3 great city breaks for families

collaborative guest post

When school holidays creep up and the calendar's still empty, finding a last-minute escape that suits everyone can feel like a scramble. You want somewhere safe, walkable and full of things to do; but also somewhere that doesn’t require hours of planning or endless queuing. 

With the weather turning and your children restless after another term, a short city break can offer the enjoyable family holiday you all need. A few days in the right place can turn into a memory-making adventure, giving you a change of scene without the stress.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen wraps family-friendly charm in a calm and organised package. You can explore the city on foot or by bike, which makes moving around easy even with a buggy or tired little legs.

The famous Tivoli Gardens offers vintage fairground rides, lush parkland and regular music shows. Kids love the fairy-tale atmosphere, and parents appreciate how relaxed and safe it all feels. Just down the road, the National Museum has a children’s wing that encourages hands-on learning, from Viking helmets to ancient toys.

Buy a Copenhagen Card to keep things simple – it covers public transport and entry to most attractions, which helps you stay flexible and avoid ticket queues.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona mixes beach days with urban energy, so it’s perfect if your family can’t quite decide between the two. Park Güell and its colourful mosaics offer space to run around with a backdrop that feels like a dream. 

Tapas restaurants are ideal for small appetites or picky eaters, and the city’s late dining culture means no one bats an eye if your kids are still finishing dinner at 10 pm. 

With wide, pedestrian-friendly boulevards and a quick metro system, you can cover a lot in a short stay without feeling rushed.

Evening outfits for Majorca’s vibrant nightlife

Planning to live the nightlife to the fullest on your Majorca holiday? With beach clubs, cocktail bars, and fine dining restaurants, you’ll likely need a few outfits. For an evening meal out, you could pair a light dress with some wedge sandals. Add a few accessories like bracelets or a necklace, and you’re all set. 

On the other hand, if you’re planning on hitting the clubs, you want to find the balance between cute and comfortable. If you’re going to be dancing for a while, then you’ll need some stable footwear. While strappy sandals might be an excellent stylistic choice, if your straps break, you’ll likely have a bad night. In this case, you might want to choose a crop top, a midi skirt, and pumps or trainers.

Ghent, Belgium

Ghent flies under the radar, but families who visit often leave wondering why more people don’t go. It’s one of Belgium’s most historic cities and has a laid-back feel that makes it easy to enjoy without the crowds of nearby cities. 

The interactive STAM museum gives younger visitors something to do that isn’t just looking at paintings, while the medieval castle in the centre, Gravensteen, is great for exploring. Families also appreciate the way the Ghent balances modern comforts with old-world charm.

Why city breaks work for families

Families don’t need a two-week beach escape to reset. A well-chosen city break offers something more immediate and flexible – a short burst of novelty that fits around modern family life. 

You can stay close to home or head further afield, but either way, you’ll return with shared stories and fresh energy. What matters most isn’t how far you go, but how well the place fits your needs.