The most beautiful capitals in Europe to visit with your children

What if you took your children on a city trip to explore Europe and its capitals? They all have the advantage of being nearby destinations. We have found for you activities that will appeal to the entire family. And since we have planned everything, we equally propose to you our luxury hotel collections wherein you can lodge in the heart of the most beautiful capitals.  

 

 

It is possible to explore Europe while having fun! The history and capitals of the European Union Member States will no longer hold any secrets for your toddlers. Here we go, follow the guide!

 

1 – LONDON, THE ECLECTICS

London, the vibrant and eclectic. It amazes and surprises. So how about taking a family trip to London? Take your children and babies across the Channel. There, you will find a whole new world. As such, you do not have to travel far in order to have a change in scenery. Pound sterling, left-hand drive, double-decker bus, vintage phone booths, the capital of the United Kingdom is always unique. On the streets, from the outset, you will get carried away by its diversity. Being a cosmopolitan city, it is full of « food courts » which will introduce your children to the cuisines of the world. On the street, the Londoners will clearly showcase their personality. Your rebellious teens will no longer want to leave Camden. After shopping in this shopping capital, it will be great for you to get lost in Hyde Park. The children will get to observe the gray squirrels which frolic joyfully and wriggle cheerfully. Afterwards, you could then leave this green setting and introduce your children to England’s history at the British Museum. Being as free (of charge) as the Natural History Museum, these two emblematic institutions are essential that must not be missed! It will also be such a waste if you had to leave without setting foot at the Harry Potter Studios, visit the shooting locations and check out the famous Hogwarts School of Witchcraft… if you manage to cross-track 9 3/4. The entire family will be able to exhibit their prettiest profile alongside the royal couple, Harry and Meghan, or even alongside Marvel characters at Madame Tussauds Museum ! Another tip: after the English Breakfast and the Fish and Chips, you should try the Welsh rarebit at The Wolseley. This dish looks exactly as a croque-monsieur, although it’s much better!

 

 

Accommodation: St. James Hotel and Club ***** is « the place to be » to stay with a family. Top-notch services and high-end cuisine await you here, not forgetting the emblematic afternoon tea. The children will be more than delighted!

Before embarking on this trip: have a look at our London practical guide.

 

2 – Rome, the majestic

Former iron-fist ruler of the world, Rome brightly shines from the top of its seven hills and numerous monuments designed for its glory. Visiting Rome means strolling in the corridors of time and contemplating the men and the material that made it famous. Imagine the gladiators struggling in a ruthless and lethal fight in the Colosseum‘s arena, passing by languishing lovers promising eternity to each other in front of the Trevi Fountain, admire the refinment of Vatican or meditate in front of the Pantheon and its antique divinities. But Rome is also the capitale of dolce vita, tasty wines, exquisite recipes and science of amusement. The pizza you will enjoy at Piazza del Popolo will have a definite holidays flavour.

Rome provides a gigantic cultural offer, and a whole year would not be enough to discover all of its jewels. Children are not left apart: take them to the Bocca della Verità to really know if they are as good as they pretend; browse around the park and the lake of Villa Borghese; direct them towards to the Leonardo Da Vinci Experience museum where they can learn about the genius’ legacy or go to the Roman Forum to contemplate the remnants of the former Empire. And if they are already art-aware, don’t hesitate to take them to the Sixtine Chapel, the Capitole and the St. Peter Basilic. Don’t worry, there is always something to discover in Rome so allow yourself some day breaks to enjoy a gelato, one of Italy’s finest secrets.

 

 

Accommodation: On the Monte Mario hill, the Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel ***** unfolds its charm and its class to welcome families in a stunning scenery. Its 22-hectares park and its far-from-hustle-and-bustle ideal location offer a calm space-time for those willing to rest after an intense day of visit. Free shuttles will take you from the hotel to the Piazza Barberini, starting point to discover the Eternal City. Its starred restaurant is definitely worth to try, as much as the IT Club that offers amazing activities to your children. Encourage them to follow pizza preparation classes, they will love to make some at home!

Before embarking on this trip: some precious mother’s advices on a visit in Rome.

 

3 – LISBON, THE CAPTIVATING

You will not be able to resist the captivating Lisbon capital. During your weekend in Lisbon, climb the hills that stride over the city, aboard the legendary tram 28 towards Alfama. After a few breaks on the beautiful beaches, you can stop at the terminus for a breathtaking view of the city, which like Rome, has 7 hills. Its steep winding slopes and its houses coloured by its azulejos (decorated tiles) are very exciting. If you’re interested by all these, then you can head to the Azulejo National Museum.

