Parents with young children will understand the need for a car-free vacation. The hassle of wrestling toddlers into car seats, folding up the stroller to get it in the trunk, or piling the whole family into a hot car on a summer’s day is less than appealing.
We’ve found the best places to visit in Europe without a car, so you can plan a walkable family vacation this year. Lift your little one into a travel stroller, grab a backpack and head out on foot to really SEE those sights.
1. Paris, France
The ultimate European city break destination. Paris is a pretty large city, so while it’s not quick to walk around, the public transport system is fast and efficient so you can get from one attraction to another without a car. With different sights spread across the city, plan your itinerary for Paris with kids to take in one neighborhood at a time.
Best For: Plentiful metro stations to hop between different arrondissements.
Where to Stay: The Rue Saint Honore Residence
2. Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is car free! This ski destination is known for its pedestrianized state. You can leave cars in Täsch and board a shuttle train. Once you’re there, lots of attractions are within walking distance, or you can try an electric taxi, horse-drawn carriage, e-bus or bike. Take a ride on the Matterhorn Express gondola for an easy tour of the town.
Best For: Skiing in winter and year-round scenery for hiking and lake sports
Where to Stay: The Castor Chalet
3. Rome, Italy
Even the Italians don’t want to drive here. With lots of traffic and wide multi-lane roundabouts, it’s much safer and less stressful to be on foot. Plus, there are lots of pedestrianized areas that cars can’t access, such as The Vatican.
Lots of the city can be explored without public transport too, because the attractions are fairly close together and the center of the city is compact.
Best For: Historic monuments on every street
Where to Stay: The Rione Trevi Residence
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is filled with things to do for kids, with so much accessible on foot. Choose from beaches, the zoo, a harbor, museums and heaps of playgrounds, all of which you get to on foot, by bike or by public transport.
Best For: Short walking time between attractions
Where to Stay: The Christian IXth Residence
5. Porto
One of the trickiest places to drive in Europe. With heaps of one-way streets and narrow cobbled roads which end abruptly at the River Douro, a car journey here can get very complicated. Plus – it’s not necessary. The city is compact enough to walk around on foot and the cable car is a fun way to see the skyline if you need a break from walking.
Best For: Street-side architecture – spot the pretty tiled walls alongside almost every building as you walk
Where to Stay: The Old Stone Flats Residence
6. Barcelona
Many of the large cities in Spain are not well-designed for cars, with narrow lanes and lots of traffic building up in the central districts. There’s always lots going on for families in the streets, from markets to cultural events, so if you skip the sidewalk you’ll miss so much of what’s going on.
Best For: Public playgrounds – with many families living in apartments there’s a play park on almost every block.
Where to Stay: The Carrer de pau Claris Residence
7. Amsterdam
With tram stops everywhere and bicycles readily available to hire, Amsterdam is fully set up to be a car-free experience. Stroll from sightseeing in museums to wandering around some of the city’s 30 parks, or join the locals on a relaxed, safe bike ride.
Best For: Pretty bridges over the canals and pedestrianized public squares.
Where to Stay: The Lindengracht Residence
8. Edinburgh, Scotland
This historic city was never built for cars, so the best way to get around is on foot. The landscape is full of steep hills (visitors flock to climb Arthur’s Seat) and sets of steps between streets, but it’s small enough to explore without transport. Just pack a pair of comfortable sneakers.
Best For: Grand historic architecture – look up!
Where to Stay: The Nelson Street Residence
9. London, England
London locals know that the best way to get around the city is by tube or on foot – cars and buses can be slow to get down busy shopping streets and tourist areas. If you do need to travel by car, hail a black taxi for an authentic London experience.
Best For: Long walks along the River Thames path (or a boat trip on the Thames Clipper)
Where to Stay: The York Street Mews II Residence
10. Belgium
Like its neighboring country, The Netherlands, many families in Belgium choose to travel by bike, even in the main cities. In the beach town (yes, they have great beaches in Belgium!) of Oostduinkerke, the entire area is car-free in Summer and on weekends, so kids are free to roam on foot or by bike.
Best For: Small, walkable cities and bike-accessible beaches.
Where to Stay: The Wowie and Germain Residence
Tips For Planning a Car-Less Family Vacation in Europe
- Alternative options
Research your alternative forms of transportation before you arrive, so you know where to find the nearest bike rental, bus stop or train station.
- Get comfy
Get the whole family a great pair of walking shoes or sneakers so that you’ll be comfortable all day long.
- Equipment
Make sure you have a good travel stroller, a baby carrier for under 2s and an easy-to-carry travel bag.
- Ask for insider info
Get in touch with your local contact or property host to find out the best way to get around and all the fun things you can do on foot.
Book Your Family-Friendly Trip
Browse all our family-friendly Destinations to find more places to visit in Europe without a car, or explore our Walk to Town and Walk to the Beach collections for more inspiration.
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/deal/the-victory-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/eixample/the-carrer-de-pau-claris-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/marylebone/the-york-street-mews-ii-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/the-jordaan/the-lindengracht-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/porto/the-old-stone-flats-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/rome/the-rione-trevi-residence
