There are three capital cities in Europe that you can easily visit in a week by train – and all of them are beautiful.
A trip between Prague, Vienna and Budapest would take seven hours by train, spanning about 330 miles across central Europe, making it a perfect city-hopping holiday.
The Czechia capital, Prague, sits on the Vltava River and the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is full of history and architecture having been important in the Holy Roman Empire, the Hapsburg monarchy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The city is also well-known for its nightlife with pubs, bars and clubs of all kinds, being one of the cheapest places to buy a pint in Europe at an average of 71p each.
Prague has lots of other pulls for tourists with sights such as the ninth-century castle, Passage Lucerna, Old Town Square, and St Cyril and St Methodius Cathedral.
Just four hours away by train is Vienna. Highlights in the Austrian capital include Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Hapsburg rulers; the gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral; and the Hofburg, which was the Hapsburg’s imperial palace and is now home to the Spanish Riding School.
Other attractions are the imposing St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Sigmund Freud Museum and the Staatsoper opera and ballet house. Vienna even has its own culinary delights such as delicious Austrian chocolate and tasty Wiener Schnitzels to keep foodies happy.
Among the most popular times to visit is over the festive period, when the city is covered in Christmas markets, advent concerts and a layer of snow.
A further three hours by train is Budapest, the Hungarian capital. It is split in half by the River Danube, connected by its 19th-century chain bridge, and is known for its famous thermal spas where visitors can bath in the warm waters.
Buda presents a historical ambience with its narrow, winding streets leading up to the magnificent Buda Castle. The castle district is particularly charming, with its cobbled streets and panoramic views of the city.
In Pest, you’ll find wide boulevards and vibrant squares lined with elegant buildings, shops, and cafes. The Andrassy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a prime example, offering a scenic walk from the city centre to Heroes’ Square.