Winter is magical in Europe, especially when exploring it with your loved ones!
I’ve always believed that family holidays are the best way to create lasting memories. And what better way to do that than embarking on a winter city break with your loved ones? European cities offer a wide range of activities and experiences that are perfect for families, especially during the winter season. In this article, I’ll be sharing my top picks for the best winter city breaks in Europe for families. From exploring London’s Christmas markets to trying out traditional Austrian cuisine in Vienna, there’s something for every family to enjoy. So pack your bags, bundle up, and get ready for an unforgettable winter adventure!
London, UK
As a family travel blogger, I highly recommend London as a winter destination for families. There’s something about the city’s festive atmosphere that makes it a perfect place to spend the holidays with your loved ones.
When it comes to accommodations, the best option for families is to stay in an apartment or a house rental. This allows for more space and flexibility compared to staying in a hotel room. My family and I stayed in a cozy apartment in the heart of the city, which was walking distance to many of the popular tourist spots.
One of the top winter activities for families is ice skating at the Natural History Museum. This iconic museum transforms its gardens into a winter wonderland, complete with an outdoor ice rink. It’s one of the best ways to experience the magic of winter in London.
Another must-see attraction during the winter season is the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. This huge event features ice skating, carnival rides, festive markets, and so much more. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon with the family and soak up the holiday spirit.
When it comes to dining options for kids, my family and I absolutely loved visiting the Rainforest Cafe. This unique restaurant features animatronic animals, a rainforest-themed setting, and delicious food that kids will love. It’s a fun and memorable dining experience that the whole family will enjoy.
Copenhagen, Denmark
A. As a family, we stayed in a cozy and spacious Airbnb in the heart of Copenhagen, which was perfect for our winter getaway. It had all the amenities we needed, including a kitchen where we could prepare our own meals and save on dining expenses.
B. One of our favorite winter activities in Copenhagen was visiting Tivoli Gardens, a magical amusement park that transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays. With its ice-skating rink, Christmas markets, and dazzling light displays, it was the perfect place for our family to spend a day. We also visited the National Aquarium, which had an impressive collection of marine life and interactive exhibits that kept our kids entertained.
C. When it came to dining, we discovered a charming café called Granola, which served delicious brunch dishes that our kids loved. We also tried traditional Danish pastries at Lagkagehuset and were blown away by their flaky, buttery goodness. Overall, Copenhagen was a wonderful destination for our winter family break, with plenty of activities and dining options that were perfect for all ages.
Copenhagen, Denmark
A. When my family and I visited Copenhagen during the winter, we stayed at a cozy and spacious apartment that was perfect for families. It had a kitchen where we could prepare meals and a living room where we could relax after a day of exploring.
B. One of the highlights of our trip was visiting Tivoli Gardens, a popular amusement park that transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. We rode the roller coasters, watched the fireworks, and enjoyed the festive atmosphere.
Another family-friendly activity in Copenhagen during winter is ice-skating. We went to Frederiksberg Runddel, a beautiful square that turns into an ice-skating rink during winter. Even our youngest child, who was a beginner, had a great time skating and holding onto a penguin-shaped support.
C. For food and dining, we discovered a cozy restaurant called Grød, which means porridge in Danish. They serve delicious and healthy porridge bowls that are perfect for breakfast or lunch. Our kids loved the toppings like berries, nuts, and chocolate chips that they could mix in.
Another must-try food in Copenhagen is hot chocolate. We went to a cafe called The Living Room, where they serve a rich and creamy hot chocolate that’s perfect for warming up during the cold winter days.
Overall, Copenhagen is a great destination for families during winter, with plenty of activities and delicious food to enjoy.
Berlin, Germany
When my family and I visited Berlin during winter, we stayed at the Novotel Berlin Mitte Hotel, which was perfect for families with kids. They had spacious rooms, a buffet breakfast with lots of options, and a play area for children. It was also conveniently located near public transportation, which made it easy for us to explore the city.
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the Berlin Zoo. Despite the cold weather, we enjoyed seeing the animals and even got to watch the polar bears play in the snow. We also went on a walking tour of the city, which was both educational and fun for the whole family.
As for dining options, we discovered a great restaurant called Vapiano that had a wide variety of Italian food, including pizza and pasta, that our kids loved. We also tried local German dishes like schnitzel and bratwurst at a cozy restaurant called Max und Moritz, which had a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Overall, Berlin was a great city break for families during winter, with lots of family-friendly accommodations, activities, and dining options to choose from.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
As a traveler who loves exploring Europe with my family, Amsterdam has always been one of our top destinations for a winter city break. We usually stay in one of the family-friendly accommodations in the city center, which gives us easy access to all the winter activities and tours that Amsterdam offers for families with kids.
One of our favorite winter activities is visiting the Amsterdam Light Festival, where we get to see the city’s beautiful canals illuminated by various light installations and artworks. We also enjoy ice skating at Museumplein, which has a large outdoor ice rink surrounded by festive lights and a cozy winter atmosphere.
When it comes to dining, Amsterdam has no shortage of options for kids. We love trying out the traditional Dutch pancakes, which come in both sweet and savory varieties and are a hit with both kids and adults. Another must-try is the stroopwafel, a caramel-filled waffle that is perfect for a sweet treat on a cold winter day.
For a more unique dining experience, we like to visit the Foodhallen, a trendy indoor food market with a variety of vendors serving different cuisines from around the world. The atmosphere is always lively and welcoming, and there are plenty of options for even the pickiest eaters in our family.
Overall, Amsterdam is a fantastic destination for families looking for a fun and memorable winter city break. From the festive atmosphere to the delicious food and exciting activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful city.