and trees add greenery to the urban landscape under a blue sky.

Salzburg, Austria

Walking through Salzburg almost feels like stepping back in time. My boys loved learning just how old the city was, especially when we walked through the historic city gate and discovered the original streets below our feet.

We spent most of our time wandering between the Old Town, Hohensalzburg Fortress and the river, with plenty to see along the way. My boys had just as much fun spotting Mozart statues, riding the funicular to the fortress and throwing rocks into the Salzach River as they did visiting the city’s main attractions.

There’s plenty to do in Salzburg with Kids, but it’s the relaxed pace and easy walkability that really make it such a great family destination.

Don’t miss: Hohensalzburg Castle, Mirabell Gardens, Mozartplatz and the Salzach River

Hohensalzburg Fortress stands above the city skyline while the Salzach River flows through the foreground. Historic buildings and a green domed church complete the classic Salzburg scene. — You can’t miss the castle sitting high above the town

Two children play barefoot in a splash fountain on a pedestrian street while water jets spray into the air around them. Cooling off at interactive fountains is a fun way to enjoy Salzburg with kids on a warm day. — and plenty of fun stops in the summer for kids

Luxembourg City

Luxembourg City doesn’t get talked about enough, but it ended up being one of those stops we were really glad we added. It’s small and easy to explore, but the whole city is built on different levels, with viewpoints, bridges, old streets and the lower Grund area tucked below the main centre.

We loved that it didn’t feel like a city where we needed to rush from one big attraction to the next. Instead, Luxembourg was more about wandering through the Old Town, stopping at viewpoints, taking the lift down to the Grund and realizing how much the city changes depending on where you’re standing.

It’s also an easy place to add to a longer Europe itinerary, especially if you’re travelling between Belgium, France or Germany. You don’t need a full week here, but if you want a smaller capital city that’s easy to explore and feels a little different from the usual Europe stops, Luxembourg City is worth considering.

Don’t miss: the Grund, Bock Casemates, Chemin de la Corniche, Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator, the Old Town

Elevated view of Luxembourg City's Grund district with a pale stone church, winding river, arched bridges, and dramatic sandstone cliffs surrounded by wooded hills. Historic buildings and walking paths follow the river beneath an overcast sky, showcasing the city's distinctive natural setting and architecture.

Bratislava

Bratislava is a good choice if you want a smaller city that’s easy to explore in a day or two. It’s often visited as a day trip from Vienna, but it’s worth spending a little more time if you have the option. We spent 2 days in Bratislava and enjoyed wandering through the Old Town, walking up to the castle, and finding fun statues along the way.

It’s a great spot to slow down after the busy streets of Vienna, and works well as part of a Central Europe itinerary with Vienna, Budapest and Prague.

Don’t miss: Bratislava Castle, the Blue Church and the fun statues

A pastel blue Art Nouveau church with intricate white detailing and a tall clock tower topped with a blue cross, standing out under an overcast sky. Visitors walk past its whimsical facade and curved archways in Bratislava, Slovakia — Bratislava’s famous Blue Church

A silver statue of Schöner Náci, a well-known local figure, tips his top hat with a friendly smile as a child poses beside him on a rainy street in Bratislava. — and fun statues throughout the town

Looking for more spots like this? Here are our favourite hidden gems in Europe.

Best Outdoor Adventures

If your family would rather hike, swim, explore caves or chase waterfalls than spend the day in museums, these are some of the best places in Europe for outdoor adventures.

Iceland

Iceland is one of the most memorable places we’ve visited. It’s not a cheap destination, but it offers exactly the kind of travel experience I love most: waterfalls, hikes, hot springs, lava fields, black sand beaches and wide-open landscapes.

You don’t need a long list of traditional attractions for kids here. The adventure is the destination, as cliche as that sounds, whether you’re walking behind a waterfall, watching geysers erupt, seeing glaciers up close or soaking in a public pool at the end of the day.

For families who like road trips and nature, Iceland is hard to beat.

