Berlin

Berlin is a capital city that doesn’t feel like one: wide parks, a world-class children’s zoo and a public transport network kids can help navigate make it far less overwhelming than Paris or London. History is unavoidable here, but it’s taught hands-on — climbing on the Berlin Wall’s remains, ferry rides on the Spree, and museums built for touching, not just looking.

Berlin Zoo and Aquarium is one of the best in Europe and easily fills a full day, and the Museum Island complex has hands-on sections built specifically for children alongside its world-famous collections. The U-Bahn and S-Bahn network is simple to use, and a Berlin WelcomeCard covers transport plus discounts on the main sights, so planning stays light. Beyond the big sights, Berlin has some of Germany’s best playgrounds and splash parks tucked into its many green spaces, and a laid-back, unpretentious feel that makes it forgiving of tantrums and slow mornings. Currywurst and pretzels count as a proper lunch here, which helps on the days when nobody wants a sit-down restaurant.