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(Last Updated On: 06/08/2021)

Ditch the plane for the train and travel Europe for a Weekend Wonder. Save A Train makes it easy to book within minutes with no added fees, so you can enjoy your savings on activities! Here are our choices for the Best Destinations in Europe to travel during a weekend by train.

 

Best Gateway Destinations in Europe to travel during a weekend: Barcelona

Barcelona is the Best Destinations in Europe to travel during a weekend

 

We’ve chatted about Spain a few times. You can check our other articles here. Today, our tips for Best Destinations in Europe to travel during a weekend by train is focusing just on Barcelona.

Barcelona is quite easy to access from most parts of Europe, but for ease of reference, we’ll be leaving from London for this trip. Leave work at 2 pm on a Friday, in time to catch the 3 pm Eurostar to Paris. There’s just time for a Vin Rouge in a Parisian cafe before boarding the “train hotel” to Barcelona.

 

Now that you’re there, what to do:

Sagrada Familia

Probably the most famous structure in Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia. The basilica was designed by architect Gaudi and they have been building this structure ever since 1882. It’s hard getting a picture without cranes, but it is definitely worth a visit.

Secret Barcelona tip: On the backside of the basilica there is a small pond from where you can take amazing photos. Keep your Instagram game strong, and pay this place a visit.

 

Casa Batllo

Another famous structure by Gaudi is Casa Batllo. Located not far from Las Ramblas, you’ll find this special building at the Passeig de Gracia. It was built in 1877. If you fancy visiting this building and wanting to see the inside too, make sure you purchase tickets in advance, it is a popular tourist attraction in Barcelona and can get quite busy, especially in the high season.

Fun Fact: the current owner of Casa Batllo is the Bernat family, known for being the owners of Chupa Chups lollipops.

 

Time to head home.

The 9 pm train hotel on Sunday night will get you back to central London at 11:55 am on Monday.

Best Gateway Destinations in Europe to travel during a weekend: Rome

The Eternal City is as alluring as ever and we could not talk about a Weekend getaway without it! Take a lunchtime Eurostar and change in Paris for Rome. Linger over dinner in the restaurant car, retire to your sleeper or couchette for the night, and wake to a classic Italian landscape.

Rome is easily one of our favorite cities in Europe. Especially if you’re on your honeymoon. You can read about that here. There is something for everyone though. The place is filled to the brim with sights and has thousands of years of history layered upon itself – you’ll find everything here from Roman ruins to Renaissance art. It’s also home to fantastic food! Certainly 3 days in Rome is not enough to see absolutely everything that the city has to offer, but it’s definitely enough to see all the highlights if you manage your time effectively.

Milan to Rome Trains

Florence to Rome Trains

Pisa to Rome Trains

Naples to Rome Trains

 

Vatican City

Vatican City is the first thing on our list for your visit to Rome. It’s a country of its own, inside Rome, and is home to world-famous sites including the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

We recommend you come here early and head straight for the Vatican Museum with your skip-the-line ticket. We cover ways to skip the lines in Rome further on in this post, but if you purchase an Omnia Rome and Vatican pass, you will have the option to pre-book a timeslot for your skip the line entry.

Terni to Rome Trains

Foggia to Rome Trains

Grosseto to Rome Trains

Arezzo to Rome Trains

 

 

Best Gateway Destinations in Europe to travel during a weekend: Brussels and Amsterdam

Brussels main square

 

With the new-ish high-speed Eurostar Train London to Amsterdam. Journeys between London and Brussels used to take 5 hours and involved a change of trains in Brussels. The new train will transport 900 passengers a day and will take only 4 hours. Perfect for a trip to Brussels or Amsterdam for the Weekend!

Brussels to Amsterdam Trains

Antwerp to Brussels Trains

Amsterdam to Brussels Trains

Paris to Brussels Trains

 

What to do in Brussels during a weekend Gateway:

There are so many things to do in Brussels, especially on a shorter weekend trip. It’s one of those cities which is perfect for a long weekend, exploring all the historic sites and scoffing all the waffles you can get your hands on.

It doesn’t matter how many times you visit Grand Place, it’s an area that is always so beautiful to visit. Dating back almost 300 years, Grand Place is too gorgeous to miss.

At certain times of the year, you’ll find a few different events, markets, and art installations. Don’t forget to visit the Brussels City Museum and the Town Hall that are both perched on the square.

Luxembourg to Brussels Trains

Cologne to Brussels Trains

Paris to Liege Trains

Brussels to Liege Trains

 

See Palais de Justice

Brussels has the biggest (and possibly, the grandest) courthouse in all of Europe. Now, there is currently some restorations work ongoing but that shouldn’t stop your visit – it really is a gorgeous building.

 

What do you think of our suggestions? We’d love to know! remember, Save A Train is super easy to use and never hides costs! Book your Weekend away by train with us, today!

 

 

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