10 Family Friendly Destinations You Can Visit In Europe

Planning a family holiday in one of Europe’s cultural hotspots? Then you’ll want to stay somewhere with enough space for all your tribe, with child-friendly amenities, convenient transport links and self-catering facilities. Here are some of the most family-friendly places to stay, be it an eco-hostel in Copenhagen, a seaside resort in Dubrovnik or a city-centre apartment in Prague.

# Vienna

Vienna, the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is full of grand buildings and dripping with history, and offers a treasure trove of kid-friendly destinations. Where else can you see a horse show (or a practice, at least) in a building resembling a wedding cake besides the Winter Riding School? How many castles have one of the world’s oldest zoos in their beautiful gardens besides Schönbrunn? Vienna’s ferris wheel at the Prater is perhaps less unique, but no less exciting. Night or day, you’ll get an excellent view of the city, and the ride’s entry hall even has a charming exhibit about the history of the city that’s perfectly tailored to a young audience.

# Myplace Premium Apartments

Myplace offers modern apartments in the heart of Vienna, either just a five-minute walk from St Stephen’s Cathedral or by the riverside. Each building has a fitness lounge and roof terrace with 360-degree views over the city. The premium two- and three-bed apartments are ideal for families, featuring kitchens and living areas with comfy sofas and cable TV. Children up to two years old sleep free of charge, and baby cots are available.

# London

London has something for everyone, so it’s perhaps no surprise that it’s also an excellent place to take children. It’s chock-full of museums, many of which have kid-friendly sections where young ones can get their hands into history, science, technology and more. Would they like to try and lift a gold brick, or to explore the decks of a World War II warship? Both are possible – at the Bank of England Museum and the HMS Belfast, respectively. When it’s time to sit down for a while, why not check out a West End show? There are several that will be excellent for children and parents alike, such as The Lion King, Wicked, or Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella.

# The Rosebery ApartHotel

Get all the convenience of a central London location combined with the comfort of your own apartment at the Rosebery. The family-run aparthotel is set in a refurbished Victorian brick building in Clerkenwell, just a few minutes from Farringdon and Chancery Lane tube stations. There are 58 studios or sophisticated apartments that come with kitchens, city-skyline views and lounges with Sky TV.

# Copenhagen

The Danish capital of Copenhagen isn’t all about fancy restaurants or hunting down marijuana in the self-proclaimed republic of Christiania. It’s also got a number of attractions that make it remarkably family-friendly. Tivoli Gardens, for example, the theme park in the center of the city, is the second oldest continually operating theme park in the world, and it’s just as exciting as — if not more than — one that was built in the last decade. Being the home of fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen is also a perfect destination for those captivated by his stories – particularly The Little Mermaid, whose statue you can find in the harbour.

# Danhostel Amager

Looking for a quiet hostel surrounded by countryside? Then opt for the eco-friendly Danhostel, set in Amager Faelled Nature Reserve, less than three miles (five kilometres) from Copenhagen. Stay in a family room with views of the surrounding fields and forest. There’s a communal TV room, library and hangout area with bright sofas and graffiti murals, as well as play areas for kids. Make the most of the organic local breakfast buffet in the dining room or wraparound terrace.

# Dubrovnik

The Adriatic gem of Dubrovnik is filled to the brim with activity, so it’s a great place to come with kids who need to blow off some steam. One of the top things to do is to take a walk around the walls of the inner city, which will be a treat for all members of the family – especially if someone fancies herself to be a photographer. Swimming is also possible at numerous points around the city, so braving the on-season to take advantage of the warmth is well worth it. Getting out of the centre for hikes around the area is another good thing to do, and if people tend to get hungry, no fear – there are numerous roadside stands selling hot and fresh Balkan specialties all over the place.

# Valamar Club Dubrovnik

Valamar Club is one of Dubrovnik’s top child-friendly resorts, known for its Maro Kids’ Club. There’s also a separate teen lounge and programme of sports and evening entertainment. Kids will love the outdoor pools and playground, as well as three nearby beaches. Valamar offers family rooms with connecting doors, a babysitting service and a children’s corner in the buffet restaurant. Thanks to its location on the Babin Kuk Peninsula, you’re just a few minutes from historic Dubrovnik’s city centre.

# Prague

Prague is a city that loves its parks, and that’s one of the features that makes it such a great place to bring kids. Of particular interest will be Petrin Hill, on the west side of the Vltava river that has an excellent garden at the top, including a mirror maze and a mini Eiffel Tower with a viewpoint. You’ll need to keep a close eye on the little ones when you’re in the most tourist-heavy areas in the centre, but braving the crowds will bring rewards like medieval-themed restaurants and kid-friendly museums, such as the Museum of Chocolate. Plus, the zoo was recently voted the seventh best in the world.

# James Hotel

If you’re looking for somewhere in central Prague, James Hotel in the old town overlooks Petrin Hill and puts you within walking distance of Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge. The contemporary units are set in a building with a hotel reception and concierge, secure parking and an on-site café. Each of the 14 apartments has kitchens, a terrace and a balcony, but the three-bed options are ideal for bigger families and can accommodate six people.