I embarked on an epic, life-changing year-long solo travel journey around the world. Part of this adventure involved touring Europe by train, something I needed to check off my bucket list. Europe was always going to be a summer adventure and a trip that dreams are made of. I have long been fascinated by Prague, and this was finally my chance to fulfill that dream. Of course, Rome, Greece, Barcelona, Budapest, and Dublin were also on the list, making this an incredible opportunity. Would my European train journey be just like I had imagined it? Well, I was about to find out. This is my Europe 30-day travel itinerary – the first phase of my 90-day European journey.This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through one of them, at no additional cost to you.
How To Plan A Europe Travel Itinerary
There was planning that needed to be done, such as purchasing a Eurail pass and mapping out my journey. Can I travel solely by train, or do I also have to book flights and other forms of transportation? To find out what was involved in planning my European adventure, you can read my blog European Train Journey: How to Plan Using a Eurail Pass.
This Europe travel itinerary covers the first 30 days of my journey. It includes six stops in London, Dublin, Belfast, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Berlin. This itinerary allows for an average of five days in each city. I will also be publishing my itinerary blogs for days 31-60 and 61-90 on my website at destinations/Europe.
For phase two of my 90-day European itinerary, read my blog, European Travel Plan: 3 Unforgettable Weeks in Europe.
I Visited 13 countries in Europe over 90 Days
During my epic summer in Europe, I visited 13 countries in 90 days. I’m going to summarize each of my stops in the order I visited them, over three Europe itinerary blogs. The adventure included eleven train journeys and nine flights. Most of the flights were to islands in Portugal, Greece, and Ireland (which is an island). The remaining flights were long train journeys that were time-sensitive, requiring a two-day trip by train.
The First 30 Days of My Europe Travel Itinerary
Stop 1 – London, England to See The Rolling Stones at Hyde Park
I had just sailed from Panama through the San Blas Islands to Cartagena, Colombia. I was sitting in a restaurant with my crew, all from the UK, when an alert came across one of their phones. The Rolling Stones announced a show at Hyde Park in a few months. Being a huge Rolling Stones fan, this was a no-brainer for me. I even have the iconic tongue tattooed on my back. So, right then and there, I bought my ticket, which meant I had to be in London by June 24th for the epic 60th anniversary tour show. This would mark the start of my European summer adventure. The Rolling Stones won’t be at Hyde Park every summer but the music festival will be. To check out the upcoming acts check out the BST Hyde Park festival website.
Hyde Park travel tip: If you’re at Hyde Park Abbey Road is an easy walk.
Try the Big Bus Hop on Hop Off
While in London, I decided to be a tourist and take the Big Bus hop-on/hop-off tour. The Big Bus dropped me off at Buckingham Palace, where I watched the changing of the guard, then I headed to Oxford Street for a pint. I stopped by Westminster Abbey for a photo in front of the Horse Guards and a classic phone booth shot. I enjoyed my share of fish and chips and walked across the famous Tower Bridge several times. Of course, there was Lambeth Bridge, famous for its connection to the Harry Potter series, and I stopped into the Camden Food Market for a delicious burger and fries. I highly recommend the Jack the Ripper tour in Whitechapel, which I booked through the Guru Walk App. Next, Dublin, Ireland.
Stop 2 – Dublin, Ireland Itinerary – It’s all about the Guinness
London to Dublin flight – 1 hour, 20 minutes. While sailing to Colombia, I met a beautiful couple from Dublin who offered to show me around upon my arrival. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to live like a local in Dublin for the next ten days. This meant drinking lots of Guinness and pub-hopping each night. Since I was with locals, I didn’t visit the Temple Bar area; instead, I went to spots where locals hang out. My two favourite pubs they took me to were Gravediggers and the Confession Box. You might recognize Gravediggers from Anthony Bourdain, who called it one of the top five watering holes in the world. We also toured the Guinness factory (Guiness Storehouse), which is a must for any Guinness fan. I also enjoyed a traditional Irish breakfast at Slattery’s bar, another one of Bourdain’s favourites.
We took In a Hurling Match, Ireland’s National Sport
I was lucky enough to be in Dublin during the Hurling playoffs, and I attended a semi-final match. Hurling is an ancient Gaelic Irish sport that blends elements of football and lacrosse, played with flat sticks. The game took place at Croke Park, a large stadium dedicated to traditional Gaelic sports.
I finished my time in Ireland with a pub tour, visiting some of Dublin’s most iconic pubs. I booked the pub tour on GetYourGuide it’s called Dublin: Traditional Pubs Walking Tour with Local Guide. Oh, and of course, a stop at the Brazen Pub for a pint and a traditional Irish stew. Next stop, Belfast.
Stop 3 – Belfast, Ireland, For a Black Taxi Tour
Dublin to Belfast by train, approximately 2 hours. It’s a fun train ride, passing through lush sheep pastures and the beautiful Irish countryside.
The Black Taxi Tour, Giants Causeway, Game of Thrones and Titanic Museum
The main reason I wanted to visit Belfast was to experience the Black Taxi tour. This personal tour highlights Belfast’s troubled political history. The tour takes you through the iconic murals while your guide shares the fascinating stories behind them. You get to visit the bomb locations and even sign the peace wall, which was special for me. While in Belfast, I also took a Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones tour. The landscapes on this tour were incredible, showcasing Northern Ireland’s stunning beauty. If you’ve seen Game of Thrones, you have an idea of what I’m talking about. I booked both of these tours using the GetYourGuide app. Finally, I visited the Titanic Museum, which was a great learning experience. It was fascinating to be at the site where the Titanic was first built and set off. Next up: Brussels.
