Introduction & Why Europe is Perfect for Teens
Planning a trip to Europe with teens? You’re in for an unforgettable adventure. This 2-week itinerary blends iconic landmarks, cool cities, and hands-on activities that are sure to keep teens engaged (and off their phones—at least for a bit). Traveling through Europe with teenagers isn’t just about checking off famous sights. It’s about giving them moments they’ll never forget—riding a bike through Amsterdam, tossing a coin in Rome’s Trevi Fountain, or navigating the Paris Metro like a local.
Europe is incredibly teen-friendly. The distances between countries are short, public transport is easy, and each city has its own personality. One day you’re exploring medieval castles, and the next you’re eating waffles under modern art installations. Plus, there’s something powerful about watching your teen gain confidence as they experience new cultures and languages.
This itinerary has been carefully crafted with teens in mind. It’s a balance of big cities and relaxed moments, free time and guided fun. We’ve skipped anything too stuffy or boring, and added in spots that feel youthful and exciting.
Whether you’re a family looking for a bonding trip or a group of older teens doing their first Europe tour—this plan works. You’ll visit 5 countries in 14 days: England, France, Netherlands, Germany, and Italy. It’s fast-paced but not rushed, and every destination brings something different to the table.
Let’s dive into the best 2-week Europe trip itinerary for teens!
Days 1–3 – London: History Meets Modern Cool
London is the perfect place to start your teen-friendly Europe adventure. It’s buzzing with energy, packed with iconic sights, and—bonus!—everyone speaks English. That makes easing into European travel much less overwhelming, especially for first-timers.
Day 1: Arrival and a Walk Through History
After you land, take it easy. Check into your hotel (try to find something central like near Kensington or Covent Garden), drop your bags, and head out for a relaxed walk. A stroll along the South Bank is a great intro. You’ll pass the London Eye, street performers, and views of Big Ben across the Thames.
Grab dinner at a teen-approved spot like Dishoom for fun Indian food or go classic with Franco Manca for sourdough pizza. Keep it chill the first night—jet lag is real.
Day 2: Iconic Landmarks and West End Vibes
Start your day with a proper English breakfast, then hit the big sights:
- Tower of London – Teens actually love this one (beheadings and ravens, enough said).
- Tower Bridge – Cross it and grab photos with the skyline.
- Buckingham Palace – Time your visit with the Changing of the Guard.
- Piccadilly Circus + Leicester Square – Great places to feel the buzz of the city.
After lunch (Nando’s is a fun favorite), give them time to explore Oxford Street or Camden Market. End the day with a West End show—“Matilda” and “Wicked” are solid teen hits.
Day 3: Museums and Views
Start with the British Museum or Natural History Museum—they’re free and fun to wander. Or go interactive at Science Museum. For lunch, head to Borough Market—great food and a lively vibe.
In the afternoon, take a ride on the London Eye for epic views, or try Sky Garden (free, but book ahead). Wrap up with fish and chips near the river.
By the end of your London days, teens will feel empowered navigating buses, reading maps, and maybe even ordering food in slangy British English.
Days 4–7 – Paris and Amsterdam: Style, Bikes, and Cafés
From the historic buzz of London, hop on the Eurostar train to Paris (just over 2 hours under the English Channel—teens will find it super cool). Paris and Amsterdam strike the perfect balance: one offers timeless elegance, the other a quirky, bike-loving charm. Both are packed with experiences that teens will actually want to post about.
Days 4–5: Paris – Art, Croissants, and the Eiffel Tower
Day 4: Bonjour, Paris!
After arriving at Gare du Nord, check in to a hotel in a walkable area like Le Marais or Saint-Germain. Drop your bags and start exploring on foot. Hit the Latin Quarter and wander through the cobbled streets. Teens usually love the bookish vibes at Shakespeare and Company.
Later, picnic at the Luxembourg Gardens with crepes or baguettes from a local bakery. In the evening, head to Trocadéro for the best view of the Eiffel Tower as it sparkles after sunset.
Day 5: Iconic Paris in a Day
- Start at the Louvre. Teens don’t need to see everything—just hit the highlights like Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
- Walk through the Tuileries Garden to the Place de la Concorde.
- Stroll along the Champs-Élysées and climb the Arc de Triomphe.
- Grab a teen-approved lunch (try L’As du Fallafel or a fresh sandwich from Paul).
- End the day in Montmartre, visit Sacré-Cœur, and let them sketch or snap photos from the steps.
Insider Tip: If your teen loves photography or fashion, Paris is full of creative inspiration. Let them take the lead for part of the day—it’s a great confidence booster.
Days 6–7: Amsterdam – Bikes, Canals, and Creativity
Take a morning train to Amsterdam (3.5 hours). The ride is scenic and relaxing—perfect to recharge before the next city.
Day 6: Arrival + Canal Life
Check into a family-friendly hotel near Jordaan or De Pijp. Rent bikes (yes, even if you’re nervous—this is the way to see Amsterdam). Cruise through Vondelpark, pass canals lined with houseboats, and stop for Dutch pancakes or stroopwafels.
In the evening, take a canal cruise—it’s touristy but fun and relaxing, especially at sunset.
Day 7: Museums and Markets
- Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum are great intros to art without being too heavy.
