When we were just a Wandermust Couple, Wandermust Daddy and I loved a city break. I’ve lost count on how many we went on so we were determine to continue when we had children but is it possible to still enjoy a city break with babies?
From our own experience we have found the answer to be undoubtedly yes you can do a city break with baby and as we have looked into it more we have discovered that there are loads of young families out there to inspire you with tales from cities. This round-up features contributions from some of my favourite family travel bloggers telling you about their best city breaks with babies in Europe along with their tips so you too can have a great city break with a baby in tow!
Looking for things to make baby travel easier? Then check out this post! !
1. ATHENS CITY BREAK WITH A BABY
Athens is an amazing city for families to visit. When my wife and I visited with our 9 month old son we took in as many sites as we could, including the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, Plaka and Monastiraki (shopping). Some other notable places we visited were the Olympic Stadium, Lykabettos (the hill opposite the Acropolis) the Acropolis Museum, and the gardens behind Parliament. All of these places are easy to get to by public transportation, which despite Athens’ street network, is super easy to use. The Metro especially is incredibly easy to ride and can take you pretty much anywhere. If you leave the city center, things can get a little more challenging using a stroller but a well planned excursion can save you the hassle. It’s doable.
The nightlife is also very family friendly in Athens. In fact, I recommend staying out late with your child. People watching is a past time in Greece and kids love it. You’ll see plenty of Greeks and their children out and about as late as 12 am and beyond, enjoying breezy warm evenings and nights in the company of friends in local squares and dining outdoors at taverns. The music is also fantastic and really puts you in the mood.
All in all, Athens is simply unforgettable culture, unforgettable people and lots of fun.
Family Friendly Hotels In Athens: Intercontinental Athenaeum
You can read more Citykliks travels in Athens (and other travels and topics) here.
2. BARCELONA CITY BREAK WITH A BABY
We went to Barcelona at the end of a cruise for a long weekend with our six month old baby.
Barcelona is a perfect destination for a city break with a baby with plenty of attractions for parents and child. We loved how green the city was – our favourite places include parc guell and montjuic. The cable car ride to the top of montjuic would delight most!
The pretty much guaranteed nice weather and variety of outdoor activities mean it is a great city for families of any age! We enjoyed walking the parks, visiting art museums, the aquarium, Barcelona zoo and botanic garden. The only place we struggled with was the bocqueria which was difficult with both stroller and carrier. We however found great respite in the Catalan Cultural Centre which offered great peace from the hustle and bustle of Las Ramblas.
Overall Barcelona is a great place to visit with babies.
Barcelona Family Friendly Hotel Suggestions:
3. BERLIN WITH A BABY
Katie took her 18 month old to Berlin and this is what she has to say:
We chose Berlin because we were looking for somewhere to travel in early December, and what could be more festive than wandering around Christmas markets in Germany? The wonderful Chistmassy atmosphere in December – my daughter was totally entranced by all the lights, Christmas trees and market rides. There was a lot of enthusiastic pointing.
The fantastic public transport system in Berlin makes it really easy to get around with a small person, even one who refuses to use a stroller and insists on being carried everywhere or walking VERY SLOWLY.
Top tips:
* Get the Berlin WelcomeCard, which you can get to cover anything from 48 hours to 6 days. It gives you free travel on all public transport, plus discounts in musuems. The Popple absolutely loved riding on the tram, which she insisted was a choo-choo. The underground was also a choo-choo. Basically, everything is a choo-choo these days.
* Don’t miss the Computerspielemuseum, which covers the history of computer and video games and includes lots of old games you can actually play. Your toddler may need some help to figure them out, but even an 18-month-old can see how great Pac-Man is.
Family Friendly Hotel Suggestion:
Adina Hotel Apartments – For those that like a kitchen!
All of the above have great swimming pools for littles!
You can read more about squirmy popple’s time in Berlin here.
4. BERN WITH A BABY
By Rashmi and Chalukya who took there 18month old to Bern
We were based out of Geneva in Switzerland. We had heard a lot about the historical center of Bern and were interested in exploring it.