Don’t miss: Golden Circle, South Coast, Skogafoss, Seljalandfoss, Fjallsarlon and Jökulsárlón

Child standing on a large rock overlooks a glacier stretching through a mountain valley in Iceland beneath low clouds. The expansive view demonstrates the awe inspiring natural landscapes families can experience in Iceland with kids. — Stopping to appreciate the glaciers

Cobblestone street winding between colourful half timbered houses in the historic European town of Rothenburg ob Tauer. A clock tower and flower filled window boxes add to the medieval streetscape. — and walk behind waterfalls

Slovenia

Slovenia is one of the all-time favourite places we’ve visited in Europe. It has mountains, lakes, caves, castles, waterfalls and a gorgeous little stretch of coastline, but it’s small enough to work really well for a family road trip.

I loved how much variety we could fit into one itinerary without spending all day in the car. One day you can walk around Lake Bled or hike through Vintgar Gorge, and another day you can be driving through the Alps, exploring caves, or wandering through Ljubljana.

Slovenia works really well for families who like nature and road trips, but don’t want a trip that feels too remote or complicated. It’s beautiful, easy to get around and packed with places that feel adventurous without needing a huge amount of planning.

Don’t miss: Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Vintgar Gorge, Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle and Bled Cream Cake

Two children sit on a large rock overlooking the rugged, forested mountains of the Vršič Pass in Slovenia. The dramatic landscape features jagged peaks and dense greenery, with stormy clouds gathering above the misty, distant Alps. — This is one of my favourite photos, of the boys taking in the mountain views on the Vrsic Pass

Austrian Alps / Salzkammergut

Austria is one of those countries where it’s easy to focus on the cities first, especially Vienna and Salzburg. But some of our favourite stops were outside the cities, where the mountains, lakes and small towns made the trip feel completely different.

Places like Wolfgangsee, St. Gilgen and Hallstatt are easy to combine with Salzburg, and they let families experience a different side of Austria beyond Vienna’s museums and palaces.

It’s a perfect place for boat rides, lake views, short walks and scenic stops, especially in the summer.

Don’t miss: Wolfgangsee, St. Gilgen, Hallstatt and Bad Ischl

White passenger boat crossing a bright blue lake with a historic church and lakeside buildings visible in the background. The peaceful waterfront scene captures the beauty of Austria's lake regions and cultural heritage. — Wolfgangsee in the summer

Swiss Alps

Switzerland is high on our family travel list, and mostly because of the alpine playgrounds. I keep seeing photos and videos of mountain play areas with climbing structures, slides, water play, zip lines and ridiculous views in the background, and honestly, it looks like exactly the kind of place my boys would love.

It’s definitely not the cheapest destination in Europe, which is one of the reasons we haven’t made it there yet. But for families who want mountains, lakes, scenic trains and outdoor activities that don’t always require big hikes, Switzerland looks like it would be worth saving for.

The Jungfrau Region is the area I keep coming back to, especially Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald. Between the mountain views, cable cars, alpine playgrounds and easy scenic walks, it looks like exactly the kind of Switzerland trip my boys would love.

Don’t miss: Lauterbrunnen Valley, Grindelwald First, alpine playgrounds, cable cars and easy mountain walks

Alpine village in Switzerland nestled between steep rocky mountains under a clear blue sky. Wooden chalets and a white church sit beside a rushing turquoise river while tall waterfalls cascade down the cliffs. — Photo by Tim Trad on Unsplash

Best Beach Destinations

Europe has some incredible beach destinations, but where to go really depends on the kind of trip you want. Some are easy, resort-style holidays, while others are better for families who like smaller towns, local food and a slower pace.

Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve is one of the easiest places in Europe to plan a family beach holiday. You’ll find long sandy beaches, warm weather and plenty of family-friendly places to stay, but there’s also enough to do that you don’t have to spend every day at the beach.

Lagos would be one of my first choices for a base, especially if you want to combine beach time with exploring. You can wander through the old town, take a boat trip along the coast or out to the caves, and explore the cliffs and beaches around Ponta da Piedade.

