Our youngsters have traveled to many European locations (fortunate them!), and we determined to ask them for his or her favourite cities.
Unsurprisingly, they talked about the plain decisions for European locations to go to with teenagers – Paris and Rome, which provide not solely historic and world-famous monuments to snap Instagram footage with, however they’ve a vibrant tradition that caters to a younger crowd that appears to resonate with teenagers at present.
Whereas our youngsters completely cherished Paris and Rome, there have been another European cities they picked that shocked us. So it impressed us to jot down this information and share what locations our teenagers cherished in Europe, in case you’re in search of some cool locations to go to along with your teenagers.
Listed here are some European locations our teenagers, or their pals, cherished essentially the most…
European Cities That Youngsters Love!
Paris
Let’s get the plain ones out of the way in which first! There isn’t any doubt that The Metropolis of Lights is a incredible metropolis to go to as a consequence of its wealthy historical past, vibrant tradition, and numerous sights that cater to youthful crowds.
Youngsters love exploring iconic landmarks such because the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, in addition to exploring the charming again streets and neighborhoods, corresponding to Montmartre and Le Marais. Town has a “cool vibe” recognized for its bohemian existence, thriving artwork scene, high-end style, and world-class meals.
Primarily, it’s a metropolis to boast about. There’s a lot that’s iconic about Paris, and nothing says “I’ve been to Europe” greater than a photograph of picnics below the Eiffel Tower or selfies in entrance of the Arc de Triomphe.
In addition to being a backdrop to brag to your folks about, Paris has rather a lot to maintain you entertained. It has quite a few parks and gardens to loosen up in, or you’ll be able to cruise alongside The Seine River and take within the scenic views of town.
For many who wish to get extra cultured on their travels, you will discover bustling streets stuffed with fashionable boutiques, road performers, scrumptious crepe stands, and boulangeries crammed to the brim with pastry heaven.
General, Paris is an thrilling and numerous metropolis, and whereas it may be overwhelming at instances, it’s a vacation spot that youngsters love and rave about.
Final yr we visited 5 nations on our 4 week Europe journey, and our teenagers each mentioned Paris was their favourite metropolis! Here’s what they suggest are the greatest issues to do in Paris with youngsters and listed here are some vital issues to know earlier than visiting Paris.
Rome
Rome is one other standard metropolis with teenagers as a result of it not solely has an interesting mix of historic historical past, nevertheless it additionally has a vigorous environment that resonates with youngsters who’re at all times on the go.
Teenagers love marveling on the iconic landmarks they realized about at college up shut. Our teenagers totally loved a tour of the Colosseum, Roman Discussion board, and Palatine Hill and studying extra concerning the historical past that wasn’t defined intimately at college. They have been additionally impressed by the structure and artistry of the Pantheon and have been amazed by how a lot the Romans knew about engineering and symmetry all these years in the past.
Rome additionally gives an entry level to The Vatican Metropolis, the world’s smallest nation (in case your teenagers love nation counting, this might be a success!).
The Vatican is understood for its beautiful St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, which even youngsters who will not be notably keen on artwork will respect.
Like Paris, Rome is filled with charming neighborhoods the place you will get off the primary vacationer path and really feel the heartbeat of town. Neighborhoods corresponding to Trastevere and Campo de Fiori, provide a vibrant road life, bustling markets, and genuine Italian delicacies.
In fact, you’ve received to be sure to see the “I’ve been to Rome ” sights, corresponding to The Trevi Fountain and The Spanish Steps. Teenagers can even love sitting in gelaterias and occasional retailers across the quite a few piazzas and doing a little people-watching.
Listed here are some vital issues to know earlier than visiting Rome.
Cinque Terre
On our final go to to Italy, we spent a number of days in Cinque Terre, because of our eldest teen who selected this as her must-do on our European journey. Each our youngsters agreed it was one among their favourite locations in Europe due to its beautiful coastal surroundings and charming little villages.
Our women have been snapping image after image of the colourful villas and cottages within the 5 cliffside cities of Cinque Terre. Every city has one thing particular and distinctive to supply, however all of them include breathtaking views which can be a photographer’s dream.
