“The Ultimate Guide to Fully Immersing Yourself in a New City’s Culture”

The discourse surrounding travel has resurfaced with renewed vigor. In Europe, train travel is experiencing a notable increase as an environmentally friendly substitute for short-haul flights. This trend is evidenced by the proliferation of night trains, the expansion of high-speed routes, and increased collaboration among various rail companies across borders. While political relationships among European nations may exhibit some level of uncertainty, the connectivity between cities has never been stronger.

Moreover, trains evoke a sense of romanticism associated with the journey itself. The tranquil passage of time encourages both reading and reflection, while the changing landscapes provide insight into the geography traversed between destinations—offering a serene contrast to the often monotonous experience of air travel.

Annually, I undertake my journey to Sweden from my residence in Florence.

Italy. In pursuit of experiencing the modern culture of various cities while minimizing air travel, I meticulously planned a train journey stretching from the southern Mediterranean to the northern reaches of Scandinavia. The feasibility of undertaking such an extensive trip involving multiple service providers and segments remained uncertain. By utilizing a diverse array of rail websites, I successfully arranged a two-week itinerary featuring high-speed rail connections from Milan to Stockholm, including layovers in Zurich, Berlin, and Copenhagen, Denmark: encompassing five cities across five distinct nations.

Rather than relying on typical sightseeing itineraries, I opted to seek advice from local acquaintances as I prepared to traverse the continent.

Milan has transformed into a dynamic metropolis, characterized by well-groomed individuals actively shaping its landscape. As a major international airport hub, it serves as an ideal entry point for visitors arriving from foreign lands.

My initial destination was the Prada Foundation, where contemporary art exhibitions bestow upon the city a distinctive sense of sophistication and cultural significance.

modern artistic expressions are displayed within a th-century palazzo, transformed for contemporary use by architect Mario Cucinella.

In the evening, I was accompanied by a friend as we ventured into NoLo—the much-discussed district located north of Piazzale Loreto. After enjoying an aperitivo at La Botte Fatale, a wine bar known for its occasional intimate concerts and exhibitions, we proceeded to the vibrant Piazza Morbegno, where we dined at Silvano, which has been bustling since its inception last year. Chef Vladimiro Poma remarked, My aspiration was to create a space filled with satisfied patrons rather than to earn a Michelin star, in reference to his philosophy of gastronomy for all, featuring shared dishes like stewed peppers infused with peanuts and cilantro.

Consider the recently opened Casa Brivio hotel, which offers accommodations starting at euros (approximately $). This establishment features midcentury-inspired suites designed by architect Matteo Thun and is located within a pair of residential structures.

The experience begins at Centrale station, where the interplay of art deco and rationalist architectural styles captivates the observer. The expansive halls adorned with Roman-style mosaics create a striking atmosphere, while the monumental scale reflecting the Fascist era, alongside the overwhelming presence of plastered advertisements and LED screens, elicits a mix of admiration and frustration. From here, I boarded the train to Zurich.

During my journey on a pristine Swiss train, lasting three and a half hours and with tickets priced from Swiss francs (approximately $), I observed the gentle slopes of Italy gradually transform into Switzerland’s rugged landscape.

Majestic peaks enveloped in mist rise above valleys adorned with vibrant wildflower meadows and striking black-and-white cattle—an enchanting tableau.

A brief stroll from the station led me to Locke am Platz (starting at francs), which debuted last year, featuring apartment-style accommodations influenced by Swiss architectural aesthetics.

Over the span of a few days, I explored various locales, beginning with Nude, a café situated along the riverside within Tanzhaus’ Brutalist edifice; continuing to the Löwenbräukunst art center, a former brewery transformed into artistic venues; and concluding at Josefwiese park, where locals gather for pétanque, alongside an Alpine-style bar.

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Learninng Outcome

As my train glided seamlessly from the grandiose architectural remnants of the Fascist era to the serene contours of the Swiss Alps, I couldn’t help but reflect on the profound contrasts that define this part of Europe. The allure of rationalist design held in that monumental space mingled with a sense of unease, a reminder of history’s complexities in an age dominated by modernity. However, as the rolling hills gave way to the jagged beauty of Switzerland, my admiration shifted toward nature’s artistry, unhindered by past ideologies. Each passing landscape, rich in its own narrative, illuminated the journey not just as a passage between two countries, but as an exploration of contrasts that shape our world. With each mile traveled, I found both solace and inspiration, eager to discover what Zurich would unveil next in this tapestry of cultural evolution.