1. Disneyland Paris (France)
Located on the outskirts of Paris, Disneyland Paris is one of the world’s most popular theme parks. There are actually two parks: Disneyland® Park with its famous Sleeping Beauty Castle and Walt Disney Studios Park, which takes you behind the scenes and into the world of film production. Aside from the Castle, the biggest attraction here is the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. While there is plenty to enchant young children, Disneyland has plenty to entertain teenagers and adults too. Tickets can be purchased online and start at around €60.
Through the eyes of a traveller
Fans of the infamous Jack Sparrow can take a boat ride through the pirate’s lair (this was the most memorable part for me)! Travel more than fifteen metres underground and enjoy the amazing atmosphere. Buckle up and get ready for an adventure… because you’re sure to score a nice cold shower!
Deniz Rymkiewicz
A few practical tips:
Navigating the park will be made easier by downloading the Disneyland Paris app, which shows you live attraction waiting times and show schedules. You can hire a pushchair for your child in the park, but tie something distinctive onto it so it’s easy to identify. If you are staying at a Disneyland Paris hotel you can take advantage of Extra Magic Time, which gives you additional access to the park before general opening hours! This service is free for hotel guests, but it is worth confirming availability when you book. Disney Premier Access allows you faster entry to popular attractions. The Bistrot Chez Rémy restaurant, inspired by the Ratatouille film, is worth a stop, but bear in mind that your visit requires advance booking. Alternatively, you can bring your own snacks into the park
How to get there
The nearest airport is Charles de Gaulle, from where you can easily reach the park by TGV train. The journey from Beauvais Airport (BVA) to the park is slightly longer than from the other Paris airports, but it is a popular option due to the lower flight prices. The distance between Beauvais and Disneyland is around 127 km and the journey time by bus and train takes around 2.5-3 hours.
2. Legoland Billund (Denmark)
This theme park is famous for its LEGO structures, with the biggest attraction being Miniland, where you can enjoy miniatures of famous LEGO buildings. Attractions are mainly for children aged 2 to 12 years and tickets cost from around DKK 300 – for maximum convenience, buy online, We also recommend a visit to Lalandia, a huge water complex near the park.
Through the eyes of a traveller
When visiting Billund, it is worth bearing in mind that there is not much there apart from the Lego attractions. Aside from Legoland and the Lego House, you’ll only find a few restaurants and hotels and the Lego office building. With this in mind, it’s worth planning a slightly longer trip to see both places in one go spending a whole day at each site.
The Lego House is a real treat for fans of these iconic bricks. There, you can buy exclusive Lego sets not available elsewhere, meet their designers and even get an autograph. There’s a whole area dedicated to the history of the brand. Did you know that Lego used to make toys out of wood and their first creation was a wooden riding duck? One of the exclusive Lego House sets was created in her honour.
Aleksandra Szmigiel
Some practical tips: planning your visit is easier with the Legoland Billund app. This will help you keep track of waiting times for attractions and easily navigate the park. Book in advance if you plan to eat at the restaurant or take snacks with you and use the various picnic areas. Entering the park from the rear may also help you to dodge the longer queues.
In Billund itself, there is a Mini Chef restaurant at the LEGO House. Place your order by assembling an appropriate LEGO set! Guests build their meals, scan them and the chefs prepare the dishes according to the selected model. The meals are served by Robert and Roberta robots, adding extra fun to the whole experience. The restaurant is easily accessible from Legoland via a free city bus.
Through the eyes of a traveller
You’ll find a number of themed zones on-site, from a toddler space with Lego Duplo, to interactive areas where you can scan and pre-build sets that you’ve previously built yourself. In the Space Zone you’ll design your own spaceship, and in the Car Zone you’ll design a racer that you can later try out on the track. It’s also worth using the machine that makes the blocks and watching the whole process of making them.
And don’t forget to get a Lego Passport if you don’t already have one! You’ll get one free of charge at any official Lego Store. As you travel to different shops, you can collect stamps in it.When it comes to accommodation, I recommend staying at Legoland itself. It offers various accommodation options, from the cheapest (in barrels!) to really phenomenal themed rooms.
Aleksandra Szmigiel
How to get there
Legoland is located just 3 km from Billund airport. You can easily catch a taxi that will get you there in just 5-10 minutes. There are also regular bus services that will get you to the park in around 10-15 minutes.
