Published 1st Jul. 2024
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Teenagers and holidays – a recipe for equal parts family feuds and family bonding. According to Tom Barber, co-founder of Original Travel and Conde Nast Traveler’s Top Family Specialist, ‘teenagers tend to be forgotten, even though there are just as many considerations to factor in for that age bracket’. Luckily, that’s where we come in. Teens are hard to please, but we love a challenge. And the good news is that if you nail the location, that’s half the work done. When a city has enticing landmarks, trendy shops, beautiful beaches and fantastic food, you’ll be amazed at how enjoyable it can be alongside your youngsters. Whether you’re after New York’s bright lights or Lisbon’s sunny beaches, read on to discover the five best city breaks with teenagers.
As the city that never sleeps, your near-nocturnal teens may meet their match with New York. While the city’s smorgasbord of daylight fun – from the Empire State’s Instragrammable views to MoMA’s artsy aesthetic – offers plenty of excitement, save some energy for the glitzy nightlife. See the stars of the stage at Broadway’s Hamilton and Wicked or sip a mocktail at one of the sky-high rooftop bars. Make sure to leave space in your suitcase, as the oversized shopping centres and quirky flea markets are likely to catch a budding fashionista’s eye.
Thanks to Netflix’s Emily in Paris, a new set of eyes has fallen upon the city – the series-bingeing teenager. If the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Mona Lisa’s smile weren’t iconic enough, then scouting out the series’ stunning filming locations will add an extra layer of appeal to your Parisian adventure. When your feet need resting, visit Tuileries Gardens to admire the flowers, grab a pastry down the wisteria-covered Cour Damoye or cruise down the Seine and admire the French architecture.
Are your teens tired of history lessons? Reignite their interest and bring schoolwork to life with a city break to Rome. The towering Colosseum has plenty of in-person appeal, and landmarks like the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica and the Catacombs effortlessly transport you back in time. Make sure to leave plenty of time to eat your way through the city, indulging in scoops of sweet gelato, local delicacies from Campo de Fiori and expertly prepared pizzas at trendy trattorias. Rome’s gorgeous mix of culture and indulgence makes it one of the best city breaks with teenagers.
Settle the city vs beach-break arguments with a getaway to one of Europe’s hippest hotspots – Lisbon. Its cobble-stoned centre is best explored by bike, and the Time Out Market (housing the best of Lisbon’s culinary scene) makes for the perfect pitstop. Top up your tan with a quick trip to beaches like Carcavelos, Costa da Caparica or Dafundo, and even challenge the teens to a surfing contest. Come evening, experience Portuguese passion with a musical fado performance in a cosy bar or restaurant (and try not to embarrass your teens by dancing).
Los Angeles isn’t just one of the best cities in the world; it’s also one of the best city breaks with teenagers. Whether spotting your favourite celebs along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, riding the Ferris wheel at Santa Monica pier or exploring iconic movie sets at Universal Studios, there’s a whole host of bucket-list-worthy adventures to tick off. You can even sink your toes into Malibu’s soft sands, a location that will most likely leave the teens humming Miley Cyrus’ hit song and you scratching your head.
Written by Evie Buller | Header Image by Birgit Sfat.
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