- Visit the Anne Frank House—an important, sobering stop that resonates deeply with teens. Book this in advance—it sells out daily.
- Afterward, head to Albert Cuyp Market or Foodhallen for lunch.
Give them some free time in the afternoon. Let them explore vintage shops, quirky cafés, or even sit by a canal with a sketchbook or journal.
Amsterdam gives teens a taste of independence in a city that feels safe and youthful.
Days 8–11 – Germany and Austria: Castles, Cool Cities, and Alpine Views
Now that you’ve soaked up art, fashion, and bike culture, it’s time to dive into fairytale castles and scenic landscapes. Germany and Austria bring a mix of storybook charm and modern adventure—plus they’re ideal for teens who love history, photography, and being outdoors.
Days 8–9: Munich – Castles, Pretzels, and Urban Cool
Day 8: Arrival in Munich
Take a direct train from Amsterdam to Munich (about 7 hours). It’s a long ride, but comfortable—and a great time for catching up on sleep, journaling, or watching European countryside fly by.
Once in Munich, check into a hotel near Marienplatz or Schwabing. Head straight to the city center to see the Glockenspiel Show in the Old Town Square. Grab dinner at a classic beer garden like Hofbräuhaus—don’t worry, it’s family-friendly and the atmosphere is lively with live music, giant pretzels, and hearty Bavarian food.
Day 9: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
This is the castle that inspired Disney. Teens love the Instagram-worthy views and the magical setting. Take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle (2 hours by train and bus from Munich). The hike up to the castle is fun and the views from Marienbrücke are worth it.
Back in Munich, let teens pick where to eat—try modern spots like Hans im Glück (burgers with a twist) or grab takeaway and picnic in Englischer Garten.
Days 10–11: Salzburg – Sound of Music and Alpine Charm
Day 10: Train to Salzburg + Exploring Old Town
It’s a short 1.5-hour train ride to Salzburg, Austria. Home of Mozart, stunning mountains, and “The Sound of Music,” this city is compact, clean, and teen-friendly.
Start in the Altstadt (Old Town). Walk along Getreidegasse, stop for some Mozartkugeln (local chocolate treats), and take the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for sweeping views.
Dinner by the river or a relaxed meal at a cozy café makes the perfect end to the day.
Day 11: Sound of Music Tour or Lake Adventure
Depending on your teen’s interests:
- Take a Sound of Music tour (they’ll roll their eyes but secretly enjoy it).
- Or rent bikes and head out to Lake Fuschl or Lake Wolfgang for a swim and a paddleboard session.
Salzburg is peaceful and refreshing—a great breather before the final stop in Italy.
Days 12–14 – Rome: Ancient Wonders and Pizza Nights
Rome is the perfect finale for a 2-week Europe trip with teens. It’s dramatic, unforgettable, and full of stories—exactly what a teenager needs to end their adventure on a high note. Ancient ruins, mouthwatering food, and open piazzas to wander around—this city has it all.
Day 12: Arrival in Rome + Evening Stroll
Fly or take a train from Salzburg to Rome (flight is faster and usually easier). Once you arrive, settle in at a hotel near Trastevere, Campo de’ Fiori, or Monti—all safe, lively areas that teens love.
Start your Roman adventure with a relaxed evening walk:
- Head to Piazza Navona, grab a gelato from Frigidarium, and wander to the Pantheon.
- Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain—a must-do for every first-time visitor.
- End at the Spanish Steps, where teens can hang out and take in the scene.
Dinner in Trastevere is casual and fun, with pizza, pasta, and a great street vibe.
Day 13: Ancient Rome + Pizza-Making Fun
Morning: Dive into Roman history at the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Teens will be amazed by how much of the ancient world is still standing. Consider booking a small group or skip-the-line tour—it really helps the ruins come to life.
Afternoon: Walk down Via dei Fori Imperiali, grab a slice of Roman-style pizza (pizza al taglio), and explore Piazza Venezia or the quirky Mouth of Truth if you have time.
Evening: Want something more hands-on? Book a pizza-making class or a gelato workshop. It’s a blast and a fun souvenir for them to take home: the ability to recreate Italy’s best dishes.
Day 14: Vatican + Farewell
Your last day! Head to Vatican City early to beat the crowds. Teens may not be museum-lovers, but seeing the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica in person usually wows them. (Pro tip: Take the dome climb at St. Peter’s for amazing views of the city.)
Use your final afternoon to relax:
- Wander through Villa Borghese Gardens, rent a bike cart, or just enjoy a picnic.
- Grab souvenirs—Italian leather goods, handmade jewelry, or fun touristy T-shirts.
End the day with a family dinner at a trattoria. Order your favorite pasta, laugh about the trip highlights, and maybe plan the next one.
Final Thoughts
This 2-week itinerary keeps the energy up while allowing time to breathe. It mixes guided moments with free time, iconic sights with local gems. Each stop is teen-tested and full of variety—from riding canal boats to climbing Roman ruins.
It’s not just a vacation. It’s a chance for teens to connect with new cultures, discover independence, and make memories that’ll stick with them for life.
Whether it’s their first trip to Europe or one of many, this route balances the “must-sees” with the “wow-I-didn’t-expect-that” moments that truly make travel magical.