The Algarve is quite spread out though, and where you stay can really change the feel of your trip. Some areas are much more resort-focused, while others work better if you want beaches, smaller towns and a bit more exploring mixed in.

Don’t miss: Lagos, Ponta da Piedade, Benagil Cave and a boat trip along the coast

Wide sandy beach in the Algarve Portugal, framed by rugged orange cliffs with gentle ocean waves rolling onto the shore. A few people swim and walk along the water in this scenic coastal destination for families visiting Europe.

Valencia, Spain

Valencia has been on my list for a while because it seems to offer something that’s surprisingly hard to find in Europe: a proper city break and a beach holiday in the same trip. We haven’t made it there yet, but it’s one of the places in Spain I keep coming back to when I’m looking at future trips with my kids.

The City of Arts and Sciences is high on our list, especially the huge science museum, and the Turia Gardens give you kilometres of green space running right through the city. There’s also Gulliver Park, with its giant climbing structure and slides, which looks like exactly the kind of place my boys would happily spend a few hours.

And then there are the beaches. You can spend the morning exploring the city and head to the beach later in the day, which makes Valencia a great option for families who don’t want to choose between sightseeing and a beach holiday.

Don’t miss: City of Arts and Sciences, Turia Gardens, Gulliver Park and Malvarrosa Beach

Palm trees line a city street with an ornate historic building rising between them. The building features decorative stonework balconies and a colourful round tower beneath a partly cloudy sky.

Albanian Riviera

We visited the Albanian Riviera in November, which isn’t exactly beach weather, but it was enough to make me want to come back in the summer. The water really is that clear, and without the summer crowds, we had a chance to explore some of the coastal towns and see just how beautiful this part of Albania is.

Ksamil is the best-known beach destination, but there’s also Sarandë, Dhërmi and plenty of smaller beaches and towns along the coast. I’d love to come back when it’s warm enough to actually spend time on the beaches. Compared with many of Europe’s more established beach destinations, Albania can also be a more affordable option for a summer trip.

It isn’t quite as polished or as easy to travel around as Portugal, Spain or Italy, and you will want a car to properly explore the coast. But for families who don’t mind a little more adventure, the Albanian Riviera is a great alternative to some of Europe’s busier beach destinations.

Don’t miss: Ksamil, Sarandë, Himarë and Gjipe Beach

Long pebble beach lined with blue lounge chairs beside clear turquoise water in Dhermi, Albania. Steep rocky mountains covered in patches of green vegetation rise behind the quiet coastline under a cloudless blue sky. — Dhermi is a beautiful beach but is much busier in the summer months

Croatia

What I loved about Croatia was that we didn’t have to choose between a beach holiday and a sightseeing trip. We could spend part of the day swimming and relaxing by the water, then head out to explore an old town or visit somewhere new.

We stayed near Pula in Istria, in northern Croatia, and used it as a base to explore the peninsula. We had plenty of time by the water, but could also head into Pula to see the Roman amphitheatre or explore some of the smaller towns nearby.

Farther south, the Dalmatian Coast is home to some of Croatia’s best-known destinations, including Split and Dubrovnik, along with islands like Hvar and Korčula. We haven’t explored this part of Croatia yet, but it’s high on my list for a future trip.

Croatia gets busy in the summer, but if you want beaches without giving up sightseeing and exploring, it’s one of my favourite options in Europe.

Don’t miss: Pula and the Istrian Peninsula, Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar and Korčula

Close up view of the Pula Arena showing weathered limestone arches and multiple tiers of the ancient Roman amphitheater against a clear blue sky. Lavender plants and green shrubs line the foreground, emphasizing the scale and preserved stone architecture. — the Colosseum in Pula

Families swim and play in a large outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees and rows of yellow umbrellas. Beyond the pool a calm blue bay is dotted with anchored sailboats and bordered by green hills. — and the resort we stayed at along the coast

Calabria, Italy

Calabria is one of my favourite regions in Italy, especially if you want beautiful water, good food and a more relaxed feel than some of Italy’s busier coastal areas.

