A peninsula of 50 countries, surrounded by three oceans, high Alps and beautiful beaches, Europe’s geography is unique and so is its history.
A family trip to explore Europe‘s cultural and historical places, beaches and mountains will help you create memories worth cherishing forever.
The best places to visit in Europe with family are –
1. Castel Sant’Angelo
The Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome is a must-visit destination for families in Europe. This historic fortress, once a mausoleum, offers a captivating journey through time.
Discover the secrets within its walls as you venture through its five floors connected by a spiral ramp. At the Castel Sant’Angelo cells that once housed historical figures and stroll through exquisitely adorned Papal residence rooms adorned with Renaissance frescoes.
Ascend to the uppermost level to be greeted by awe-inspiring panoramic views of the city, a perfect backdrop for capturing stunning photographs.
At Castel Sant’Angelo you can see its ancient chambers and also enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Book your Castel Sant Angelo tickets for an amazing experience in Rome.
Engage your family in tales of emperors and popes while you create cherished memories against the backdrop of this remarkable Italian treasure.
2. Pena Palace
Pena Palace is a stunning castle on a mountain in Sintra, Portugal. It was built in 1840 and has different styles mixed, like Gothic and Moorish. King Ferdinand planned it, and it’s colourful with tall towers.
Inside, there are fancy things to see, like paintings and special furniture. The palace was a summer home for kings and is famous for its beauty.
Many tourists visit Pena Palace. You can buy a ticket to see the inside and the park, or just the park. It’s best to take a bus to get there. The palace has nice views from the Queen’s Terrace. Pena Palace is a special place that shows Portugal’s history and imagination coming together.
Exploring the vibrant interiors, wandering through the lush gardens, and taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside are a few activities you can do at Pena Palace.
3. Galata Tower
The Galata Tower in Istanbul, Turkey offers a 360-degree view of the city’s historic peninsula. With a height of 219 feet, it was once the city’s tallest tower, positioned between the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
The area around the tower features charming cafes, galleries, and cobblestone streets for a perfect day out.
This architectural marvel’s history reflects various empires, blending Roman, Genoese, and Ottoman influences. It served roles such as surveillance, defence, and even as a jail.
Ideal visiting times are April-May and August-October, boasting pleasant weather and stunning views. Early mornings or sunsets provide the best panoramic sights. The tower opens daily from 8:30 AM to 11 PM.
To reach the Galata Tower, visitors can opt for the metro, bus, tram, or taxi. Its accessibility and rich history make it a must-visit spot, allowing travellers to explore Istanbul’s diverse past and scenery.
To ensure a seamless experience, it’s advisable to purchase Galata Tower tickets in advance, allowing your family to relish the captivating sights without the hassle of long lines.
4. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, a functioning royal palace, offers visitors a chance to explore the 19 State Rooms during the summer and on selected dates, showcasing exquisite treasures from the Royal Collection like art by Rembrandt and Rubens.
Additionally, the Royal Mews and The Queen’s Gallery can be visited separately and are open most of the year. Catching the Changing the Guard ceremony outside the palace is a popular attraction, happening on certain days at 11 a.m.
Tickets for guided tours need to be booked in advance via the Royal Collection Trust’s website. The palace is situated in central London, accessible by Tube stations such as Victoria, Green Park, and Hyde Park Corner.
Buckingham Palace serves as the official London residence of the reigning monarch and is often a venue for official meetings. Royals also have private apartments within the palace. A visit typically takes around two to two and a half hours.
For other royal experiences, consider the Royal Walking Tour, the Changing of the Guard ceremony, or an afternoon tea on a double-decker bus. Alternatively, Windsor Castle, another royal residence, is open year-round and offers tours.
5. The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower, known as la Tour Eiffel, is an iconic symbol of Paris. It was built for the 1889 World’s Fair to showcase France’s industrial progress and celebrate the French Revolution’s centennial.
Made of 7,300 tons of iron and 2.5 million rivets, its remarkable construction attracted over 2 million visitors during the fair.
Engineers Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier designed the tower, and Gustave Eiffel hosted important guests in a private apartment at its top.
The tower served as a scientific lab during World War II, conducting meteorology and physics studies.
Today, it’s a major tourist attraction, with around 7 million annual visitors enjoying its light displays and Champagne Bar at the summit.
The tower also requires regular maintenance, including applying 60 tons of paint every seven years.
6. Seine River
The Seine River originates from “Sources de la Seine,” a small location, and flows across France to the English Channel, covering a distance of about 775km. Its source is around 171km from Switzerland.
The river gains size as runoff water from the French countryside adds to its flow. In Paris, the Seine passes through the centre of the city, offering views of notable landmarks and serving as a central feature around which Paris was built.
To explore Paris from the Seine, there are various options. One can stroll along the paths on either side of the river, enjoy perspectives from the numerous bridges that cross it, or opt for a relaxing Seine River cruise.
The cruise provides a unique way to take in the city’s sights without exhausting oneself. Notable landmarks visible from the river include the renowned “Love Lock Bridge,” Ponts des Arts, and other famous bridges.
The Seine’s journey from its humble source to the powerful river flowing through iconic French cities, coupled with its significance in shaping Paris, showcases the dynamic nature of this waterway and its vital role in the region’s history and landscape.
7. Hagia Sophia, Turkey
The church of Hagia Sophia, originally built in 360 in Constantinople (now Istanbul), holds a rich history. It served as a bishop’s seat and was rebuilt multiple times due to various disasters, with the current structure inaugurated in 537. The architectural marvel features a grand central dome, initially prone to collapse but rebuilt over time.
The interior boasts ornate designs with coloured marble, reused ancient columns, and exquisite mosaics. After the Ottoman conquest in 1453, Hagia Sophia transformed into a mosque, changing the addition of minarets and the covering of Christian mosaics.
In 1934, it became a museum and the original mosaics were restored. This iconic structure is a testament to architectural resilience and cultural transformation.
During a family trip to Hagia Sophia, your kids can learn a lot from the antiques shown at a museum.
Conclusion
I hope this article “7 Best Places to Visit in Europe with Family” was able to give you a fair idea of the places. The Seine River and the Eiffel Tower ought to be on your bucket list.
