6 Easy European Cities Perfect for Your First Family Trip Abroad

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Planning your first family trip to Europe can feel a little overwhelming because there are so many incredible European cities and unique places to visit in Europe that you can choose from. For your first vacation abroad, you want somewhere that’s exciting but also easy, safe, and comfortable with kids. Over the last several years, we’ve taken our children, now teenagers, to cities all across Europe.

Today, I wanted to share a round-up of the top six cities in Europe I recommend for your first trip across the pond. And, yes, I have been to all of these places, and this is the honest advice I would give to my closest friends!

European Cities Perfect for Your First Family Trip Family Travel Blog

European Cities Perfect for Your First Trip To Europe With Kids

This is the list of easy European cities that jump out at me as the most welcoming, manageable, and fun for families. From iconic landmarks in Paris and London to the canals of Amsterdam, ancient history in Rome, and the sunny Mediterranean vibes of Barcelona and Lisbon, each of these major European cities offers unforgettable experiences that are not intimidating for first-time travelers.

I particularly chose these cities because our family encountered minimal language barriers, found them easy to navigate, and you’ll often find direct flights from the United States. For those reasons, they are among the best places to visit in Europe for first-timers.

So, if you’re dreaming of a smooth beginner-level international trip with kids, these six European destinations are the perfect place to start. And, in this Europe travel blog post, I will tell you exactly why and what to expect when visiting each of these European cities.

London
Paris
Amsterdam
Rome
Barcelona
Lisbon

What Makes A European City Easy?

However, before I get into specifics about each of these beautiful cities in Europe, I wanted to point out a few things you should look for when planning your very first family trip overseas. I feel like all of these European cities check the boxes that I think are most important.

Easy Transportation and Walkability

You want to choose a European city with fantastic public transportation, so you can get around easily without renting a car. In the cities above, most major attractions are connected by fast, efficient transit or are walkable from your hotel or Airbnb. Plus, Uber and other rideshare services are readily available if you prefer to use them.

I find that Apple Maps is very reliable when you use the transit directions, even overseas. We use it on all of our trips.

Family-Friendly Attractions and Activities

Each city on my list of top European cities offers a great mix of kid-focused fun and iconic sights. Museums, parks, boat rides, castles, beaches, and world-famous landmarks make it easy to build an itinerary that keeps everyone excited.

I will say that once you have a couple of European trips under your belt, it’s fun to step off the beaten path and find those hidden gems and quieter travel experiences. These big European cities can be busy.

But I honestly think that, for your first family trip to Europe, you want to experience the cities and landmarks your children have learned about in school. It makes the world feel smaller!

Safe, Welcoming, and Tourist-Friendly

These European destinations are used to hosting international visitors. You’ll find clear signage, helpful staff, and neighborhoods that feel safe and comfortable, even when exploring with younger kids. That said, you always want to have your guard up because, just like anywhere, there can be petty crime, including pickpockets.

Plenty of English Spoken

One of the things that holds many parents back from planning a family trip to Europe is concern over the language barrier. I can assure you that while learning a few key phrases is always appreciated, English is widely spoken in all six cities.

This makes ordering food, navigating transit, and asking for directions less stressful for first-time travelers. I have found that many places offer menus in both English and the local language, and most customer-facing staff are bilingual.

Good Hotel + Airbnb Options for Families

These six European cities offer a wide variety of family-friendly accommodations, including spacious Airbnb apartments, centrally located hotels, and properties with amenities like breakfast, laundry, or on-site restaurants.

Something to note about hotels in Europe is that they are very strict about occupancy limits, and most rooms accommodate only two people. Do not try to bring children who are not on your reservation, as they typically ask for all passports at check-in.

We almost always use Airbnb or apartment-style hotels when traveling as a family in these big European cities. We often have great luck finding family rentals on Booking.com.

Top European Cities For First-Time Family Travelers

So, now that we know what to look for in these big European cities, let’s break down the highlights of each. As I mentioned above. I have personally visited all of these cities in Europe. The only place my kids didn’t get to visit with me was Lisbon, Portugal, but I kept saying I wished they were there!

#1 London, England

London is one of the easiest cities in the world for families to explore. Visiting the United Kingdom is a great first trip because it essentially removes the language barrier. London feels familiar, English-speaking, loaded with recognizable landmarks, and incredibly walkable.

The city’s public transportation system is efficient and easy to understand, and many top attractions are free. The dinosaur exhibits at the Natural History Museum are always a hit with kids!

London England Travel Our Little Lifestyle 15

One of my favorite things to do is walk The Mall (basically a tree-lined road) straight up to Buckingham Palace. You can see the guards in their iconic uniforms through the gates, or you can book a Changing of the Guard Tour.

On my last trip, I took the train out to Windsor Castle and had a wonderful afternoon! So, if you want to venture out of the city for a day, consider doing the same.

If traveling with kids who love Jellycats, schedule a time in advance to visit the exclusive Jellycat Fish & Chips Experience at Selfridges in London. I went, and while I didn’t do the interactive experience, it was fun to watch, and I got Abby a super exclusive lemon Jellycat.

