Fancy a weekend getaway that’s a little different from the usual crowds? These 9 European city breaks are all easy to reach, all genuinely family-friendly, and all a nice change from the destinations everyone already knows.
Jump to a city:
1. Segovia, Spain
2. Rotterdam, Netherlands
3. Gothenburg, Sweden
4. Dubrovnik, Croatia
5. Istanbul, Turkey
6. Coimbra, Portugal
7. Reims, France
8. Bologna, Italy
9. Wroclaw, Poland
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1. Segovia – Spain
Spain is a reasonable distance to travel for a weekend, but if you’ve already done Barcelona, Madrid and Seville, why not explore somewhere just as beautiful with a slower pace? It’s a great option for a peaceful mini-break.
Segovia has a huge Gothic cathedral and a fairytale-like castle to explore, and the town itself is a Unesco World Heritage Site. It’s only a 30-minute train ride from Madrid, so it also works well as a day trip.
Top tip for families: The Alcazar is a kid’s dream of a fortified castle. Set on a rocky promontory, there’s been a fort here since Roman times, and children love exploring it.
More info: Segovia
2. Rotterdam – Netherlands
Amsterdam may get all the attention, but Rotterdam is not far away and is a design-led Dutch city brimming with striking architecture. If you fancy a cutting-edge art scene, this place has plenty to offer.
It’s home to the Het Nieuwe Instituut of Architecture, while Tent and Showroom Mama are highlights of Rotterdam’s contemporary art side.
Top tip for families: Miniworld Rotterdam is one of the largest indoor miniature worlds in the Benelux countries. Its collection of models tells the story of the Netherlands and Rotterdam from 1500 to the present day, contrasting the open Dutch polder landscape with Rotterdam’s busy industrial port and city-centre architecture.
More info: Rotterdam
3. Gothenburg – Sweden
Sweden’s second-largest city sits on the west coast and makes a great backdrop for a lively, creative scene. Near the riverside you’ll find an old boiler house that’s now a huge arts and culture space.
There are lovely cobbled streets in the once-run-down Haga neighbourhood, now the place to explore indie cafes, shops and restaurants. As part of the Nordic region it stays bright late into the evening, and as night eventually falls the city comes alive with plenty of hangouts to choose from.
Top tip for families: Universeum is a great centre for kids, with seven floors of things to do. Look at the sharks in the ocean zone, take a trip into “space”, or walk through the rainforest to spot birds and small animals.
More info: Gothenburg
You might also like: 10 of the best family resorts in Europe or 10 spots for family camping in Europe
4. Dubrovnik – Croatia
If you have an extra-long weekend, Dubrovnik is well worth the trip. It’s one of the world’s most magnificent walled cities and a Unesco World Heritage Site. Once capital of the wealthy sea-faring Republic of Ragusa (1358–1808), today visitors come for leisure rather than trade.
The main draw is the charming, pedestrian-only Old Town, packed with grand palazzi and elegant Baroque churches inside sturdy medieval fortifications. Add in the beaches, clear sea, relaxed seafood restaurants, smart hotels and adventure sports on offer, and you’ve got a holiday made.
Top tip for families: Take the cable car from the Old Town up to Srd Mountain. The ride itself is short, but the views from the top are spectacular.
More info: Dubrovnik
5. Istanbul – Turkey
This is one of the world’s great cities, straddling Europe and Asia, and it’s unlike anywhere else on this list. The old quarter, with its skyline of domes and minarets and narrow cobbled streets lined with old wooden houses, is a fascinating place to wander.
If you love a good market, the Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s most famous, with nearly 60 streets and thousands of shops. It’s busy and a little chaotic, but it’s a must for jewellery, leather, pottery and spices.
Top tip for families: Set sail with your little captains and hop aboard a public ferry towards the mouth of the Black Sea. You’ll pass sights like the Rumeli Fortress, Ortakoy Mosque and Dolmabahce Palace along the way.
More info: Istanbul
6. Coimbra – Portugal
About two hours’ drive from Lisbon, Coimbra is Portugal’s oldest university town. This ancient city was part of the Roman Empire more than 2,000 years ago and was declared the first capital of the new Kingdom of Portugal in the 12th century.
With cobbled streets, great coffee and fewer crowds than Lisbon or Porto, Coimbra makes a lovely alternative Portuguese city break. Wander the graceful Old Town, visit the Santa Cruz Monastery (resting place of Portugal’s first kings), and discover the Unesco-listed baroque library, founded in 1290.
Top tip for families: Visit Portugal dos Pequenitos, a miniature world of scaled-down models of famous national and international monuments.
More info: Coimbra
7. Reims – France
Fancy something a little more indulgent? Reims is just a short trip across the Channel and makes for a lovely, laid-back city break. As well as its stunning Gothic cathedral rising above the city, Reims has beautiful pedestrian boulevards, Roman remains, art deco cafes and a strong fine-dining scene.
It’s also one of the most important centres of Champagne production and a great base for exploring the Montagne de Reims Champagne route.
Top tip for families: The Piper Heidsieck tour has a little electric train that runs through the cellars, a fun and interesting presentation for younger visitors.
More info: Reims
8. Bologna – Italy
Ever wondered where your Bolognese came from? Beyond giving us one of our favourite meals, Bologna has medieval architecture, stylish boutiques and some of Italy’s very best food.
It’s a city of two sides: one is the hard-working, high-tech city of the wealthy Po valley, home to grand theatres and some of the country’s finest restaurants and trattorias. The other is a politically edgy university city, famous for its graffiti-covered piazzas full of students.
Top tip for families: Visit Stefino Bio for incredible organic ice cream and sorbet, all made on site.
More info: Bologna
9. Wroclaw – Poland
Wroclaw has a colourful history and has belonged to more nations than almost any other city — Poland, Hungary, Prussia, Bohemia, the Austrian Empire, Germany and now Poland again.
Along the way it’s absorbed Bohemian, Austrian and Prussian influences, giving it a unique architectural and cultural mix. Set on the Odra River with 12 islands, 130 bridges and riverside parks, it’s earned the nickname “the Venice of Poland”. As Poland’s fourth-largest city, it has a lively cultural scene, several theatres, major festivals, and plenty of nightlife.
Top tip for families: See how many of the city’s tiny dwarf statues you can spot — there are hundreds scattered around Wroclaw, like little Snow White-and-the-Seven-Dwarfs characters hiding in plain sight.
More info: Wroclaw
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these city breaks suitable for young children?
Yes — each one has at least one attraction picked out above with younger visitors in mind, from castles and miniature worlds to ferry rides and science centres. As with any trip, it’s worth pacing the day around nap times and shorter attention spans, especially in the hotter months.
How far in advance should we book?
For a weekend city break, booking a few months ahead usually gives you the best choice of flights and family-friendly accommodation, particularly during school holidays when demand is higher.
Do we need to speak the local language?
Not really — all of these cities are well used to visitors, and tourist information centres, transport staff and most attractions will have English-speaking support. A few basic phrases always go down well, though.
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- 10 of the Best Family Resorts in Europe
- 10 Spots for Family Camping in Europe
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