Hello, we are going to Europe in the beginning of October and are thinking Rome or Paris. My son is 3 years old so I am trying to identify whether Rome or Paris is the better choice or if there's another European City that is easy for children to walk around and be entertained. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
Paris. There are playgrounds scattered around the city. I don't remember seeing any playgrounds in Rome. Public transportation is better in Paris; riding in buses might be fun for a 3-yr old.
Posted by
Fort Wayne, IN, USA
2349 posts
He'd also love to ride the funicular in Montmartre. Boat rides, bridges, little outdoor tables at cafes for picnics. He'll have a great time but probably won't remember it in later years. But you will.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
I'd choose Paris also,, Luxembourg Park is great for kids,, and forget the name, ,there is a little zoo in central Paris also. As for food, most cafes /bistros serve fries, roast chicken, ham sandwiches, and there many places for pizza and crepes. Boat ride up and down Seine,, seeing the Hunchback of Notre Dames Towers( show him the Disney version) and who doesn't like Ratatouille( the movie, amazing for kids and adults) . And, also ashamed to say it,, but there is always Disneyland to hold out as a carrot after a few days of touring what mom and dad like to see!
Posted by
Atlanta
1357 posts
I'm actually going to go out on a limb and suggest going somewhere smaller. I've found that being in big cities with a small child can be exhausting. Navigating crowded streets or subways with a toddler is a bit nervewracking to me.....3-year-old don't need as much to be entertained as older kids do. Farm animals, playgrounds, ice cream, places to run around work out great for them.
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
719 posts
Paris. Specifically Versailles and the Petit Trianon. While the toddler might be bored in the Chateau, he will absolutely love the Domaine de Marie Antoinette. Miniature Village, tiny gardens, miniature vineyards, Ponds, ducks, towers, Mini-farm with farm animals, walking trails... I can't think of a better place to take a kid.
Posted by
OP
Philadelphia
2 posts
WOW - was definately thinking Rome was the better choice....looks like it's back to the travel agent for us... Thank you all for the responses!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32757 posts
Please excuse my cheek, but I remember Rick Steves saying that the very best place to take small children is to the grandparents on the way to the airport. ¶ I certainly would not take a toddler to Rome. Are you sure (you know your boy's habits better than us) that going to a city with really narrow sidewalks like Paris is a good idea? Of course, now that the poopermobiles remove the remnants of dog waste a bit quicker there is less of that around - a vast improvement.