Stop 4 – Brussels, Belgium Itinerary: Beer, Frites and Waffles
Belfast to Brussels flight, 3 hours 50 minutes. This leg was an adventure, as I missed my connecting flight in Liverpool en route to Amsterdam. As a result, the plan changed, and I flew from Manchester to Brussels the next morning. For more details on what happened, read my blog, How to Plan a European Train Journey using a Eurail Pass.
Once I arrived in Brussels and made my way to my hostel, walking through the beautiful downtown area, it was time to have some fun. Belgians love their beer, and I do as well, so it was a perfect match. They have stunning patios where you can people-watch while enjoying incredibly strong beers and buckets of mussels. The nightlife is amazing, with, as you might guess, strong beers. End your night with the best fries in the world, and you’ll have the perfect night out in Brussels. It’s also a fun drunken walk back to the hostel. And don’t forget, there’s no better hangover cure than a loaded Belgian waffle the next day. Oh, and don’t forget the crepes. Indulge in everything Brussels has to offer; you can sleep on the train. Next stop: Amsterdam.
Stop 5 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Coffee Shops, Red Light District and Canals
The train from Brussels to Amsterdam takes 1 hour and 50 minutes. Amsterdam is one of my favourite cities in Europe. I love the vibe, walking through the city, exploring the canals, and yes, the coffee shops. In Amsterdam, I end each night around eight with a nightcap at a coffee shop that offers some of the best cannabis you’ll ever find. Of course, I also enjoy some incredible Dutch fries with fabulous mayo for dipping once the munchies hit. Two of my favourite coffee shops I visited on this trip were Easy Times and the famous Bulldog.
Dutch Pancakes, a Canal Boat Tour, the Foodhallen Market, and More!
I recommend taking a canal boat tour, which is a fun activity I discovered on GetYourGuide. And don’t leave Amsterdam without trying some Dutch pancakes for breakfast—they’re incredible. Of course, you should walk through the Red-Light District, as I’m not sure there’s anything quite like it anywhere else in the world. There are some fantastic walking tours available in the Red-Light District on Guru Walk, as well as through your hotel or hostel. For some great bites, visit the Foodhallen Amsterdam market.
Amsterdam Travel Tip: If you’re planning to visit the Anne Frank House, it’s wise to book your tickets at least six weeks ahead since they sell out quickly. Tickets become available at 10:00 CEST, and it’s best to purchase them then. Next stop: Berlin.
Stop 6 – Berlin, Germany – Brandenburg Gate, Currywurst and The Berlin Wall
Amsterdam to Berlin train, 6 hours 20 minutes. (1 connection train change) Berlin, my final stop on my Europe travel itinerary, has a rich but at times dark history that is well-documented. Of course, there are many positive aspects of history, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall and the subsequent reunification of East and West.
Find Some Incredible Pastries, Coffee and German Beer
The pastries at the local bakeries are amazing, paired with great coffee. That was my breakfast choice every day in Berlin. For lunch, I highly recommend trying some currywurst. I really love that stuff and could live off it, I swear. Oh, and don’t forget the fabulous German beer, so there’s that too! If you’re looking for a great hostel that’s off the beaten path, close to some fabulous culinary finds, try St Christopher’s Inn near Alexanderplatz.
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp – A Dark Side of History
Travel, for me, isn’t just about trying authentic food, enjoying nights out, and visiting the world’s wonders. There are parts of the world with dark histories where we need reminders of how cruel humans can be. The Nazi regime was responsible for the deaths of six million Jewish people. I chose to visit the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp in Berlin during this trip. I knew it would be a tough day of travel, and it was, but it also became a meaningful day for reflection. We walked through the grounds and visited the unsettling lodging cabins. We toured the entire facility, turning it into a learning experience I won’t forget. If you’re interested in this tour, you can book through GetYourGuide. It’s the Berlin: Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour.
Free Berlin Walking Tour Visiting Iconic Landmarks
Berlin offers a wealth of sights thanks to its rich history. Many amazing free walking tours are available through your hostel or the GuruWalk app. Most tours meet at the Brandenburg Gate, which is as iconic as it gets. You know you’ll be modelling for the ‘gram at Brandenburg Gate, waiting for your tour to start. The tour I took also included the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the memorial to the murdered Jews, and many other famous landmarks. We even visited the site of Hitler’s bunker, now a parking lot.
The Berlin Wall (What’s left of it) and the famous Checkpoint Charlie on my Berlin free walking tour.
Hopefully, this recommended European itinerary helps you plan your trip. I don’t expect your journey to be exactly like mine, but it should give you a good starting point. This itinerary covers the first 30 days of my 90-day journey through Europe. Whether it’s 2 weeks, 30 days, or 3 months, this will help you plan your bucket list trip across Europe.
Coming soon: Phase 2 of my European itinerary blog series, covering the next 30 days.
Listen to my Ultimate Europe 30 Day Itinerary Podcast on Spotify
What goes in my carry-on backpack for long-term solo travel? Read my blog, My Carry-On Packing List for Solo Travel: How to Pack Light
Read my blog about why I stay in hostels, Hostels For Solo Travel at 49
Learn how I plan my long-term solo travel adventures by reading my blog, ‘My Long-Term Solo Travel Planning Methodology.’
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