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If you are planning or even dreaming of taking your family to Europe, then this article is for you!

We all know how many different destinations and recommended places there are in mainland Europe, seeing as how there are so many countries to visit, and it can get really overwhelming really fast.

I myself have been to Europe multiple times (I’ve even lived in Madrid, Spain!) and although I haven’t been to every city or every country just yet, I have been to each of these European cities listed below so I know just how family-friendly and kid-friendly they are.

Whether you want to only spend a day in each place or make it a long weekend trip in Europe, these 5 “off the beaten path” cities are bound to make your family vacation more interesting.

Plus, each of these cities are located in a different country so you should be able to find one that is a reasonable distance from your main vacation spot!

1. Segovia, Spain

Since I used to live in Spain, this has a special place in my heart. Segovia is full of history, classic Spanish architecture, and was actually declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985.

Only an hour by train from Madrid, Segovia is best known for two attractions. The first is the aqueduct that dates back to the 2nd century Roman Empire and stretches almost 3,000 feet long. It’s incredible to see it still standing without any mortar between the stones!

The second most popular place to visit in Segovia is the Alcázar, or medieval castle. This was built in the 12th century. I highly recommended you purchase tickets to take a full, self-guided tour of the castle and museum inside. Your kids will love the knight armor and standing on the roof!

2. Strasbourg, France

Located in the northeastern part of France and less than a two hour train ride from Paris, I personally first visited Strasbourg as a teenager with my family and was instantly enchanted.

It is most famous for its Notre Dame Cathedral, which is, perhaps surprisingly, the most visited cathedral in France. Inside and out, you will find detailed sculptures and bright stained glass windows.

Another place that may attract your family, especially if you have older kids, is the European Parliament. You can take a free tour and learn about some of the inner workings of parliament in their interactive museums.

3. Luxembourg, Luxembourg

This small capital city can often be overlooked, but it’s such a cute place to visit for the day or even to stop at for a quick bite to eat. It can be easily accessible by car or train from France, Germany, or Belgium and the city even offers free public transportation and free Wi-Fi! And the Wi-Fi actually works!

Also with a UNESCO World Heritage site, Luxembourg has a small castle and fortress to explore and learn about.

Other notable attractions your family might find interesting are the Europe Experience Museum, underground casemates, and the cathedral with an underground crypt.

4. Munich, Germany

My mom actually attended the University of Munich for a while and my parents currently live in Germany so I also have a special affinity for this city as well.

Known as the capital city of the state of Bavaria, one of Munich’s most popular attractions is the Nymphenburg Palace and Park. It began construction in 1664 and is now a huge place to tour the inside of. If you have smaller children, they will love running around the expansive gardens outside!

If you are looking for other things to do in Munich, I suggest you check out the Frauenkirche (cathedral), Residenz (largest palace in any German city center), the Hellabrunn Zoo. The possibilities are endless!

5. Zürich, Switzerland

This stunning city lies right on Lake Zurich, so you can assume water plays a big role in its history and modern living. In fact, Zurich has more than 1,200 public drinking fountains with super pure and fresh water! When I was there, I couldn’t take my eyes off the blue waters of Lake Zurich.

Probably the most popular tourist attraction is Grossmünster Church, which is a former monastery and later school that, according to legend, was founded by Charlemagne himself. You can visit the crypt below and then climb the 187 steps to the top to experience a panoramic view of the city.

With a more outdoorsy or adventurous family, you and your children might enjoy the Uetliberg, Zurich’s “mountain.” There are several trails for hiking or biking in the summer, or for toboggan runs in the winter. For those of you who like integrating education into your activities too, try taking the Planet Trail, which is about 4.5 miles filled with of solar system and planetary information.