From child-centric tours to unmissable offbeat attractions, discover the best European cities for a family holiday
With the summer break fast approaching, many families are eagerly planning their next getaway. If you’re looking to take your kids abroad, travel insurance experts at Confused.com have curated a list of the most family-friendly European cities.
- AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
The vibrant Amsterdam takes the top spot as the best European city for family breaks. The charm lies in its unbeatable accessibility; 18 UK airports fly directly there. The city’s transport options make it easy to get around, from embracing the cycle culture to the established tram network.
Child-friendly activities:
Amsterdam offers 239 child-friendly things to do. Unmissable highlights include:
- A canal cruise – a fantastic way to explore the city! There are tours designed specifically for kids, such as a pirate themed adventure(1). An engaging storytelling audio is played exclusively to smaller explorers.
- The NEMO Science Museum makes learning fun. Here, you’ll find exhibitions and hands-on workshops covering science concepts.
- The unique WONDR immersive playground unlocks the imagination and engages the senses in rooms such as the pink bouncy house and pool of marshmallows.
Getting & staying there:
The average flight from London only takes 1 hour 12 mins. The Eurostar also goes directly to Amsterdam, but it’s a longer journey at just over 4 hours. Getting from the main airport to the city centre takes approximately 19 minutes by taxi and as quick as 6 minutes via public transport. Once you’re there, Amsterdam is a walkable city, but cycle culture dominates. For immersion in the Dutch experience, you can rent bikes which include a child’s seat (cargo or tandem bikes). You can also use the bus, tram and metro(2).
Looking at where to stay, there’s plenty of choice with 1,347 hotels that welcome families. There’s also 12,000 short term rental properties available.
- PARIS, FRANCE
From the legendary Disneyland to renowned landmarks, Paris is the perfect spot for creating magical memories. The French capital is awarded second place for its extensive offering of 539 child-friendly things to do.
Child-friendly activities:
- The ultimate Paris attraction for families is, of course, DisneyLand. With two parks (Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios), character meet-and-greets, themed restaurants and more, it’s where dreams come true!
- No trip to Paris is complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. The dazzling landmark welcomes families with children under 4 going free. There’s also lifts and you can bring folding pushchairs inside.
- When the sun’s out, the scenic Jardin du Luxembourg is the ideal location. As well as enjoying the views of the serene green space, the kids can play at a puppet theatre, carousel and playground.
Getting & staying there:
11 UK airports fly to Paris and the journey is a short 1 hour 20 minutes from London. The Eurostar can also get you there in just over 2 hours. The city is around 40 minutes from the airport by public transport and taxi. Once you’re there, you can get around via bus, tram network, metro or taxis(3).
Finding accommodation is made easier when there are 2,757 family-friendly hotels and 117,000 short term rentals.
- PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
With its blend of captivating history and unique experiences on offer, Prague is the ideal spot for a memorable family break.
Child-friendly activities:
In Prague, you’ll find 305 activities fit for kids:
- What child doesn’t like Lego? Prague is home to the Museum of Bricks, the largest private collection of Lego in the world! Exhibits display different Lego sets, and there are interactive areas to build too.
- For a unique adrenaline endorsing experience, visit Bobová Dráha Prosek – this bobsleigh track is fun for all the family. Children 8 and over can ride alone whilst those younger must be accompanied by an adult.
- Prague Zoo is one of the most prestigious zoos in the world, making it onto TripAdvisor’s Top 10 list for 2025(4). It’s home to over 650 different species(5). Search what’s on before you go as there are opportunities to meet / feed the animals and ‘Zoo School’.
Getting & staying there:
10 UK airports serve the destination, with the average flight time from London being 1 hour 56 minutes. It’s a quick 15 minute commute from the airport via public transport, or around 30 minutes by taxi. Once you’re there, Prague is a compact city, so walking is an option. The bus, tram and metro are all available as well as taxis(6).
In terms of where to stay, there are 2,595 hotels fit for families, as well as 12,812 short term rentals.
- BERLIN, GERMANY
Berlin is a city buzzing with creativity, making it an exciting destination for parents and kids alike.
Child-friendly activities:
Berlin has 200 family friendly activities on offer:
- For Lego enthusiasts, check out the Legoland Discovery Centre. The centre has a range of exciting attractions, from the dragon ride to a 4D cinema. There’s also opportunities to craft your own masterpiece out of the bricks.
- If you want to provide immersive learning for your family, Berlin has the MACHmit! Museum for Children and Labyrinth Children’s Museum, where kids can learn through interactive play.
- The city is the perfect destination for animal lovers. There are 2 zoos, Berlin Zoo and Tierpark, as well as several urban farms, including the Children’s Farm on the Görlitz and Charlottenburger Goat Farm.
Getting & staying there:
You can fly to Berlin from 9 UK airports and the average flight duration from London is 1 hour 48 minutes. The city is under an hour away from the airport – roughly 30 minutes on public transport or 40 minutes in a taxi. You can get around the city via a well-developed public transport network, including a metro, tram, buses and taxis.(7)
There are 1,549 family friendly hotels to choose from and 12,038 short term accommodation rentals.
- BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
Brussels, with its rich culinary scene and spectacular architecture is a great spot for a family break. Particularly since it’s a short journey away from the UK.
Child-friendly activities:
There are 136 child-friendly activities to choose from, including:
- Choco-Story – a chocolate lover’s dream. Not only can you watch chocolate being made (and taste it!) you can also learn the history behind the treat.
- Brussels has a Children’s Museum, where kids can engage in interactive exhibits, to help better understand the world around them.
- Another unique attraction is Mini-Europe. From the eruption of Mount Vesuvius to Saint Patrick’s Rock, across the garden you’ll find miniature models and animations of European focal points.
Getting & staying there:
5 UK airports offer flights to Brussels, and it’s a short 1 hour 9 minutes trip from London, or just under 2 hours on the Eurostar. The city centre is around 20 minutes away from the airport via public transport and taxi. Brussels is easy to get around via bus, tram, metro and taxis(8). From 1st May, you can even commute via water bus(9).
The city has 814 hotels catering for families. This is more limited than the other destinations, but still provides a range of choice. On top of this there are 10,000 short term rentals.
Confused.com travel insurance expert, Alvaro Iturmendi, shares tips on preparing for a family holiday to make the experience smoother:
- “Be prepared for the flight: Book your plane seats in advance to guarantee you’ll be next to your child. If you’re taking a pushchair, ensure it’s either cabin approved, or you’ve got the appropriate checked baggage allowance. It’s also helpful to make a checklist of items you’ll need in-flight. This could include snacks, medicine, comforters, spare clothes (in case of accidents or change in temperature), entertainment (e.g. games, toys, books, electronics).
- “Plan your activities in advance: Booking excursions and activities in advance will help avoid missing out, especially if you’re travelling during peak times like school holidays. Factor in how you’ll get there and cater for time in between activities. Be realistic about how much you can do with your little ones and how long you’ll need to get ready and commute there.
- “Ensure your child is insured: Having travel insurance for your child will protect them (and you financially) in the event of unexpected illness or injuries. Consider a comprehensive policy that covers lost or stolen baggage for additional peace of mind. Family policies are available which could be cheaper than covering each person individually. These include up to 2 adults who live at the same address and up to 8 children (under 18).”
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