English
We know you love traveling with your little ones (and that they can’t be watched by their grandparents on every vacation). This is why we are dedicating this post to our recommendations for the best European destinations for traveling with children. And we didn’t just decide this by ourselves; we’ve asked experts on the subject. We contacted 6 of the best known family travel bloggers in Europe to find out what their experiences have been to give you the results. It seems like Paris is at the top of the list.
Francesca of www.patatofriendly.com
“The city that most warmed our hearts during our family vacation was most certainly Valencia and that is why we’ve chosen to recommend it as the best city for traveling with children.
We fell in love with Valencia’s Turia Gardens; the giant Gulliver, which captured the attention of all the children, regardless of age; the City of Arts and Sciences with the Oceanography; the promenade; as well as the Cathedral; the market; and the unforgettable tapas tour through the streets of the city center.
But what we liked most in Valencia was one of the more typical dishes: the patata rellena (stuffed potato) and especially how our little one of eight months ate it up with both hands!”
Daniela Gallucci of www.malaikatravel.wordpress.com
“A city that I love and would definitely choose for traveling with children is Paris: romantic, eclectic, rich in history and truly charming.
I’ve visited Paris on many occasions since I was a child and as soon as I could, I wanted to take my daughter there. It was a wonderful experience for both of us!
The charms of the Parisian palaces and most famous landmarks but also the large green spaces and museums are of great interest for little ones. For those of you with a bit more time, I also recommend a visit to Disneyland Paris–a must for all families!”
“From the many possible destinations we could recommend for traveling with children, we chose Amsterdam. It’s a city that has just about everything a family needs. Our children were astonished by the mix of palaces and crooked houses in the rich, historic city center, which seemed to transport us back to the times of a fairy tale, and by a ride on the majestic replica of the 18th –century boat of the East India Company that is named after the city and anchored near the great museum of navigation, the Schepvaartmuseum. Next door, you can’t miss the surprising Nemo Center of experimentation and scientific learning.
Although they love and cultivate so many species of flowers, I’ll stick with tulips. The personality of this city is unique, and the images of the city–the canals and boats that transverse them, the trams, and the bicycles (the most popular and planet-friendly mode of transportation on Earth that beats out even cars!)–will be etched in your retinas. You shouldn’t leave without renting a bike and experiencing Amsterdam on two wheels. There’s a multitude of models to choose from!
There are museums, and summer festivals open to families often take place in the city’s parks, which are themselves another great summer attraction: abundant and well-maintained with some original sports areas, they’re perfect for walks and picnics. Another nice idea is to visit the mini-farms with free admission that are spread throughout the city, like the truly remarkable Jeugdland.
Modern and very European, Amsterdam is also a cosmopolitan city where you will appreciate the spicy Asian twist and surinés which come from its former colonies, as well as the traditional and authentic taste of Holland captured in Edam cheese, which you can discover by venturing away from Amsterdam.”
Cathy Winston, www.mummytravels.com
“Paris has a reputation for romantic breaks but it´s actually perfect for kids. There are endless parks for them to run and play, as well as vintage carousels dotted all around. I particularly love the Jardin d’acclimatation with its rides and mini farm, as well as the Jardin des Plantes which includes a small zoo. And even toddlers are impressed by a view of the Eiffel Tower, while older kids will love climbing it, before a walk along the Seine. With boulangeries on every corner and croque-monsieurs in every cafe, mealtimes are taken care of too.”
Milena, www.bimbieviaggi.it
“A perfect city to visit with children? Bologna, most definitely.
A small and human-scaled town, it’s easy to get around on foot, cycling or by public transportation. Inside the city walls, in the historic center and the periphery, you’ll find a profusion of places of cultural interest: museums, libraries and bookstores where special kids’ activities are often organized as well as unexpected green spaces where you can take a rest in the center of the city. Finally, but no less important, the food is delicious and caters to all tastes, including those of children!”
Maria Franzoni, www.playgroundaroundthecorner.com (also available as a free app)
“That Barcelona is a perfect destination for those traveling with children is something I can say after our last trip to the capital of Catalonia.This city is perfect for playground´s fans like us. There we have found fantastic playgrounds suitable for all ages. After a visit to the Sagrada Familia, in front of and behind the Cathedral, there are two nice playgrounds with sand ready to welcome young tourists. The beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella hides a very original one: pots, pans, wooden boxes .. so many reusable materials to play in a very creative and sustainable way.
And for the older children, in Barceloneta, directly on the long and beautiful beach, there is a giant network where they can climb and admire the sea and a magnificent view”.
