Europe is one of the busiest hubs for young backpackers looking for travel and adventure! In this itinerary, we are covering most of eastern and southern Europe by interrail or eurrail. This allows you to stay within the city centers and saves on the costs of getting to and from airports. It takes a little longer to travel by train but the views and experience are so worth it! You also won’t be tired of airports! This is the itinerary I am using this summer to hit 11 countries in 2 months – all with a backpack on my back and a duffle bag in hand!
For more information regarding Interrail and Eurail passes click here to read my Eurail or Interrail Pass? Everything You Need To Know to get you set up with your transportation to fulfill this itinerary!
*This itinerary includes links to my favorite hostels and affordable hotels in each location to help you with your planning!
With that said, let’s get right into it! Here is your most exceptional itinerary for backpacking Europe by rail:
1 Week in London, United Kingdom
Begin your travels in one of the largest hubs in Europe: London, United Kingdom. One week in this beautiful city is enough to see all it has to offer and more. Spend the whole time in London, or check out my post: How To See Historic London in 48 Hours and spend the rest of the week in the beautiful countryside – my top recommendation.
From London, hop on the train with your Interrail (for European residents) or Eurrail (for non-European residents) pass and go to Brussels, Belgium.
3 Days in Brussels, Belgium
After spending some time exploring England, make your way to Brussels, Belgium, for a mix of stunning architecture, rich history, and delicious food. I recommend settling into a cozy hotel for your stay, as this will give you a comfortable base to explore the city.
For the best base to explore Brussels, I recommend staying in or near the City Centre (Pentagon District), which is the heart of the city. Here’s why:
- Grand Place: This iconic square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is just a short walk away from most central hotels and Airbnb options. It’s surrounded by stunning architecture, cafes, and shops, making it an ideal starting point for exploring.
- Brussels Central Station: Staying near Brussels Central Station gives you easy access to transportation, including trains to day-trip destinations like Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. It’s also a short walk to many of the city’s main attractions.
- St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral: Just a few minutes’ walk from the city center, this stunning cathedral is a must-see and a great starting point for your wanderings.
- Historical and Cultural Attractions: Being in the center, you’ll be close to important landmarks such as the Royal Palace, Mont des Arts, and the Belgian Comic Strip Center, as well as vibrant neighborhoods like Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert for shopping.
- Dining and Nightlife: The city center also offers a range of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining, as well as lively bars and cafes to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Start your first day by soaking in the beauty of Brussels’ Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by ornate buildings and cobblestone streets. You’ll want to grab a waffle and indulge in some Belgian chocolate as you wander through this picturesque square.
On your second day, dive deeper into Brussels’ history by visiting landmarks like the Atomium and the Royal Palace, or take a stroll through the beautiful Parc du Cinquantenaire. Don’t forget to check out the quirky side of the city, from the famous Manneken Pis statue to the fascinating Belgian Comic Strip Center, where you can learn all about the country’s comic book culture, which birthed characters like Tintin.
For your third day, take a short but scenic day trip to Bruges, just an hour away by train. Known as the “Venice of the North,” Bruges is a fairy-tale city filled with canals, medieval architecture, and cobblestone streets. Spend the day wandering through its charming old town, exploring landmarks like the Belfry of Bruges and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. You’ll also want to take a relaxing boat ride along the canals, offering a completely different perspective of this magical city.
Brussels and Bruges together provide a perfect blend of vibrant city life and historic charm, giving you a well-rounded experience during your European backpacking journey.
From Brussels, hop on the train to Amsterdam, Netherlands.
3 Days in Amsterdam, Netherlands
The capital of Netherlands, Amsterdam is full of artistic heritage, an iconic museum district, and beautiful 17th-century houses. Keep in mind, depending on your budget, Amsterdam can be expensive for accommodation. I recommend staying just outside of the city and hop on a quick train to the city centre.
From Amsterdam, hop on the train to Cologne, Germany.
Click Here to read my Eurail or Interrail Pass? Everything You Need To Know to get you set up with your transportation.
2 Days in Cologne, Germany
Cologne, Germany is an old 2,000-year-old city with an immense amount of history and architecture to be seen. It is most famous for its Cologne Cathedral and old-town feel.
From Cologne, hop on the train and head to Berlin, Germany.
