Best European city breaks with kids

[kkelly82]

Hi. I’m looking for recommendations of European city breaks you’ve been on with kids. Mine are 11 and 8 and we’re looking to go away at the beginning of April. Initial thoughts were Amsterdam as flights were reasonable but Airbnb accommodation looks very pricey so ruled that out. Next thought was Barcelona or possible staying down the coast in Stiges and then getting the train into Barcelona on some of the days. Anyone stayed there?
Recommendations of other affordable city breaks welcomed. TIA.

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We can see that this thread is quite old now but If you’ve landed here looking for recommendations, we've put together a handy guide to the best family city breaks according to Mumsnetters featuring recommendations from families that have visited cities across Europe. Spoiler: Copenhagen, Lisbon, Barcelona, Berlin and Rome all loved by Mumsnetters.

Hope this helps! 😎

Rachel - Travel Content Editor, MNHQ

I think Barcelona is great for teenagers - lots to do, plus the beach is great, even just for walking along. Then get the bus/train down to Salou, to visit the theme parks/water parks, which are fantastic for kids (not sure when they reopen after the winter though). Didn't love Salou, but we just did the parks, so it was fine. We took our daughter and her friend last summer, and they had a great time.

Have done Rome in April and Barcelona in July with kids of fairly similar ages. Both worked very well but on balance I think Rome was the best as the weather was better for sightseeing although we had every type of weather available from pleasant and sunny to hailstones.

Bordeaux is lovely and lots to do

@MiniDinosaur

Is Lisbon suitable for grandparent who can't walk quickly? Looking for idea for DD after GCSEs and my Mum.

I second Berlin.

There's a lot of great adventure parks and two zoos. Also the history of the city is all around you so rather than having to drag your kids to museums etc you can take it in as you go to places.

A good guidebook is particularly useful in this city.

I'd suggest Stockholm. We've not taken our son yet but there are loads of cool museums (Skansen and Vasa spring to mind) which would be great for kids :) I'm not sure if the Birka Viking island is open in April (we went in November and it wasn't open then) but that looks amazing as well.

Mine have really enjoyed Rome and Copenhagen. Both fab cities with lots to do/see.