The historical city can easily be explored on foot. The city has a good frequency of transportation.
There are numerous gardens in Bern. Then there is the bear park along the river. It should definitely be fun for the kids to watch the bears frolicking in the water and around the shores.
We had been in January and it had snowed only last night. The city was beautifully painted in white color. We explored the historical center of Bern and then had fun at the ice rink set up near the parliament. Chhavi had fun playing with the snow in the park behind the gorgeous Bern Cathedral. Few minutes before the clock struck four the figurines in the clock tower Zytglogge twirled and turned which makes for a great show which was enjoyed by Chhavi too.
Irrespective of the forecasted weather we always carry warm clothes with us. We carry an extra pair of clothes, diapers, and her favorite toys. We ensure that her feeding and sleeping time is not disturbed. Take breaks when you could allow your kid to run around and play on their own.
You can read more about the go beyond bounds trip to the city on their website
5. BRUSSELS WITH A BABY
What a Christine has to say about a Brussels City break with a baby
We went because we really wanted to see the Carpet of Flowers. We love the city because It’s so open, multicultural, they speak French and English so communication was easy, and everything was close enough that we could walk to it if we didn’t want to bother with Public transit. The trains were a little rough to access with a stroller but the busses took us to the same place so I wasn’t too bothered by it. All the activities we wanted to do had stroller access such as Mini Europe, Natural History Museum, Comic strip museum and Grand Place.
Snacks and toilet breaks are a plenty so I wasn’t too worried about Brussels for that. Most restaurants had a child’s menu but they didn’t have much place for the stroller inside the building so they asked that we fold it up and store it in the main office. All the attractions were very family friendly, stroller access, free under 3 and most importantly, therewas so much to do within walking distance that we didn’t even use public transit the first time we visited.
Family Friendly Hotel Suggestions:
Budget: Train Hostel
Midrange: Aris Grande Hotel
Luxury: Hotel Metropole
To read more about the Tapped Out Travellers in Belgium check out her website here
6. COPENHAGEN CITY BREAK WITH A BABY
Joesfine took their son to Copenhagen when he was 10 months
5d-2ba2-420b-9a87-81f596f49f29.jpg”> The Danglish Family in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is filled with opportunities and beautiful architec
[/caption]Copenhagen is filled with opportunities and beautiful architecture and so much history – so much to see and do and all in walking distance!Lifts at every public transport hub, plenty of room for buggies on train and buses and generally just an atmosphere that welcomes families with a lot of baby friendly areas, plus lots of playgrounds in and around the city.
We went to the Tivoli Gardens a magical park that takes amusement park to the next level! Lots of atmosphere and also plenty for a child to enjoy, even the babies! Elliot was absolutely mesmerised by the lights in the park!
Research play-brakes and “safe havens” before going! There is so much to see and do, but sometimes with a little one it’s good to know where you can go and catch a breather – free of charge if you’re child isn’t playing ball
Family Friendly Hotel Suggestions:
Luxury: Copenhagen Marriott
Mid-Range: Savoy
For a complete Copenhagen itinerary check out this post!
You can read more about the DANGLISH Families adventures in Copenhagen here
7. DUBLIN CITY BREAK WITH A BABY
City Breaks with Babies in Dublin
We visited Dublin in June with our two children, 4.5yo and almost 2yo, at the beginning of a long holiday in the country. Dublin was the natural choice to begin our trip, as it is the only location in Ireland to which we could book a non-stop flight.
Dublin is a wonderful city to visit with babies and kids! We walked the entire city – no taxi or public transit needed. Strolling is my favorite way to explore the nooks and crannies of a city, and with the added bonus that I don’t have to fight the kids to get in their car seats.
Some of our favorite attractions in Dublin were Trinity College and its famous library, the Guinness Storehouse (go upstairs to see the great section of cheeky ads from the company’s history) and St. Stephen’s Green. Our favorite experience was spending a Sunday evening at Legends Bar at The Parliament Hotel listening to traditional music – sessions start early on Sundays, so it’s perfect for families with young children! They were even so kind as to bring bowls of ice cream for the kids to enjoy while we had a few drinks.
