Interrail Trip: Slow Travel in Fast Cities

What is your advice for future Interrailers?

“Our advice to future Interrail travellers would be to make sure you don’t rush yourself while exploring new cities. Also, interesting and comfortable hostels and accommodation can make all the difference when visiting a city.”

1. Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Amsterdam is a charming city of canals and bicycles. Carrying the modernity of a European capital, Amsterdam still maintains its authentic beauty.

• Discover one of the most wonderful parks in the Netherlands, Vondelpark. Save time for art & history at the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Wonder through the Jordaan to see where Anne Frank lived.

• Coffee Shops and the Red Light District are the most famous attractions in Amsterdam. But if you want to experience true Dutch nightlife, check out the vibrant neighbourhood of De Pijp.

• Bikes and boats are the most common means of transport in the Netherlands. Be brave, rent one, and feel like a local.

From Amsterdam to Berlin

2. Berlin, Germany

Berlin will never forget its history. Today it has become one of the most open-minded cities in Europe. As soon as you arrive, you will notice how diverse and multicultural Berlin is.

• Well known for its varied nightlife, choose from fancy, alternative or hard techno parties. It's up to you.

• Learn about the past. Visit reminders of WWII like the Berlin Wall and the Holocaust Memorial.

• Soak up culture on Museum Island (Museumsinsel), a paradise for history lovers.

From Berlin to Rathen

3. Rathen, Germany

Rathen is a small German village popular for its spas, Lake Amselsee, and the Saxon Switzerland National Park.

• Climb to the top of the Bastei rocks to enjoy breathtaking views. Check out the Elbe River below you and the Saxon Switzerland National Park on the horizon.

• If you are feeling adventurous, hike into the Bohemian Switzerland (Czech Republic).

• Relax after a hard mountaineering day in the Spa Town, Rathen.

From Rathen to Brno

4. Brno, Czech Republic

Brno is famous for its architectural heritage from the early 20th century. Nowadays, it's also famous for its student city vibe and university nightlife.

• Don't miss the magnificent Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, graceful St James Church, and the grandiose Spilberk Castle. Head to Moravian Museum and immerse yourself in Czech culture.

• Visit the modernist Vila Tugendhat. You'll be surprised to hear it was built in 1929.

• Drift around the Old Town to find touristy treasures like the Holy Trinity Column in the Market Square.

From Brno to Bratislava

5. Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava is built around the Danube River, blending remains of many different ages. As a city of contrasts, you can find sober communist monuments next to regal 18th-century architecture.

• Head up the hilltop to explore the ancient Bratislava Castle, dated 907 AD. Once you get down, take a look in St. Elisabeth Church (Blue Church) and St. Martin's Cathedral.

• Stroll through the enchanting Old Town to the well preserved, Michael's Gate, standing since 1300.

• Admire the ruins of Devín Castle. This eternal fortress is an important symbol of Slovakia.

From Bratislava to Budapest

6. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is split in two by the Danube River, Buda and Pest. As a city of tragedy and an impressive example of recovery, Budapest never gave up.

• Blessed with countless hot springs, the city has a wide assortment of Thermal Baths. Miraculous or not, you can choose your style. Turkish, art nouveau, or contemporary. Which one is more relaxing?

• As a city condemned to war, Budapest has many reminders of its past. Visit the moving Shoes on Danube Memorial and the chilling House of Terror, to see barbarities from past eras.

• The emblematic Parliament, Buda Castle (Royal Palace), and Hosok Tere are just three of the many Hungarian monuments you will love.