3. Park Gardaland (Italy)
Located on Lake Garda in Italy,Gardaland is one of Europe’s largest theme parks. The park is famous for its wide variety of themed attractions, the biggest of which is the Blue Tornado, a thrilling rollercoaster. Attractions within the park are designed for children aged four and upwards andtickets cost around €40, but due to the various discounts on offer, it is worth buying online. While in the area, it is also worth visiting the beautiful Lake Garda and picturesque towns like Sirmione and Malcesine.
A few practical tips
Start with attractions furthest from the entrance, such as the Blue Tornado, and use the Gardaland app to track wait times and navigate the park. Consider bringing your own snacks so you can spend more time having fun. If you plan to enjoy the water attractions, bring spare clothes and a towel.
How to get there
Verona Airport is closest to Gardaland and transfers to the park are convenient by both car and public transport. From Verona, the train or bus takes about 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, you can also travel from Bergamo Airport near Milan, where many low-cost airlines fly. The journey from Bergamo airport to Gardaland takes up to two hours by car or slightly longer by public transport and there is ample paid parking on site.
4. Prater Vienna (Austria)
The Prater in Vienna is an amusement park famous for its historic Ferris wheel. It offers a variety of attractions, including carousels, rollercoasters and numerous fairground games. The largest of the attractions is the aforementioned Ferris wheel – Wiener Riesenrad. The beautiful views over the entire city are just one of the many reasons to take a ride. The attractions here are suitable for children of all ages and admission to the park is free as you only pay for the individual attractions.
A few practical tips
To fully enjoy your visit, buy your ticket online in advance, especially if you plan to visit the famous Wiener Riesenrad. Use the Prater app to keep track of the park map and waiting times for specific attractions. For those keen to sample local flavours, we recommend the Schweizerhaus restaurant, known for its traditional Austrian dishes. The park is easily reached by metro lines U1 and U2; trams and buses that stop at Praterstern.
How to get there
Travelling from Vienna-Schwechat Airport, Prater can be reached in about 20-30 minutes by car, taxi or directly in around 30 minutes by S-Bahn train line S7. From Bratislava airport in Slovakia, the journey to Vienna takes about 1-1.5 hours by car or bus. Graz airport is also an option, approximately 2-2.5 hours by car or train from Vienna. Prater is well connected to the centre of Vienna by trams and buses that stop at Praterstern station.
5. Efteling Kaatsheuvel (The Netherlands)
Efteling in Kaatsheuvel is a theme park inspired by fairy tales and legends. Famous for its magical atmosphere, it is also one of the oldest amusement parks in Europe. The most popular attraction is Symbolica – a ride through a magical palace land. The attractions here are suitable for children of all ages, with tickets costing around €40. After visiting the park, the surrounding picturesque towns of Breda and Tilburg are nearby and also worth a visit.
A few practical tips
Buy your tickets online and download the Efteling app, which will show you a map of the park, waiting times for attractions and allow you to make restaurant reservations. Visit the Fairy Tale Forest (Sprookjesbos) and the Aquanura fountain show, which can be enjoyed in the evening. Although bringing your own snacks will save you both time and money, we recommend local specialities such as stroopwafels. Parking costs around €12.50 per day and the park is easily accessible by car as well as public transport.
How to get there
The closest airport is Eindhoven, from where you can reach Efteling in about 40 minutes by car, with train and bus connections also available. From Amsterdam Airport, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach Efteling by car and there are also convenient train connections to Tilburg station, from where there are direct buses to the park. From Rotterdam airport, the journey by car takes approximately one hour.
6. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi is a theme park dedicated to the Ferrari brand. The park is famous for its high-speed rollercoasters and exclusive design. The biggest attraction here is the Formula Rossa – the world’s fastest rollercoaster, reaching 240 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, along with the Scuderia Challenge racing simulators, which allow you to experience driving a Formula 1 car, thanks to advanced hydraulic systems and panoramic screens. Attractions at the park are suitable for children aged six and over and tickets cost around AED 295.
A few practical tips
Tickets are best bought online in advance, which saves time and money. It’s worth using the Quick Pass option to bypass the queues to the most popular attractions. You will find many restaurants serving Italian and international cuisine, with Mamma Rosella among the better options.Remember to dress comfortably and according to local customs. The park is easily accessible from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and on-site parking options and locker hire are available to store your personal belongings.
How to get there
From Abu Dhabi International Airport, you can reach the park in around 10 minutes by car or taxi. Buses 190 and 240 also connect the airport to Yas Island. If you are arriving at Dubai Airport, the journey by car or taxi takes about 1.5 hours. Bus services and transfers are also available.
