Finding the right end of summer vacation that combines something for everyone can be a challenge, but Agoda, one of the world’s leading online travel agents, has seven great ideas for the family to explore cities less traveled without breaking the bank.
- Belgrade (Serbia)
Just a short three-hour flight away from Tel Aviv, Belgrade offers a ton of activities for families with kids. Visit the Nikola Tesla Museum, which offers interactive experiences including electricity experiments, or the Museum of Illusions for a fun, fascinating time with great photo opportunities.
As Belgrade sits at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, there are plenty of beaches, and lush green spaces such as Lido Beach and Kalemegdan Park, where families can pack a picnic and spend an afternoon at.
Stay at the Villa Mystique which offers family rooms for up to four adults and two kids, a swimming pool, breakfast and a playground for the young ones.
2. Budapest (Hungary)
Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Eastern Europe, known not only for its therapeutic thermal baths but also the stunning scenery and architecture. Traveling with the kids may be unpredictable – the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour via Thingstodo.agoda.com allows you to experience the best of Budapest at your own time as tickets are valid up to 72 hours.
If the kids love trains, check out The Children’s Railway, which is run by local school children volunteers! Buy a ticket from one of the children at the counters, board the train and enjoy scenic routes around the Buda Hills. Other family-friendly places include the Budapest Zoo and the Budapest Eye (a large Ferris wheel that also offers fascinating views of the city center).
Rest up at the 7Seasons Apartments Budapest . Located in the city center and within walking distance to public transportation and tourist attractions, the apartment also comes with a kitchenette and washing machine.
3. Dubrovnik (Croatia)
Dubrovnik is a beautiful medieval walled city, sitting on the edge of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. Walking the city walls is a great family activity and a way to get the best views of the city. It is about two kilometers to do a full loop, but you can exit at a number of locations along the way.
Dubrovnik famously served as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Fans can book a Games of Thrones tour on Agoda, where you gain insight into King’s Landing as well as history of the city.
After a day of walking in the medieval city, stay at the Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik located only 790 meters from the beach.
4. Kotor, Montenegro
Montenegro is often known as the hidden gem of the Adriatic and Kotor is its crowning glory. Take the family island hopping on a boat tour around the bay of Kotor, or pick a resort like Boka Gardens Seaside Resort with a private beach where everyone can soak up the sun and have some fun in the water.
The Kotor Medieval Museum is also a great place for the whole family to learn about Montenegro in the Middle Ages, and even play dress-up in a medieval knight’s armor. Plan the rest of your itinerary by checking out other activities and tours with Things to Do on the Agoda app.
5. Sibiu, Romania
There is more to Romania than Dracula. One of the most famous areas of Romania is Transylvania, a region blessed with amazing natural beauty and charming medieval towns. The city of Sibiu is pedestrian-friendly, making a great place to explore with the kids, with its quaint medieval old town and colorful architecture.
Families with more time on their hands can consider traveling out of Sibiu and booking a day trip to nearby attractions in Transylvania such as Corvin Castle and the Dacian Fortress, also available on Agoda.com.
Relax and enjoy your time at Trevi Guesthouse, right in the middle of the historic center of Sibiu.
6. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is a European hidden gem, and a small city with many attractions and sights for the family. Have a whale of a time at the Kalev Spa Waterpark or Nõmme Adventure Park.
Culture buffs should check out the Estonian Open-Air Museum, which provides an overview of how Estonian families in the 18-20th centuries lived, conducts handicraft lessons and offers horse-drawn carriage rides to tour the area.
Checking into the modern, colorful Park Inn by Radisson Central Tallinn , where you can easily visit the nearby old town of Tallin, a UNESCO Heritage Site, and get a real-life history lesson as you explore the medieval streetscapes, churches and Gothic town hall.
7. Wroclaw, Poland
Wroclaw is a city in western Poland and easy to get to with direct flights from Tel Aviv. While touring the city, play a game with kids and have them spot over 300 gnome statues that have been placed all over the city. You can buy a map, which shows where some of the gnomes are, but it is probably more fun looking for them on your own.
Look out for 19th century-style carousel in the Old Town Garden, which is available only between April to September. After the three-minute ride, bring the kids to the Wroclaw Puppet Theatre right next to the park.
Retreat to AC Hotel Wroclaw located near the city center, where the kids can also enjoy the indoor swimming pool.
