Honolulu, USA
Waikiki used to be the playground of Hawaiian royalty; these days it’s a playground for families from all over the world. Honolulu is a relaxed yet vibrant city, nestled against some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Once you’ve paid your respects to the statue of Duke Kahanamoku (the father of modern surfing) a dip in the ocean is mandatory. The more adventurous members of the family can hire surfboards or paddleboards and take to the waves. A family hike to the top of Diamond Head is moderately challenging but visually stunning once you reach the summit. You won’t want to miss out on the moving Pearl Harbour historic sites (just 20 minutes drive out of the city) or the bustle of downtown Honolulu and the historic Chinatown area.
Barcelona, Spain
Of all the great European cities, Barcelona is perhaps the most magical. It offers a stunning mix of eye-catching architecture, bustling street life and exquisite cuisine. Start with a walk along La Rambla, Barcelona’s main promenade and home to grand theatres and the incredible Boqueria Market. Spend some time at the Maritime Museum and then take the lift to the top of the Columbus Monument for amazing views. Barcelona is renowned for it’ architecture and in particular the almost surreal work of Gaudi. The Sagrada Familia is perhaps his most famous, a work in progress for 150 years. Sports fans will want to visit the Camp Nou of Lionel Messi and Barcelona FC teammates and a Camp Nou Experience tour is a great treat for soccer fans young and old alike.
Singapore
This remarkable island-city-state is a fabulous melting pot of cultures and a destination that should be on every family’s list. From the sound and smells of busy hawker markets to a leisurely stroll through the Marina Bay Gardens to the spectacular views from the Observation Deck at the SkyPark, Singapore is the perfect family destination. You can also head over to Sentosa Island to check out Sentosa Resort World with its range of attractions like Adventure Cove Waterpark, Dolphin Island and Universal Studios.
London, UK
There’s so much for families in London, it’s hard to know where to start. Tweens will probably want to head straight to Madame Tussauds for a selfie with Harry Styles and the littlies will want to do some browsing at the famous Hamley’s Toy Shop on Regent St. Iconic tourist haunts like the Tower Of London and Buckingham Palace (the changing of the guards on a sunny day is a great family outing) are always worth visiting as are lesser-known but no less interesting sights like the London Transport Museum (one for the Thomas the Tank Engine obsessives in the family!) and the Museum Of London.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Regarded by many as one of the most beautiful cities in Asia, Hanoi is a wonderful place to take the family, especially if you’re keen to do something a little different and get away from the regular tourist haunts. Rich in history, safe and perfect for walking around, it’s a great place to show the kids a vibrant culture unlike anything they’ve probably seen before. The Old Quarter is a fascinating area filled with temples, markets and restaurants, catch the Water Puppet show and learn how to slurp Pho (Hanoi’s famous rice noodle soup) at Pho Bat Dan, regarded by many as the best Pho in the Old Quarter. Stunning landmarks are plentiful and sites like Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple Of Literature are all worth visiting.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
