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Connecting London to mainland Europe by means of the Channel Tunnel, Eurostar has been uniting cities and cities for over 30 years, making it simpler to achieve prime locations with out hopping on a aircraft.
For many who need to scale back their aircraft utilization in 2026, travelling by way of rail for a metropolis break has proved to be a extra sustainable – and generally extra handy – means of attending to your vacation spot, so it might be time to swap the flying frequency for a while on the practice.
Whereas there’s not a lot to see when within the Channel Tunnel, glimpses of the countryside, cities and cities as you pace by means of nations like France, the Netherlands and Belgium make it an fascinating journey, whereas the absence of weight limits in your baggage means you possibly can pack no matter you want (though you continue to want to have the ability to carry that hefty suitcase your self).
There are many locations to hop off the practice in Europe, with the Eurostar reaching some locations in as little as one hour and 22 minutes. Be careful for some last-minute offers dropped by the high-speed rail firm, as attending to Paris might price you as little as £35 throughout its flash gross sales.
Listed below are our picks of the most effective locations to journey to by way of the Eurostar, with ideas on the place to remain.
Greatest Eurostar locations to go to in 2026rail
1. Paris, France
Journey time from London: 2h 16m
The French capital is Eurostar’s flagship vacation spot, with journeys from London taking simply two hours and 16 minutes. Paris stays as in style as ever, welcoming over 30 million vacationers per yr. Its architectural sights and sights are amongst among the most visited in Europe, from the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.
Artwork lovers can go to the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay galleries – containing works such because the Mona Lisa and Van Gogh’s self-portrait – whereas many guests will take the chance to discover town’s totally different districts (often called arrondissements).
Learn extra: The perfect lodges in Paris
Lots of the most important vacationer sights are positioned within the 1st arrondissement, although neighbourhoods such because the quaint, atmospheric Latin Quarter (fifth) or historic, conventional Le Marais (4th) are additionally properly value exploring. For many who actually need to tick off all of the websites on their journey, Montmartre (and Sacre Coeur, within the 18th) and the Champs-Élysées (eighth) will undoubtedly be on the listing.
Greatest time to go to Paris
June is a month when Paris shines. The center of the month performs host to the tip of the French Open at Roland Garros, whereas the climate is often pleasantly heat and town receives much less rain than nearly each different month. With common highs of 22C, it’s the proper time to discover the Metropolis of Gentle.
The place to remain
The great thing about visiting such a big metropolis is that you just don’t have to remain within the centre to get the most effective expertise. Le Pigalle is positioned within the neighbourhood of the identical identify, only a mile-and-a-half away from Sacre Coeur, the Champs-Elysees and the Louvre, whereas its costs are much more inexpensive than metropolis centre rivals.
Learn extra: Understanding Victor Hugo, the artist, and tracing his footsteps by means of a hidden Paris
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Journey time from London: 4h 19m
The four-hour and 19-minute journey to Amsterdam has shortly soared in recognition since its launch in 2018 resulting from its simplicity and comfort. One other metropolis that’s beloved by Brits, the Dutch capital is legendary for its picturesque, gabled-house-lined streets and community of interlocking canals, all of that are resplendent when the solar shines.
From the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum to the Anne Frank Home, town has loads of cultural and historic landmarks. It’s also an awesome measurement to discover on foot or by bike, whether or not wandering the streets of the controversial Purple Gentle District (often called De Wallen) or extra fashionable neighbourhoods similar to Oud-West or De Pijp.
Learn extra: The perfect lodges in Amsterdam
Greatest time to go to Amsterdam
With a local weather just like that of the UK, Amsterdam is a European metropolis that’s often bearable to go to on the peak of summer season; July’s common highs hover round 22C. Nevertheless, with lots to see and do regardless of the climate, it makes for an awesome year-round metropolis break vacation spot that’s simply as charming in winter, autumn and spring.
The place to remain
Situated on the grand Herengracht canal, the Ambassade Lodge is inside straightforward strolling distance of the Royal Palace, Anne Frank Museum and Rijksmuseum, and provides grand, elegant interiors in its canal-side constructing.
Learn extra: The perfect family-friendly lodges in Amsterdam for a enjoyable metropolis break with the children
3. Brussels, Belgium
Journey time from London: 1h 53m
One other historic European metropolis, Brussels, additionally acts as Eurostar’s Belgian hub, with connecting trains obtainable for equally scenic cities similar to Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent. The journey is one among Eurostar’s shortest (at simply over one hour and 50 minutes), although it’s nice to spend greater than only a day within the Belgian and EU capital.
The town centres across the Grand Place, a Seventeenth-century Unesco Heritage Website adorned with Baroque and Gothic buildings that function town’s central sq.. Museums similar to The Atomium, Royal Museums of High quality Artwork and Home of European Historical past supply totally different exhibitions on Belgian and European historical past, arts and science, whereas these exploring additional might come throughout Brussels icons together with Manneken Pis, the Royal Palace or Cinquantenaire Park. When all of it will get an excessive amount of, sit down and pattern among the metropolis’s well-known beer, chocolate, waffles or fries.
When to go to Brussels
July and August are the warmest months in Brussels, with common highs reaching 23C. Nevertheless, travelling outdoors of faculty in late spring or early autumn will see lodging and journey costs drop considerably.
The place to remain
With its personal indoor pool, Finnish sauna and scorching tub, 9Hotel Sablon is simply 5 minutes away from Grand Place and is well-placed for exploring town centre.
Learn extra: From residing roofs to smashed peas on toast – what does it take to grow to be a B Corp lodge?
