The grand Eiffel Tower, historic Roman Colosseum, towering Big Ben; just a few of the iconic attractions you can see across Europe, America's favorite international travel destination.
In an area just slightly bigger than the United States, you'll find incredible history, architecture, art, food, geography, archeological wonders, and one-of-a-kind experiences.
KeeKee loves Europe so much that the first five books in the KeeKee's Big Adventures series are in her favorite cities for families. Read on for more about why Paris, Rome, Athens, Amsterdam, and London are at the top of the list.
PARIS, FRANCE
Ooh là là…Paris! Known as the City of Light, France's capital city is famously full of café filled boulevards and iconic destinations, from the Eiffel Tower to Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Thanks to the many movies set in the magical city - from Aristocats to Ratatouille, to name a few - the whole family is undoubtedly familiar with Paris.
The entire family will enjoy strolling the tree-lined Champs-Élysées from the Arc de Triomphe to the Tuileries Gardens then visiting the most famous museum in the world, The Louvre, to see Mona Lisa. The perfect ending to the day? A sunset cruise on the Seine River as the Eiffel Tower begins to twinkle.
The kids will especially love admiring the city from the top of the Eiffel Tower and seeing Notre-Dame's famous gargoyles. Not to mention eating delicious crepes. KeeKee's favorite? A Nutella and banana crêpe.
Did you know Paris has nearly 1,800 bakeries?! Perfect stops along the way for fresh baguettes, flaky croissants, or patisseries like a delicious macaroon.
ROME, ITALY
Mamma Mia…Rome! Italy's capital city was once the center of the Roman Empire, leaving what is now an architectural and historical marvel.
A walk from the Roman Forum, the ancient city of Rome, to the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater in the world, is a journey through Rome's 3,000 years history.
Standing inside the colossal Colosseum, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, is an awe-inspiring experience. The kids can even go to Gladiator School.
The kids, and the whole family, will love the food…pizza, pasta, and gelato…oh my!
KeeKee's other tip for the kids…look up when you're in the Pantheon (the world's best-preserved Roman building) and the Sistine Chapel (the masterpiece that took Michelangelo 4 years to paint)!
And don't forget to make your wish in the Trevi Fountain, one of the city's 1,500 fountains. According to legend, using your right hand to toss a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain will guarantee a return visit to Rome.
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Hoera…Amsterdam! It's the city of bikes, canals, bridges, and boats in the Netherlands, the land of tulips, cheese, windmills, and clogs. What other reasons do you or the kids need to visit?!
There is no other city in the world like Amsterdam. With the feel more of a village, everyone speaks English, and you can ride bikes everywhere!
Amsterdam has 165 canals and over 1,703 bridges, three times as many as Venice, Italy. That makes a canal cruise through the historic Canal Ring a magical way to tour the city and see attractions from some of the city's 2,500 houseboats to the landmark Anne Frank Huis.
Spring is KeeKee's favorite time to visit the Netherlands, to see the famous tulip fields in full bloom just outside the city, and tour an actual working windmill.
No trip is complete without yummy pannekoeken or fresh stroopwafel. Yum!
ATHENS, GREECE
Opa…Athens! The birthplace of Western Civilization. There aren't many places you can visit that are 7,000 years old.
A walk through the highlights of this city is the most incredible outdoor museum and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Standing tall above the city is the Acropolis. The Parthenon, the 2,500-year-old ancient temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, crowns the high hill and is visible all over town. The city of Athens is named after her. Theater was also born on the Acropolis.
At the base of the Acropolis sits the Ancient Agora, once the ancient heart of Athens and the center of public life for ancient Athenians. Greeks invented Democracy here!
Outside the Agora is Plaka, the old quarter of Athens. Once considered the neighborhood of the Olympic Greek gods, you can now enjoy the ancient monuments, shops, and tavernas.
KeeKee's other Must See for the kids is Panathenaic Stadium, home of the first modern Olympic Games.
LONDON, ENGLAND
Jolly good… it's London! The capital city of England and the UK is full of history, architecture, and famous names and families, like Shakespeare and The Royals.
Approachable and easy to get around, the whole family will enjoy seeing its icons, from Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
There are also unique British experiences to enjoy.
For Royal fans, there's Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard. But KeeKee's favorite is we love, the Changing of the Queen's Life Guard on Horse Guard Parade and visiting the Royal Mews, the Royal Stables.
Enjoying a proper British Tea is fun for everyone with sandwiches, tea cakes, and scones with jam.
The kids will also love riding the high London Eye on the Thames River for views across the city and a Double Deck Bus across London Bridge (it is not falling down).
Explore more of KeeKee's favorite cities in the KeeKee's Big Adventures book series. Click here for more details and to order online.
European Adventure Awaits!
