Best Places to Stay for Families

Travelling as a family is one of life’s great pleasures. That said, deciding where to go with your little ones can be a bit of a challenge.

Parents undoubtedly want to visit destinations that are safe, comfortable, and full of activities for children to enjoy. But at the same time, they also need places that offer reliable accommodation, good facilities, and a safe environment.

When planning a trip or a longer stay abroad, finding all of this in one place can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. That is why we’ve put together this guide to help.

Often, families who are searching for the best family destinations to stay look for more than just a hotel or apartment. Instead, they want to find family-friendly cities, where playgrounds, parks, and cultural attractions are close by. They also want to know which areas are convenient for schools, healthcare, and simple daily routines. These are important things to weigh up because choosing the right base can make all the difference between enduring a stressful trip or enjoying a memorable one.

In this post, we will highlight some of the top cities for family vacation rentals and long-term stays that you can visit around the world. Each destination has been chosen because it offers a lovely mix of comfort, family-focused facilities, and inspiring surroundings.

It doesn’t matter if you are planning a short holiday, an extended adventure, or even considering a new home base for an extended period of time. It is full of practical insights that should help you decide where to visit.

What Makes a Place Family-Friendly

A place is typically considered family-friendly when it is viewed as being very safe, comfortable, and providing lots of recreational and sightseeing activities for both children and parents.

When people look for the best family destinations to stay, the primary focus is usually safety. Parents tend to seek out neighbourhoods that have low crime rates, reliable healthcare facilities, and well-kept public spaces. This includes clean parks, walking paths, and playgrounds where kids can explore and play freely.

Aside from the safety aspect, another key factor in their decision is access to quality facilities. The most family-friendly cities to stay in often offer good schools, childcare options, and hospitals. In addition, they also have good transport links with easy connections by bus, train, or taxi, which makes it simpler to get around.

One of the most important aspects of what makes a destination family-friendly is the type of accommodation that is available. Generally speaking, holiday homes or serviced apartments often work better than hotel rooms because they include kitchens, laundry, and living areas. Family-friendly cities and areas tend to have a good number of them available.

Entertainment and activities are also influential factors. That is because cities that offer museums, aquariums, beaches, and outdoor adventures keep the whole family engaged better. Lastly, there should also be plenty of dining options that cater to the tastes of children.

7 Top Cities & Regions

When it comes to choosing where to visit, the world is literally your oyster. Yet, as there are around 195 independent countries and territories you can head to, it can be difficult to narrow down where to go.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. For those in need of inspiration, here are seven of the top family-friendly cities and regions you can head to around the world.

1. Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the best family destinations to stay in Europe. This beautiful Spanish city is a great fit for families as it combines vibrant culture with a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.

Children especially love exploring Park Güell with its colourful mosaics, or the Barcelona Zoo, which is easy to reach from the city centre. There are also some terrific beaches like Barceloneta and Nova Icaria, where families can enjoy plenty of outdoor time.

Overall, the standard of accommodation in Barcelona is good. Many apartments and vacation rentals have been designed to be spacious and conveniently feature kitchens and laundry facilities. Indeed, Barcelona is often ranked among the top cities for family vacation rentals in Europe.

Two of the most popular neighbourhoods to base yourself in include Eixample and Gràcia. Both are safe, central,  family-friendly, and close to schools, parks, and playgrounds.

2. Lisbon

In recent times, Lisbon has become one of the hippest family-friendly cities to stay in Europe. Thanks to its sunny weather, safe neighbourhoods, and laid-back vibe, most parents and children find it easy to settle in there.

One of the main attractions for families is to ride the city’s iconic yellow trams. Other popular activities include exploring Belém’s riverside or visiting the Oceanário de Lisboa, which is one of the largest aquariums in the world.

What makes Lisbon such an attractive destination for families is that the price of accommodation is quite affordable in comparison to other European capitals. We recommend trying to find apartments in districts such as Parque das Nações and Estrela, as they tend to be more spacious and near green spaces where kids love to run around.

Lisbon is set around a coastal location and receives over 2800 hours of sunshine every year, so families can enjoy the prospect of visiting nearby beaches like Cascais or Costa da Caparica. The city is also home to prestigious international schools and several modern healthcare facilities, for those considering a longer stay there.

3. Sydney

With its famous beaches, world-class attractions, and laid-back nature, a visit to Sydney, Australia, should be on every family’s bucket list.

Imagine topping up your suntan at Bondi, Manly or Coogee, strolling through the magnificent Royal Botanic Garden or climbing the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. The city offers a range of experiences like these and more that allow you to create memories that last a lifetime.

Sydney offers a wide range of family accommodation options, which include everything from serviced apartments in the CBD to spacious homes near the beaches. Therefore, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something that fits your needs. However, many families, particularly those wanting a longer stay, often choose to base themselves in suburbs such as Mosman or North Shore.

Indeed, with its emphasis on outdoor living and as it is home to over 400 parks, it is not difficult to see why Sydney is one of the top cities for family vacation rentals and relocations in the world.

4. Vancouver

Vancouver is regularly ranked highly by travel experts in any list of the most family-friendly cities to stay in North America. It certainly has good optics, surrounded by natural beauty in the form of beaches, mountains, and forests, all of which are within easy reach.

It also offers plenty for families, who can enjoy cycling around Stanley Park, exploring the fabulous Science World, or popping over to Granville Island. The city is also well known for having a relatively low crime rate and a good healthcare and education system.

In addition, Vancouver’s transport system makes it easy to venture around without the use of a car. That said, if you need to hire one, most of the major car rental companies operate in the city.

Given that the city is one of the most multicultural in Canada, you can also experience a wide variety of different ethnic restaurants, plenty of cultural events, and little pockets of ethnic communities.