Must-Do Family Activities In London

Where to Stay in London with Kids

For first-time visitors, the best family-friendly areas are South Kensington, Covent Garden, and Westminster. South Kensington is perfect for families because it’s safe, quiet, and close to the free museums, Hyde Park, and easy Tube connections.

Covent Garden is lively and walkable with endless restaurants, markets, and shops, plus it’s close to many major attractions. Westminster is great if you want to be near landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Thames while still having quick access to parks and transportation.

Browse accommodations in London!

#2 Paris, France

I have been to Paris many times, and I have to say that it’s my favorite big European city. Paris is just so iconic, beautiful, and surprisingly kid-friendly. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most visited cities by Americans traveling to Europe.

The wide sidewalks, outdoor cafés, and parks make it easy to keep kids entertained while enjoying world-famous Paris landmarks in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Plus, Disneyland Paris is always a fun experience if you think your kids might need a day off from sightseeing.

A dad and daughter at the Eiffel Tower in Paris France

Montmartre Food Tour With Eating Europe 23

Seeing the Eiffel Tower is a must, and wrapping up the day with a Seine river cruise is both relaxing and unforgettable. Leave time open to wander the gardens on both the right and left bank. And, consider booking one of these fun family tours in Paris.

Also, if the Jellycat experience in London caught your eye, you can do something similar in Paris at the Jellycat Patisserie Experience at FAO Schwarz in Galeries Lafayette, Paris.

There are also many French cities and landmarks just a short train ride away if you want to explore more, including the Palace of Versailles, which I have never been to, but it’s on my list!

Family-Favorite Things To Do In Paris

Where to Stay in Paris with Kids

Families love staying in the 7th, 1st, and 6th arrondissements because they’re central, walkable, and full of parks, cafés, and wide sidewalks. The 7th is ideal if you want to be near the Eiffel Tower and along the Seine, with plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

I personally really like staying in the 1st because it puts you close to the Tuileries Garden, the Louvre, and some of Paris’s most iconic walking routes. The 6th (Saint-Germain-des-Prés) is charming and convenient, with beautiful streets, great bakeries, and easy metro access for sightseeing.

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#3 Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is compact, friendly, and simple to navigate. Its flat streets are perfect for walking, and the trams and metro make getting around easy. Kids love the unique canals, the boats, and the relaxed vibe. There are many great parks and museums in Amsterdam, too, including the Van Gogh museum and the incredible Rijksmuseum.

And, while it is a heavy subject, we did take our kids to the Anne Frank Museum, and it was one of the most powerful experiences we have had as a family. If you have older kids, I highly recommend it, and make sure to buy timed tickets well in advance.

a family on a Flagship Canal Tour of Amsterdam

I also want to point out that, believe it or not, the one thing that I do not recommend doing with kids is riding bikes. I know that Amsterdam is known for bikes, but the people riding these are using them as a mode of transportation, often riding fast.

It’s hard to keep up with the bike signals and paths in the busier areas. Even when not biking, you need to stay very aware of bikers and bike lanes when walking around Amsterdam.

Top Family Experiences In Amsterdam

Where to Stay in Amsterdam with Kids

The best neighborhoods for families are the Museum Quarter, Jordaan, and De Pijp. The Museum Quarter is calm, safe, and close to major museums, Vondelpark, and public transportation.

Jordaan is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Amsterdam, with canals, small cafés, and quiet streets perfect for strolling with kids. De Pijp is lively yet family-friendly, with great restaurants, playgrounds, and parks, and a more local feel, while remaining close to the city’s main attractions.

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#4 Rome, Italy

Rome is exciting, vibrant, and full of history that kids can actually see and touch. From ancient ruins to gelato shops on every corner, there’s always something new to explore, which is why I think it’s one of the coolest cities in Europe. It’s hard not to be blown away when you are standing on the floor of the Colosseum!

And I find most of the main landmarks in Rome are fairly close to each other in the city centre, making it easy to see several things in one day, including hidden gems like the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary.

Visiting The Pantheon Rome Italy Cropped

I will note that while Rome is one of our favorite cities, it usually requires more walking than other cities. Wear supportive shoes, take afternoon breaks, and if visiting during the hot summer months, schedule big attractions early in the day when crowds and temperatures are lower or late in the afternoon after some rest.

Things To Do In Rome

Where to Stay in Rome with Kids

For first-time visitors, look at Monti, Trastevere, or the Historic Center. Monti is one of Rome’s best neighborhoods for families because it’s close to the Colosseum and Roman Forum but still has a cozy, village-like feel.

The Historic Center (around Piazza Navona or Campo de’ Fiori) puts you within walking distance of nearly everything, which is a big help when traveling with kids. And, if you are visiting the Colosseum, here are some key takeaways from our visit.

My personal favorite area to stay in is Trastevere. We stayed there for five nights last summer with our teenagers. It’s a tad removed from the big tourist attractions, but it has great restaurants and a more charming feel for morning coffee and dinners out.

Browse accommodations in Rome!

A father and son taking a selfie inside of St Peters Basilica Vatican City Rome

#5 Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona blends city life with beach relaxation, making it an easy destination for families. It’s colorful, warm, and packed with fun architecture and outdoor spaces. There is also a major cruise port right there in Barcelona, making it a great starting point if you want to take a Mediterranean cruise.

