![\"People](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-838473148-81bb.jpg\")
\n\t\tCheck out some of Europe\u2019s coolest cities without heading to the airport (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
\t\t
\n\t\tCheck out some of Europe\u2019s coolest cities without heading to the airport (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Train travel<\/a> is having a moment.<\/p>\n From the famous Caledonian Sleeper train<\/a> seeing its biggest timetable change in 30 years to the iconic Portuguese Douro Line<\/a> now running a route from London<\/a>, there\u2019s never been more choice in the world of rail getaways.<\/p>\n As the rail renaissance continues, with travellers favouring immersive experiences and slower, scenic routes, the Metro Travel<\/a> team<\/strong> spoke to local experts to find the coolest European<\/a> cities you can reach by train from Blighty.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what should be on your train travel bucket list this year.<\/p>\n Prague, Czechia<\/p>\n Prague<\/a> may be known for its fairytale castles, world-class beer and cobblestone streets, but there\u2019s more to the Czech capital if you dig a little deeper (and explore outside the centre).<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tBest of Metro Deals\t\t\t<\/p>\n Get exclusive\u00a0discounts\u00a0with\u00a0Metro Deals<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 save on getaways and spa days.\u00a0Powered by Wowcher<\/p>\n Bannatyne Spa<\/strong>: Spa day for two with treatments, lunch & prosecco \u2014\u00a0save up to 57%\u00a0off.<\/p>\n Get deal now<\/a><\/p>\n Mystery Escape<\/strong>: Hotel stay with return flights from as low as \u00a392pp \u2014\u00a0save on worldwide holiday packages.<\/p>\n Get deal now<\/a><\/p>\n Beach Retreat (Lanzarote)<\/strong>: 4* Lanzarote beach holiday with flights \u2014\u00a0save up to 58%.<\/p>\n Get deal now<\/a><\/p>\n Kate McCulley<\/a>, better known by her \u2018gram handle\u00a0@AdventurousKate<\/a>, is a Forbes Top 10 Travel Influencer<\/a> and long-time Prague resident \u2014 so she knows a thing or two about its hidden gems.<\/p>\n \u2018The core of Prague is very touristy, but everything further out is not,\u2019 explains Kate.<\/p>\n @thetravellingfrenchy<\/a> <\/p>\n In Prague, you have to\u2026 \u2026Check out those amazing views! \ud83d\udcf8\u2728 \ud83e\ude90 Mosteck\u00e1 Street \ud83e\udda2 Powder Tower \ud83e\udd42 Wallenstein Garden \ud83d\udcab Lower Bridge Tower \ud83c\udf78 Vrtba Garden \ud83c\udf9e\ufe0f N\u00e1m\u011bst\u00ed Franze Kafky \ud83c\udf7a Letohradek Kralovny Anny \ud83c\udff9 \u0160ubertova Street \u26a1\ufe0f Charles Bridge \ud83d\udc1a M\u00e1nes\u016fv Most Planning on visiting Prague soon? Save this video and follow me for the best local tips! You can also find a full guide in the link in my bio \ud83e\udef6\ud83c\udffc #praguelife<\/a> #cityofprague<\/a> #visitcz<\/a> #praha<\/a> #destinationprague<\/a> #discoverczechia<\/a> #visitprague<\/a> #prague<\/a> #pragueviews<\/a> Visit Prague \u2022 Czech Republic \u2022 Prague landmarks \u2022 Prague recommandations \u2022 Local experiences in Prague \u2022 Charles Bridge \u2022 Prague Castle \u2022 Old Town Square \u2022 Astronomical Clock \u2022 Viewpoints in Prague \u2022 Best time to visit Prague Copyright \u00a9\ufe0f no reposts. Contact me for licensing fees. Sharing to stories is fine.<\/p>\n \u266c original sound \u2013 Lucas \ud83e\udd87<\/a> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n She recommends pairing \u2018Prague 1,\u2019 the UNESCO World Heritage Site home to almost all of the major tourist sites, including Prague Castle, Old Town Square, and the Charles Bridge, with Vinohrady.<\/p>\n \u2018This is a classic Prague<\/a> neighbourhood, and one that I like to describe as a cross between the West Village and Upper East Side.\u2019<\/p>\n Kate says the area \u2014 which features beautiful tree-lined streets and colourful Art Nouveau buildings \u2014 is one of the trendiest places in the city. <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s bursting with restaurants, caf\u00e9s, and second-hand shops.\u2019<\/p>\n Elsewhere, Kate advises diving into Prague\u2019s food scene, which she says is a traditional and international blend. But most importantly? Very affordable.<\/p>\n Her favourite picks include Aromi, an Italian seafood restaurant famed for its deconstructed fried calamari. <\/p>\n Or, one of the many pho shops that appear on every block. \u2018Many people don\u2019t know, but Prague has a huge Vietnamese community.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tHow to get to Prague by train and where to stay\t\t\t<\/p>\n How to get to Prague by train<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Take the Eurostar<\/a> from London St Pancras to Brussels. (Tickets can be purchased for as little as \u00a357 one-way).