Travelling by rail remains one of the most practical ways to explore Europe’s leading cities, with central stations linking visitors to historic landmarks, cultural institutions, and neighbouring destinations.
From Paris to London and Rome, the continent’s top capitals continue to attract travellers seeking both iconic sights and authentic national experiences.
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According to the train line, here are ten cities to see by train on your next European trip
Paris, France
Station: Gare du Nord
Paris continues to attract millions of visitors each year. The French capital is home to world-recognised sites such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Accommodation options range from Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel to Grand Hôtel Dechampaigne and 1K Paris.
Visitors can attend an event at the Accor Arena, eat steak-frites at “Le Relais de Venise L’Entrecôte”, or take children to the Paris Zoological Park. Paris also serves as a starting point for wider journeys, with direct train access to Champagne, Marseille, Normandy, and Nice.
Rome, Italy
Station: Roma Termini
Rome remains central to Italy’s cultural and historic identity. Key sites include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum. Accommodation options include Portrait Roma, Mario de’ Fiore 37, and Hotel Croce di Malta.
Tourists often seek out Bernini’s sculptures, local pizza near the Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain, where tradition suggests throwing a coin ensures a return visit. From Rome, trains connect to Florence, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast.
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Barcelona, Spain
Station: Barcelona Sants
Barcelona blends cultural heritage with modern attractions. Notable landmarks include La Sagrada Familia, the Picasso Museum, and La Rambla. Hotels such as El Palace Hotel Barcelona, Hotel 1898, and Hotel Soho Barcelona serve a wide range of visitors.
Beyond food and festivals, many attend FC Barcelona games at Camp Nou. From the city, day trips extend to Andorra and the Penedès Wine Region, with connections to Madrid, Grenada, Valencia, and San Sebastian.
London, UK
Station: London Waterloo
London remains a key hub for international travel. Major attractions include the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Churchill War Rooms, and Battersea Power Station. Accommodation ranges from The Lanesborough to The Rubens and Kabannas.
Visitors often seek fish and chips, tea, and West End theatre. Day trips from the city include Oxford, Cornwall, the Cotswolds, and Edinburgh.
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Berlin, Germany
Station: Berlin Hauptbahnhof
Berlin is home to the East Side Gallery, Museum Island, and Charlottenburg Palace. Hotels include Chateau Royal Berlin, Hüttenpalast, and Eastern Comfort Hostel Boat.
The city features dozens of free museums, a club scene centred on venues such as Berghain, and spa experiences like Liquidrom. Trains from Berlin connect to Leipzig, Cologne, Munich, and villages across Bavaria.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Station: Amsterdam Centraal
Amsterdam is noted for the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and NEMO Science Museum. Accommodation options include Pulitzer Amsterdam, Mr Jordaan Hotel, and The Flying Pig.
Visitors can explore canals, bike lanes, and neighbourhood cafés while avoiding limiting stereotypes of the Red Light District. Day trips extend to Utrecht, Rotterdam, and Maastricht.
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Zürich, Switzerland
Station: Zürich HB
Zürich offers cultural and commercial attractions such as the Swiss National Museum, Kunsthaus, and the Lindt Chocolate Factory. Hotels include FIVE Zurich Hotel, Hotel Helmhaus Zürich, and Hotel St. Gotthard.
Travellers can tour the city by tram, visit the FIFA Museum, or attend seasonal events like Christmas markets. Day trips from Zürich include Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Zermatt, and Lucerne.
Lisbon, Portugal
Station: Santa Apolónia
Lisbon combines history and cultural traditions with modern attractions. Key landmarks include the Santa Justa Lift, Torre de Belém, and Jerónimos Monastery. Accommodation options include Verride Palácio de Santa Catarina Hotel, Browns Boutique, and Martinhal Lisbon Oriente.
Visitors experience “fado” music, traditional pastel de nata, and views from miradors such as São Jorge Castle. From Lisbon, trains lead to Porto, Lagos, and Madeira.
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Copenhagen, Denmark
Station: København H
Copenhagen is known for the Opera House, Tivoli Gardens, and Danish War Museum. Hotels range from D’Angleterre to Downtown Hostel and Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers.
Travellers can explore Nyhavn’s colourful harbour, Freetown Christiania, and Frederiksberg. From the capital, trains extend to Odense, Aarhus, and Aalborg.
Vienna, Austria
Station: Vienna Central Station
Vienna’s attractions include Schönbrunn Palace, the Vienna State Opera, and Naschmarkt. Accommodation options range from Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere to Do Step Inn and Boutiquehotel Stadthalle.
Travellers are encouraged to walk through the city to experience Belvedere Palace, Hofburg Palace, and the Rathaus. Train journeys from Vienna offer access to Innsbruck, Salzburg, and other Austrian destinations.