4. Lille, France
Journey time from London: 1h 22m
At only one hour and 22 minutes from London, Lille is Eurostar’s nearest vacation spot and the gateway to northern France. One other Seventeenth-century metropolis, Lille is characterised by its Previous City space, with crimson brick buildings and paved pedestrian streets centring round its personal ‘Grand Place’ (named after famed common, Charles de Gaulle) and buildings such because the previous Inventory Alternate (often called the Vieille Bourse).
Whereas few cities can compete with the wealth of vacationer choices in Paris, Lille has its personal notable gothic cathedral (Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille) and the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, a superb arts museum containing works from artists together with Goya and Picasso. You can too simply discover town on foot, taking in its eclectic mixture of Flemish, Baroque, Artwork Deco and fashionable structure.
When to go to Lille
July is the most effective month to expertise the northern French metropolis, when the climate is at its all-around greatest. Count on common highs of 23C, though this may drop as little as 12C at evening.
The place to remain
Discovered on town’s Grand Place, the Grand Lodge Bellevue is about in a Flemish constructing simply 100 yards away from the metro. The lodge has been not too long ago renovated and provides comfy rooms with conventional decor and views of the sq..
Learn extra: From convents to craft breweries – how this sleepy French area grew to become cool
5. Rotterdam, Netherlands
Journey time from London: 3h 31m
The Netherlands’ second metropolis is way much less visited than close by Amsterdam, however is a extra fashionable, futuristic different to the historic capital. Structure such because the Erasmus Bridge, the Dice Homes, the Markthal meals market and even town’s central station attest to this, as does the presence of skyscrapers and fashionable purchasing centres within the central district. Nonetheless, town nonetheless has a number of inexperienced areas and older areas which have contributed to its modern id.
First among the many parks are Kralingse Bos and Het Park, the place the Euromast tower supplies wonderful views over town. To see the place town has preserved extra of its historical past, head to the bustling Rotterdam Harbour – the biggest seaport in Europe – and the Maritime Museum, or artwork and structure museums such because the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen or the Netherlands Structure Institute.
When to go to Rotterdam
Very like neighbouring Amsterdam, Rotterdam’s greatest climate comes on the peak of summer season when there are many festivals and occasions on, however it’s equally appropriate to go to at any time of yr because of its big selection of indoor actions.
The place to remain
Housed in a captivating previous constructing that was previously the pinnacle workplace of the Holland America Line cruise operator, Lodge New York supplies spacious rooms with fashionable interiors, two eating places, its personal terrace and intensive views over the harbour and the river.
Learn extra: Amsterdam in tulip season is brief and candy – however stands out as the most unimaginable time for a metropolis break
6. Cologne, Germany
Journey time from London: over 5hrs
Cologne is the one German metropolis you could attain on Eurostar trains – although you cease for a connection in Brussels – and is the furthest you will get utilizing solely Eurostar. This northern metropolis is famed for its intensive carnival celebrations, its Christmas markets and an enormous gothic cathedral that took round 600 years to finish.
One of many metropolis’s most well-known exports is its kölsch, an ale brewed within the metropolis and served in any of the numerous brauhäuser (brewhouses, that are the native equal of pubs) that dot the streets of the previous city. When you’ve taken within the sights and tastes across the cathedral, banks of the Rhine and the botanical backyard, take your tastebuds on one other journey on the Schokoladenmuseum (Chocolate Museum) or indulge your inventive tastes on the Ludwig Museum, dwelling to the third largest assortment of Picasso items on this planet.
When to go to Cologne
Should you can courageous the chilly and potential snow, a go to in December will coincide with one among Germany’s largest and greatest Christmas markets, whereas February sees one of many largest carnival celebrations on the continent. To greatest benefit from the beer gardens and river views, go for Could or June.
The place to remain
The Eden Lodge Früh am Dom provides inexpensive lodging in a handy location close to the cathedral. It’s a part of the Früh am Dom brewhouse, one of the vital famend within the metropolis, and provides quick access to the previous city and the riverside.
Learn extra: Why you need to go to this German metropolis full of Chilly Battle curiosities and oddball festivals
7. French Alps
Journey time from London: below 8hrs
After reducing again the service in 2020 resulting from Covid, Eurostar has rebooted its ski practice, permitting these travelling from London to hop on a practice proper into the center of the French Alps. Trains take skiers and Alps sightseers to Lille, then a connecting ski practice will drop off travellers at Chambéry, Albertville, Moûtiers, Aime-La-Plagne, Landry and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Departures run on Saturdays and return journeys run on Sundays. Along with its common baggage allowance, passengers also can tackle their ski tools.
At Bourg-Saint-Maurice, skiers will probably be proper subsequent to the Les Arcs ski resort. Except for hitting the slopes along with your skis, the resort provides alternatives for snowboarding, sledging and strolling, plus a zipline taking you to a pace of 130kmph as you launch your self 1,800m throughout the peaks.
When to go to the French Alps
It is strongly recommended to examine circumstances earlier than you go (and lots of resorts will differ relying on altitude), however the most effective time to ski within the Alps is often from January to early April, although the season can run from December to late April. Eurostar’s ski practice solely operates within the winter and finishes its newest season on 28 March 2026.
The place to remain
For a handy keep a stone’s throw away from the station with impeccable views of the Alps, Base Camp Lodge provides rooms for each sort of traveller, from household breaks to romantic weekends to buddy journeys. Rooms and suites can be found, however for these on a price range, dormitories with kitchenettes are available.
Learn extra: Eurostar have rebooted their ‘ski practice’ – right here’s why you need to give it a go on your subsequent snowy vacation
