Berlin

Berlin is a vibrant metropolis that defies the stereotype of a concrete jungle. It is surprisingly green, with nearly a third of the city area composed of forests, parks, gardens, rivers, and lakes. For visiting families, this means the excitement of a major capital city combined with ample space to run free. Summers are warm and ideal for boat tours on the River Spree, while winters bring festive markets and plenty of indoor activities.

A major draw for families is the sheer variety of interactive museums. The German Museum of Technology (Deutsches Technikmuseum) is a massive hit, featuring real trains, planes, and hands-on science experiments. The Natural History Museum houses the world’s tallest mounted dinosaur skeleton, a sight that leaves young visitors awestruck. For active play, Tempelhofer Feld is unique; the former airport's runways are now open to the public for kite flying, cycling, and skating, offering a safe, car-free environment on a massive scale.

History is inescapable here, but it is presented in accessible ways. The East Side Gallery turns a remaining section of the Berlin Wall into an open-air art walk, while the DDR Museum lets kids touch and explore everyday objects from East Germany, including sitting in a Trabi car. Younger children will love the Berlin Zoo, one of the most species-rich zoos in the world, or the Legoland Discovery Centre at Potsdamer Platz.

Berlin is also a city of water. A short train ride takes you to the Wannsee or Müggelsee lakes, where sandy beaches provide a seaside atmosphere within city limits. Food options are inexpensive and diverse, with 'Currywurst' being the local fast-food staple kids tend to love. The public transport system (BVG) is comprehensive—double-decker buses (like the line 100) offer cheap sightseeing tours, and strollers are easily accommodated on trains and trams.