There’s time for everything during summer. Time to travel, be with family, and to discover new cities. Why not do so at the same time, at a perfect destination for a summer getaway?
You don’t need to go far to sense cultural differences and the infinite possibilities. All in Europe and just a short plane ride away, there are cities that stand out for their cultural environment, green spaces and activities designed for all ages.
Choosing the right city for a family holiday in Europe involves a balance of culture, fun and accessibility – that said, there’s more than one right answer. Destinations like Madrid, Barcelona, Amsterdam and London demonstrate how it’s possible to combine all of this in a single trip.
Madrid
This is one of the more obvious choices for families seeking the sun, culture and good food. It’s a short distance (less than an hour from Lisbon) and lets you sense that getaway feel. Grand avenues, large parks and a special vibe makes the Spanish capital an ideal destination for the family.
Buen Retiro Park is one of Madrid’s central spots, and if it’s sunny, boat rides and picnics on the grass are a must. Museums such as the Prado or Reina Sofía can be combined with more fun-oriented visits, like the Zoo Aquarium or Parque Warner. Youngsters will enjoy the cable car above Casa de Campo and exploring Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu stadium. On hotter days, there are municipal pools and waterparks to savour.
When it comes to hotels in Madrid, it’s best to stay in the central areas that allow visitors to get around on foot or, when the kids need it, fast and efficient transport.
Barcelona
The Catalan capital is a must-see, especially in summer, given that you can combine both city and sand. Gaudí’s architecture inspires the curiosity of the kids, while the beaches allow walks and swimming without a fixed schedule or set times.
Visiting the Sagrada Família or Park Güell is rewarding for both youngsters and grown-ups. Saying that, there are fun activities for all ages. For the little ones, it’s worth visiting the Barcelona Aquarium or the Tibidabo Amusement Park, in addition to catching workshops in interactive museums. For teenagers, experiences such as surfing lessons or skating by the beach could be interesting. Also, during the summer, there are some concerts that call for a Spanish getaway which mix culture, music and family time.
Staying in a 4-Star hotel in downtown Barcelona means easy access to the main attractions, reducing travel and making the trip more comfortable for all. Being central makes all the difference, especially when travelling with children.
Amsterdam
With its canals, bicycles and laid-back feel, Amsterdam provides a very different experience for a family getaway.
The boat rides on the canals are a practical and fun way of discovering the city, especially if you have an audio guide. If you’re with children, you might find interesting to visit the Artis Royal Zoo, as well as NEMO Science Museum, with scientific workshops and interactive educational experiences. In between, you can easily fit in a picnic in the Vondelpark. For teenagers, exploring the city and rowing around the canals can be an interesting and different way of seeing Amsterdam.
The city is particularly safe and organised, which helps families moving around easily. Mobility is a strong point, with extensive cycle lanes throughout the metropolis, allowing visitors to get around the various quarters and return to the hotel at the end of the day.
Staying at a 5-Star hotel in Amsterdam boosts the experience, especially when travelling with children and when rest is essential, so the trip goes well for all.
London
Offering an almost endless supply of cultural and leisure activities, London is a solid choice for a family getaway in the summer. Among the free museums, iconic parks and interactive attractions, there’s always something new to find.
The Natural History Museum and Science Museum are popular with visitors of all ages, while Hyde Park and Regent’s Park offer visitors the chance to relax in the centre of the city.
Depending on the different interests of children and teens, possible choices include a West End musical, a visit to the Harry Potter studios or the Shrek’s Adventure theme park. Boat rides on the Thames or a spin on the capital’s huge London Eye will be long remembered.
Staying in a hotel with spa near Battersea Park adds a touch of comfort to the trip, providing wellbeing and the nearness of the city’s main attractions.