On our journey, we didn’t get to hike the rugged Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path) mountaineering path, which connects the villages, however any outdoorsy teen that likes journey with views will like it. We as a substitute hopped between villages on the practice.
As soon as we reached the villages, we wandered across the backstreets, dipped into boutique retailers, and relaxed on the attractive seashores, and dived into the crystal-clear waters for a swim.
Our favourite expertise was our afternoon boat cruise between the islands, which gave us a singular perspective in addition to likelihood for swimming and cave exploring!
Like Rome, the delicacies is divine. Cinque Terre’s delicacies is generally a mix of recent seafood dishes and conventional Roman delicacies, which even the fussiest eater will love.
There’s additionally this pretty laid-back environment that beckons you to loosen up (besides possibly in August, which is peak vacationer season). In case your teenagers like exploring locations which can be a bit extra native and genuine than locations like Rome which might typically really feel very touristy, then Cinque Terre is an efficient possibility.
Venice
One other Italian metropolis that stole our teenagers’ hearts is Venice. Though it will probably really feel a bit touristy generally, Venice remains to be a singular vacation spot that gives a plethora of sights and iconic monuments that wow and encourage you.
Town’s iconic canals, historic structure, and romantic attraction are among the largest attracts to town, and youngsters who love snapping photographs might be amazed by the picturesque bridges, slim alleys, and beautiful palazzos.
Venice’s famend sights corresponding to St. Mark’s Sq., the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge are only a few landmarks that wow you with their architectural magnificence. Our youngsters would additionally leap on the likelihood to experience a gondola via the winding canals and see the beautiful buildings from a brand new perspective.
The environment of the native markets, such because the Rialto Market, provides a style of Venetian tradition and culinary delights, together with delectable gelato and conventional Venetian delicacies.
Teenagers also can take pleasure in actions corresponding to visiting the Peggy Guggenheim Assortment, exploring town’s hidden courtyards, and collaborating in mask-making workshops, including a creative and inventive dimension to their go to.
General, Venice’s romantic ambiance, historic treasures, and distinctive experiences make it an interesting vacation spot for youngsters searching for a mixture of tradition, artwork, and exploration. Town’s distinct character and limitless alternatives for discovery provide a memorable and enriching expertise for teenagers trying to immerse themselves within the magic of Venice.
We do suggest visiting Venice for sooner or later, and basing your self in close by Verona, one other vacation spot our teenagers cherished (and simply quietly one among my favourite locations in Italy!
London
Who doesn’t love London? British individuals from the countryside, possibly, however for worldwide guests, it’s a metropolis that gives a lot, particularly for youngsters. It has an distinctive mix of historical past and tradition, and it doesn’t matter who you might be, the place you’re from, or what you’re into, you’ll be able to at all times discover your tribe right here.
One of many greatest issues you are able to do in London along with your teenagers is discover the colourful neighborhoods corresponding to fashionable Shoreditch, boutique Notting Hill, and bustling Camden City, the place you’ll be able to actually really feel the variety of town.
It additionally has among the most iconic landmarks on the planet. Historic sights such because the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum are world-famous and are the proper locations to go to study concerning the nation’s wealthy heritage and worldwide historical past.
In case your teen doesn’t take care of historical past, maybe they’d take pleasure in reliving childhood goals on the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour as a substitute.
Town’s music and theater scene additionally can’t be overwhelmed – it’s undeniably one of the best nightlife for younger individuals in Europe. From West Finish reveals and dwell performances to grand-scale music festivals with world-famous artists, in order for you a metropolis that gives leisure, London is it.
Whereas vibrant and busy and infrequently chaotic, London has loads of areas to unwind and loosen up in as properly, Within the middle, you will have Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in leisurely walks and picnics, and if you wish to exit of city, Richmond Park and Clapham Widespread present a quiet retreat from town.
General, London’s mixture of historical past, tradition, and modernity make it the proper vacation spot in Europe for youngsters searching for a various expertise. Listed here are issues to know earlier than visiting London and a straightforward to comply with 3 day London itinerary.
