The 12 best destinations in Europe to visit by train

Are you planning to visit Europe soon and want to offer you an unforgettable and unusual trip? To do this, here are the 12 best destinations in Europe to visit by train!

Europe is a huge continent with a remarkable characteristic. Its formidable dense and very good quality railway network connects European cities to each other. Moreover, it is possible to access all parts of the continent by borrowing the railways that stalk it! In this case, why not take advantage of this way of locomotion to visit the most beautiful European destinations?

The train is reliable, cheap, clean and requires no effort on your part, except the purchase of your ticket. It is so pleasant to discover the best destinations in Europe to visit by train! This takes little time and ensures you avoid many disappointments. The backpackers and travelers who want to explore the Old continent often meet!

Do you want to visit Europe and its most beautiful points of interest while enjoying a nice train ride? Wanderlix offers a selection of the best destinations in Europe to visit by train.

1. Scotland

The northernmost region of Great Britain is one of the best destinations in Europe to visit by train. Take the West Highland Line to enjoy the sumptuous Scottish landscapes. This line will make you discover the most beautiful places in the region.

After climbing to Glasgow you will travel in the middle of green valleys. Some places even appear in the film Harry Potter, like the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct!

2. Les Alpes

To admire the alpine mountains, what better than to use the track? The mountain range is certainly one of the best destinations in Europe to visit by train. Bernina Express is one of the highest railway routes in the continent. Crossing nearly 200 bridges and about 60 tunnels, there are spectacular landscapes.

Do not hesitate to connect Switzerland to Italy using this incredible mode of travel! The line connects Saint-Moritz to Tirano, and the journey costs only a dozen euros. Enjoy it!

3. Venice

Venice - it will not surprise anyone - is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The eternal city is obviously one of the best destinations in Europe to visit by train! What is recommended is to go there during the carnival. It takes place every year in the week before the Ash Wednesday. But that is not all, Venice is also sublime by itself!

To convince you, explore the sublime Place Saint-Marc and enjoy the moment around a cappuccino. And don’t forget, before you go back to your train, to browse the lizard canals of Venice on a typical gondola!

4. The Orient Express

Probably the most famous train in the world! The Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express (its official name) connects Boulogne-sur-Mer to Istambul. But also stops in Paris, Venice, Vienna, Innsbruck, depending on the chosen route! All these cities are among the best destinations in Europe to visit by train.

So we couldn’t make the impasse on this legendary and prestigious train! That said, the myth pays itself at a high price: make sure you have a substantial budget before boarding!

5. Ireland

The Belmond Grand Hibernian is an atypical train just like the region it runs through. Ireland is one of the most amazing destinations, due to the beauty of its landscapes. This is one of the best destinations in Europe to visit by train! The train connects the most beautiful cities of Emerald Island: Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast.

You can choose the number of nights desired; and select three different routes. If you want to discover a green and preserved nature with a very tempered character, feel free!

6. Geneva

Geneva was to be among our selection of the best destinations in Europe to visit by train. Easy access thanks to a dense and quality railway network, the city has many advantages. First, its historic city centre with multiple tourist points of interest. But also its famous jet of water and a splendid view of Lake Geneva!

In addition, Geneva is easily accessible from France. Just a few hours from French metropolises!

7. Amsterdam

A must-see among the best destinations in Europe to visit by train: Amsterdam, the Dutch Venice! The capital of the Netherlands is one of the best cities to travel when you want to spend a weekend. In addition, once the train arrives, you can visit it by boat or by bike. Guaranteed change!

Despite a weather sometimes maussade, you can enjoy the legendary welcome and the good mood of the Dutch. But also museums, restaurants, cafes and nightclubs that will delight gourmet and curious. If you are looking for a top tourist destination two hours from Paris, go to Amsterdam!

8. Munich

Munich is a very special city. The capital of Bavaria is one of the largest European cities. It is only a few hours by train from France. If you are told, it is that the city is full of tourist points of interest! This is one of the best destinations in Europe to visit by train. In addition to the Viktualienmarkt (an authentic and warm market) we find the English garden and castles including Nymphenburg.

By leaving the city, your train’s window will allow you to observe the fantastic Bavarian landscapes. It must be said that the region is constellated with lakes, manor houses and still wild and preserved nature. And if you're an amateur of beer and good, Munich is made for you!

9. Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and one of the largest Mediterranean and Spanish cities. Once you get off the train in the central station, it’s gone for an unforgettable tourist trip! If the city is one of the best destinations in Europe to visit by train, it is not for nothing. In addition to the splendid park Güell, you will find the Boqueria market where you can enjoy tapas and red wine. Then we admire the amazing Barcelonian buildings including the colossal Sagrada Família. At the edge of Montjuic Park, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city and its surroundings. Before discovering the fascinating Barri Gòtic area or the sublime Citadel Park, why not?

You will have understood: Barcelona is one of the most interesting cities from a tourist point of view. Embark on your train to discover it alone, with family or friends!

10. Rome

Rome alone is a symbol of Italian refinement. Typically Latin, the city is one of the best destinations in Europe to visit by train, and we quickly understand why! It has countless places to visit and to discover. Here are the sublime Trévi Fountain, the magnificent Sixtine chapel and the gardens of the Borghese villa. Or the Colosseum, to discover on foot or in Vespa and the narrow streets of the historical heart!

All roads lead to Rome. And many railway lines can also lead you there! Whatever your desire when you come to discover the Italian capital your stay will be unforgettable. What are you waiting to book your ticket to this sublime Latin city?

11. Berlin

This great Germanic lady is not the first city we think of to spend the weekend. But Berlin, the German capital and the demeasured metropolis, has more than one tower in its bag. And could you change your mind who knows? If it is one of the best destinations in Europe to visit by train, it is for its points of interest. They are innumerable, no matter what their desire is once on the spot! Easily accessible by train, the megalopolis is one of the most popular cities for travellers.

In Berlin, we can celebrate in industrial warehouses converted into a demeasured nightclub, for example. We come to taste a sausage in one of the clusters punctuating the large Berlin boulevards. We go out for a drink while admiring the view over the city of the top of the famous Fernsehturm, this unspoiled tower. Or you simply enjoy the sweetness of living in Berlin by taking advantage of one of the many parks and green spaces! It is up to you to choose, but know in advance that Berlin has more than one round in its bag.

12. Paris

We could not present the best destinations in Europe to visit by train without mentioning the City of Light. First because it is the jewel of France and one of the most visited cities in Europe. It even seems that she would be the most beautiful in the world! Well, we let you judge it, but what is sure is that it offers many activities. Take two kilometers from the famous Champs-Élysées avenue, for example. Before visiting the Louvre Museum or climbing the stairs of the Eiffel Tower. Or go and admire the Sacré-Coeur or Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris?

Whatever: whatever you decide the stay on site will be forever engraved. Especially if you decide to offer a weekend to your half. The city is considered the romantic city par excellence, let’s not forget it!