Tropea is the highlight, with dramatic cliffs rising above the sandy beaches and an old town that’s easy to wander through. We spent our days swimming and playing on the beach, exploring the narrow streets, stopping for gelato and eating some fantastic seafood, without feeling like we needed a packed itinerary.

There are plenty of places to explore beyond Tropea too. Capo Vaticano has some of the most beautiful beaches and water in the area, while towns like Pizzo and Scilla make easy additions if you want to see more of the coast.

This is the kind of place I’d choose when the goal is to slow down for a few days rather than fit in as much sightseeing as possible.

Don’t miss: Tropea, Capo Vaticano, Pizzo and Scilla

A vibrant beach scene in Tropea, Italy, where people swim and relax in the clear turquoise water, while colorful umbrellas cover the sandy shore. Towering above, historic pastel-colored buildings cling dramatically to the rugged cliffside, with arched stone structures integrated into the rock. The contrast between the lively beach and the dramatic cliffside architecture creates a stunning coastal view. — Tropea’s main beach sits right under the cliffside houses

Greece

Greece is always a good choice for a family trip, but lately it’s moved much higher on my list thanks to my boys’ fascination with Greek mythology. One of them is right into Percy Jackson, and suddenly he’s now the one looking at places he’d like to visit and giving me ideas for a future trip.

Athens would almost certainly be part of that trip, especially to see the Acropolis and some of the ancient sites they’ve been learning about. But I’d also want to combine that with a few slower days on one of the islands.

Crete, with its mountain scenery and archaeological sites, Naxos with its beautiful beaches and small towns, or Paros with its beaches and traditional villages would all work well. I visited Naxos years ago and loved its slower pace and how easy it was to explore, and I can’t wait to take my boys back someday.

Don’t miss: Athens and the Acropolis, Crete, Naxos, ancient Greek sites and plenty of time at the beach

Curved sandy beach beside calm clear blue water with white buildings and palm trees lining the shore in Naxos, Greece. Mountains rise in the distance beneath a bright blue sky.

Best Fairy-Tale Destinations

Some places in Europe feel like they belong in a storybook. These spots are especially fun if your kids enjoy castles, towers, old streets and towns that are small enough to walk around and explore.

Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is one of Austria’s most recognizable small towns, set between the mountains and the edge of Hallstätter See. It’s small enough to explore in a few hours, making it an easy addition to a trip through Salzburg and the Salzkammergut.

The best part is simply wandering through town, walking along the lake and taking in the mountain views. You can also head up to the Hallstatt Skywalk or visit the salt mine if you want to add more to your day.

Hallstatt can get incredibly busy, so I wouldn’t plan an entire trip around it. But combined with the lakes, mountains and other small towns in the Salzkammergut, it’s definitely somewhere I’d want to include on an Austria itinerary.

Don’t miss: Hallstatt Skywalk, the lakefront, Market Square and the salt mine

Lakeside village with a tall church steeple, traditional alpine houses, and steep forested mountains reflected in calm water. This picturesque setting is one of Austria's most recognizable destinations and a popular stop for travellers. — the postcard view in Hallstatt

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of Germany’s best-known medieval towns, with half-timbered buildings, cobblestone streets and old stone walls surrounding the historic centre. It’s the kind of place where exploring the town itself is a big part of the experience.

There’s plenty to see just by wandering through Rothenburg’s historic centre. Walk along the old town walls, explore the streets around Market Square and Plönlein, or stop at Käthe Wohlfahrt’s famous Christmas shop, which is open year-round.

Rothenburg is especially popular at Christmas, when the Christmas market takes over the old town, but I’d happily visit at another time of year too. It’s an easy place to add to a longer Germany trip, especially if you want to break up bigger cities with a smaller town.

Don’t miss: the town walls, Market Square, Plönlein and Käthe Wohlfahrt

Sighișoara, Romania

Sighișoara is one of the most colourful towns we’ve visited in Europe. The historic centre is filled with brightly painted buildings, narrow streets and old towers, and it’s the kind of place that’s fun to simply wander around.