Family Friendly Hotels in Dublin
Luxury: Intercontinental Dublin
Mod-Range: Camden Court Hotel
Apartment: Staycity Apartments
8. FLORENCE CITY BREAK WITH A BABY
Erica took her baby daughter to Florence when she was 1.5 years old. Here’s what Erica has to say:
When I booked my trip to Italy, I knew that I couldn’t miss stopping in the Renaissance city of Florence, Italy. The moment my toddler and I stepped out of the train station into the city streets I instantaneously fell in love. The atmosphere in Florence still felt serene even with the hustle and bustle of the city. Florence is beyond child friendly and easy to navigate compared to most larger cities. From the architecture to the art to the food- there is something for everyone! Make sure you visit the Florence Cathedral and Duomo and take a walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the best view of the city! And let the little ones have some fun on the famous antique carousel in Piazza della Repubblica!
Family Friendly Hotel Suggestions:
Luxury: Four Seasons Firenze
Mid Range: Farina Apartments
9. Haarlem with a baby!
g”> Enjoying Pippa’s restaurant
Haarlem is a great city to visit with children of all ages. There are a lot of kid-friendly res
[/caption]Haarlem is a great city to visit with children of all ages. There are a lot of kid-friendly restaurants, nice petting farms and there are numerous museums that offer kids programs. Haarlem is easy to reach by train from Amsterdam, it has a good public transport network and the city center is compact enough to cover by foot. Combine a visit to the impressive Grote or St. Bavo Church on the Grote Markt, the city’s main square, with lunch at Meneer Paprika (Koningstraat 19-21) or Pippa’s (Stationsplein 64) and then take your kids to playground Het Paradijsje (Witte Herenstraat 36, open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-17:00, entrance fee €1).Haarlem has won awards for Netherland’s best shopping destination anumber of times. Fun shops for kids stuff are Meneer Paprika(Koningstraat 19-21), Minimarkt (Kruisstraat 11), Krokodil (GedempteOude Gracht 84) and Tante Steef (Zijlstraat 66).
You can read more about their adventures here and here
10. LISBON WITH A BABY
Annabel at a Smudged Postcard took her son to Lisbon when he was 18months old. Here’s what Annabel has to say:
Who doesn’t love a Portuguese custard tartAside from being delightfully pretty in a slightly dishevelled way, Lisbon offers great value, delicious food (Portugal’s custard desserts are one of my weaknesses) and a location within daytrip distance of the seaside. Known as the “City of Seven Hills”, families shouldn’t be put off by Lisbon’s undulating terrain; pushing a buggy up to trendy Bairro Alto justifies indulging in a custard tart (pasteis de nata) in one of the many enticing cafes. For our stay with our 18 month old son, we opted for an apartment in Lapa, one of the less hilly districts. If you have a tiny baby, Lisbon lends itself well to idle wandering along its famous crazy-paving avenues and picturesque lanes, and lazy lunches with abottle of refreshing Vinho Verde. For infants on the move, head to the brilliant, spacious and relatively crowd-free aquarium, located next to a pedestrianised waterfront, ideal for little people to explore.
Family Friendly Hotel Suggestions:
Luxury: Martinhal Lisbon Chiado Family Suites
Mid Range: Altis Lisbon
Fo more suggestions on what to do in Lisbon check out this guide
12. LUXEMBOURG WITH A BABY
Luxembourg is a popular European city break destination. Right in the heart of Europe with easy transport connections to other European capitals, visitors come here to soak up the culture and take in the views over the spectacular gorges and ancient fortifications.
But culture and sights alone will not keep the little ones happy for long…
Fortunately for young families, Luxembourg is also home to the most colourful, imaginative and well-equipped public playgrounds that we have ever seen. Between visits to museums and forts, why not let the children play in a cartoon farmyard or a full-size pirate ship? Let them act as knights and princesses in a whimsical castle, or roar into the sky at their very own airport. And if you want something quieter, take a guided nature trail into the nearby woods. There is surely something in Luxembourg for every family.