And, trust me, you must visit the Sagrada Familia. Gaudí’s masterpiece is jaw-dropping for all ages. Make sure to buy your Sagrada Familia tickets in advance. We saw it in person this summer, and it was incredible from every angle.

Also, purchase advance tickets for Park Güell. Kids love the colorful mosaics, unique structures, and the park’s playful feel!

By chance, we stumbled upon Parc de la Ciutadella on our recent trip, and our family had a wonderful time walking around this lovely park in Barcelona.

If you want to get out of town, take a train trip to Sitges for the day. It’s always really exciting to travel by train, and I fell head over heels in love with this charming coastal community.

Barcelona Attractions To Visit

Where to Stay in Barcelona with Kids

Barcelona is clean, safe, and central, with grid-style streets that are easy to navigate and close to top attractions like La Sagrada Família and Passeig de Gràcia, the main shopping street.

Gràcia has a quieter, residential feel with plazas, playgrounds, and local cafés that work well for families. Barceloneta is ideal for a summer trip if you want to be near the beach and waterfront, making it easy to mix sightseeing with downtime in the sand.

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#6 Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is warm, affordable, and full of charm. It’s known for friendly locals, scenic hills, colorful streets, and some of the best pastries around. In my opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, which is why it’s atop many people’s bucket lists.

Plus, because of its location in far western Europe, flight times to Lisbon are often much shorter than to other cities. For example, the flight from New York to Lisbon is under 7 hours. So, see if your nearest international airport offers direct flights to Lisbon, Portugal.

Another reason I love Lisbon is its temperate weather. I visited earlier this year, in February, and was treated to nice sunny days!

Lisbon is a beautify city, but it’s hilly, so bring good walking shoes. Stick to central neighborhoods to reduce uphill walking. It’s easy to see something “close by” on the map, but it sometimes requires a pretty steep walk or a set of stairs to reach.

Top Family Activities In Lisbon

Where to Stay in Lisbon with Kids

The best areas for families are Baixa, Chiado, and Avenida da Liberdade. Baixa is flat, central, and perfect for first-time visitors because it’s close to restaurants, shops, and major sights without being too hilly. Chiado offers a great blend of charm and convenience with walkable streets, viewpoints, and easy public transportation.

Avenida da Liberdade is quieter and upscale, with spacious sidewalks, which is helpful when navigating Lisbon with kids, and it offers quick access to the metro. It’s my personal favorite area!

Browse accommodations in Lisbon!

Other European Cities To Visit

There are several other cities, many that I have personally visited, that are also great for families. That said, for this ranking, I forced myself to choose just my top six European cities for that very first European family trip, factoring in travel time, weather, things to do, and other factors.

Some other urban towns you may want to consider are Munich, Germany; Dublin, Ireland; Vienna, Austria; Brussels, Belgium; and Madrid, Spain.

Final Tips for Planning Your First European Trip with Kids

It’s easy to want to visit a bunch of destinations during your first trip to Europe, but don’t overdo it. Even now, our family tries to stay in a town for three to five days to enjoy a more relaxed pace, but I could easily spend a full week in each of the cities mentioned in this post.

In the last year, I have been to Europe a half-dozen times and can say I almost always regret not staying longer in each place.

If you want to explore more, I would pair each of these big European cities with a train trip (or European city break) to a nearby smaller city. For example, if visiting London, take the train to Bath, England, for a few days. Or, when flying into Barcelona, start your trip in Sitges, Spain. We did that this past summer, and it worked out very well for us!

The reason I like to take these side trips by train is that it avoids the “big travel day” feel in the middle of the journey that comes with air travel. There are so many unique and beautiful cities located near these large metropolitan areas. We like to use Trainline to purchase and manage our train tickets.

Family outside of the Louvre in Paris France

Europe Travel Tips & Resources

Do you want to see exactly how I plan our family travels to Europe? In my related blog post, How To Plan A Family Trip To Europe, I share the exact steps I take when planning trips. Honestly, it almost always starts with finding a flight deal on Thrifty Traveler Premium.

We also love to leverage miles and points to offset many of our travel expenses, including airfare for pretty much every trip. In my Travel Hacking 101 blog post, I share a great overview of how to use credit card points and hotel and airline miles. However, there is a lot to take in, so if it confuses you, read it twice!

I also recommend you book a Flytographer photo shoot for your family trip to Europe. It’s a great way to connect with photographers around the world for a short, sweet family photo session. We did it in Rio de Janeiro, and I always regret not booking these sessions on more of our trips.

And one last tip, make sure to read my Europe Travel Essentials blog post! You will need travel adapters and converters when traveling to these European cities. Plus, I have a few travel must-haves that will make your trip easier.

More European Cities & Travel Inspiration

If you want more travel inspiration for each of these cities and other places to visit in Europe, browse my Europe Travel blog posts! Or, just use the main menu to choose a country that you are interested in learning more about. All travel tips, experiences, and photos here at Our Little Lifestyle are our own, and we pride ourselves on only sharing first-hand travel advice!