Want to try a different sort of family holiday this year? If you’ve got little ones in tow, look to Europe’s top cities for your next break. Open your youngsters’ eyes to a whole new world and create special memories together as a family.
A number of urban destinations are peppered with kid-friendly treasures and attractions to keep young ones occupied. Here are the top city breaks for families in Europe to bear in mind for your next holiday.
Paris
A firm favourite with culture vultures and couples, Paris may not seem like the most child-friendly destination at first, however, there are lots of things little ones will love.
Start with a trip to the Champ de Mars Park, a green space complete with a vintage merry-go-round, puppet theatre and huge play area. It’s right next to the Eiffel Tower, a landmark which adventurous kids are sure to want to climb to the top of.
If you want an afternoon at a museum, the Musee de la Magie, which explores the history of illusion and includes magic demonstrations, is great for kids. However, the Louvre is a must for any trip to Paris. The world-famous art museum can be made more child-friendly by taking part in a treasure hunt around the art gallery.
And remember, if you exhaust all the child-friendly options in Paris itself, Paris Disney is only a short train ride away.
Vienna
Young travellers will fall head over heels for magical Vienna. They’ll gaze open-mouthed at the twinkling Christmas lines and magnificent market stalls.
First stop, the Maria-Theresien-Platz Market, where you can stock up on everything from sweets to souvenirs. There's even a delicious mulled wine (known as glühwein) or a spicy apple punch, for the grown-ups!
For a real Viennese experience, book tickets to a children’s opera. You'll often find child-friendly performances of shows such as Pinocchio and Hansel and Gretel. Round off a successful day of sightseeing with a slab of delicious Sachertorte. This local type of chocolate cake was invented in the city during the 19th century and can be found in cafés across the Austrian capital.
Rome
A trip to atmospheric Rome will bring your kids’ history lessons to life. The Pantheon and the Colosseum are must-visits, because they're full of exciting archaeological treasures!
For some green space, head to Villa Borghese, a giant park featuring a zoo, sculptures and a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Afterwards, wander south to the Trevi Fountain – throwing a coin into the water is a rite of passage for visitors big and small.
Eating out with kids is great in Rome. Italian culture encourages the family to all eat together, so most restaurants are child-friendly. Plus you’ll find pasta, pizza and ice cream on most menus.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a place of magic, with child-friendly gems scattered throughout the city. In the summer, build sandcastles on Barceloneta Beach and on rainy days keep the whole family happy with a trip to the aquarium.
A day at Park Güell offers a unique way to see art. Spanish artist Antoni Gaudí designed this stunning public park and his influence can be seen everywhere, from the multi-coloured mosaics to the curved bench in the shape of a sea serpent. A stroll through the gardens and a ride up the outdoor escalators are sure to go down well with the kids.
Football-mad children will also enjoy a tour of the FC Barcelona Museum and a trip to Camp Nou, while the Tibidabo Amusement Park has rides for kids of all ages.
Posted: 26th Apr 2019. Updated: 2nd Jun 2026.