You can follow the adventures of DaisytheBus on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
13. MUNICH WITH A BABY BY IMPS AND RAMBLERS
Munich is an excellent family destination because of the unique mix between intriguing glimpses of Bavarian culture and compelling modern attractions. Munich in addition to these, also has exceptional green spaces, playgrounds and child friendly attractions. Amongst the attractions we particularly enjoyed the Deutsches Museum. The best thing you can do in Munish is just get out, walk around and explore.
You can read more about the Imps and Ramblers adventures in Munich here
Have you visited any of these cities with baby? What would you say is the best city breaks with kids?
Have you been done a city break with baby? What is the best city breaks for families in your opinion? If you think we missed a city out and would like to share your baby travel experiences send me an email or comment below to take part.
Looking for more inspiration for city break with baby and toddler? Then check out
European City Breaks (N-Z) with baby
Middle East and North Africa city break with baby inspiration
We had very tiny twins and found early on that double buggies are taken away at check in, so it was car based jaunts to begin with, now they ask for a mini break for their birthday weekend!
Author
Aww that’s a lovely thing they ask for! There was a recent study on how we should spend more on holidays and less on toys. So glad to hear your children have embraced this!
We’re still mulling over the possibilities, they’ve just suggested New York and we countered with York! #fearlessfamtrav
Author
I LOVE york it’s one of my fave cities
I’m intrigued by the Carpet of Flowers in Brussels. Haven’t seen that before! here are some great city destinations here – Haarlem, for instance, is a place I’ve wanted to see for ages, but I haven’t managed to get there on our trips to the Netherlands. Thanks for linking up with #CulturedKids – give me a shout if my badge code’s not working for you x
Author
Sorry baby distracted from badging – will do at home! Yes some really great inspirations from great family travellers! Hope you enjoy the next post in the series
Lovely to re-read this as part of #fearlessfamtrav. You’ve reminded me that I need to book to see some of these amazing places!
Author
Thanks for visiting
What a great idea for a post! Thanks for letting us participate in this interesting project, and we look forward to reading part 2 as well. Greetings from Luxembourg. #CulturedKids
Author
Thanks for taking part. We love learning about Luxembourg through your blog. Hope you enjoy the rest of the series
Brilliant to read about everyone’s experience of cities with their young ones. So great to share the tips! And the Luxembourg playgrounds look amazing. There are some similar ones in Berlin – great for letting the little people let loose for a bit.
Author
Thanks for stopping by! So many inspiring ideas for city breaks – Europe part two coming next wk
Of course you can go on a city break with a baby – and this post is the reason why ! Loads of great ideas to get the wanderlust going. #citytripping
Author
Thank you
Great selection of destinations, thanks for including me! Really fancy Berlin or Munich with my boys. I think the Berlin transport alone, as described by Katie, would have them captivated!
Author
I’ve never done Berlin but it’s certainly on the list now
Great list! I’m totally with you on doing city breaks with kids. So much for them to do and satisfy their curiosity. I have done a few of those cities mentioned with children but there’s a few I have my eye on. Lisbon in particular but Luxembourg and Munich are also up there. Thanks for linking to #citytripping
Author
I didn’t know much about Luxembourg but daisy the van has me sold!
I’ve done some great city breaks with my daughter- Copenhagen when she was about 16 months old, Paris at 18 months, Amsterdam when she was 2 and they’re actually great with kids. After all, cities are full of families and often home to the best museums and big attractions. Love the suggestions here too. #citytripping
Author
Copenhagen is the city I would love to go back to as a family
City breaks continue to be a great idea even when those babes get bigger! Great list and I agree with @MyDanglishFamily on Copenhagen of course! Cheers, Erin #FarawayFiles
Author
Copenhagen is one of my fave cities – I can’t wait to return as a family
I’m definitely on board with the city breaks with babies concept – I think some of the smaller cities like Lucca in Italy and Dijon in France are particularly good ideas. Thanks for joining us on #FarawayFiles
Author
Yes I agree – I was surprised by the prevalence of capitals among our travel bloggers favourites.
