London, Paris, Amsterdam - itinerary for a family trip to Europe
Choosing a family vacation itinerary in Europe can be overwhelming. Many families I coach ask how they can get the most out of their 10 days or 2 weeks in Europe, with so many places to go. This is one of my three starter itineraries for families planning to travel to Europe with their kids. I’ve included sites, experiences, day trips, restaurant and hotel recommendations.
If I were coming to London, Paris and Amsterdam for the first time, this is what I would do with my kids. I’ve included the classic sightseeing highlights, but have other itineraries that are off the beaten track or budget focused.
Tips for flying with kids. Don’t let fear of the flight get in the way of the fun.
Contents:
London (2-3 days): sites, day trips, restaurant and hotel recommendations
Paris (2-3 days): sights, day trips, restaurant and hotel recomendations
Amsterdam (2-3 days): sites, day trips, restaurant and hotel recommendations
Our favourite travel booking sites for travel in Europe:
*Some of the links to recommendations (that I fully stand by) are affiliate links. This means if you like it and buy it, we’ll make a little cash.
London
London Day 1, Along the Thames:
Terrible Thames boat ride (book a family ticket)
Tower Bridge
Walk to SouthBank
The London Eye at dusk (there are discount tickets)
London Day 2, South Kensington and Hyde Park:
Science Museum WonderLab or Natural History museum
V&A cafe and courtyard
Hyde Park
Kensington Gardens
London Day 3, The Centre:
Walking tour of Buckingham Place
St. James Park
Houses of Parliament, Big Ben
The British Museum (free)
Soho
Covent Garden
Where to stay in London with a Family - good value hotels
London is a sprawling city that takes a while to cross by Tube or cab, so you should choose your location wisely. I would stay near South Bank/Waterloo because you can walk or take a boat to many classic sites such as The Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament. There is also easy access to the District line that will take you to sights in South Kensington.
I recommend these two hotels that offer family rooms near Waterloo:
Where to eat in London
The best Afternoon Teas, Restaurants and Pubs with a family.
Cheap eats that are delicious at these foodhalls. Perfect if you want to try a range of interesting food from burgers to bao.
Pubs are the most British food experience you can have. Go for the Sunday roast.
Paris
Paris is very walkable, but I would divide it in sections and cluster sights and activities in a specific area.
Paris, Day 1 (South to centre)
Jardin du Luxembourg, toy sail boats for children
Saint-Germain Des Pres and Abbey of Saint Germain des Pres
Musee D’Orsay
Pont Neuf
Shakespeare and Company
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Sainte-Chapelle evening concert
Paris, Day 2 (North to West)
Montmartre, Sacre-Coeur
Palais Garnier
Rooftop of Galeries Lafayette
Jardin des Tuileries
Champs-Elysees
Eiffel Tower picnic on lawn
Paris, Day 3 (East)
Centre Pompidou
The Marais
L’Atelier des Lumieres
Places Des Vosges
Day trip and tours
Where to stay in Paris with a family - good value hotels
Where to eat in Paris
Maison Maison has an excellent terrace for tapas with a view along the Seine directly beside Pont Neuf.
Rue Mouffetard has a collection of restaurants, markets stalls and outdoor terraces that make it ideal for a relaxed summer evening meal.
Gallery Layfette is a french department store. Go here to browse French style for something special to add to you wardrobe at home. But it also has a rooftop cafe and terrace with one of the best views of the Effiel Tower in Paris.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is amoung the most delightful cities to roam in Europe. The canals and cobblestones are come together to create magic. Known for prostitution and canibis, which is small portion of the city and easy to steer clear of.
Day 1
Walk around the Jordaan/ De 9 Straajes
Anne Frank Huis
Flower Market
Boat ride (tour or rent a boat)
Day 2
Vondelpark bike ride
Rijksmuseum
Van Gogh Museum
Day trips and tours to book
Where to stay
The Hoxton is one of my favourite places to stay in Amsterdam. Fantastic boutique hotel in an excellent location. They don’t offer family room.
The Nes has family rooms in a historic building in a great location.
Where to eat
Parkzuid
Cafe Winkel 43
The Pancake Bakery
Cafe de Jaren
De Kas