<\/p>\n \u2022 Take a connecting high-speed train (Deutsche Bahn) through Germany. Change in Frankfurt, Cologne and Berlin, before heading to Prague. The 11-hour journey averages around \u20ac74.99 (\u00a365). <\/p>\n When you\u2019re in Prague, Kate says the public transport is a dream. \u2018Buses and trams are so reliable, and there are also boats along the river.\u2019<\/p>\n Where to stay in Prague<\/strong><\/p>\n For somewhere boujie, Kate recommends the newly-opened 5* Fairmont Golden Prague. <\/p>\n Located right on the Vltava River, on the corner of Pa\u0159\u00ed\u017esk\u00e1 Street in the Old Town, Kate says it\u2019s a \u2018buzzy place.\u2019 Rooms average around \u00a3359 per night.<\/p>\n On a budget? The Grand Hotel International has rooms from \u00a344 per night. The Art Deco-style hotel is just outside the city, but can be reached by public transport within 25 minutes.<\/p>\n Milan, Italy<\/p>\n Northern Italy<\/a>\u2019s Milan<\/a>, considered one of the world\u2019s fashion and design capitals, is a city that reveals itself slowly, explains Italian travel influencer\u00a0Maritia Mazzini<\/a>.<\/p>\n One of Maritia\u2019s off-the-beaten-path favourites is Palazzo Clerici, a stunning historic palace with incredible interiors. It\u2019s only open to the public occasionally (usually once a month, so plan your trip wisely).<\/p>\n For a more contemporary side, explore the Ortica district, known for its beautiful open-air murals and Via Giuseppe Balzaretti, where every house is painted in bold colours and pop art motifs.<\/p>\n Other lesser-known gems include the Casa degli Omenoni, Milan\u2019s small but fascinating Walk of Fame, and some extraordinary churches such as San Bernardino alle Ossa, Sant\u2019Antonio Abate, and Santa Maria alla Fontana (filled with beautiful frescoes).<\/p>\n Architecture lovers, Casa Galimberti and Villa Necchi are must-sees.<\/p>\n Hungry after all that sightseeing? Maritia recommends Caff\u00e8 Marchesi for the \u2018best panettone in the city.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018For truly traditional Milanese food, locals love Osteria alla Grande, a Lombardian restaurant with murals and vintage movie posters.\u2019<\/p>\n Or, try Trattoria Masuelli San Marco, a Piedmontese restaurant for classic Milanese stews and risottos.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tHow to get to Milan by train and where to stay\t\t\t<\/p>\n How to get to Milan by train<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord (prices start from \u00a353).<\/p>\n \u2022 Change to Paris Gare de Lyon and catch the train south to Milan. On Trainline, tickets can be purchased for \u00a340 with no changes and a journey time of 6 hours 42 minutes.<\/p>\n Where to stay in Milan<\/strong><\/p>\n For luxury and design, Maritia recommends Hotel VIU Milan, STRAF Hotel, or Galleria Vik, some of which overlook the Galleria itself. Prices per night range between \u00a3200 and \u00a3350.<\/p>\n More affordable but comfortable options include Ca\u2019 Bela Pergolesi (\u00a3160 per night) and Neo Hotel (\u00a358 per night).<\/p>\n Amsterdam, The Netherlands<\/p>\n OK, so everyone has visited Amsterdam<\/a>, the Dutch capital, famed for its historic gabled houses and winding canals. <\/p>\n But according to Sara Van Geloven, Amsterdam resident, travel expert at Polarsteps.com<\/a> and author of Lonely Planet Netherlands, you\u2019ve not experienced it like a local. <\/p>\n Her main advice? Head away from the centre, as the city is currently dealing with overtourism. \u2018Take the free ferry to Noord (NDSM), an old ship wharf, now home to street art (Museum Straat), great bars and a stunning view of the river.\u2019 <\/p>\n The area also hosts IJhallen, the largest flea market in Europe, a treasure trove of vintage, second-hand furniture, lamps, and toys.<\/p>\n Sara says this area has a vibey social scene, too. Head to PLLEK, a trendy waterfront spot known as the greenest eatery in Amsterdam, for some lunch. (There\u2019s also live music and yoga classes here.)<\/p>\n She spotlights Noorderlicht, too, a greenhouse-style space with a terrace perfect for summer cocktails and seasonal dishes.<\/p>\n Further off the beaten track is a green neighbourhood called Oost, which has botanical gardens and is described as a place where twenty and thirty-somethings come for a getaway.<\/p>\n Plus, there\u2019s Brouwerij \u2019t IJ, an organic brewery in a windmill, and Dappermarkt, a \u2018colourful outdoor market with street food, flowers, and clothing.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tHow to get to Amsterdam by train and where to stay\t\t\t<\/p>\n How to get to Amsterdam by train<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Eurostar runs direct trains from London St Pancras to Amsterdam, so you\u2019re just one stop away from the UNESCO World Heritage Site. One-way tickets start from as little as \u00a351, with a journey time of four hours.