Barcelona
One other vibrant metropolis that pulls youngsters in with its modernity and tradition is Barcelona. It’s recognized for its beautiful structure and creative vibe, in addition to being a consumer’s paradise.
From the bustling markets to the boutique shops in fashionable neighborhoods like El Born and Gracia, Barcelona provides a plethora of procuring locations. It’s the place to go if you wish to come dwelling with distinctive artisan items out of your journey to Europe.
Town additionally has some iconic landmarks that encourage and amaze youngsters, such because the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and the Gothic Quarter. It’s additionally near many seashores, together with Barceloneta, which implies you’ll be able to have each a seashore vacation and a metropolis break – ideally suited for households who want variety on their holidays.
Barcelona’s vibrant road artwork and creative vibe are not like every other metropolis in Europe. Pair this with its mixture of historical past and vibrant vitality and numerous sights, and also you’ll discover it makes for a memorable vacation spot for teenagers.
Greek Islands
The Greek Islands are one other distinctive perspective of Europe. Most of the islands have comparable vibes, and a few are distinctive and totally different, so one of the best ways to expertise them along with your teenagers is to go island hopping and discover one which resonates with your loved ones.
From the beautiful landscapes of Rhodes to the white sand seashores of Corfu to the long-lasting white-washed buildings and sunsets of Santorini and the vigorous nightlife of Mykonos and the historic websites of Crete, there may be an island that has one thing for everybody. It actually is dependent upon what your teenagers are into.
Each island although isn’t wanting stunning seashores, crystal-clear waters, and charming villages to find. You possibly can spend your days catching a tan and spend your evenings exploring the bustling markets and sampling the scrumptious Greek delicacies.
The wealthy historical past and mythology of the Greek Islands are additionally distinctive and fascinating. Our teenagers cherished studying about Homer’s Odyssey and seeing locations that have been depicted in tales in actual life. (One other nice area of Greece to discover Homer and Greek Mythology is the Peloponnese peninsula.)
Whilst you would possibly assume the Greek Islands are all about seashores, there are numerous extra out of doors adventures to find from mountaineering alongside scenic trails to exploring sea caves and taking boat journeys to hidden coves and secluded seashores. To not point out ample alternatives for scuba diving.
General, island hopping within the Greek Islands is a various sunny vacation spot in Europe, combining pure magnificence, historical past, tradition, and out of doors actions.
Dubrovnik
Okay, everyone knows that Sport of Thrones isn’t precisely appropriate for under-18s, however discover me a teen who hasn’t no less than heard of it. Dubrovnik is town the place Sport of Thrones was set, and one of the vital standard issues to do right here is to take a tour of every of the movie places.
Though GOT put Dubrovnik on the map, there may be extra to see and do right here than dwell out your Kings Touchdown fantasies.
Town’s iconic Outdated City, with its medieval partitions and charming cobblestone streets, will amaze your teenagers with its architectural wonders and historic tales. Surrounding town are stunning seashores and crystal-clear waters, permitting you to have a seashore trip with a historic metropolis break.
Dubrovnik can also be surrounded by beautiful pure landscapes, together with close by Croatian islands corresponding to Lokrum Island and the Elaphiti Islands, which provide an thrilling mixture of historical past and pure magnificence.
It’s a metropolis that has grow to be more and more standard in recent times, and though it’s misplaced its “hidden gem” standing, it nonetheless captivates anybody who comes right here.
Lisbon
Most individuals overlook Lisbon after they go to Europe, so it’s our “wild card” on this listing of European locations for teenagers. However hear me out, it’s a incredible metropolis for youngsters, and right here’s why…
Like London, Lisbon has a vigorous road life, with colourful and classy neighborhoods like Bairro Alto drawing you in. There’s an brisk pulse from the younger crowds who dwell right here, that makes it really feel thrilling and magnetic. Lisbon is filled with vibrant road artwork, distinctive retailers, and vigorous markets, corresponding to Mercado da Ribeira, and has an total inventive and creative environment.
Town doesn’t have big-ticket sights, nevertheless it does have the historic Belem Tower, the spectacular Jeronimos Monastery, and the charming Alfama district, that are thrilling for youngsters with a love of historical past and tradition.
