Istanbul

Traveling as a family is one of the best ways to bond with your children. It doesn’t matter their ages, when you opt for bringing the kids along for a fun family vacay instead of leaving them at home, you’re doing more than just bonding. In addition to spending quality time together, traveling with children is an amazing way to open their eyes to the rest of the world. 

This is especially true when you head to Europe as a family. It doesn’t matter if your children are teenagers or toddlers, experiencing all that Europe has to offer is best done together as a family. However, it is important to remember that some European destinations are more family-friendly than others. 

Chances are you won’t be bringing your 7-year-old daughter to Amsterdam’s Red Light District. For the ultimate family getaway, the area to set your sights on is in Eastern Europe. Here you can read about the top cities all throughout Eastern Europe that the entire family will enjoy. 

Dubrovnik, Croatia

When you bring the kids to Dubrovnik, they’ll love experiencing the blast from the past offered by this city that is a great representation of medieval times. The entire city is walled off and sits right on the stunning Adriatic Sea. The word breathtaking isn’t even enough to describe the sight of solid stone walls against the backdrop of the blue Adriatic waters. 

In terms of family-friendly fun, Dubrovnik makes it easy for the little ones to feel like knights (and princesses) of King Arthur’s round table. Fun will be had while you simply wander around Dubrovnik as a family, but also be sure to rent a kayak or two if the kids are old enough. 

The entirety of Croatia is the ultimate European destination for the family, so be sure to venture out of Dubrovnik if you have time. It’s easy to get around, even with kids on board, and it’s also extremely budget friendly. A high-speed ferry from Split to Hvar if just $19 for each adult, and of course there will be a special rate for younger children. 

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is an ideal destination for every type of traveler. It doesn’t matter if you’re exploring Europe solo with a backpack or you have a big more baggage with kids in tow, Prague is a must-see spot of Eastern Europe. This city of Czech Republic has been ranked time and time again as an ultimate destination for families, and not just in Europe but around the globe. 

Part of the reason for this is that nearly all of the local establishments of Prague not only allow children, but welcome and cherish them. The culture here is extremely family-oriented, and you’ll be able to see that as soon as you step foot in Prague. There seems to be a pristine park every few blocks within the city, providing the perfect space for letting the kids run free and meet some new European friends. 

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is considered to be one of the most cultural places in the world. If you’re a parent that believes in raising children while also teaching about culture, book your next family vacay to Istanbul. Part of the reason that so much culture is found within this city is the fact that it is on the border of two separate continents, Europe and Asia.

For a fun family-friendly day, think about spending some time at a local food market. The whole family will leave feeling happy and full after gorging on sweet Turkish treats and savory snacks. Another perfect activity for the friends is to sign up for a boat ride along the Bosphorus strait. Turkey is quite literally a melting pot of cultures, so consider taking the kids here once they’ve reached an age where they’ll actually appreciate and learn from the cultural diversity.

Tallinn, Estonia

There’s a good chance you’ve never even heard of Tallinn. It’s not like many other cities of Europe, and certainly nothing like the cities boasting high tourism rates like Paris or Amsterdam. Instead, Tallinn in Estonia is all about charm. For families hoping for a more authentic European experience instead of one surrounded by fellow tourists, head to Tallinn. 
The city is often referred to as Old Town and has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site of Estonia. Travelers and locals alike agree that Tallinn is the most beautiful “Old Town” in the entire European continent. The kids will love exploring the gothic-style castles after eating at a restaurant featuring servers wearing traditional Estonian outfits.