Easily one of the top cities for family vacation rentals and long-term stays in North America, neighborhoods such as Kitsilano and Mount Pleasant are especially in demand with families.

5. Kyoto

If you are searching for a family-friendly destination that is rich in culture, tradition, and history, then look no further than Kyoto in Japan. This city has a much slower pace compared to Tokyo, which makes it much more suitable for those with children.

Known for its temples, gardens, and seasonal beauty, one of the main highlights of visiting the region is exploring the bamboo groves in Arashiyama. Kids also enjoy dressing up in traditional kimonos, while a visit to Nijo Castle and its breathtaking gardens is a must.

In terms of places to stay, accommodation in Kyoto ranges from modern serviced apartments to traditional townhouses. However, families tend to gravitate towards neighborhoods like Arashiyama and Okazaki, as they are peaceful, safe, and close to cultural attractions, parks, and other green spaces.

Like much of the rest of Japan, Kyoto’s road networks and public transportation system are very efficient. They make it easy for families to visit nearby areas like Osaka or Nara on day trips.

6. Cape Town

Africa is a magical travel destination, and arguably, Cape Town is the jewel in its crown.

Surrounded by beaches, mountains, and nature reserves, this is another city known for its stunning landscapes. They are perhaps best viewed by taking a cable car up Table Mountain (make sure you have your cameras at the ready!). However, you should also take the opportunity to visit Boulders Beach to see its resident penguins or spend the day at the idyllic Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

While the city has a reputation for having some questionable neighborhoods, there are plenty of others that are considered very safe. Many families choose to hire coastal apartments in Camps Bay or larger homes in suburbs like Constantia, which offer excellent amenities and more wholesome vibes.

For those who want to stay for longer, Cape Town has a well-established expat community, good international schools, and excellent healthcare options.

7. Costa Rica

Central America might not be the first region parents think of going to. However, it is increasingly earning itself a reputation for being a real gem for families.

The country is famous for championing sustainability and eco-friendly practices. It also has stunning beaches and a diverse wildlife that can be experienced by spotting monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park, zip-lining through rainforests, or relaxing on the sands of the Pacific coast.

Within Costa Rica, towns such as Tamarindo and Nosara are popular with visiting international families. Many of the vacation rentals here are designed with families in mind, and often include outdoor space, kitchens, and access to nature. They also tend to be much more affordable than those available in other countries on this list.

One of the best aspects of visiting Costa Rica is that the country’s culture is characterized by the positive “pura vida” philosophy. It also has a neutral army, and its people are regarded as having a high level of happiness and life expectancy.

Staying Local vs. Central – Pros and Cons

When families start to search for the best family destinations to stay, one of the biggest choices they have to make is whether to stay in a central location or in a quieter local neighborhood. This is an important decision to make because both options have their advantages. So, the right choice usually depends on your family’s priorities.

Generally speaking, if you stay in a central, downtown location, you are invariably close to major attractions and can enjoy good transport links and a varied selection of dining venues. For families on a short trip, this can be a particularly good idea as it can save them time and make it much easier to explore the area.

There is usually plenty for children to do in the immediate vicinity, including visiting museums, parks, and various attractions. Central areas also tend to have more choices of vacation rental accommodation. However, often this can be dearer than properties in rural areas, and they can be located in places that are noisier and more crowded.

On the other hand, if you choose to stay in a local neighborhood, you get to enjoy the perks of suburban life. This includes more parks and playgrounds, as well as shops, cafes, and healthcare facilities that are more geared towards families.

In many cases, you also get more bang for your buck when it comes to accommodation. Properties there are usually larger and better suited to multi-generational living than those in the city. Of course, the downside is that you might need to endure a longer travel time if you want to go into the city centre, or to where some of the more popular tourist attractions reside.

Whichever option you choose, both can work well when visiting any of the destinations on this list.

Why GFHR Makes It Easy

If you aren’t too familiar with where you are heading, finding the right base for your family stay can feel a bit daunting. Thankfully, platforms like GFHR make the process much simpler. That is because, instead of spending hours comparing countless websites, you can explore a trusted collection of destinations all in one place.

For families who are searching for the best family destinations in any given location, this can be extremely beneficial. It provides them with detailed insights into specific neighborhoods, accommodation types, and lifestyle features that can make their stay as enjoyable as possible.

Where platforms like GFHR excel is that they can highlight exactly what you are looking for. From the safest suburbs to stay in, to central areas that have great schools and parks, you can quickly determine which destinations best suit your family’s lifestyle. The platform also showcases the best family accommodation locations for those who need a short-term rental for a holiday or something more for the long term that enables them to test out what life is like abroad.

Effectively, through these platforms, families can save themselves a lot of time and stress. Instead of worrying about whether a place will be enjoyable for you and your children, you can feel confident knowing the destinations you are browsing have already been selected with families in mind. That, in turn, makes planning your trip and embarking on it a much more straightforward process.

Conclusion

Travelling as a family is a way to make lifelong memories with those closest to you. From vibrant cities like Barcelona and Sydney to peaceful regions such as Costa Rica and Kyoto, families have an endless choice for where to create lasting memories.

However, when choosing between which family-friendly cities to stay, the right accommodation can make all the difference.

Across the globe, you’ll find that the best family accommodation locations will offer you good space, convenience, and easy access to everyday essentials. They enable families to focus on enjoying their time together rather than stressing over logistics.

If you are ready to explore the top cities for family vacation rentals, we recommend letting GFHR guide you. It will give you detailed insights into trusted destinations and showcase properties that have been designed with families in mind.

Why not take the opportunity to start planning your next trip today and find the perfect place to stay for your next family adventure?