3 Days in Berlin, Germany
The incredible capital of Germany, Berlin has an immense amount of historical sights and culture. The city is well known for its role in World War II, in which it was nearly destroyed. Today, you can see sights such as the Berlin Cathedral (pictured), the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, and many more.
Accommodation Recommendations
Hostel $: MEININGER Hotel Berlin Tiergarten
Hotel $$: TITANIC Comfort Mitte
From Berlin hop on the train to Prague, Czech Republic.
4 Days in Prague, Czech Republic
The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague is another beautiful city holding an immense amount of culture within its borders. The city is well-known for its old town square where the historic centre is one of the most intriguing parts of the city. From beautiful historic buildings to churches and its pedestrian-friendly streets, Prague is a city to marvel.
From Prague, hop on the train to Vienna, Austria.
3 Days in Vienna, Austria
Find yourself in the capital of Austria: Vienna. Vienna is known for it’s artistic legacies in the well-known Beethoven and Mozart. It is also a colourful city that is most definitely worth a visit.
From Vienna, hop on the train to Bratislava, Slovakia.
Click Here to read my Eurail or Interrail Pass? Everything You Need To Know to get you set up with your transportation.
3 Days in Bratislava, Slovakia
Sitting right on the border between Austria and Slovakia, Bratislava is less talked about when one thinks of European cities, but it most definitely will not disappoint. Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia surrounded by vineyards and small mountains, well-known for its old town pedestrian-only sector and the famous Bratislava Castle (pictured).
From Bratislava, hop on the train to Budapest, Hungary.
3 Days in Budapest, Hungary
Hungary’s capital, Budapest, is yet another beautiful city worth the visit. This city is said to be “majestic” with so much to see and do within the city boundaries.
From Budapest, hop on the train to Ljubljana, Slovenia.
3 Days in Ljubljana, Slovenia
The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, is once again, one that is not at the top of many people’s bucket lists but with its rustic feel and foreign-friendly atmosphere, it definitely should be when on a trip through Europe. The city is full of outdoor cafes, museums, and so much more!
From Ljubljana, hop on the train to Venice, Italy.
3 Days in Venice, Italy
Start your trek through the beautiful country of Italy with 3 days in Venice. Well-known for it’s canal system and beautiful on-the-water buildings, Venice is a perfect vacation spot and the perfect place to relax for a couple of days while on your long journey. Its top sights are St. Mark’s Basilica and Renaissance buildings.
Accommodation Recommendations
Hostel $: Ostello S. Fosca – CPU Venice Hostels
Hotel $$: Hotel Tivoli
From Venice, grab a local train to Milan, Italy.
3 Days in Milan, Italy
Three days in Milan, Italy is the perfect amount of time to explore the world’s fashion and design capital. It is Italy’s second most popular city after Rome and offers the Gothic Duomo di Milano Cathedral (pictured) and many incredible restaurants, shopping, and culture.
From Milan, grab a local train to Tuscany, Italy.
4 Days in Tuscany, Italy
The region of Tuscany in Italy is a must-see if you are like me and love foreign countryside and vineyards. I recommend staying in Florence for your time here and taking a day trip or overnight trip to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa of course!
From Tuscany, hop on a local train to Rome, Italy. Get information about Eurail and Interrail passes here.
3 Days in Rome, Italy
The capital of Italy, Rome, is the most popular place to visit in the nation of Italy. With some of the most famous sights in the world in this city, it should most definitely be on your bucket list. The city is most well-known for the Colosseum (pictured), the Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon sites.
From Rome, grab a cheap flight to Athens, Greece.
1 Week in Athens, Greece
End your incredible backpacking adventure with one week in Athens, where history, culture, and relaxation come together. Take the time to unwind after your travels while exploring the ancient wonders of the city. Spend your days marveling at the iconic Acropolis of Athens, home to the Parthenon and breathtaking views of the city below. Wander through the sprawling ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, one of the largest temples in the ancient world. With vibrant neighborhoods like Plaka and Monastiraki, you’ll enjoy charming streets filled with cafes, shops, and local markets. Athens offers the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation, making it an unforgettable finale to your backpacking journey.
You can also head to a nearby island for smaller and quieter crowds and hang out with the locals!
