Anokhi Fashion Lifestyle Entertaiment

Jet-setting around Europe may seem like a task best done on a plane, but you may miss out on all the interesting places quietly tucked away in the nooks and crannies of the continent. Taking the scenic route on a train means that you can admire the rolling hillsides, villages and mountains along the way to your destination. Here are ANOKHI’s top five cities in Europe you should visit while riding the rails:

Amsterdam:

Amsterdam is Netherland's largest city, but it's compact enough to pedal your way and explore one of the world's most bicycle-friendly places. The Dutch metropolis might be famous for its red light district and cannabis coffee houses, but it has a host of other offerings. Enjoy an afternoon at the Van Gogh Museum and see the city lights while drifting down its historical canals on the Amsterdam Canals Cruise in the evening.

Prague:

The Czech Republic city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and for a good reason too. The City of a Thousand Spires is home to some of the world’s most beautiful attractions such as the Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world, and the Charles Bridge, a gothic bridge that overlooks the Vltava River. Spend a leisurely day at the Old Town Square, which is always lively with several cafes, the famous Astronomical Clock and some of the most magnificent churches.

Stockholm:

Sweden’s capital isn’t just famous for its street style. Stockholm’s stylish Swedes have given us everything from ABBA to Stieg Larsson. Fans of Larsson—the author of the Millennium book series—can visit the Sodermalm district to get a taste of where his novels take place. The Stockholm City Museum offers 90-minute walking tours (‘The Millienium Tour’) given in both English and French. Live like royalty for the day or at least be in close proximity by visiting the residence of the Swedish royal family at Drottningholm Palace.

Vienna:

Magical Vienna is a city of architectural delights where baroque-style historical sites like St. Stephen's Cathedral coexist with modern marvels like the Haas House (a popular shopping destination)." The city has something for everyone. Music lovers can enjoy an evening at Musikverien, one of the most famous concert halls in the world, while history buffs can visit the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Be sure to have some schnitzel before you depart — the traditional dish, consisting of a breaded escalope, is a Viennese mainstay.

Rome:

Rome may not be a fashion capital of the world, but if you happen to visit the Spanish Steps, you might find yourself enamoured with Via Condotti, Rome’s chicest street lined with stores like Chanel, Prada, Gucci and Hermès. For a smaller dent in your wallet, opt for the various markets around the city where you can find clothes, shoes and assorted knick-knacks for a more affordable price. Become well-versed in Roman history by planning a day trip to the Colosseum, Roman Forums and Palatine Hill.

BY MISHAL CAZMI / PUBLISEHED IN THE MARCH/APRIL 2010 ISSUE