<\/p>\n Where to stay in Amsterdam<\/strong><\/p>\n Here are Sara\u2019s best picks:<\/p>\n \u2022 Stayokay is a Dutch sustainable chain hostel with three locations in the city. Rates start from \u20ac24.70 per night (\u00a321.40).<\/p>\n \u2022 Volkshotel for an affordable, quirky stay in old newspaper offices. There\u2019s also a rooftop restaurant. If you stay two nights, you get a third night free. Rooms start from \u20ac83 (\u00a372).<\/p>\n \u2022 Looking to splurge? Hotel Jakarta <\/strong>is a beautiful and modern, energy-neutral hotel with views of the IJ river, a bright and leafy lobby, and fab wellness facilities. Rooms start from \u00a3352.<\/p>\n Berlin, Germany<\/p>\n Last but not least, it\u2019s all about Germany<\/a>\u2019s capital, Berlin<\/a>. Known for its legendary nightlife, vibrant arts scene and intense history, it\u2019s a European city with a gritty, modern feel.<\/p>\n Clara Cohen from Eating Europe<\/a> (which offers two different food tours<\/a> \u2014 including a historical one in East Berlin<\/a>), shares her favourite, lesser-known side to the city.<\/p>\n \u2018Visit the RAW Market, an ex-Prussian train yard packed with clubs and leisure venues.\u2019 Code for, you can be rock climbing up the side of a WWII bomb shelter one minute, and dancing in a telephone booth-turned-private disco the next. <\/p>\n On a similar theme, she says Holzmarkt 25 is a quirky spot along the river, next to the East Side Gallery. It\u2019s filled with bars, cafes, art galleries, and a music school.<\/p>\n For great nightlife and authentic neighbourhood vibes, Sara highlights Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg. <\/p>\n @eatingeurope<\/a> <\/p>\n Dead Chicken Alley: come for the street art, stay for the giant moving mechanical chicken carcass on the wall \ud83e\udd16\ud83d\udc13 Visit it and the rest of central Berlin\u2019s best food spots on our Eating Berlin: City Center Food & Beer Tour \ud83c\udf7b Berlin travel tips, things to do in Berlin, alternative Berlin, real Berlin vibe, Dead Chicken Alley Berlin, hidden spots in Berlin, Mitte Berlin nightlife, underground Berlin bars, non tourist Berlin, authentic Berlin experiences, Berlin culture and nightlife, Berlin city guide, Berlin travel inspiration. #DeadChickenAlley<\/a> #BerlinNightlife<\/a> #RealBerlin<\/a> #ThingsToDoInBerlin<\/a> #BerlinTravelTips<\/a> <\/p>\n \u266c original sound \u2013 Eating Europe Food Tours \ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f<\/a> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n Foodies, Berlin is the home of currywurst, with famed venues like Curry 36 and Curry 61 topping TikTok For You pages. However, Sara says that currywurst bought at a hole-in-the-wall shop or a corner cart will be better, cheaper, and much more authentic than one found in a restaurant.<\/p>\n The historic Culture Brewery of Prenzlauerberg is another must-see, especially the Sunday street food fair.<\/p>\n Plus, there\u2019s the Culture Carnival, which this year takes place between 22 and 25 May.<\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s a huge international street food festival meets carnival parade, serving everything from Jamaican jerk chicken to a more unusual camel ragout.\u2019<\/p>\n Finally, it\u2019s not all bratwurst and pork knuckle. Berlin is the vegan capital of Europe, with over 100 fully vegan venues.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tHow to get to Berlin by train and where to stay\t\t\t<\/p>\n How to get to Berlin by train<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels.<\/p>\n \u2022 Then take an ICE train (Deutsche Bahn fast trains) from Bruxelles-Midi to Cologne, and change to Berlin. On Trainline, this journey takes around 9 hours and costs between \u00a3140 and \u00a3170.<\/p>\n Where to stay in Berlin<\/strong><\/p>\n Clara says the Generator Hostel is prized by the young party crowd for its nightly karaoke parties, DJ nights, and techno raves, alongside more casual board game evenings. Rooms start from \u00a314 per night.<\/p>\n The Westin Grand offers modern luxuries and mid-range prices, with boutique rooms and comfortable suites, located in an unbeatable location for visiting most of Berlin\u2019s historic highlights.\u00a0Rooms start from \u00a3219 per night.<\/p>\n Looking for something pretty rogue? If you book a Jungle room at the 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin (\u20ac153\/\u00a3132), you\u2019ll wake up to lions roaring and baboons playing, as the hotel overlooks Berlin\u2019s best zoo.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow
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