7. Alton Towers Staffordshire (UK)
Located in Staffordshire, Alton Towers ranks as one of the UK’s largest and most popular theme parks. One of the newest and most exciting attractions is the Wicker Man, a wooden rollercoaster that combines speed with pyrotechnic effects. The cost of a ticket is around £68, but discounts are available if you buy online.
Attractions at Alton Towers cater for different age groups. The youngest can enjoy CBeebies Land, full of characters from popular children’s shows, while older children can try their hand at extreme rollercoasters such as The Smiler and Nemesis. Be sure to also plan a visit to the unique light and sound show, Alton Towers Dungeon. While visiting the area, we also recommend a stop to see the ruins of the mediaeval Stafford Castle and the nearby Peak District National Park, one of England’s most beautiful places.
A few practical tips
Buy your tickets online to avoid queuing and save money. Install the Alton Towers app, which will help you navigate the park, show you attraction waiting times and allow you to book a table at restaurants. Although you can bring your own snacks to the park, try local delicacies such as traditional British fish and chips. Parking costs around £6 per day.
How to get there
You’ll find the nearest airports in Manchester, Birmingham and East Midlands, and it’s also possible to fly into Liverpool. If you choose to visit the park by public transport, you will need to expect transfers, so hiring a car or booking an onward transfer may be a good option.
8. PortAventura World Barcelona (Spain)
Located near Barcelona, PortAventura World is one of the largest and most popular theme parks in Europe. It includes three parks: PortAventura Park, Ferrari Land and Caribe Aquatic Park. The biggest attraction is Shambhala, a rollercoaster with a 78-metre drop – the biggest drop in Europe! Admission tickets cost around AED 345, but look for discounts when buying online.
PortAventura Park is divided into six themed lands, each with unique attractions and decor. Ferrari Land is a real treat for car fans and the biggest attraction is Red Force, the fastest and highest rollercoaster in Europe, which accelerates to 180 km/h in just five seconds. Caribe Aquatic Park is a water paradise full of slides, pools and beaches that is perfect for hot days. When planning your trip, make time to visit Barcelona and its famous monuments such as the Sagrada Família, Park Güell and La Rambla.
A few practical tips
To make the most of your time in the park, book your tickets online to save time and money. Also download the PortAventura World app, which will provide an interactive map of the park, show you waiting times for attractions and allow you to book tables in restaurants. A visit is best planned during special events such as Halloween or Christmas, when the park offers spectacular shows and themed decorations. You can bring your own snacks to the park, but we recommend taking advantage of the local restaurants to sample the flavours of Spain.
How to get there
The easiest way to get there is by direct bus from Reus Airport, just 10 kilometres away with a journey time of about 10-15 minutes. Buses also run from Barcelona-El Prat airport, and this will take around 1.5 hours. It is also possible to travel from Girona-Costa Brava, where you should consider renting a car as the journey time is around 2 hours.
9. Popeye Village (Malta)
Located in Mellieħa, Malta, Popeye Village is an original amusement park known for its colourful wooden houses and attractions related to the Popeye cartoon character and film. The biggest attractions are the boat cruises on the picturesque Anchor Bay and the water parks for children. Tickets cost around €15-20, but consider buying online to save time and take advantage of available discounts.
The park is famous for its interactive shows, tailored for all ages. Here you will meet familiar characters such as Popeye, Olivia and Brutus. There are also carousels and games adapted for the little ones. Take the opportunity to visit the Red Tower, a 16th century fort located near the park, or the traditional Maltese village of Mgarr and sample the local cuisine.
A few practical tips
It’s a good idea to start your visit with the attractions furthest from the entrance. Also, don’t forget to install the Popeye Village app to keep track of waiting times for the various attractions and navigation. If you plan to enjoy the water park, bring extra clothes. It’s also worth taking snacks with you, or having a quick lunch on site overlooking Anchor Bay.
How to get there
Malta International Airport is the closest airport to the village. The journey by bus with one change will take about 1-1.5 hours, while ordering a taxi will cut this time to 30 minutes.
10. Legoland Deutschland Günzburg (Germany)
The park is famous for its interactive LEGO attractions and models, the largest of which is LEGO NINJAGO World, where children can battle virtual enemies. The attractions are mostly designed for children between the ages of 3 and 12 and tickets cost around €40, with online purchases often providing additional discounts. The scenic Bavarian Alps are also worth exploring while you are in the area.