Whereas Lisbon is a dynamic metropolis, it’s additionally surrounded by pure magnificence. You possibly can go online at close by seashores, take a ship journey alongside the Tagus River, or go to the close by Sintra area with its fairytale palaces and castles. I completely cherished Sintra and extremely suggest it is going to be fascinating for teenagers.
Town’s vibrant vitality and numerous sights make it a memorable and fascinating vacation spot for teenagers.
Vienna
Our youngsters cherished Vienna, which once more is one other “wild card” metropolis on this listing. It’s a incredible vacation spot full of wonderful historic structure and pleasant coffeehouse tradition, which our women adored.
Discover the magnificent palaces and admire the grandeur of European structure, from the Schönbrunn Palace to the historic Hofburg Imperial Palace and the beautiful Belvedere Palace, there isn’t a scarcity of lovely buildings to impress and encourage.
Vienna additionally has fashionable neighborhoods just like the Naschmarkt and the MuseumsQuartier the place you are able to do some boutique procuring and folks watch from cafes.
In case your teenagers have a candy tooth, they are going to love Vienna, which boasts some scrumptious pastries and desserts that may be present in one of many plentiful espresso retailers.
Vienna can also be the house of classical music. A singular expertise to point out your teenagers is an opera at one among its famend opera homes, corresponding to The Vienna State Opera, or take a classical music tour to study Mozart, Brahms, and Vivaldi. I used to be so shocked when Kalyra mentioned it was her favourite expertise on our Avalon Waterways river cruise.
Town’s location on the Danube River additionally makes it simple to discover different cities in Europe by river cruise. You possibly can take a Danube River cruise and discover different dynamic cities corresponding to Linz, Budapest, and Nuremberg.
Craig and the women loved a motorbike experience alongside the Danube River and throughout to Danube Island. They have been aggravated we had not scheduled in time on the Vienna Prater, Vienna’s standard amusement park, after they rode via Leopoldstadt public park the place it’s positioned!! So now you know the way to plan a visit to Vienna so your teen doesn’t get aggravated with you.
Berlin
Probably essentially the most numerous and vibrant metropolis in Europe is Berlin. In case your youngsters are into artwork and creativity of any type, this can be a metropolis that can resonate with them.
In fact, you can not skip previous the long-lasting landmarks, such because the historic Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and the spectacular Reichstag constructing, which deliver Germany’s WWII historical past to life, however there may be extra to Berlin than simply this.
Immediately, Berlin is best recognized for its vibrant road artwork, fashionable neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, and thriving music scene.
By day, discover the bustling markets, take pleasure in scrumptious road meals, and take a look at world-class museums, or loosen up within the metropolis’s beautiful parks and inexperienced areas, corresponding to Tiergarten and Mauerpark, or cycle alongside the Spree River.
At evening, take your youngsters to a late-night eatery or take them to see a live performance at The Philharmonie Berlin.
Berlin’s mixture of historical past and creative tradition provides town a vibrant vitality that will get below your pores and skin and beckons you to remain.
Prague
One other metropolis recognized for its stunning structure and occasional tradition is Prague. Like Vienna, it’s stuffed with castles and palaces with grand structure and lavish interiors. Don’t miss the beautiful Prague Fortress and an opportunity to wander across the Outdated City Sq. and see the Astronomical Clock chime.
Teenagers might be captivated by Prague’s vigorous streets and classy neighborhoods like Malá Strana and Žižkov, in addition to its thriving arts and music scene, with its distinctive museums, modern artwork galleries, and dwell music venues all through town.
Spend the day biking alongside the Vltava River, exploring town’s many parks, and even visiting the Prague Zoo, one of the vital stunning and numerous zoos in Europe, and comply with it up with dinner at Mozart’s Ballroom – Boccaccio Corridor.
Prague has so many issues to do for teenagers and younger adults. Whereas most individuals go to within the summertime, it’s additionally an excellent place to go through the vacation season and has some wonderful Christmas Markets!
