June 10, 2025
The best European destinations for a summer family vacation
There are so many factors to consider when choosing your next summer vacation destination, especially when you’re looking for somewhere that’s kid-friendly. This is why at DiscoverCars.com we’ve put together new research that compares more than a hundred different European cities to make our new top ten summer destinations ranking for 2025. The data takes into account costs for hotels, car rental and local attractions, as well as the weather, and how easy the city is to get to by flying.
Methodology
Starting with a list of the 3 biggest cities by population in each European country, we compared the cost of a night’s stay in a hotel in each city using data from a popular booking website. We also compared the cost to rent a car for a day, using our own data as well as other relevant sources.
In each city, we identified 5 popular local attractions and the price of entry for children, adults and families. Then we created an average ticket price and ranked each city. We compared the distance of each attraction from the city centre. We also compared the cost of parking and any additional costs for each attraction.
We also compared the average temperature in June, July and August in each city, as well as the humidity in those months.
We ranked each city based on the number of daily flights to the nearest airport, using Friday, May 30 as an example.
We gave each city points to represent how well it ranked against the others. The cities that achieved a lower score ranked higher in our list.
In each city, we identified 5 popular local attractions and the price of entry for children, adults and families. Then we created an average ticket price and ranked each city. We compared the distance of each attraction from the city centre. We also compared the cost of parking and any additional costs for each attraction.
We also compared the average temperature in June, July and August in each city, as well as the humidity in those months.
We ranked each city based on the number of daily flights to the nearest airport, using Friday, May 30 as an example.
We gave each city points to represent how well it ranked against the others. The cities that achieved a lower score ranked higher in our list.
The top 20 best European family travel destinations
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Timișoara, Romania
Our top destination is Timișoara, Romania’s fifth biggest city. It's nicknamed ‘The City of Roses’ because of its beautiful 19th-century Rose Garden, where over 10,000 different species of rose bloom every year. It has 36 parks and green spaces, making it a lovely place to spend time outdoors this summer.
There are a few reasons why this city ranks so high on our list. On average, the attractions we looked at are only 1.6 km from the city center, including the famous Rose Garden and boat tours down the Bega River. The average temperature between June and August is a sunny 27 degrees. It’s also very affordable, with car rental costing only €8.91 a day, the second lowest price in the whole ranking.
There are a few reasons why this city ranks so high on our list. On average, the attractions we looked at are only 1.6 km from the city center, including the famous Rose Garden and boat tours down the Bega River. The average temperature between June and August is a sunny 27 degrees. It’s also very affordable, with car rental costing only €8.91 a day, the second lowest price in the whole ranking.
Kumanovo, North Macedonia
In second place, it’s Kumanovo in North Macedonia. This is the Balkan country’s second-largest city, which sits nestled in a valley between mountains, offering lots of natural beauty to explore. The city is near thermal springs, and just 4 km from the city center, you can find Kumanovska Banja, where you can bathe in the naturally heated mineral water and enjoy other treatments too.
Local attractions also include the Kokino Megalithic Observatory, an amazing Bronze Age archaeological site. At 30 km, this might take 40 minutes or so to drive to, but it’s well worth a visit, especially for families with children who are interested in history. A family ticket costs €10.44, with €4.35 entry for an adult and €2.61 for a child. Kumanovo also had the fifth lowest cost for hotel accommodation, at €58.29 a night.
Local attractions also include the Kokino Megalithic Observatory, an amazing Bronze Age archaeological site. At 30 km, this might take 40 minutes or so to drive to, but it’s well worth a visit, especially for families with children who are interested in history. A family ticket costs €10.44, with €4.35 entry for an adult and €2.61 for a child. Kumanovo also had the fifth lowest cost for hotel accommodation, at €58.29 a night.
Warsaw, Poland
In third place, it’s Poland’s capital, Warsaw. Hundreds of flights arrive daily at Warsaw Airport, making this wonderful city a highly popular and well-connected destination. 40% of the city is made up of green space, with 82 parks to wander around and explore this summer.
