Athens

A trip to the historic Greek metropolis, the city of the gods, is also worthwhile in autumn. In the morning, you can take a leisurely drive to one of the many beaches or start with a visit to a museum. A hotel with a rooftop pool is also a good choice for your stay. The highlights in the city center can be easily explored on foot. Children are welcome everywhere, especially in restaurants where street musicians often play. Good to know: Athens has many stray cats and dogs. Most of them, however, avoid humans.

 

Getting around: By metro, suburban train, bus, and tram

Where to stay:

• Niki Athens Hotel - Urban, central, and with an award-winning vegan restaurant 

Three tourist highlights:

• Acropolis Museum – Playfully discover Greek myths 
• The National Gardens – A huge garden with exotic plants, birds, and a mini-zoo 
• The Panathenaic Stadium – Birthplace of the Olympic Games 

Three family highlights:

• Lycabettus Hill – Sunset and view of the city (take the cable car up) 
• Greek dining at Lolos – Eat with locals in the garden 
• Vouliagmeni Lake – A day at the beautiful natural lake 

Berlin

Berlin offers a wide mix of culture, cuisine, and activities, especially for families. The many parks and green spaces provide plenty of retreat options. The beer gardens are also great for relaxing. Few cities have so many different playgrounds and ice cream parlours. Memory photos in Berlin come in strips. All you need for the legendary photo booths is a handful of coins.

 

Getting around: By subway, bus, and tram

Where to stay:

• 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin – Hammock lounge, very tasty brunch, unique view of the Zoological Garden

Three tourist highlights:

• Brandenburg Gate – This iconic landmark symbolizes the reunification of Germany 
• Alexanderplatz and TV Tower – The TV Tower offers a fantastic view over Berlin (Book tickets online)
  
• East Side Gallery: A 1.3 km long section of the Berlin Wall painted by artists from around the world 

Three family highlights:

• Klunkerkranich – The cultural rooftop garden in Neukölln with a view over the entire city 
• Badeschiff – Tip for next Summer: a floating pool in the Spree (book a time slot online in advance) 
• Nature Mini Art Golf – Art and fun mixed on the Tempelhof Field 

Malaga

When in Malaga, you might feel like you're in the middle of a tropical garden. No wonder. You're at the Costa del Sol. The city is full of blooming plants and wild green monk parakeets flying between branches or grazing in the shade of trees at midday. The kids love it. Arabic fortresses, generous gardens, beaches close to the city, trendy districts, and hiking trails provide plenty of variety for the family program. The old town can be wonderfully explored on foot, and the beach promenade invites you to stroll. If you like cooking yourself, buy Spanish delicacies directly at the market or indulge in one of the many restaurants.

 

Getting around: By subway, bus, and tram.

Where to stay:

• TOC Hostel Malaga – Stylish family rooms, centrally located, rich breakfast with local dishes 

Three tourist highlights:

• Alcazaba – The Arabic fortress stands on the Gibralfaro mountain. Great panorama. 
• Malaga Cathedral – The largest historical building in the city 
• Picasso Museum – Over 200 art objects can be seen here (free audio guide) 

Three family highlights:

• Breakfast at The Cereal Boom Café – Huge selection of cereals from around the world 
• Video Game Museum – Everything about gaming on three floors 
• Aqualand Torremolinos – A day in the water park, only 20 minutes by car from Malaga 

Marseille

With more than 2900 hours of sunshine a year, Marseille is the sunniest city in France. The French Mediterranean metropolis is better than its reputation and convinces with miles of beaches, colorful alleys, and an old port with a 2000-year history. It is also the heart of the city, from which numerous alleys lead away. The ethnic mix is reflected not only in the architecture but also in the culinary diversity. A must-try: Navettes. The small cookies are shaped like little rowboats and are refined with orange blossom water. Adults indulge in Pastis. Not far from Marseille is the Calanques National Park, where you can swim, snorkel, and explore the turquoise bays around the chalk cliffs by boat or kayak.

 

Getting around: By subway, bus, and tram

Where to stay:

• Le Corbusier Hotel – with sea view, family rooms, and a children's pool 

Three tourist highlights:

• Sightseeing Bus – Hop-On-Hop-Off allows you to get on and off as often as you like and see the main sights 
• Basilica Notre-Dame – The church sits on the highest hill in the city. Great view of the coast 
• Plage des Catalans – A 15-minute walk from the port to the beach 

Three family highlights:

• Le Cours Julien – The alternative quarter of street art artists 
• Le Bois des Lutins – An adventure park with activities in nature (30 minutes by car from the center) 
• Le Glacier du Roi – Homemade ice cream in the Panier district 

Naples

The old town of Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and impresses with its colorful chaos and unique joie de vivre. Naturally, children are welcome everywhere. The city can be easily explored on foot. If it's raining, you can find shelter in a church or in the underground catacombs of San Gennaro. If you love food, Naples is the right place. Fresh regional produce is sold at various markets. Moreover, the best pizza in the world comes from here. Pizza Napoletana is often prepared in only two varieties: Pizza Margherita and Pizza Marinara. Test which one becomes your favorite. There are plenty of opportunities.

 

Getting around: On foot, by subway, bus, and cable car

Where to stay:

• Rinuccini Relais – Very centrally located, stylishly furnished. Very tasty breakfast. 

Three tourist highlights:

• Vesuvius – An 800-meter-long trail leads to the crater of the volcano (with nature trail) 
• L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele – Many celebrities have eaten here 
• Palazzo dello Spagnolo – Famous for its artistic staircase

Three family highlights:

• Market visit – Mercato della Pignasecca is one of the most beautiful. Mercato Porta Nolana and Mercato dei Vergini are also very charming.
  
• Kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddle – Discover the coast by water kayaknapoli.com
• Vomero – Spectacular view of the city and Vesuvius (arrive by cable car)