A few practical tips
To fully enjoy your visit, download the park’s app and track waiting times while easily locating attractions. The most popular ones, such as Fire Dragon and Flying Ninjago, are best scheduled at the beginning or the end of the day. For younger children, Dragon Hunt and Junior Driving School are ideal. When visiting with a toddler, it is advisable to hire a pushchair at the park.
How to get there
Legoland Deutschland is located close to Munich airport and the park can be reached in about 1.5 hours by car or train. From Stuttgart airport it will take about 1.5 hours by car and from Nuremberg airport about 2 hours. You can also take advantage of the train connections between these airports and Günzburg, allowing you to reach the park easily.
11. Siam Park Tenerife (Spain)
Siam Park, located in Tenerife, is one of the largest water theme parks in Europe. The park is famous for its Tower of Power, an extreme water slide 28 metres high. The attractions here are ideal for children aged five and upwards, but adults will also find plenty to enjoy. Tickets cost around €38 for adults and €26 for children. Tenerife’s beautiful beaches and Teide National Park are also well worth a visit.
Siam Park is located in Costa Adeje, close to the main tourist resorts. The park can be reached in around 15-20 minutes from the airport by car or taxi using the TF-1 motorway and Siam Park also offers free buses from many hotels and locations in the area.
A few practical tips
Siam Park is considered one of the best water parks in the world, which means that buying tickets online in advance will save time. Meanwhile, the Fast Pass, available at the park, will significantly shorten your wait for some attractions. Remember to bring your water shoes, as flip-flops are not allowed on the slides and the park floor can be hot. If you are visiting the park with children, make sure you know the height requirements for each attraction to avoid disappointment.
How to get there
Tenerife Sur (TFS), is the closest and most popular airport for tourists travelling to Siam Park. Upon landing, take bus line 111 or 343 to Costa Adeje from where there are free buses to the park. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or hire a car, which will get you there in about 15-20 minutes. The park can also be reached from Tenerife Norte Airport (TFN); take the 343 bus to Costa Adeje or drive.
12. The Land of Legends Belek (Turkey)
The Land of Legends in Belek, Turkey is a state-of-the-art amusement park combining water attractions and a theme park for children aged six and over. The park is famous for its spectacular shows and its most popular attraction is the Typhoon Coaster water rollercoaster. Tickets cost around €40. Also worth visiting while you’re in the area are the ancient ruins of Perge and, of course, the beautiful Mediterranean coastline.
A few practical tips
When you arrive, use the park map to plan your day and start with the most popular attractions, such as the Hyper Coaster and Typhoon Coaster. Have your swimsuit and water shoes ready and use the provided lockers for your personal belongings. Remember sunscreen and consider bringing your own snacks.
How to get there
The Land of Legends is easily accessible from Antalya Airport and can be reached in about 30 minutes by car or taxi. Alternatively, the park offers transfers for its guests. If you are arriving at other airports, such as Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport, the journey by car will take about 2.5 hours. You can also take local bus services or hire a car.
13. Energylandia Zator (Poland)
Energylandia, located in Zator, is Poland’s largest amusement park. It is located approximately 50 kilometres west of Krakow, making it easily accessible for both domestic and international tourists. The park is famous for its extreme rollercoasters, themed zones and a water zone with attractions for children of all ages. The largest of the attractions are Hyperion, Zadra and Speed Water Coaster. Tickets cost around PLN 199 (£39) for adults and PLN 159 (£31) for children (up to 140cm tall), with children under three entering for a symbolic PLN 1. Tickets are best purchased online, saving both time and money.
A few practical tips
Energylandia also offers a Fast Pass option, which allows you to book a single entry to attractions such as Zadra, Hyperion and Mayan and avoid the queues. Good accommodation in the area includes the four-star ParkHotel Lyson. You can buy entrance tickets directly from the hotel and it also offers shuttle transport to Energylandia. If you are looking for a location closer to the park, consider the Western Camp Resort. An overnight stay here is an attraction in itself! You won’t find boring old hotel rooms here, instead you can sleep in a sheriff’s house, on a cowboy wagon or in a Native Americantipi.
How to get there
Getting to the park is convenient by both car and public transport. From Krakow you take a train in less than an hour. Buses from various cities are also available and there is a large paid car park on site. From Katowice, the park can be reached in several ways from the airport. The quickest is to hire a car or take a taxi, which takes about 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the train to Zator with a quick change in Krakow, which is also quite convenient, although it may take a little longer.
