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FTF staff and contributors pool their experiences to come up with 20 must-see attractions for families traveling to Europe with children under 16.

First trip to Europe with the kids? Overwhelmed by the prospect of planning an itinerary and unsure where to begin? Here is a totally personal, unobjective, filled with bias list of our favorite 20 places to go with kids in Europe, because kids love that "in your face" quality of iconic attractions and original architecture. We've arranged them alphabetically by city from A-Z (actually Amsterdam to Vienna) to give you a starting point. Keep in mind that with today's low cost carriers, it's possible to make a Grand Tour of Europe by country-hopping, though we think you'd be missing a lot along the way.

Don't agree with our picks? Get in touch and share your thoughts!

1. Amsterdam, Holland

Canal boat tours show off the city's unusual lifestyle and architecture, but don't miss the interior of the Anne Frankhuis with its stories of one child's incredible bravery.

2. Athens, Greece

Still a Wonder of the World, the Acropolis, its monuments and museums deliver a dose of culture within walking distance of the fun, outdoor cafés of the Plaka district.

3. Barcelona, Spain

In the morning, get lost in the Bari Gòtic's Gothic homes, Roman walls and street life, then spend the afternoon letting off steam in Gaudi's fantastical Parc Güell.

4. Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Interrupt your round-the-island touring to dunk the family in this geothermal lake, whose warmth and silica-blue water are said to cure all ailments.

5. Bruges, Belgium

At day's end, families can relax at a café on the cobblestoned, medieval Town Hall Square and watch the city - old and new - wind down.

6. Copenhagen, Denmark

At the flower-filled Tivoli Gardens, adults can sample an authentic Carlsberg beer while children enjoy a carousel of little Viking ships, pinball, brass band concerts and other diversions.

7. Frankfurt, Germany

The "German Fairy Tale Road," which runs north from the hometown of the Brothers Grimm (outside Frankfurt) to Bremen, highlights the traditional villages, folk museums, markets and forest trails they chronicled in their tales.

8. Grindelwald, Switzerland

From this picturesque alpine village at 3,400 feet above sea level, you can sightsee on the Jungfraubahn, Europe's highest train station at 2.1 miles in the sky, as well as oldest steam train in the region, then hike back through flowering meadows to a traditional B&B.

9. Limerick, Ireland

The Bunratty Folk Park, on the grounds of a 15th-century country castle, is a recreated 19th- century farming village with costumed interpreters and craftspeople who exemplify Irish charm.

10. Istanbul, Turkey

The fascinating Grand Bazar's nooks, alleys and persistent vendors welcome families to learn about Turkish crafts, kilim rugs, ancient handicrafts and the history of the Ottoman Empire.