Europe 3 days with 11 year old

[Holidayornot]

So going away with 11 year old daughter. She loves hotels, restaurants, probably fairgrounds etc.
It’s just me and her for various reasons. Anywhere in Europe.
Copenhagen, Stockholm and Paris in mind. Will be in June.

Can anyone advise? Thank you

Cologne in Germany is fab. Got phantasialand as an epic theme park a short tram and bus ride away.
Great city, Lindt choc museum and loads of other things to do.
Train station is right at the airport and before you know it you're in Cologne.

Stockholm is great. Lots to see and do. We went with DS when he was about 10. There is a fairground in the city where the swings go out over the water!

Copenhagen is great - super easy to get to from the airport, you’ve got Tivoli Gardens right in the centre and lots of super cool places to stay/eat.

This is great. Thanks everyone.
I think I just need someone to decide for me!!! I’ve been to Paris but she hasn’t. Neither of us have been to Cologne, Copenhagen or Stockholm
I know Copenhagen and Stockholm are expensive. Apparently

Copenhagen is expensive but mind you, Paris isn’t cheap either these days.

Or what about Amsterdam? Loads to do and the stag/red light/weed is pretty much contained in one area and easy to avoid.

That said, I’ve been to both Munich and Berlin with DS when he was a tween and he loved both trips. I love the way Germany integrates kids into their normal life, the bigger beer gardens have playparks attached!

It’ll just be me and her. So won’t really be doing the beer garden thing.

Amsterdam has so much to do and see but accommodation can be pricey, you might want to stay slightly further out of the city.

Copenhagen, Stockholm and Paris all great to explore with a child that age. You will be walking everywhere whichever one you choose.

I’d personally lean towards one of Copenhagen or Stockholm as a bit smaller than Paris so would maybe make for a more relaxed trip over 3 days, which is relatively short. But can’t go wrong with any of the three (or the great suggestions above like Cologne).

Depending on your location if in the UK, Eurostar to Paris feels slightly less hassle than flying anywhere.

It was just me and DS too. Still was really nice to be able to have a beer while watching him race around a gorgeous playpark. The pretzels were pretty good too.

We are in Rome with DS10 right now and it’s great

@HolidayornotCopenhagen has everything. Yes it’s a bit expensive but where’s bargain basement these days? It’s got Tivoli, the Royal palace (loved the tapestry) and art galleries. Mostly easy to walk around but good transport if you need it.

Berlin has history that might be useful for school. It’s grander than Copenhagen and there’s plenty to see and do. I took DDs to Venice and Rome as they were doing Italian. Both successful trips. Paris is obviously more spread out but is also great for an 11 year old. Amsterdam is also very walkable. Not the grandeur of Paris or Berlin but it’s very attractive. Great art if course!

You might also like Vienna. Fab buildings and museums/art galleries. It also has the Ferris wheel and palaces. The Klimt masterpieces at the Belvedere are stunning.

Copenhagen! Took our DD13 last year - loved it!

Get the train to Cologne. It’s only 2 hours from Brussels.

If she loves fairgrounds, book a tour of the Musée des Arts Forains in Paris. It’s basically an old fashioned fairground museum with all sorts of games, carousels etc that you ride on. It’s really good fun. Can only visit with a tour guide in French, but they’ll speak some English and it’s mostly interactive. Such fun; my son loved it. It’s near Bercy Village which is packed with restaurants.

If she likes fairgrounds, then Copenhagen is a great option as it has Tivoli. You can get a day pass to access unlimited rides.

If you have direct flights then maybe Gothenburg in Sweden. There’s Liseberg amusement park and the city would be a bit cheaper than Stockholm or Copenhagen.

Budapest! DH and I went and both said it would be the perfect city break with kids.

Weve had such rude service in Paris restaurants (despite me speaking fluent french) that it puts me off going back.

Thanks everyone. Love all these suggestions. I’ve been to Budapest so thinking maybe somewhere neither of us have gone

Duinrell or Efteling in NL

Copenhagen actually has two great amusement parks. Everyone knows Tivoli but for some reason, tourists from the UK seem to be unaware of "Bakken" which is the world's oldest amusement park.

English | Find information about Bakken in English