Journeys From A Rail Insider: Eastern Europe
In this edition of Journeys From A Rail Insider, a Travel Consultant from our Laguna Hills office, Natasha Finkbeiner, will immerse you in the culture, history, allure, and cuisine of Prague, Vienna and Budapest. It's an age-old story: three fascinating countries, three iconic capital cities, each one different in their own unique ways from the last. Needless to say, after returning from this rail journey, she had a story to tell. Few places around the globe can rival the sheer diversity of Eastern Europe, especially when explored by rail.
First up, is Prague. This Czech capital and "City of a Hundred Spires" is where you'll discover history dating back centuries that survived both world wars and a Communist regime. This is also where off-the-beaten-path experiences make for the best memories. Next, get a taste of the new Vienna through its people and places. Described as Europe's cultural capital, history is at the heart of the city, both figuratively and literally. Finally, there's Budapest—a merger of Buda and Pest—two towns separated by the river Danube. It doesn't matter what your intentions for visiting are; there is something for everyone. Hungary may be a tiny country, but it offers travelers an absorbing journey.
Come along as our Rail Insider takes you to the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary, and then reach out to find out how you can create your own share-worthy story in Europe's most sought-after capital cities. Because nothing can ever compare to experiencing the wonder of the world for yourself.
Railbookers: What was the best part of this trip to Eastern Europe?
Natasha: I truly loved the entire trip! Everything was a highlight for me. For starters, Prague was simply gorgeous—packed with countless oohs and aahs. The Baroque and Cubist architecture mixed among the Gothic alleyways and charming cobblestone streets are the city's most captivating features. During a hop-on, hop-off tour, I visited the famous John Lennon wall in Malá Strana. Since the 1980s, fans have been covering the wall with Lennon-inspired graffiti and Beatles lyrics. Around the corner, you'll also find a quaint shop selling handmade marionettes called Marionety Truhlář.
Then, there was the river cruise and climbing to the top of the tower above Charles Bridge! Both ends of the Charles Bridge are guarded by towers, which can both be climbed for a birds-eye-view of the city. This Czech capital is also the perfect destination to get lost on purpose. While wandering off the main tourist areas, I was amazed by the sights and sounds of the city, which are beautiful, historic and magical. One of the days, I walked the whole way down the river back to my hotel in the late afternoon sunshine.
Vienna was no less memorable, with visits to Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the Opera House—all essential experiences to have in Austria's capital! And that was just the beginning. No trip to Vienna would be complete without a ride on the 19th-century Riesenrad, strolling along The Ringstrasse (Vienna's best-known avenue), wandering around the gardens at Belvedere (and seeing Klimt's The Kiss inside the palace), or enjoying an ice-cold beer and eating real Wiener Schnitzel!
In Budapest, sightseeing options are endless. If you want to take in some of the best views of Budapest, visit Fisherman's Bastion, which sits atop Castle Hill. Interested in the city's architecture? Worth seeing is the Museum of Applied Science, Dohány Street Synagogue, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Vajdahunyad Castle, and Széchenyi Chain Bridge.
One of my favorites was definitely the latter. The lions of the chain suspension bridge are known as the guardians constantly watching over the Buda castle. Another moment that stands out from visiting this Hungarian city is Heroes' Square, located at the end of Andrassy Avenue.
Tell us about the experience on board the train from Prague to Vienna and Vienna to Budapest. What stood out to you about the train? The views?
I enjoyed riding the train immensely. We traveled on the EuroCity train during the day, which took about four and a half hours. If you choose to travel from Prague to Vienna at night, you're looking at closer to seven hours on the rails.
This particular journey wasn't necessarily scenic—mostly fields and small towns—but the experience on the train was great! Relaxing and watching as the countryside passed by as the train snaked its way down through the Czech Republic into Austria was the highlight for sure. The train was far more comfortable and spacious compared to traveling to my next destination by car or plane.
Soak up the onboard experience by enjoying a coffee or cocktail, sharing travel stories with a fellow passenger, or capturing moments with your camera. From Vienna to Budapest, the ride took three hours and travels along the Slovakian border. Because both of these trains were direct, it made getting from one city to another so simple!
Do you have any tips or advice to offer those considering taking this rail journey?
As with planning any travels, packing light always makes sense, as it makes the experience more enjoyable. You never want to be hauling excess luggage around with you when you're trying to explore and get around a destination. I also recommend taking advantage of hop-on, hop-off tours! They are such a great way to see a city. Speaking of seeing a particular city, if you have the time, I'd suggest adding an extra night (or two) in each city you visit, especially if you are interested in immersing yourself in what that place has to offer.
What season did you travel? What was the weather like?
I took this trip in September, and let me say, summer/early fall is one of the best times to visit Eastern Europe. I couldn't have asked for better weather!
Before going on this trip, is there anything you wish you had known?
I was well-prepared to travel abroad, but something many people might not think about is bringing an adapter to plug-in their electronics in Europe. In terms of places I should have researched prior to traveling, I wish I would have known about Schmetterlinghaus, The Imperial Butterfly Park. Located just a short trip from the Opera House, this tropical paradise (part of the Hofburg palace) of a greenhouse is filled with trickling waterfalls, a lush landscape and, you guessed it, butterflies! I overheard a fellow traveler talking about his experience and would have loved to experience it, too.
What are three things you feel our clients would love about a rail journey to Prague, Vienna, and Budapest?
ONE: All three of these European Imperial Cities are memorable. However, the food and beer in each city really stands out!
In Budapest, the Gulyás (better known as goulash outside of Hungary) is worth a try. Goulash is a flavorful soup made primarily of beef, potatoes, and sweet paprika. It's served with thick slices of toasted bread. Yum! Töltött káposzta (stuffed cabbage) and Kolbász (sausage) are amazing, too.
Then there's the street food! You have to try the lángos (fried dough topped with garlic and other tasty morsels) and kürtőskalács (chimney cakes). Czech beer like Pilsner Urquell or Staropramen goes with everything! You could seriously eat and drink your way through all three of these cities.
TWO: There are so many famous, photo-worthy landmarks to see throughout these cities! If I had to give you my top, must-see attractions, you need to visit these: the Imperial Boulevards and Old Town in Vienna, the UNESCO-listed Castle District, and Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest, and Prague's 15th-century Astronomical Clock.
THREE: Last, but not least, would have to be getting around Eastern Europe by train. Traveling between these countries by train is by far the best way to get around. It's fast, comfortable, and the easiest way to explore at your own pace. There is plenty of time onboard to relax, take in the atmosphere, make memories, reflect on the adventurous you had in the days prior, and plan out your next exciting destination.
From your experience not only as a Railbookers employee but also as a first-time traveler to Eastern Europe, what stood out to you about the overall experience of a Railbookers vacation?
If I had no knowledge of the trains, it would be pretty complicated to plan out this trip. I imagine I'd be overwhelmed during my first trip to these three cities if everything wasn't arranged and scheduled by Railbookers for me. Railbookers takes care of the sightseeing and activities, hotel accommodations, and train tickets so all you have to do make sure to have a memorable, stress-free trip.
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