One of the most famous parks here is Łazienki Park or Royal Baths Park, which makes for a perfect free family day out. It has 76 hectares of gardens, the stunning Palace on the Isle (one of Europe’s most visited palaces) and wildlife like peafowl and squirrels. Renting a car for a day here only costs €16.65 a day, making it affordable to drive around Warsaw on your family vacation.
Greece also ranks as one of our top 10 countries with the most beautiful views.
One of the most famous parks here is Łazienki Park or Royal Baths Park, which makes for a perfect free family day out. It has 76 hectares of gardens, the stunning Palace on the Isle (one of Europe’s most visited palaces) and wildlife like peafowl and squirrels. Renting a car for a day here only costs €16.65 a day, making it affordable to drive around Warsaw on your family vacation.
Greece also ranks as one of our top 10 countries with the most beautiful views.
Madrid, Spain
Madrid landed in fourth place, with the Spanish capital being the second-largest city in the EU. There’s plenty to do in this lively city on your family vacation, with parks and gardens, museums, a fantastic food scene and historic architecture.
One popular attraction for families here is the Parque de Atracciones de Madrid, with rollercoasters and other rides as well as meet and greets where children can meet some of their favorite Nickelodeon characters. The average temperature here across June, July and August is 32 degrees, offering a lovely opportunity to soak up some sun on your vacation. Hundreds of flights land daily at Madrid Airport, making it super well-connected to other countries.
Spain is also one of the easiest countries to navigate, according to our customers.
One popular attraction for families here is the Parque de Atracciones de Madrid, with rollercoasters and other rides as well as meet and greets where children can meet some of their favorite Nickelodeon characters. The average temperature here across June, July and August is 32 degrees, offering a lovely opportunity to soak up some sun on your vacation. Hundreds of flights land daily at Madrid Airport, making it super well-connected to other countries.
Spain is also one of the easiest countries to navigate, according to our customers.
Budapest, Hungary
Rounding off our top five, it’s Budapest. Hungary’s capital is another top pick for a family vacation this summer. As well as its famous thermal baths, you could spend the day exploring the beautiful city streets on foot – or perhaps on Tram Number 2, known as one of the world’s best tram routes because of its views of city landmarks like the River Danube and Castle Hill.
Some ideal activities for children in Budapest include visiting the Csopa Palace of Wonders, an interactive science center, or taking a ride on the Children’s Railway, a journey that takes an hour, passing through Normafa Park. It’s one of the longest railways in the world that’s mostly operated by children – it could be a perfect day out to inspire any little aspiring engineers in your family!
Some ideal activities for children in Budapest include visiting the Csopa Palace of Wonders, an interactive science center, or taking a ride on the Children’s Railway, a journey that takes an hour, passing through Normafa Park. It’s one of the longest railways in the world that’s mostly operated by children – it could be a perfect day out to inspire any little aspiring engineers in your family!
The rest of the top ten family summer destinations
In sixth place, it’s Patras, Greece, which is in fact quickly followed by the country’s capital of Athens in seventh place. Athens is where you can find world-famous historical sites like the Acropolis and the Parthenon. The third-largest city, Patras, has lots to see as well, with plenty of history and culture, and gorgeous beaches too.
Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, landed in eighth place, where families can explore attractions like the beautifully leafy Maksimir public park or the Zagreb Puppet Theatre.
In ninth place, we have Bălți in Moldova, the country’s second largest city, often referred to as the ‘Northern Capital’. The average temperature in the summer is a sunny 27 degrees.
To round off the top ten, it’s another North Macedonian city – Bitola. Only 2 km from the city center, you can find the incredible ruins of the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis, a perfect day out for budding archaeologists and history buffs.
Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, landed in eighth place, where families can explore attractions like the beautifully leafy Maksimir public park or the Zagreb Puppet Theatre.
In ninth place, we have Bălți in Moldova, the country’s second largest city, often referred to as the ‘Northern Capital’. The average temperature in the summer is a sunny 27 degrees.
