Which city with 15-year-old teen girls

Paris, no question about it.

Absolutely Paris. Perfect for your girls and nonstop flights back to the US.

I agree with Paris. If you are afraid of potential terrorism then having just three days I suggest one of the following cities: Prague, Vienna, Budapest.

I'd vote for Venice. It isn't Italy, it is unique. It is Venice.

Or Paris.

Or Amsterdam.

Or Barcelona. See how the city beaches match up with La Jolla, Manhattan, Huntington, San Onofre, Redondo, or whichever is their fav.

I would have them choose. Finish the tour with a city of their choice and let them plan how the time is spent, what to see, etc. It is time to get them ready to travel on their own.

I think Barcelona would put a very nice Cap on your trip. Between the Gaudi sites (Sagrada Familia, The Block of Discontent, the Park, etc.), a Las Ramblas walk (with a visit to the food stalls at the market), and the beaches, you could have a very enjoyable three days for your teens.

Agree with Wray 100%. Let them decide -- or at least have great input into the decision and planning. I think they will probably opt for Paris. But one never knows with teenage girls.

I'd give them some options. Pick several places you are OK with, give them a couple days to look online and such, and see where their interests lie.

Vienna might appeal to girls who like classical music, palaces, and a "traditional old Europe" feel. Prague, as well. Paris has great food, art, iconic sights, and is romantic. Venice for the uniqueness. Barcelona if they lean a little more modern. Athens only if they are really into Greek history.

Addendum: My daughter was 15 when I first took her to Europe. I also took my 30 year old step daughter. I let them each choose where in Europe they wanted to go (because I'll go anywhere). The 30 year old opted for Florence. The 15 year old picked Pompeii; so you never know what a 15 year old female will choose... We went to both Florence and Pompeii on that trip. I was lucky their choices were in the same country!

marisa, Paris seems like the elephant in the room, is there a particular reason you don't list it as a possibility?

Hi Dave,

Ha - yes, you're correct - Paris was conspicuously absent from my list. We have some pretty mixed feelings in the family about visiting Paris, even prior to current events. It seems that Paris is a love it or hate it kind of city and I personally have never felt a strong urge to go (as someone who LOVES Rome and would move there tomorrow, I'm always baffled by people who can't stand it, so I get that so much of this "which city is best" question is all about personal preference.) One daughter has voiced interest in Paris, the other one has not, but that's largely due to the fact that her father and I have never shown an interest I'm sure. What are your thoughts - are you in the "love Paris" camp? If so, I'd welcome your viewpoint.

I cannot imagine a teenage girl who would turn down a chance to go to Paris if given the opportunity. Beautiful buildings, some of the best art imaginable, shopping to die for, fabulous food, and just the whole vibe of the City of Light. Can't be equaled anywhere else in the world IMO.

I'd let the teens do some research and help with the decision. It might be interesting to learn what their priorities are (and why). Anything that might get them more engaged in the planning seems like a good idea. It could be a good start on learning to travel on their own in the future.

marisa, yes, I'm definitely in the "love Paris" camp. It's one of the world's true major cities, with incredible history, art, architecture, parks, food, well-you get the idea. Obviously, you can say these same things about many European cities, but it's very special.

I was ambivalent about Paris for years for no reason I can actually identify. And then I spent two nights there as a positioning move to catch a flight and I fell in love. I've been back three times since and I remain mesmerized by it...the architecture, walkability, parks, museums. It's really a great city. We were there in April and it was fine and we felt safe. But you've got to make those decisions based on personal comfort so I'll leave that to your family.

I'm in the don't care group about Paris. It just doesn't do anything for me. NIce enough city, but it doesn't draw me back.

Surprised no one has mentioned Berlin! For teens, this is a great city. Clothing, music, art, and lots to see. Add in Potsdam with Sans Souci if you need a romantic palace setting. For a somber note, a visit to Ravensbruck Concentration Camp could be added. This was a KZ created just for women and a visit here might be of interest to teen girls.

Edinburgh would be my other recommendation. Interesting and fun for teens as well as adults.

I am in the Paris camp also. Took my daighter first when she was 11, then last year her and i went again she was 19, then this year her and her fired s had been backpacki g throughout europe for six weeks before we arrived and met them. They chose to finsih with 8 days in Paris.

My stepdaughter came with us on our trip and her one request was Paris also.

Hi,

I would choose two places...#1 Paris...absolutely , if it has to be only one city. #2 Vienna , if there is a 2nd choice.

Yes, I have heard great things about Berlin. I have not been so didn't list it, but beyond the famous sights it is supposed to have a very hip, arty, young feel. If your girls are more on that end (as opposed to wanting to waltz around a palace in Vienna!) it might be a good choice.

Paris - I am in the "eh, Paris is nice enough" camp. I don't quite get the love or the hate. If you do let them choose and they choose Paris I am sure you will find things to enjoy and it will be interesting for you to see what all the fuss is about. You could fall into the love it camp! I wouldn't call it a love-or-hate place because the hate seems so much more rare than the love. 80% of the people I know love it, 15% are like me, and only 5% hate it. I'm estimating, but that seems about right.