It’s great to know that there are so many keen travellers with babies and toddlers around – and that these wonderful cities all make perfect destinations. I’m not surprised you found La Boqueria market in Barcelona tricky with a pushchair though – it’s so busy in there! Lots for baby to look at though. The playgrounds in Luxembourg sound fantastic too. Thanks for sharing this on #farawayfiles
Author
Yes it was a stupid place to go really but baby seemed to enjoy it! You live you learn! I agree Luxembourg looks fab
These kiddos are well-traveled! I’m a teeny bit jealous 😉
#DreamTeam
Author
There are some really inspiring family travellers out there
I like your blog name!
#DreamTeam
My friend took her baby to Copenhagen last year and she said it was amazing. I’m not sure there are many European cities I wouldn’t take the girls to. I visited Vienna once but not with the girls but it would have been perfect and easily pushchair accessible.
#DreamTeam
Author
Copenhagen is amazing I can’t wait to go back with baby
Wow! I’d love to do more “exotic” travelling with my kids, but money doesn’t allow, so we generally stay in the UK. However, there are some FAB cities here too – London, Edinburgh, York #DreamTeam
Author
I agree – York is fab but not taken baby yet. The U.K. List is coming up in a few weeks -let me know if you’d like to join in the collaboration
What a wonderful guide to cities to visit – I haven’t been to Europe with Emma yet but can’t wait to start venturing out before she is school age. I used to live in Barcelona and would love to take her back when it’s the summer! Thanks for sharing with #dreamteam x
Author
Hope you get to travel soon
What interesting post. You visited the same places where I was in the past year.
Author
Which was your favourite?
I haven’t visited Europe with kids yet but this list gives me a good list to start with when we do. #CulturedKids
Author
Hope you get there soon
I do love a city break too. I love Berlin and Munich especially at Christmas. I haven’t done a city break with my toddlers yet not abroad anyway. I don’t know why really but I think I am a bit apprehensive about taking two of them, especially one who hates to go in the pram and walks everywhere at a snails pace. Perhaps I just need to get over it and brave it eh. I really enjoyed reading this thanks for sharing it at #familyfun
Author
I hope you brave it soon but I completely understand your apprehension! I am doing a uk city break with baby post too so let me know if you’d like to join
This is fabulous! I love to visit cities but haven’t done so a huge amount because of my son and his learning disabilities. He’s nearly eleven and travelling with him is a nightmare. He hates going away, really doesn’t understand what’s going on. My parents look after him occasionally and I’m hoping to take our girls away for a weekend soon to a city in Europe so that will be fun 🙂 A x #familyfunlinky
Author
I hope you and your girls get away soon. It must be so difficult for your son and understand how much he must need stability. I recently watched a show called my big crazy family adventure about a family travel adventure without planes and found it interesting to see the positive effects it had on their son who was on the autistic spectrum. I can’t imagine how difficult family travel must be for you. Thanks for taking the time to comment
Wow that’s some list! I have to admit to not taking my little to cities yet but not because I don’t like them but because we love green! We’ve been into the highlands of Scotland and camping on push bikes and stays in YHAs all perfectly legitimate travel adventures!! Packing light when camping is a skill I’ve learnt over the past year! Thank you for linking up to the #familyfunlinky
Author
Can you believe I have never been camping! I wouldn’t know where to start with the packing
It is so good to hear that you can still enjoy these amazing cities with little kids. I don’t have any kids yet but when I do, I definitely want to be taking them along on my travels. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Luxembourg looks so cute! Kids like anywhere I’ve found….
Back when the girls were young we traveled all over Europe and never had a problem. I always wondered about people who refused to travel until their children “were old enough”. Great compilation! Thanks for linking up with #wkendtravelinspiration, see you next week!
Author
Yes the “wait till their mentality” is something we don’t understand
What a great post with so many brilliant ideas. We usually go for rural breaks, but I used to enjoy city breaks, we’ll definitely have to consider it this year. This has given me some serious travel envy, some lovely cities! #hmcapturingmoments
What a great resource! Will definitely pin it for future reference. We always enjoy city trips with our toddler. In fact, I’m looking to book one soon, so this is great info. Thanks! #fearlessfamtrav
Author
Where are you thinking?
