These cities also offer guests pleasant prices.
Family vacations are not cheap. Therefore, most families have to save on everything in order to afford such a trip, as well as carefully choose a destination for their vacation.
Family travel expert and founder of The Travel Mum, Jen Carr, shared her top five favorite and affordable family-friendly travel options with Express.
“As a mother of two and a bargain-hunter, I’ve set out to prove that you don’t have to spend a fortune to create unforgettable family memories. In fact, with a little flexibility and careful planning, it’s often cheaper for my four-person family to fly abroad than to spend a holiday here in the UK,” Jen said.
The 5 Best European Cities for Family Vacations This Autumn
1. Porto, Portugal. According to Jen, this beautiful and compact city has a peaceful atmosphere and is perfect for a short trip.
2. Budapest, Hungary. The charming Hungarian capital is a good choice for families, as there is always something to do. For example, you can explore Margit Island, a car-free paradise with playgrounds, go-karting, and a mini-zoo.
“Get the Budapest Card, which allows you to use unlimited transportation, take a river cruise, and visit many attractions for free – it’s a great savings for families,” the expert advised.
3. Krakow, Poland. This city combines history, charm, and accessibility. It offers a variety of activities for children, and hotel and restaurant prices are quite affordable, allowing you to enjoy the city without worrying about every penny. Jen especially recommends visiting the milk bars (bar mleczny), where delicious Polish delicacies are served.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark. Although the Danish capital has a reputation for being expensive, there are many free activities available for families.
“Save on food by visiting Copenhagen’s food halls, where you can mix and match available dishes. Consider purchasing the Copenhagen Card, which grants unlimited transportation and access to over 80 attractions. You can add children to the card for free,” added Jen.
5. Prague, Czech Republic. The fairy-tale architecture of this city instantly makes it a favorite destination for families, and it’s also affordable. You can simply stroll along the Charles Bridge and watch the street performers, and river cruises are always popular among children.
Jen’s top tip for the Czech capital is to avoid taxis and always choose trains, as they are inexpensive and reliable.
