Scott is joined by Mark Smith, better known as The Man in Seat 61, to talk all things European rail travel, from how he first fell in love with it to why he still believes rail is the best way to explore the continent.
On the show, Mark shares stories from his early rail adventures across Europe (and beyond) before taking us on a tour of some of his favorite European rail stations and cities, including tips on cafes and bars.
Along the way, he also offers plenty of practical advice, including insight into one of the biggest questions travelers face: when it makes sense to buy a Eurail Pass, and when it doesn’t.
Links to places & topics discussed on the show:
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Seat 61 – Mark’s unbelievably helpful rail travel website
Rail travel in Morocco – they’ve got some impressive high-speed lines
St. Pancras Station – the gateway to Europe from London
Read Mark’s guide to St. Pancras here
Milano Centrale guide, including a bit on the image of ‘Mussolini’ –
Le Royal Cafe Antwerp – the perfect place to grab a drink in between trains
Rotterdam Station – striking modern architecture in an overlooked Dutch city
Vienna Hauptbahnhof – Vienna’s striking new-ish main rail station
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Theme music by Stu Wilson.
Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof – the station I couldn’t find that early morning back in 2007
Torino Porta Nuova – Torino’s historic rail station
Old Wild West – an ‘authentic’ slice of Americana inside Torino Porto Nuova
Article about the grand café in Amsterdam Centraal closing
Brasserie Federal in Zurich – a handsome rail station cafe dedicated to beer
Terminus Nord in Paris – oysters before your train, anyone?
Noblesse Oblige restaurant – Mark’s tip for a meal in Milan
Ferries from Britain to Europe