Hotels and transportation across Europe
Choose the right kind of stay in the right neighbourhood, then move between countries smoothly by rail, ferry, air or road.
Chapter 01
Hotels and accommodation styles
Europe's accommodation is wonderfully varied, and the character of your stay can shape the whole trip. Prices vary widely by season, city and day of the week, so compare options on official hotel websites and major booking platforms before committing.
| Type | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Boutique hotels | Character and central locations | Smaller rooms in historic buildings |
| Chain hotels | Consistency and loyalty points | Less local atmosphere |
| Apartments | Families and longer stays | Local rules and tourist taxes vary |
| Guesthouses | Value and local hosts | Fewer facilities |
| Historic stays | Memorable settings | Often outside city centres |
Distinctive local stays
Look out for Spain's paradores in historic buildings, Portugal's pousadas, Italian agriturismo farm stays, cave houses in Santorini, Dutch houseboats in Amsterdam and traditional rorbuer fishermen's cabins in the Lofoten Islands. In the Swiss Alps, mountain huts offer simple overnight stays for hikers.
Chapter 02
Where to stay in major cities
- Paris: Le Marais for boutiques and history, Saint-Germain-des-Prés for classic Left Bank charm.
- Rome: the Centro Storico for walking to landmarks, Trastevere for evening atmosphere, Monti for a local feel.
- Barcelona: the Gothic Quarter for history, Eixample for modernist architecture and calmer nights.
- Lisbon: Baixa and Chiado for convenience, Alfama for traditional lanes and fado.
- Amsterdam: the Canal Ring for postcard views, the Jordaan for cafés and independent shops.
- Vienna: the Innere Stadt for sights within walking distance.
- Dubrovnik: inside the Old Town for atmosphere, or Lapad for beaches and quieter evenings.
Booking advice
Book early for summer on the Greek islands and the Dalmatian Coast, and for spring weekends in Amsterdam during tulip season. Check whether city tourist taxes are included in the quoted rate.
Chapter 03
Transportation
Trains
Rail is usually the most comfortable way to travel between cities, delivering you to central stations. Key high-speed services include France's TGV, Italy's Frecciarossa, Spain's AVE and the Eurostar linking London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. Scenic routes such as the Glacier Express and Bernina Express in Switzerland, and Norway's Bergen Line and Flåm Railway, are destinations in their own right.
Flights
Budget airlines connect distant points such as Lisbon to Athens or Amsterdam to Tromsø. Factor in airport transfers and baggage fees when comparing with rail.
Ferries
Ferries are essential for Greek island-hopping between Santorini, Mykonos and Crete, and along the Croatian coast, where Jadrolinija and other operators link Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik. In Norway, Hurtigruten coastal voyages and local ferries serve the fjords and Lofoten.
Car hire and local transport
A car is ideal for the Algarve, Crete, the Dalmatian Coast and Lofoten, but a burden in city centres. Italy's historic centres have limited traffic zones (ZTL) with automatic fines. Within cities, metros, trams and walking are almost always faster.
| Mode | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| High-speed rail | City-centre stations, comfortable | Advance booking needed for best fares |
| Budget flights | Fast over long distances | Airport transfers, bag fees |
| Ferries | Scenic, reach islands | Weather delays, summer demand |
| Car hire | Flexibility in rural areas | Parking, tolls, city restrictions |
Chapter 04
Are rail passes worth it?
Eurail (for non-European residents) and Interrail (for European residents) passes cover trains across many countries. The Swiss Travel Pass covers trains, buses and lake boats in Switzerland, with discounts on many mountain railways.
Pros
- Flexibility to change plans
- Good value for many long journeys
- Simple in Switzerland and Austria
Cons
- Seat reservations often cost extra
- Early point-to-point fares can be cheaper
- Less useful for island-based trips
Compare the pass price with individual advance tickets for your planned route before buying. Need a route? See our suggested itineraries.