The Best 3-Week Interrail Route in Europe
Interrailing around Europe is the easiest and most efficient way to explore multiple countries in Europe. The Interrail/Eurail pass allows you to jump on pretty much any train in Europe, you can choose from over 40,000 destinations in 33 countries!
So when my friend and I decided we wanted to spend 3 weeks in the summer travelling around Europe, interrailing felt like the perfect way to do it. I remember when were originally planning the trip, it was difficult to decide where to go and how long to spend in certain places. So today I thought it would be helpful to share our 3-week interrailing route for anyone planning their European adventure!
London -> Paris (3 days in Paris)
Our first stop on the trip was the city of love, Paris! I think we both had fairly high expectations of Paris, but it didn't quite live up to those expectations. Don't get me wrong we still enjoyed our time there but was slightly overrated in my opinion. We spent our time doing the most touristy things like visiting the Arc De Triumph, mooching around the Louvre, seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night, shopping at the Champs-Élysées and strolling alongside the Seine River. It wasn't my favourite stop but I still recommend a visit and it's a convenient place to start your journey if you're coming from London.
Paris -> Zurich (2 days in Zurich)
Not only was Zurich a gorgeous city to visit but my oh my those train journeys through Switzerland were jaw-dropping. Two things to note about Zurich, it's quite an expensive location so make sure to budget for that and also don't plan to be in Zurich on a Sunday, everything closes! We had a very relaxed time here, be sure to visit the Zurich Thermal Baths, they were gorgeous and the outside pool had some great views over the city. If you need more of a budget-friendly activity take a stroll along the banks of Lake Zurich and stop off and have a picnic, the views won't disappoint.
Zurich -> Venice (3 days in Venice)
The city of Venice stole my heart, the beautiful canals and the maze-like streets full of hidden gems, blew me away. To be honest with you I have never been anywhere in Italy that I haven't fallen in love with, so I highly suggest your European route includes at least one Italian destination. With endless things to do in Venice such as taking a classic gondola ride, visiting the Bridge of Sighs, exploring the colourful island of Burano, stopping by Piazza San Marco and of course filling yourself full with delicious Italian food.
Mistake to Avoid
We ended up missing our train from Venice to Vienna even though we were at the station about 2 hours early! Just so you don't make the same mistake watch out for passenger trains being mixed into cargo trains, there can be a super long container train with one tiny passenger carriage right at the end/front of the train.
Venice -> Vienna (2 days in Vienna)
Vienna was the city that surprised me the most on the Interrail itinerary, I wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did. Vienna was a gorgeous city and I wish we got to spend more time there. Schönbrunn Palace and the surrounding gardens were absolutely gorgeous and I could have easily spent all day walking around them! Also, there is a whole quarter in the city dedicated to museums if you want to nerd out or alternatively you could catch an Opera at the infamous Vienna State Opera.
Vienna -> Budapest (2 days in Budapest)
Budapest is a great destination for budget backpackers whilst also offering so much to explore in the city. You will find some beautiful views from Fishermans Bastion and Buda Castle just be prepared for some uphill walking up to those views. Other things to do in Budapest are walking over the Chain Bridge, checking out the uber-cool Szimpla Kert pub and visiting Heroes Square. Also, get yourself out on the river either by taking a stroll alongside the Danube or jumping on one of the many river cruises in the city.
Did You Know? The River Danube separates the cities of Buda and Pest, meaning Budapest is actually 2 separate cities!
Budapest -> Prague (2 days in Prague)
Prague was another lovely stop throughout our European travels, similar to Budapest it was fairly budget-friendly. I loved the Astronomical Clock located in the Old Town Hall and every hour, on the hour, the clock chimes, and mechanical figures march out. Its the simple things that bring me joy. Whilst in Prague head to the Jewish Museum, find some time to see the famous Dancing House, stroll across the Charles Bridge or wander the streets of the Old Town.
Prague -> Berlin (3 days in Berlin)
The edgy capital of Europe, Berlin has a lot to offer for passing adventurers. If I was to head to Berlin again, I would definitely take a walking tour to soak in all the popular tourist sites and get acquainted with the city. Don't leave Berlin without a visit to the East Side Gallery, with 100 different paintings for the international memorial of freedom, it's a must-see.
Berlin -> Amsterdam (3 days in Amsterdam)
A very popular city for tourists in Europe for many different reasons, it's certainly a must-visit for your interrailing itinerary. Whether you want to spend your time in the many coffee houses in Amsterdam, ride bikes around the city, take a boat tour or visit museums it's all on offer here!
Amsterdam -> Brussels (1 day in Brussels)
Unfortunately due to illness, we didn't get out to Brussels to explore but had we managed to get out of bed we were planning on checking out the famous square, Grote Markt and grabbing some Belgium Waffles before heading back to London.
Have you been interrailing before? Share your itinerary in the comments below.
