Train travel may be slower than flying, but you see so much more when you’re moving at ground level.
One of our favorite trips was by train from Budapest to Amsterdam. It’s about an 8 hour journey if you do it straight through, but taking it slow and stopping for a few days here and there is much more interesting. With our trusty Eurail pass, we hit these six amazing walkable cities within 2 months – that gave us plenty of time to take it slow and explore at our leisure.
Budapest
The capital of Hungary and its largest city is actually two cities in one, Buda and Pest. Budapest is still not so overly crowded with tourists that you can’t enjoy it. If you’re a food enthusiast like we are, the Great Market Hall should be your first destination, followed by a wine tasting with Taste Hungary and a soak in the baths. Having been nearly completely destroyed three times by war, the city is laden with reminders of its history.
Hungarian parliament
Vienna
Another mecca for food, culture and history buffs. The tram is a great way to circle the city and stake out things you want to investigate further on foot. Walk along the Ringstrasse and discover Vienna’s beautiful architecture. Frequent some legendary coffee houses where they expect you to slow down, have a piece of cake, and enjoy the ritual which they do so well.
Frankfurt
A city of contrasts with its avant-guard skyscrapers, well maintained old buildings and beer hall filled neighbourhoods. After visiting the downtown core, make sure to drop by Sachsenhausen, Bockenheim and Nordend for a view of everyday Frankfurt.
Frankfurt train station
Cologne
This city, with its huge duomo, is a bar hopper’s heaven. Known for the fresh tasting Kolsh beer served in Stanges, this is a party town where everyone is invited. Like most cities, don’t miss out on exploring the outer neighbourhoods and small businesses, such as Brauhaus Schreckenskammer at Ursulagartenstraße 11-15 to observe a slice of Cologne life.
Ghent
This Belgian city is quaint and has an array of interesting markets. Sample local specialties such as cuberdons (candy with a soft centre) and waterzooi (a traditional soup made with fish or chicken) or head to Gruut brewery for some local brews. Discover its flower, book and small animal markets, too.
St Bavo’s Ghent
Amsterdam
The last stop on our trip, Amsterdam, gets better with every visit. Young or older, on a budget or not, it has something for everyone — and one thing not many realize is that you can do Amsterdam on a budget. Whether your thing is hanging out at a cafe for coffee or pot or visiting its red light district and numerous museums, you will definitely not get bored easily. Hit up the Anne Frank House and learn about this amazing teenager or the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh museums to see some classics. Walk along its canals, day or night, or take a canal boat tour for a different perspective. Even if you have less than a full day at their popular airport, there are things to do in Amsterdam on a layover.
Amsterdam canal at dusk
Train travel can be enjoyable and much more interesting than flying from point A to point B. Next time you travel within Europe, relax, and enjoy the company and the ride. Take it slow – take the train.
Taking the train is definitely more rewarding and scenic sounds like you went to some amazing places.
So far, we haven’t met anyone who would rather fly than take the train 🙂
I’ve found Budapest an awe-inspiring destination with loads of attractions hiding here and there.
And, Hungarian cuisine goes far beyond cookies.
You should discover the sweets, the pastry… they’re delicious and very diverse.
If one takes the time and stays 7-14 days in Budapest, then more and more opportunities will open up. For example: the Danube Bend is a wonderful mountainous area, north of Budapest. Certainly worth visiting.
There’s a lot more in this area of Hungary than the guidebooks are telling us…
Thanks for your comment, the cuisine is absolutely amazing, we agree it’s much for than cookies.
We’ve been to all but Vienna and cant wait to hit it on our next trip! Right now we’re trying to get the most out of Amsterdam in the rain 🙂
That’s great, hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Sound’s like a fun trip, it is true if you wanna see whole of the place there is no better option then train..to enjoy scenic beauty.
It was as if I was roaming around Europe, reading your piece, was that realistic. Thanks a ton.
XOXO
Bhavya.
Thanks, glad you liked it!
Just the kind of travel advice I like. Love a good walkable city, but I haven’t even been n mainland Europe yet! I loved walking Edinburgh and London (my legs complained about that one though) and have walked many a city in Asia, but I do fancy going down Europe’s cobbled roads stopping at all the wonderful sights you mention.
We hardly ever take public transport, we love walking everywhere we go, you see so much more on foot 🙂
LOVE! Especially in Europe, there’s nothing like it. We really enjoyed food in Budapest and also toured with Taste Hungary at the Great Market — so good!
Can’t wait to get to Europe so I can use the heck out of my EuRail pass … so much to see, eat and do across continental Europe!
Travel by train is really good for see so many places in Europe and enjoy to see all places.
what a city or country awesome train station .Thanks for your guide about austria.