Top 10 Cities to Visit in Europe When Interrailing
Interrailing is one of the most cost-effective and sustainable ways to see Europe’s popular destinations. With so many cities calling out for you, it can be hard to know which ones you’re going to include on your adventure. But that’s where we can step in and help, as well as providing pre-designed interrailing routes, we also allow customers to build a package unique to them. So whether you’re wingin’ it or building a custom package with us, here are the top 10 destinations to visit when interrailing!
Top 10 Interrailing Destinations
1. Bled
The picture below says it all. The town is known for its stunning lake which is every bit as lovely in real life as it is in the pictures. The town of Bled is best visited in the summer when you can swim, kayak, hike and use it as a base to explore the amazing, hidden treasures of the Slovenian Julian Alps. While you may find the list of things to do is not long, it’s the perfect excuse to relax, take in the beautiful scenery and enjoy every minute you spend here.
2. Paris
Anyone who has visited Paris will probably tell you it’s their favourite city. Not only is it a popular interrailing destination, but it’s also one of the most popular cities in the world. Filled with recognisable landmarks like the iconic Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, you will not be short of something to do in the French capital. While it might be tourist heaven, you still need to visit this amazing city. Once you’ve seen the sights, do as the Parisians do and lounge outside a café enjoying coffee and pastries, while you watch the world go by.
3. Bruges
This is by far one of the most underrated interrailing destinations on our list. The beautiful squares are surrounded by gingerbread houses and cobbled alleys running alongside pretty canals. Bruges is another city in Europe adored by lovebirds as they flock to the Belgian town for its picturesque parks and sentimental legends! While Bruges is technically a city, you will feel the atmosphere is much more that of a village (even if it is swimming with tourists).
4. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is not only a destination loved by those going interrailing, it attracts many visitors from all over the world. The city is built on a cobweb of canals which is why it’s known as the ‘Venice of the North’. There’s so much more to this city than the Red Light District and coffee shops, so get out there and explore all that the Dutch capital has to offer its visitors. From gorgeous parks to world-class museums, you’re sure to find something to like in the Dam!
5. Prague
Prague deserves a spot on your itinerary simply because of how affordable it is and all the cool attractions. It is one of the most popular interrailing destinations for those reasons. Wander around the Old Town and you’ll see the impressive Old Town Hall with the highly photogenic Astronomical Clock. Another popular attraction is the Charles Bridge, which dates the 14th century and is lined with statues, take a walk along here early in the morning to avoid the crowds!
6. Bratislava
Bratislava is a city with a compact old town, charming streets and strong outdoor café culture, making it a wonderful place to visit. This city may not be as popular as other central European cities such as Vienna or Prague, but don’t let that fool you, as Bratislava is one of the most underrated interrailing destinations! So if you’re looking for a city but want a quieter experience, Bratislava is well worth a visit.
7. Krakow
Another interrailing destination you cannot afford to miss if you’re in Eastern Europe is the beautiful Krakow, a city that is easy to fall in love with! Krakow is steeped in rich history, and visitors flock here for their chance to visit the poignant Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial. While you’re here, you can relax and blend in, experience the roaring nightlife, visit the sights and museums and seek outdoor adventure. The quaint streets and historical buildings make a walk around the city an adventure on its own!
8. Plitvice Lakes National Park
If you’re planning on passing through Croatia on your interrailing adventure, a must on your destination list has to be Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia’s most popular tourist attractions. It is located roughly halfway between Zagreb and Zadar on the coast. The beauty of the park lies between its sixteen lakes, inter-connected by a series of waterfalls, and are set deep in woodland populated deer, bears, wolves, boars and rare bird species.
9. Barcelona
If you’re looking for a city to include on your list of interrailing destinations that can offer you buzzing city life and a beautiful beach break, Barcelona is the city for you. Barcelona is situated in the Catalonia Region on the Eastern Coast of Spain, a vibrant city, famed for its incredible architecture, quirky arts, and delicious tapas.
10. Vienna
Cobbled streets, baroque buildings, and imperial palaces are only a few of the amazing things Vienna has to offer. It’s the city where Sacher Tort and culture are kings! This is a great interrailing destination as it’s well connected to lots of other destinations, making it ideal even for a day trip. From legendary coffee houses to secretive tunnels on the grounds of Vienna’s palace, you won’t be bored in Vienna.
Looking for more interrailing destinations?
Have you maybe visited some of these cities on a city break and are looking for something more? Click here for the full list of destinations that can be visited with an interrail pass!
Check out our blogs for interrailing tips!
– Do I need travel insurance for a trip to Europe?
– How much money do I need for an interrailing trip?
– What to pack for an interrailing trip?