Your budding adventurers will be able to follow in the footsteps of Vasco De Gama, a famous Portuguese explorer from Belém, another emblematic district of Lisbon. After savouring a delicious grilled fish from the region, let yourself be tempted by the succulent Pastéis de Nata, little flans coated with rolled short pastry. On the banks of the Tagus river, you can cross a bridge that is named after this intrepid explorer (Vasco da Gama). Shopping center, Aquarium or even Marine Museum, it is impossible to forget this native son, since they have all been given the famous surname. If you wish to learn more about the itinerary of this Portuguese explorer and his interests in the merchant fleet, then you should visit the Marine Museum or the Vasco da Gama Aquarium for an educational and tactile experience. Here, your children will have the opportunity to feed and touch the fish. On the Vasco da Gama Bridge, which resembles that of San Francisco, the capital also bears an uncanny resemblance to Rio de Janeiro. This may be an opportunity to let the children immerse themselves in other horizons and even pray before the Cristo Rei, the replica of Christ. Who knows? It’s when you believe it most that your dreams come true.

 

 

Accommodation: In the heart of Lisbon’s historic center, at the corner of its atypical alleys, you will find the sumptuous Martinhal Lisbonne Chiado Family Suites *****. A savvy blend of past and present, with its façade from 1855 and 37 contemporary-style apartments, this is an obvious choice. Each apartment has been decorated by contemporary artists and architects. Children will be able to have fun like crazy in its incredible Kids-club. And while you enjoy the capital as a couple, they will be able to visit the Pajama Club.

Before embarking on this trip: Are you out of ideas? Our practical guide will give you a list of the highlights in the capital.

 

4 – BERLIN, THE CASUAL

At just an hour by flight, Berlin, the casual and cosmopolitan city, is the ideal place for a laid-back family weekend getaway full of discoveries. Known for its slow-living philosophy and its many green spaces, Berlin is a city where life is sweet. What better than safely strolling along the many parks and avenues of the city, while admiring its eclectic architecture ? In summer, enjoy a concert with your family in the vast  Tiergarten Park with its carillon,  a very popular sight for children, or picnic in the Victoria Park with its waterfalls and  panoramic view of the capital. For children, the zoo, as well as the animal park with one of the largest aviaries in Europe are also places not to be missed during your stay. In  winter, stroll through the  various Christmas  markets with a glass of  mulled wine or apple juice, or try your hand at ice-skating at the Potsdamer Platz ice rink. Would you like to enjoy a lunch break with a breathtaking view of the city at the Fernsehturm or in an old bus at Café Pförtner? Berlin has many kids-friendly cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious brunches and a variety of dishes in a family-friendly and original setting.  

In addition to its trendy atmosphere, Berlin is also a city full of culture. For art and unusual  architecture  enthusiasts, the Neue Nationalgalerie, the Potsdamer Platz with its space shuttle-like Sony Center or the Kulturforum with its numerous musueums are definitely worth a  visit. Children will also find many museums to like, such as the MACHmit! museum that combines exhibitions, children’s activities and indoor playgrounds. In the Labyrinth Museum, children can discover different themes through creative and interactive games. In short, a real paradise for children where you can learn while having fun!   

 

 

   Before embarking on this trip: Still not convinced? Do not hesitate to have a look at our article on Berlin to discover everything the capital has to offer!  

 

5 – BRUSSELS, THE BEAUTIFUL

To end the city-trip, a stopover wherein you can rediscover the hidden beauties close to home: Brussels sounds like a no-brainer for a family city break. The Capital of Europe is a multifaceted city. Its small cobbled streets will lead you to the Grand Place. Don’t forget to return to this Grand Place at dusk, when the facades of the gothic-style buildings are covered with a thousand lights. After having posed alongside the legendary Manneken-Pis, set off in search of the sixty frescoes hidden all over the city during the comic strip tour. Tintin, Lucky Luke or Marsupilami await you at the Belgian Comic Strip Center. In addition to the temporary exhibitions, children can learn about the 9^th art thanks to the activities on offer, as well as the workshops.

Brussels is known for its quality beer and chocolates. Children will be delighted to try a delicious waffle at Maison Dandoy. Other institutions wherein you can taste the magic of Belgian chocolate include Pierre Marcolini, Neuhaus or Godiva, you will be spoilt for choice! It is in Brussels, Capital of Europe, that your children will be able to learn about politics or at least check out the current face of the European Union. Here, dynamic and interactive activities are offered for each age group. A few steps from the Atomium, Mini-Europe will be another option for exploring European capitals without having to tour around Europe. Have you already done that? In any case, children will only have one desire: to revisit!

 

 

Accommodation: The Hotel Amigo ***** where you can see the splendid Flemish tapestries, the charcoal sketches hanging on the walls, but above all the majestic stone slabs that adorn the entrance. These stones have survived the centuries and have been part of the building since 1620. Almost 50 years after taking over the role of hotel for the 1958 World Exhibition, since 2000 the Amigo has been owned by the luxurious family chain Rocco Forte, a guarantee of quality and excellence.

Before embarking on this trip: All our addresses and tips can be found in our Brussels practical guide.

Let them assimilate all this new information and this broth of culture before thinking of packing your luggage. Once you find a new destination to explore, contact us.

There’s always a bespoke trip that awaits you at Little Guest!

 

See you soon.