Innsbruck is one of Europe’s must-see alpine cities. Many go there specifically for its winter sports, but there’s also a charming and beautiful medieval old town, several noteworthy museums, beautiful scenery, and impressive parks.

Porto is a beautiful, vibrant city that stretches out along the scenic Douro River. In spite of it being Portugal’s second largest city, it still maintains a small-town charm that’s hard not to love. It’s also rich in history, packed full of parks and green spaces, and close to idyllic beaches.

San Sebastian, in the heart of Basque Country, is famous for its thriving nightlife and culinary prowess. But a few days in this beautiful coastal city will reveal that there’s a lot more to it than its hedonistic attractions. Stunning urban beaches blend effortlessly with an intriguing old town and it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.

Munich, the capital city of Bavaria, is the third largest city in Germany by population. In fact, there are 1.4 million people who live within the Munich city limits, and 2.6 million in the outlying suburbs. Yet with all these people, and all the things to do in Munich, the city manages to maintain a small town feel that’s utterly captivating.

There’s only one way to get from Lucerne to Montreux, and that’s on the Golden Pass train. The route is relatively short and straightforward. And yet it transports you between two languages, along the shores of several pristine lakes, and across three of Switzerland’s most stunning regions.

Some of the most beautiful rail routes in Switzerland country don’t have fancy names or floor to ceiling spotless glass windows, but there’s something quite dramatic about boarding a train called the Glacier Express in the shadow of a mountain called the Matterhorn.

Is it still even worth getting a rail pass if you have to pay reservation fees? Keep reading and you’ll soon know everything you need about rail pass reservation fees and why a rail pass is still a great option for spontaneous European travel.

Spain was a late bloomer when it came to rail transport. The country only finished its main-line rail network in the late 1800s – a good 25 years behind Britain. These days, you’ll find very few signs of this sluggish start to rail travel in Spain, particularly if you travel between major cities.

So you’ve read about the ins and outs of rail travel in Europe, identified a few dozen cities you’d like to visit, and decided that you like the sound of exploring Europe with a Eurail pass. But with so many options, how do you know which one’s right for you?

You’ll find beautiful parks, tranquil lakes, and even vast mountain ranges within easy reach of many European cities. Here are six of the best.

If you're planning on exploring Europe by rail, consider including at least one of these island destinations.

Slovenia is only a few hundred kilometres across, but this spectacular central European country seems to have it all.

France is bigger and more diverse than many people realise. Paris is a destination worthy of the endless praise it receives, but there’s a seemingly endless number of cities to visit in all corners of the country.

Europe's best train stations are much more than just functional arrivals halls - they're beautiful architectural marvels that deserve more than a hurried glance. These are some of my favourite train stations in Europe.

Some of the most beautiful rail routes in Switzerland country don’t have fancy names or floor to ceiling spotless glass windows, but there’s something quite dramatic about boarding a train called the Glacier Express in the shadow of a mountain called the Matterhorn.

Travel guides and other media tend to paint Budapest as this throwback to a bygone era, but it’s Budapest’s vibrant reinvention that gives it its true edge. This enticing, uplifting and beautiful capital is also one of the most affordable cities in Europe. Here’s what to do when you get there.

A special feeling descends on the Portuguese capital at twilight. The skies above the orange roofs of the historic centre turn a chalky shade of pink; in the distance the 25 de Abril Bridge sparkles after a day of statuesque suspension across the mighty Tagus River; and, for a brief moment, the streets grow hushed, as if the city is drawing in its breath in preparation for another night of quintessential Lisbon revelry.

“Free dinner” – two words that have the ability to warm the insides of any thrifty traveller. Include them before “…and sangria,” and you’re pretty much guaranteed a deal. I smugly clicked “Book Now”, entered my details, and secured a dorm bed in a Barcelona hostel with an alarmingly high rating for “Atmosphere”.