Budapest
One other “younger metropolis” that draws younger adults and youngsters is Budapest, which has spectacular structure, distinctive sights, and tons of historical past to study.
Youngsters will love the structure of Buda Fortress, the spectacular Parliament Constructing, and St Peter’s Church. Be sure you climb the dome of St Stephen’s Basilica, the views of Budapest from listed here are beautiful. In the summertime, stroll alongside the historic Chain Bridge and see the younger individuals sitting on the railings having fun with picnics and drinks with pals.
Stroll across the Jewish Quarter and study Budapest’s tumultuous previous, or loosen up in one of many metropolis’s well-known thermal baths, corresponding to Szechenyi Baths and Gellért Baths.
Hungary additionally has scrumptious native delicacies. Don’t miss an opportunity to style one of many scrumptious Chimney Truffles or a plate of hearty goulash.
Our women loved a meals tour tour with our Avalon waterways cruise. They cherished making an attempt many alternative meals together with horse meat. However each agreed the apple strudel was MUCH higher.
A singular side of Budapest is its arts scene. Whereas youngsters received’t be capable of drink, they’ll nonetheless go to and respect the damage bars – deserted buildings which were introduced again to life with paintings, graffiti, and crops. They typically have markets and road meals stands through the day.
Like Vienna, Budapest sits on the Danube River and is a well-liked vacation spot to go to on a Danube River Cruise. It’s particularly stunning as evening when town is lit up and it’s well-known buildings, just like the Parliament Home sparkle.
Copenhagen
Not many individuals would consider Copenhagen as a vacation spot for teenagers, however hear me out. Youngsters will love driving the rides on the historic Tivoli Gardens amusement park and admiring the architectural fantastic thing about Rosenborg Fortress.
Copenhagen doesn’t have huge ticket, world-famous sights, nevertheless it does have the picturesque Nyhavn waterfront and lots of bike-friendly paths, making it a soothing and laid-back metropolis to discover. It’s also possible to discover town’s canals by kayak, and cycle just about all over the place.
It additionally has a restaurant tradition, just like Prague and Vienna, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in conventional Danish pastries and a scrumptious cup of espresso whereas sitting outdoors and watching individuals go about their every day lives.
Copenhagen has a peacefulness about it, which our teenagers love, particularly after a traumatic faculty yr. It’s nonetheless a hidden gem vacation spot, with a pleasant mixture of historical past, artwork, and tradition, making it a worthy place to go to if you wish to get off the overwhelmed path in Europe.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a lot to see and do and is among the most original cities in Europe.
Take your teenagers to discover iconic landmarks, such because the historic Anne Frank Home, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijksmuseum, the place they’ll see and study extra about among the well-known individuals and locations from their historical past classes at college.
Don’t miss an opportunity to wander across the vibrant Dam Sq., and luxuriate in a espresso at one of many surrounding cafes, or see how the locals loosen up in Vondelpark or Amsterdamse Bos.
Foodies will love sinking their enamel into the scrumptious road meals, corresponding to Dutch pancakes, stroopwafels, recent appeltaart, or sampling the recent regionally made cheese and cured meats.
Amsterdam has so many distinctive museums and modern artwork galleries to discover, however one among our favourite issues to do within the Dam is to do because the locals do and hire a motorbike and cycle alongside the canals. It’s each an thrilling metropolis and a quaint one, with one thing for everybody to take pleasure in.
Remaining Ideas
Europe is a continent the place you’ll be able to uncover so many alternative cultures, uncover a lot historical past, and see so many iconic landmarks and landscapes. It may be so powerful narrowing down the place to take your youngsters on a trip.
The locations on this information have been locations our two teen daughters cherished, not solely as a result of they’d realized about them at school or seen footage of them in motion pictures, however as a result of they received to expertise them personally and the general vibes resonated with their technology. Whereas they’re have been a pair our teenagers haven’t been to but, it’s excessive on their bucket lists based mostly upon my private journey tales or their teen pals!
We hope that this information helped you pick a number of cities that your teenagers will take pleasure in. Is there a metropolis that speaks to you and your loved ones? Inform us about it within the feedback.