Discover the best cities in Europe for family vacations in autumn 2025. Expert advice, budget locations, life hacks for parents and everything you need to know for a comfortable trip with children

Autumn is a magical season for family travel. When the heat subsides, the crowds disperse, and accommodation and ticket prices become more affordable, Europe reveals a completely different face. For families with children, this is the time when travel becomes more comfortable, cozy and even more profitable.

Family travel expert and founder of the blog The Travel Mum Jen Carr shared with Express her recommendations for cities that will be the best choice for traveling with children this autumn. We tell you about the top 5 destinations in this article.

“Travel Guide” from Visit World is a ready-made tool for travelers: step-by-step instructions for applying for a visa, examples of documents and useful life hacks. Everything you need to prepare for your trip is collected in one convenient manual.

Why choose autumn for a family trip?

Autumn is the ideal time to travel with children for the following reasons:

- Fewer crowds. Museums, parks and attractions are not crowded with tourists, so it is easier for children to get around and explore the city.

- Reasonable prices. Accommodation, tickets and food are cheaper in autumn than in the peak summer season.

- Comfortable weather. Neither heat nor cold winter winds - you can walk and plan outdoor activities in peace.

- Autumn festivals and events. Wine fairs, harvest festivals, theater and music festivals - all this adds atmosphere and new impressions to the trip.

Autumn creates ideal conditions for combining entertainment for children with cultural discoveries for adults.

How to choose the best destination for a family trip?

When choosing a city or country, pay attention to:

- Infrastructure for children: playgrounds, parks, museums with interactive zones, zoos.

- Transport: convenient trams, metro, buses, bike paths - this makes it easier to move with young children.

- Budget: check the prices of accommodation, food and tickets. European cities can surprise with affordable options even in autumn.

- Combination of activities: choose locations where you can combine walks, nature and cultural attractions.

- Safety and comfort: choose quiet areas to stay and avoid areas with excessive noise or dangerous traffic.

TOP 5 cities for family holidays in Europe in autumn 2025

Porto, Portugal - a colorful city by the ocean

Porto is a compact, cozy and calm city, often called the less bustling brother of Lisbon. Its bright houses along the Douro River, famous trams and majestic bridges create a fabulous atmosphere.

For children, there are easy entertainments here - boat trips, a cable car over the river, small cafes with pastel de nata. And for parents - a pleasant price: in the fall, tickets from many cities in Europe cost less than 100 pounds, and dinner in a restaurant will cost less than in London.

Tip: choose family apartments in the center - you can walk to most of the interesting places.

Budapest, Hungary - the city of bridges and thermal baths

Budapest enchants with its architecture, bridges over the Danube and its relaxed atmosphere. For children, there is a real paradise here - Margaret Island with playgrounds, pedal carts and a mini zoo. The funicular to the castle or a boat trip on the Danube is something that will be remembered forever.

Families should buy the Budapest Card: it gives unlimited transport, a river cruise and free entrance to many museums. It is a great way to save money and see more.

Tip: visit one of the thermal baths with children's pools - even in cool weather it will be a real adventure.

Krakow, Poland - history and taste at an affordable price

Krakow is a city that has preserved its medieval charm and at the same time offers very friendly prices for tourists. The Old Town, Wawel Castle, excursions to the Wieliczka Salt Mines - children will find it interesting and informative.

The biggest plus for families is the budget. Hotels, cafes and even restaurants are much cheaper than in Western Europe. And a real life hack are milk bars (bar mleczny), where you can taste national dishes for a few euros.

Tip: take a day trip to the Krakow Zoo or the Dinosaur Park under the city - children will love it.

Copenhagen, Denmark – hygge comfort for the whole family

Copenhagen is famous for its “expensiveness”, but in the fall a weekend here can be cheaper. And most importantly – everything in this city is created for family holidays.

Cycling along the canals, visiting the legendary Tivoli amusement park, a visit to the Lego Museum or the National Aquarium – every day here will be full. And in order not to spend a lot, you can buy a Copenhagen Card: free transport and entrance to 80+ attractions, and children are added for free.

Tip: to save money, dine in food halls – there is a large selection of dishes, and children can choose something to their taste.

Prague, Czech Republic – a fairy tale that comes to life in the fall

Prague in the fall is a special magic: golden parks, medieval streets, towers and castles that look as if they were just drawn in a children's book.

Children will love a walk along Charles Bridge with street performers, a river cruise or a ride on a retro tram. Adults will appreciate the cuisine and atmosphere.

The city is also affordable: tickets from Europe are often cheap, and accommodation and food are much more affordable than in London or Paris.

Tip: Don’t take a taxi – trains and trams are cheaper and more reliable.

Tips for parents: How to prepare your child for a trip?

To make the trip stress-free, it is important to prepare your children:

- Discuss the trip in advance: Tell them where you are going, what you will see and what you will do.

- Pack a “travel backpack” for your child: favorite toys, books, snacks, a change of clothes and a raincoat.

- Plan activities according to age: young children get tired quickly, so alternate walks with games and rest.

- Involve your child in planning: let them choose one activity per day so they feel like they are part of the trip.

- Follow the regimen: try to keep to approximate sleep and meal times, even when traveling.

These simple tips will help make the trip comfortable and safe for the whole family.

Autumn 2025 is the perfect time to explore Europe with your family. Porto, Budapest, Krakow, Copenhagen and Prague prove that in order for the trip to be bright, interesting and affordable, it is not at all necessary to spend a fortune. Choose a city to suit your mood - and get ready to create new memories that will stay with you for a long time.

Traveling with children is always unpredictable, so travel insurance is a must-have for family trips. It will cover medical assistance, flight delays or lost luggage.

Get travel insurance from trusted agents on the Visit World portal!

Reminder! TOP 10 destinations for autumn travel in Europe 2025: from warm islands and sea beaches to wine regions and mountain routes. Ideas for your autumn from Lonely Planet at the link.

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