I also say Paris. If there is a second choice Amsterdam

Note.. we love Amsterdam.. been four times now.. but do be careful where you wander. The Red Light District is sort of obvious.. but we had a lady in the window on the street two doors down from our hotel on Singel Canal.. and it is not actually in the Red Light District.. also.. we went to join a boat cruise that was right in the area and we did not realize it.. which my stepdaughter ( she is 26) was ok with.. until we saw a drunk man open his pants and play with himself right in front of a window.. and this was at 4.45 in the afternoon!!!!!! My stepdaughter was horrified..

Absolutely agree, ask the girls. Kids should be involved in travel planning, i had all my kids tell me three sites they wanted to to see in each city we visited when we took them to europe, instead of " sweat equityy" its trip equity. Kids get taken on these expensive trips and are lucky , they need to invest at least an hour on their parent provided laptops, in their comfy homes with all meals snd needs taken care if, to contribute to the trip .

Obviously they cant hold all choices , but input is good, makes them an active participant , and wards off complaints!

Paris (obviously) is great but Prague, Amsterdam, and Berlin have very young, hip "scenes" that the girls might enjoy.

First trip to Paris was enjoyable... saw the highlights, but never felt the need to return. Then, due to traveling through Paris or with other people I have been about 7 times, and each time I felt more attached. Now I have to say I really love Paris.
Took 2 teens to many places in Europe and while they loved it all each one thinks Paris was the best city....

If you haven't been. I'd go with Paris or London. Both have a ton to see and do, three days will barely scratch the surface.

I live in Paris, and I don't always love this city - though I did, at first.
It isn't for everyone, and it might not interest your daughters until they are a little older.

What time of year are you travelling? This could have an enormous difference in the opinions offered.

But for a "city" feel, I'd suggest Berlin or Amsterdam. The red light district is easily avoided, if that will offend anyone.

LOVE Paris! We are not city folk but it is such a gorgeous city that everywhere you look is stunning. Through our travels we have found that we really love all of France. It is actually clean and people are actually very nice- contrary to what you hear. I wish it was on your list because my daughter absolutely loved it.

Amsterdam ...
3 days is the perfect amount of time.
The city always has a youthful buzz.
Schipol is one of the best airports in Europe.
Anne Frank House would be a great experience for the girls.

My daughter loved Paris when she was younger, but as a tween Barcelona is hands down her scene. It's so easy to get around, lots of amazing architecture, great easy to get tapa's and super vibrant friendly people. I didn't think I would like the architecture in Barcelona vs the old world charm, but it is actually amazing because there is purpose in all of it. The Gaudi exhibits are easy to get to, fun to look at and lots to learn. Stay in the old town and visit the markets for breakfast, where a dragon fruit smoothie costs 1 euro. Stay in a hotel with a roof top pool and cool down in the hot evenings before heading out. If the girls love shopping, Barcelona is fantastic. I always loved Rome, but I don't have the wallet for designer everything and Barcelona caters to everyone.

I agree that the best place to go is where you and the girls want to go. I won't try to persuade or dissuade you from Paris, or Barcelona, or London, or Berlin, or Venice, or any of the ones on your list; they're all great choices (well, except Zurich - unless the girls have a MUCH larger shopping budget than I did at that age). But if you go somewhere because someone else likes a place rather than because you want to see it, you won't be happy.

In addition to reading about places, it often helps to watch videos about them to get a feel. Rick's videos are here: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show

Although Paris is not on my list of favorite cities(which include London, Florence, and Rome), it would be my first choice after London for teen girls. We took our 19 yr old on a Secret Food Tours there last year and she has commented more than once since then about how much she enjoyed it.

Hello marisa_kennedy. I think Paris or Amsterdam is a good choice for you. The CDG airport of Paris, and the airport of Amsterdam, have satisfactory airline flight departure times for traveling to Los Angles international airport. If you will fly from a city that is located farther to the east in Europe, you probably would be required to be at the airport at a very early time in the morning for travel to Los Angeles (or to any airport at southern California). The airport of Amsterdam is a pleasant airport to fly to and from. I think the enjoyable aspect of being at Amsterdam is conversation with people who are residents at or near Amsterdam.

I asked my nearly 15 and nearly 16 year old granddaughters separately which European city each would chose to visit and they both said Paris. One has been before and one has not. That said, I agree with those who say ask them for their input. Nancy from Beaverton said it best when she said (I'm paraphrasing here-a pain to find previous posts from Add Reply page) involving them with destination selection and the planning will help prepare them for traveling on their own some day! Have a great time, which ever wonderful city you choose!

I'm not a fan of Paris, try Amsterdam.

Thank you all for your input - it's been very interesting to read everyone's thoughts! We're headed to Amsterdam :)