Travelling in Europe is a must-have experience on many people’s travel wish lists. The huge variety of vibrant cities and tranquil countryside spots across this continent makes it one of the most popular destinations for tourists worldwide. There is so much to see and do, whether you’re a lover of the arts and culture or simply want to dance the night away with some new friends.
Exploring Europe by train is one of the best ways to make sure you get the most out of your time there. Forget short-haul flights – you can quickly and easily hop on a train in most places, settle in with a good book or film and find yourself in a new place in a matter of hours.
There’s no ‘right’ way to see Europe, but if you’re looking for inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we round up five of our must-visit spots for any European Interrail trip.
Meteora, Greece
When they visit Greece, most tourists head straight to the capital, Athens, or skip the mainland altogether in favour of the paradisiacal Greek islands. However, if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track destination, then Meteora should be top of your list. As well as stunning natural scenery everywhere you look, you’ll be able to explore the cliff-top monasteries with an expert guide, following in the footsteps of the monks who first arrived 15 centuries ago. Even if culture isn’t your thing, the height of these locations offer unparalleled views across the landscape – it’s truly an excursion that’s not to be missed.
Lisbon, Portugal
If you’re looking for a city stop on your trip without all the rush and stress of the larger cities in Europe, then look no further than the capital city of Portugal, Lisbon. Charming, compact yet filled with enough to keep you busy for several days, this Portuguese gem is suited to those who want to dive into historic culture, but equally those who just want to enjoy a drink in the sun.
No matter what you decide to do, don’t miss out on Lisbon’s famous pastel de nata. These little custard tarts are made of buttery pastry that simply melts in your mouth, and have been eaten in Lisbon since 1837. Don’t settle for just one – you’ll need several at least to fuel your adventures around the city.
Bern, Switzerland
Switzerland is often known as the land of snowy Alps, wheels of cheese and scrumptious chocolate, but there’s plenty more to see that isn’t all rural countryside. The city of Bern captures all the classic Swiss charm but in a more accessible setting for interrailers, making it a worthy addition to your European trip plans.
Wander through the UNESCO heritage site of the Old Town, exploring the six kilometers of sheltered shopping arcades, before taking a dip in the River Aare. Experienced swimmers are allowed in the water in the summer, and it’s safe to gently float downstream, passing the Houses of Parliament on the way. Or, if you’re a keen surfer, you may be surprised to hear that Bern is somewhat of a hotspot for river surfing. Book in a bungee tow to make the most of the good weather in the summer months.
Copenhagen, Denmark
If you want to add some Scandi-chic to your interrailing itinerary, then Copenhagen should be on your shortlist of locations. Famous for its open sandwiches (called smørrebrød), pastries, Tivoli Garden and 385km of bicycle lanes, this laid-back city is the perfect place to spend a few days exploring, either on foot or by bike. You can get right into the centre of the city by train, making it perfect for interrailers.
Culture lovers will be able to spend hours exploring the Amalienborg and Christiansborg palaces, as well as Rosenborg Castle. Additionally, some museums offer free entry one day per month, allowing those on a budget to experience this famously expensive city for a fraction of the cost.
Or, if you simply want to enjoy some time relaxing, take a wander around the botanical gardens, see the brightly-coloured building in Nyhavn, or get an adrenaline rush on the rollercoasters in Tivoli Gardens.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest has become one of the most popular Interrail destinations, and it’s easy to see why. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a great choice for younger travellers in particular, with world-renowned nightlife. Far from being a party city though, Budapest offers a mix of exciting nights out combined with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, stunning architecture and a delicious range of food spots.
Don’t miss out on the famous spa baths whilst you’re in town. The mineral springs that run under Budapest supply a variety of bath complexes, which you can easily visit for a few hours (or even a whole day, if you’re so inclined). They are far more than just a big pool – you can enjoy a range of water temperatures, steam rooms, saunas, plunge pools and even outdoor pools with fountains and spray jets.
The minerals in the water are said to be beneficial for health conditions such as arthritis and stiff joints, but they’re a welcome respite for any weary traveller, making Budapest a great choice for a rejuvenating stop on your Interrail trip.
Make the most of Europe by train
Interrailing is a fantastic way to get the most out of your trip to Europe. Rather than being restricted to one destination, you can dip in and out of several must-visit spots, creating a trip that will give you enough memories to last a lifetime.
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