In a bid to celebrate and detox after a month of exams, at the start of July, my friend and I embarked on a month-long backpacking trip across Europe, at the mercy of its train tracks. Reflecting on it now, a few months later, I am offering up my “travel awards”: highlights and recommendations for those wishing to venture into the wonders of Europe.
Best for sightseeing: Budapest
Originally two separate cities, the dominating River Danube crosses through the dramatic gothic-style city of Budapest, once famed as the beating heart of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. Popular as a cultural city break, Budapest did not disappoint, as reaching the walls of Buda Castle rewarded us with breathtaking views over the city’s entirety.
Back in the centre of town, peering out from the trees of City Park, the ornate sunshine-yellow terraces of Széchenyi led the way to Budapest’s famous thermal baths, perfect for an unwind after the bustle of travelling.
Best train journey: Prague -> Dresden
Embarking from Prague’s extensive Art Nouveau train station, with a near-empty carriage for the next five hours, it felt as if the journey to Dresden would be a perfect opportunity for sleep and rest. Czechia and Germany had other ideas.
As the spinner-racks of postcards evaporated along with the skyline of Prague, I was immediately enthralled as the tracks followed the swerves of the wide River Elbe and Czech villages appeared, consisting of charming villas and fishing locals.
Over the border, with signs now in German and the addition of timber to chalets, the train displayed a perfect view of stark, jagged rocks emerging from the forests of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, before the urban rise leading up to Dresden.
Best for pottering: Milan
In addition to the impressively grand architecture that makes Milan famous, the creative city offered a perfect atmosphere for wandering due to its seemingly endless array of cute places to explore. A quick tram dropped us at the Corso di Porta Ticinese, a calm street packed with cutesy cafes, vintage boutiques, and quaint gift shops.
Set within the context of Roman ruins, the neighbourhood exudes cool and chic, from Nowhere Future Coffee to Groupies Vintage. Across town, we found ourselves weaving through the expansive Parco Sempione, seeking the essential shade of its antique trees, Spùn’s Tiramisus in hand.
Best overall city: Berlin
Unsurprisingly, on return to the in-contrast dull UK, I was repeatedly asked, “what was your favourite city?”. Though peaks were experienced in numerous locations of the trip, I found myself most in love with Berlin.
In addition to the obvious, though still exemplary, tourist sites, Berlin’s buoyant energy was infectious, felt as we wandered the artsy Kreuzberg neighbourhood and disused Templehof Airport. It was really enhanced, though, by late-night dancing in Monbijoupark and Aperol Spritz, as the sky turned a magnificent infusion of pinks and purples in the background.
All photos via Alice Locker