I got so many great ideas from this when I read it the first time, and now visiting again, I see how many more I missed. Great idea! #fearlessfamtrav
Author
Thanks you convinced me to consider another trip to Melbourne
So great to see all these families travel the world with their baby! Inspiring! Although you need more diaper and bottle breaks, city trips with a baby are very doable 🙂 However, we don’t like big cities so we travel mainly to smaller cities. For example, we’ve been to Trujillo, in the west of Spain, with our baby and it was amazing! I would love to participate in your blog series if you like 🙂
#fearlessfamtrav
Author
Would be awesome for you to join. We are doing a uk series coming up or if you have a European City then I would be happy to add to the list if you’d like to do Trujillo
Sigh. I look at these photos of the baby carriers and am so annoyed my two never took to them. Anyway, it didnt matter, cities are generally well set up for kids these days. I am taking notes for our big Euro roadtrip in a couple of years time #fearlessfamtravel
Author
Wow where are you road tripping too – we aren’t wholely sold on carriers and just admit am slightly envious of those who are
Some great cities. Would love to visit Bern & Barcelona. My wish list just gets bigger and bigger! #fearlessfamtrav
Author
Mine too lol
It’s my dream to visit Barcelona! I went to check out the post on Copenhagen because I’m visiting in June, found a cafe to add to my list to places to go! #FearlessFamTrav
Author
Barcelona is fab! Glad you looked more into Copenhagen – I have a list of some fab Copenhagen places so will send an email
Barcelona, Copenhagen, Florence…so many places on my wish list for my Daughter and I! And we”l be passing through Luxembourg in the Spring, so we muct check out some of those fab playgrounds. #fearlessfamtrav
Author
Daisy the bus has loads of awesome Luxembourg info. Where are you heading?
Really enjoyed this post as we’ve not done many city breaks since having kids. I love Barcelona but haven’t experienced it with kids yet. It’s such a great place and I bet they would love it, just not sure our budget will stretch to it just yet! Berlin has been on my list for years so got to make that happen! #fearlessfamtrav
Author
I can’t believe I’ve never done Berlin either – seems such an oculus choice
Wow what was wonderful inspiring travels. I would love to do a Christmas market this year and I think I am sold on Luxembourg- thanks to Daisy the Bus! #fearlessfamtrav
Author
Yes he does really sell Luxembourg
I loved being part of this post, so thank you! You’ve just sold Copenhagen to me too 👌🏻 #fearlessfamtrav
Author
Thanks for taking part! We loved having you – you sold us on Venice – we are going in October
Europe is just so fabulous with kids, right? Reminded us to visit Berlin. Our 10-year old visited Berlin with her choir by herself all grown up! ❤️ Lovely lovely post – thank you for building our fearless family travelers!
Author
I love traveling back to Europe! Berlin is a must do on our list now
So many great places to take baby on a holiday.
All it takes is a little research to ensure it is easy enough to get about with a stroller and there are baby facilities about.
We have found Singapore to be one of the best destinations that meet these criteria along with hotel options that accommodate babies and toddlers.
Author
I’m so glad to hear this – we are off to Singapore I june
Such a great compilation post. I love that there are so many people traveling with their babies. We took off on a three week camping and driving trip around southern France and Spain with our (then) 3 month old daughter. It was one of the best trips of our lives! Thanks for linking in this week at #wkendtravelinspiration!
Author
Thanks – there are some great travelling families out there. Wow camping with a three month old must have been intense
Love this round up post. Just proves that people do not need to stop or take a break from travel when they have kids 🙂
Thank you so much for linking up to #HMCapturingMoments x
Author
Exactly so many inspiring families out there
This was really enjoyable to read. Having read this there seem to be some wonderful places to visit.Had a quick look at your blog and love it already. Have subscribed. Looks like you’ve spent time in many of the places listed in this post.