Top family city breaks

Cities can be a great place to take a short break with kids, with big attractions (often free) and lots of family amenities. Our section will help you find the best city-break option for your family, whether you crave the bright lights of London's West End or the fabulous art museums and other attractions of Paris, or want to go further afield.

Our favourites

1) London family holidays and breaks

One of the world's greatest and most inexhaustible cities, perfect for kids of any age. More about London family holidays and breaks

2) Amsterdam family holidays and breaks

It may not be your first choice for a family city break, but the busy Dutch capital has plenty to amuse and entertain kids big and small. More about Amsterdam family holidays and breaks

3) Dubai family holidays and breaks

This fast-changing, ultra-modern city is a top spot for winter sun and family-friendly fun. More about Dubai family holidays and breaks

4) Paris family holidays and breaks

Crowded, bustling and exciting, Paris offers family fun for all ages, with expensive accommodation compensated for by oodles of free attractions. More about Paris family holidays and breaks

5) New York family holidays and breaks

Family city breaks don't come much more exciting than in the Big Apple – your only problem will be knowing where to start. More about New York family holidays and breaks

6) Barcelona family holidays and breaks

Nigh on perfect, Barcelona lures families with fabulous food and shopping, incredible architecture, good beaches and a number of lovely parks. More about Barcelona family holidays and breaks

7) Rome family holidays and breaks

History comes to vivid life in one of the world's most historically compelling – but also child-friendly – cities. More about Rome family holidays and breaks

8) Liverpool family holidays and breaks

With ever-more attractions, many of them free, the revitalised Merseyside city is a fascinating place to spend time with kids. More about Liverpool family holidays and breaks

9) Manchester family holidays and breaks

Ideal for cultural family breaks as well as a good base for exploring the surrounding natural wonders, this northwestern city is a vibrant place to sound out with kids. More about Manchester family holidays and breaks

10) Belfast and County Antrim family holidays and breaks

Northern Ireland's capital may not be an immediately obvious family break destination but its culture, entertainment and shopping will soon persuade you otherwise.. More about Belfast and County Antrim family holidays and breaks

11) Edinburgh family holidays and breaks

Fun and learning come together in the history- and culture-soaked capital of Scotland. More about Edinburgh family holidays and breaks

12) Cardiff family holidays and breaks

The modern and the historical collide in south Wales – with beaches nearby for good measure. More about Cardiff family holidays and breaks

13) Dublin family holidays and breaks

Bags of character and a genuinely child-friendly attitude make the Irish capital a no-brainer. More about Dublin family holidays and breaks

14) Madrid family holidays and breaks

One of Europe's party capitals, Madrid has a surprising amount to offer families when it comes to city breaks or as a base for exploring the area. More about Madrid family holidays and breaks

15) Lisbon family holidays and breaks

Lovely, laid-back and languid yet continually evolving, the child-friendly Portuguese capital is a superb city-break destination with kids. More about Lisbon family holidays and breaks

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