To round off the top ten, it’s another North Macedonian city – Bitola. Only 2 km from the city center, you can find the incredible ruins of the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis, a perfect day out for budding archaeologists and history buffs.
Conclusion
If you’re traveling with your family this summer, here are a few factors to consider when picking your perfect vacation:
- Are your children old enough to do lots of hiking, swimming and other outdoor adventures – or alternatively, still little enough to fit in a backpack carrier while you explore the country’s natural beauty? If so, a city that’s close to national parks might suit you very well.
- Who’s coming on the trip? If older relatives like grandparents or anyone else who might be less mobile are coming too, it might help to visit a city that’s compact and easy to get around – either walkable or with great public transport. You should also take into account what they’d like to do on vacation, so everyone gets the most out of the trip, not just the kids! You could book in some nice restaurants or look up local cultural events.
- If you rent a car, you can go further afield – do some research before your vacation and see where you might like to drive to on a day trip. You might like to visit some nearby smaller towns for some local flavor, or check out the best beaches on the coast for a lazy day in the sun.
Top Related Locations
Here are some destinations outside of Europe that are also great places to travel as a family (along with their nearest major airports).
- Orlando, Florida (Orlando International Airport): Families love Orlando because it offers world-class theme parks and endless fun for kids.
- Denver, Colorado(Denver International Airport): Denver treats families to mountain views, science museums, and fun outdoor activities.
- Houston, Texas(George Bush Intercontinental Airport): Houston welcomes families with world-class museums, NASA’s Space Center, and great parks.
- Dallas, Texas (Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport): Dallas delights families with interactive museums, parks, and nearby day trips to cowboy country.
- Honolulu, Hawaii (Honolulu International Airport): Honolulu invites families to explore beaches, snorkeling, and Hawaiian culture.
- San Diego, California (San Diego International Airport): San Diego treats families to sunny beaches, a world-famous zoo, and museums.
- Calgary, Canada (Calgary International Airport): Calgary welcomes families with museums, parks, and easy trips to the Rockies.
- Vancouver, Canada (Vancouver International Airport): Vancouver spoils families with parks, aquariums, and mountain day trips.
- Gold Coast, Australia (Gold Coast Airport): Families flock to the Gold Coast for its sunny beaches, theme parks, and wildlife.
- Hobart, Australia (Hobart International Airport): Hobart charms families with wildlife encounters, riverside walks, and the famous Salamanca Market.
- Dubai, UAE (Dubai International Airport): Dubai thrills families with modern attractions, desert safaris, and unforgettable fun.
- Cancun, Mexico (Cancun International Airport): Cancun entices families with gorgeous beaches and nearby Mayan ruins.
- Queenstown, New Zealand (Queenstown Airport): Queenstown offers families adventure with jet boating, hiking, and lake cruises.
- Buenos Aires, Argentina (Ezeiza International Airport): Buenos Aires engages families with parks, museums, and tasty cuisine.
- Cape Town, South Africa (Cape Town International Airport): Cape Town captivates families with beaches, penguins, and scenic drives.
- Auckland, New Zealand (Auckland International Airport): Auckland excites families with parks, museums, and easy island trips.
- Phuket, Thailand (Phuket International Airport): Phuket entertains families with beaches, boat tours, and family-friendly resorts.
- Istanbul, Turkey (Istanbul Airport): Istanbul offers families a blend of ancient palaces, vibrant markets, and fun boat rides on the Bosphorus.
- Reykjavik, Iceland (Keflavik International Airport): Reykjavik amazes families with geothermal pools, glaciers, and wildlife tours.
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Galeão International Airport): Rio de Janeiro thrills families with beaches, cable car rides, and kid-friendly cultural sights.
Aleksandrs Buraks
Head of Growth at DiscoverCars.com
Aleksandrs has over 10 years of experience in marketing with a focus on creating stellar content that provides topical insights using data. Having taken five road trips across Europe and one in the U.S., he is passionate about traveling by car. His favorite countries to visit are Denmark and Thailand. You can find him on Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter.
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