Many cities can be overwhelming for young travellers, but some are as much fun for the kids as the grown-ups.
Lonely Planet’s “Travel With Children” guide lists the top 10 cities around the world that are ideal to visit with children.
1. OAXACA, MEXICO
This colourful Mexican city is pint-sized, charming and fun to explore on foot. A central plaza provides plenty of run-around space for kids and there’s a vibrant market.
2. ISTANBUL, TURKEY
With its mosques, palaces, museums, bazaars, multicoloured carpets, food markets, Bosphorus cruises and sweet apple tea, the children will be fascinated and enchanted at every turn.
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3. LONDON, BRITAIN
You could stay in London for a whole year and find interesting things to do with the children every day. In summer don’t miss out on playing in the fountains at Somerset House where there’s an outdoor ice-skating rink in the winter.
4. LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
A good destination for teenagers — choose between the original Disneyland, Universal Studios and Santa Monica. There’s heaps to see and do in this sprawling city that encapsulates the American Dream.
5. VANCOUVER, CANADA
Vancouver is frequently named the most liveable city in the world. There’s lots of water as well as beaches, a huge urban park (Stanley Park) and numerous hiking and biking trails. In addition, all the attractions of the Rocky Mountains are just over 100 km (62 miles) away.
6. LISBON, PORTUGAL
With trams trundling up to a castle, a state-of-the-art aquarium and a fascinating museum that explores Portugal’s great seafaring past, this city captivates kids. The fairy-tale town of Sintra, too, is a just a short train ride away. www.lisbon-guide.info
7. COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
Oozes old-world charm, with a compact city centre, a lively waterfront and pedestrian-only zones. Thrilling rides at Tivoli Gardens and Bakken, a royal palace and museums designed especially for children will keep you busy.
8. SINGAPORE
Safe, clean and accessible, Singapore is a gentle introduction to the cities of Southeast Asia — and an excellent jetlag-busting pit stop on the long haul between Europe and Australasia. Also, Sentosa Island with its beaches, butterfly park, dolphin lagoon and underwater world has to be seen to be believed.
9. SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
If beaches, swimming pools and numerous ferries aren’t enough, there’s Sydney Aquarium, Taronga Zoo and the Koala Park Sanctuary, which are all huge hits with the young ones.
10. ROME, ITALY
With some of Italy’s best gelato, the impressive Colosseum and Castel Sant-Angelo, spooky catacombs under Via Appia Antica and the green spaces of Villa Borghese, the challenge in Rome is not to do too much.
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