There isn’t a long list of attractions to work through, but that’s part of what we enjoyed about it. We wandered through the old streets, climbed the Covered Stairway and went up the Clock Tower for views over the colourful rooftops.

You only need a day to see the main sights, but Sighișoara makes a fun stop on a longer trip through Transylvania, especially if you’re already visiting places like Brașov and the castles nearby.

Don’t miss: Clock Tower, Covered Stairway, Citadel Square and the colourful streets of the historic centre

Historic town filled with red tiled rooftops and ornate medieval buildings glowing in warm sunlight. A tall stone clock tower with a decorative spire rises above the surrounding houses beneath a clear blue sky.

Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Český Krumlov is the kind of place that’s worth adding to a Czech Republic itinerary when you want to get beyond Prague. The historic centre wraps around a bend in the Vltava River, with colourful old buildings, narrow streets and a huge castle overlooking the town.

The castle is the main attraction, but there’s plenty to see just wandering through the old town and along the river. In the warmer months, you can also canoe or raft on the Vltava, which adds something completely different to a day of castles and sightseeing.

It’s possible to visit Český Krumlov as a day trip from Prague, but staying overnight gives you more time to explore once many of the day-trippers have left.

Don’t miss: Český Krumlov Castle, the castle tower, Old Town and the Vltava River

Historic castle complex with tall ornate towers and orange tiled roofs rising above a hillside town. Colorful old buildings and leafy green trees sit beneath a bright blue sky filled with large white clouds.

Not Sure Where to Go?

With so many options, choosing where to go can be harder than planning the actual trip. If you’re still trying to narrow it down, here’s where I’d start based on the kind of family holiday you’re looking for.

If you want…	Go here
Museums & playgrounds →	Vienna
An easy first trip to Europe →	Amsterdam or Vienna
Castles & historic sights →	Prague
City + beach →	Valencia
A family road trip →	Slovenia or Iceland
Mountains & lakes →	Austrian Alps
A slower beach holiday →	Calabria
Beaches on a budget →	Albanian Riviera
Christmas markets →	Vienna or Rothenburg
Smaller cities →	Ljubljana or Luxembourg City
Greek mythology →	Greece

FAQs

Where is the best place in Europe for a first family trip?

Vienna, Amsterdam and London are all good choices for a first family trip to Europe. Vienna has easy transportation, museums and playgrounds, Amsterdam is compact and easy to explore, and London is especially comfortable for English-speaking families.

Which European destination is best without a car?

Vienna, Amsterdam, London, Prague and Lisbon are all good choices without a car. Slovenia can also work partly by public transportation, but it’s easier with a car if you want to visit lakes, caves and smaller towns.

Is Europe expensive for families?

Europe can be expensive, but costs vary a lot by destination. Places like Switzerland, Austria, Iceland, London and parts of Switzerland are usually more expensive, while Portugal, Romania, Albania and parts of Italy can be more affordable.

What’s the best time to visit Europe with kids?

Spring and fall are often the best times to visit Europe with kids because the weather is usually comfortable and crowds are lower than in summer. Summer is peak season and the weather can be very hot, while December is ideal for Christmas markets.

Our Take on The Best Places to Visit in Europe with Kids

Really, there isn’t one best place to visit in Europe with kids. The right destination depends on your family, your budget and the kind of trip you actually want to take.

If it’s your first trip to Europe, I’d start with somewhere easy like Vienna, Amsterdam or London. If your family loves nature, Slovenia and Iceland are hard to beat. And if you want slower beach days, Calabria, the Algarve or the Albanian Riviera all offer very different versions of a family beach holiday.

The best European trips aren’t always the ones with the longest sightseeing list. Sometimes they’re the trips where you have enough time to wander, stop for gelato, let the kids climb a tower or throw rocks by a river, and just enjoy being there together.

Ready to Start Planning Your Europe Trip?

Check out our favourite hidden gems in Europe for smaller cities, underrated destinations and a few places you might not have considered or browse our Europe travel guides for family-friendly things to do, where to stay, itineraries and practical tips to help plan your trip.

25 Best Places to Visit in Europe with Kids