Top 5 Places to Visit on a Family Vacation to Europe

Europe is filled with kid-friendly destinations. If you're interested in a European vacation with the kids, here are the best places to enjoy as a family.

London, England

A family vacation in London can be culturally enriching and exciting for kids, especially if they're Harry Potter fans. Take a walking tour of the city to explore the filming locations of the Harry Potter series, from Diagon Alley to Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station. Extend the magical experience with a visit to Warner Bros. Studio, and see the sets of the Harry Potter films. Join a behind-the-scenes tour to learn how the wizarding world came alive. From London, head north to Lake District and Bowness-on-Windermere, and venture to Hill Top Farm to explore the stories of Beatrix Potter of Peter Rabbit fame. See the gardens and farmlands where the idea of Peter Rabbit was shaped. A family vacation to London is incomplete without a visit to the city's great historical sites such as the Tower of London, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. For families with kids in tow, these attractions are more conveniently explored on a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour.

Rome, Italy

The Eternal City is one of the most family-friendly destinations in Europe. If you wish to expose your kids to Ancient Roman history, daily Roman life, and child-friendly attractions in the city, your itinerary can be as long as you'd like. A walking tour is the best way to see the Duomo, Accademia Gallery, Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, as well as the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. Join a cooking class so that the kids can see how pizza is made traditionally in its country of origin.

Bergen, Norway

Certain quintessential attractions in Bergen are perfect to enjoy as a family. The colourful Bergen Fish Market is a fun and educational experience for kids. It is a great place for kids to learn about the different types of fish and seafood. You can enjoy delicious seafood here, so head to one of many restaurants serving a wide selection of seafood. At the Bergen Aquarium, which houses one of Europe's largest collections of marine life, your kids can meet sea lions, crocodiles, fish, and snakes. For lessons on history, head to the historic Bryggen Wharf, whose iconic wooden buildings and maritime heritage are likely to enrapture the teens. Travel to Flam and embark on a fjord safari to see seals, eagles, and porpoises.

Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland

Take the kids to Santa Claus's hometown, Rovaniemi, a true winter wonderland. Visit a husky farm to understand how the dogs are trained. At Santa Claus Village, head to the post office to see what happens to all the letters sent to Santa and meet him in the flesh. On Christmas day, visit the Ranua Wildlife Park to see Arctic animals, and later, visit the Fazer factory and enjoy a Christmas Gala dinner.

Christmas Markets in Basel, Freiburg and Colmar

Spend Christmas in not one but three countries famed for their festive season markets: Basel in Switzerland, Freiburg in Germany, and Colmar in France. Basel hosts one of the largest Christmas markets in Switzerland. Enjoy a fairytale atmosphere of lighted stars, angels, and reindeer. The kids will love exploring the wooden toys, Christmas ornaments, and snowmen. Bite into delicious Leckerli gingerbread cookies, a Basel specialty. The Freiburg Christmas market has a children's baking area, a candle-making workshop, and meetings with Santa Claus. At Colmar's Christmas market, the kids can enjoy mechanical horse rides, see Santa's mailbox, and meet the man himself.

Explore Goway's European trips tailored for family fun and entertainment. You're sure to find a trip that ticks all your boxes.

What do the experts say?

Ainslee Hansen

Team Lead

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A traditional British high tea is a must do in my option. If traditional isnt your cup of tea there are a seemingly endless amount of themed teas including but not limited to Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Bridgerton and Wizard themed.

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Ainslee Hansen

Team Lead

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I love the history of England. There is so much to see and experience not only in regards to history but art and architecture, natural beauty and so much more. It is a very easy country to get around and also very easy to use it as a jumping off point for visiting the rest of Europe.

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Allan Birkett

Destination Specialist

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Late spring to early fall for the best chance of nice weather or during Christmas. London is magical at Christmas time.

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Allan Birkett

Destination Specialist

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The English are actually proud of their cuisine (mostly stereotyped as bland). Afternoon Tea, A full English Breakfast, a Chippy Stand, traditional Sunday roast - all must tries!

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